 By Pepper Parr
March 19th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The issue before Council was to decide if 518 Brant should be designated as a heritage property.
The Staff reported recommended doing so; designate 518 Brant Street as a Heritage property.
 518 Brant was one of a number of properties that were part of a study on heritage hone in the city. That wasn’t what the property owner wants. He hired his own Heritage Consultant whose opinion differed with the Heritage Consultant the city had hired
Voting on the decision to designate was not unanimous; Councillors Paul Sharman and Angelo Bentivegna vote against. Bentivegna was looking for some way to find a solution.
 Councillor Sharman has always been opposed to the designation of property against the wishes of the owner. Sharman was dead set against doing something to a personal property without the consent of the owner.
The Gazette will be circling back to the issue with a multi-part feature on just what the city is trying to do with designations.
The last the public knew was that the property owner was going to appeal the city decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal – the cost to the property owner will be considerable. The city will pay for the lawyer they hire.
During the discussion it was mentioned that some “supplemental information provided to council on this item” but nothing about that information was made public.
Sharman said: “You know, with respect to dueling heritage consultants between the owner of a property and the cities, there seems to be some difference … I guess is a problem, but as is always the case. I’m always worried when a homeowner’s land is designated – and that has implications that they don’t want and they don’t want to do that, so I will not be supporting this.”
Councillor Bentivegna said: “This is a very touchy situation, and as I mentioned at the committee meeting, both the homeowner and staff and committee have done their homework and did their due diligence, and they did it all in good faith. In both situations both came up with different results. And that’s where my concern is. I think I said if this were a baseball game – where there’s a tie and a base the runner wins. I feel because the homeowner did their homework and spent thousands of dollars. His only option now is the OLT, which would be significantly more money for lawyers and consultants.
I am assuming we all received an email from someone who suggested that perhaps there’s another way to sit down and get this straightened away, which would be a third party of some sort. Maybe I should have asked that question earlier, but just throw it in somebody’s head. This is a, could be a life altering business decision here, depending which way it goes. I know I’m not going to support this.
 I assume you would want to refer it back to staff with a direction to see if further discussions could bring parties closer together. Mayor advises Bentivegna that “ if you want to refer this, you need a motion and a seconder to refer it back to staff. You could put that on the floor, that would take priority over this. We would have a vote on the referral, and I assume you would want to refer it back to staff with a direction to see if further discussions could bring parties closer together. But really the motion would be a referral to staff. So if you wish, I will cede the floor to you. If you wish to move that, and I would look to a seconder.
Councillor Sharman may want to second that I’d be glad to do that.
Does anyone wish to second that? No? So it is not on the floor so, so we will then deal with the main motion. We are still in comments. Are there any comments from anyone else on this item?
Councillor Kearns: “This has been a contentious file in relation to heritage. We often do have a divided Council on heritage. We’ve heard comments where certain councillors stand on the matter. I’m oftentimes the deciding vote in this case, I know I don’t have the votes to change the course of the staff recommendation.
 Kearns: I am very empathetic to the owner. “Recognizing this is kind of the first time we’ve come into a situation where a property owner has engaged their own consultancy to make a determination on their part of where their heritage planner identifies the heritage attributes, and then we hold that up against our very capable staff’s work that they do also through consultancy and through their designations and expertise. This this is a unique file, which will likely pass, which is why I wouldn’t support Councillor Bentivegna’s opportunity to refer it back to staff, because I don’t think we will uncover new information that will change, change the weight of the sway of the votes that are already identified through committee.
“I am very empathetic to the owner. I will also remind any third parties that if you’re positioning a commentary to a Councillor that is in fact lobbying, if it is going to have a financial implication on the decision of the vote. So anyone that chooses to do that make sure you’re using the lobbyist registry.
 It comes down to the good of one versus the good of many, and I believe that this council has shown a balanced approach when it comes to choosing which properties we need to designate or would wish to designate and those that we’re willing to let go for valid reasons. Councillor Stolte: I agree with majority of the comments; I just want to provide a tiny bit of perspective, just to make sure we, anyone who’s listening, understands that this council has a pretty balanced perspective, and that this council and staff do not seek to designate at all costs. There’s plenty of properties, including on Brant Street, on either side of this property, that the majority of council may have liked to have designated. I acknowledge there’s a difference of opinion. It comes down to the good of one versus the good of many, and I believe that this council has shown a balanced approach when it comes to choosing which properties we need to designate or would wish to designate and those that we’re willing to let go for valid reasons.
Mayor Meed Ward: I want to thank everyone who has spoken to this item, especially Councillor Sharman and Bentivegna for respectfully bringing forward their perspective. It is really important for that view to be heard in our chambers.
That being said, I do support the staff recommendation that is before us. I know that we have tried as a council and perhaps there are additional ways that we can try to incentivize and help people who have their properties designated. We did do that with our property tax rebate.
Is there a way for us to enhance that? That’s an open question, and I think, a good conversation to have, because, you know, we don’t want to unduly burden people who are in designated properties. We want to do what we can to help them, the same way with that we’ve recently done with our tree by law, by by providing grants to property owners who have large trees on their private property to help them with those costs.
Councillor Kearns: I think, recognizing the diversity of opinions. The issue is not so much in the carrying costs or the operational cost of the heritage, which is where the tax rebate comes in. The concern that I have heard from property owners, and I respect coming from the property owners, is around the investment that they’ve made in the real estate and not being able to sell it for their future profits. So that is really the challenge; helping people year to year. The challenge is people have invested not having a designation, and then they will divest with a designation. So I just want to recognize the people, the individual property owners, that may be experiencing that situation; we do not have tools to help you in that regard.
Over to the clerk for the recorded vote: five in favour and two opposed.
The property owner can, if he chooses, take the matter to the Ontario Land Tribunal
 By Staff
March 18th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
In a media release, Burlington MP Karina Gould said “We are proud Canadians, and I am proud of how we have stood together strong and united.
Show Donald Trump you are proud of this beautiful country we call home, and that we will never be the 51st state.
I invite you to visit my office by Friday to pick up Canadian flags and pins.
We have large flags, small paper flags and Canada pins available while supplies last.
First come, first served.
Where: 777 Guelph Line, Unit 209 (Burlington Centre)
When: Tuesday until Friday, March 21st from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Canadians have often gone over the top when it comes to showing their flag.
 The Canadian flag passed from hand to hand during the vote to seperate Quebec from Canada.  The Canadian flag stretched out over the Rideau Canal in Ottawa.  Flags on the lawn outside a cemetery in Hamilton.
 By Tom Parkin
March 18th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
After the unchecked speculation peak in 2022, a new marketplace stand-off has builders refusing to build while buyers refuse to pay. We’ll see who blinks.
 John Maynard Keynes’ sarcastic quip that “markets can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent” appears to have a new twist in the Ontario housing market, three years after unchecked speculation led to soaring prices then market implosion.
Buyers are refusing to pay more despite falling borrowing costs, lower prices and slow construction, all factors that could rationally be expected to spur an increase in house prices in a province with a massive pent-up housing demand.
The benchmark house price for the Greater Toronto Area was $20,000 lower last month than February 2024 and remains $239,900 below the price peak of March, 2022, according to data released by the Canadian Real Estate Association released today.
February starts just 33 per cent of Ford PCs’ target
Despite price declines of the past 35 months, the GTA benchmark house price remains $316,900 (42 per cent) higher than when Doug Ford became premier.
But though market prices are significantly higher than just a few years ago, it appears they now aren’t high enough to cause builders to build.
The Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation also reported data this morning showing just 4,100 housing starts in Ontario during February, a 37 percent tumble from February 2024. February’s starts were only 33 percent of the 12,500 monthly target needed to meet the Ontario government’s own Housing Affordability Task Force recommendation.
Data on building construction investment released by Statistics Canada today shows that while investment in Ontario multi-unit residential construction is now only seven per cent lower than the peak set in October 2023, investment in single dwelling construction has collapsed 41 percent from its peak in September 2022.
Industry blames Trump, but data signals the problem is the price
 Just how much can be blamed on Trump’s tariffs? The real estate industry’s explanation for market inactivity is the uncertainty caused by Trump’s tariffs, as buyers worry about their incomes or wait for falling economic growth to cause deeper interest rate cuts.
Without a doubt that holds some truth over the past month or two. But not the past year or two.
The simple explanation is that Ontarians, absent the panicked and irrational fear of missing out, refuse to pay prices they cannot afford.
Unreasonable rents continue to leave little room for saving. Purchase prices remain very high.
Other data provides more evidence of a consumer problem. Statistics Canada retail data shows, that despite higher sales elsewhere in the country, Ontario retail sales remain lower than in spring 2022. Ontario’s unemployment is higher than the national rate. GDP data shows spending on items like furniture and home renovations are down.
Of course, conceding that prices are still too high is probably not something the real estate industry wants to say out loud. Deflection is preferred.
Ford’s political opponents failed to make the case
And others want to move on, too. The Ford PC government took action to check housing speculation, allowing the GTA benchmark price to increase $556,800 (76 percent) in just 45 months.
 Building trade unions might be upset if they weren’t so busy counting the tens of millions of dollars they have been receiving from the PC government. The price surge and implosion lie squarely on Doug Ford’s head, as does the economic destruction it caused, which goes beyond housing. Real estate implosions always do.
Unfortunately, it’s a story the opposition parties failed to piece together for Ontarians, allowing the lackluster PCs to coast to an undeserved majority with which they will continue to fail on affordability.
The industry’s refusal to build until prices rise is itself probably costing billions in lost economic growth and tens of thousands of construction jobs. Building trade unions might be upset if they weren’t so busy counting the tens of millions of dollars they have been receiving from the PC government.
The Ontario twist on Keynes’ observation seems to be that industry will remain unproductive until demand turns irrational. Then we go round again.
By Staff
March 18th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We’re so excited to get back to our home of Hamilton, ON for the 3rd edition of THE RALLY. Saturday June 21st, 2025, Arkells take over Hamilton Stadium with support from very special guests Portugal. The Man, Valley and Seago.
Our fan pre-sale is the first crack at tickets: on-sale TOMORROW, Tuesday March 18th at 10 am with pre-sale code HOMETOWN. Get ‘em here:
We also have a limited batch of “cheap seats” for the door crashers. A 4-pack of tix in the upper decks for $100 – party with your pals for 25 bucks each! Grab ‘em before they’re gone with code CHEAPSEATS starting today.
 Xo Max, Mike, Nick, Tim, Anthony  An extra bonus for the die-hards. As an extra bonus for the die-hards that grab early tix, we’ve announced a special win-to-get-in club show this Thursday at the Underground in downtown Hamilton.
Wanna go? We’re selecting 100 fans who have: signed up for the pre-sale, tag us on socials when they get their tix and comment on this post with who they are bringing to The Rally. Be loud! We’ll find ya.
And for those wondering, this is our only show in Southern Ontario this summer. Going big at home – we won’t disappoint. Don’t miss out.
Xo Max, Mike, Nick, Tim, Anthony
By Staff
March 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
A whirlwind first quarter of 2025 has swept up Canadian politics and tossed it back down in an unrecognizable jumble.
 New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds the governing Liberal Party – led by newly sworn-in Prime Minister Mark Carney – surging to a five-point vote intention advantage nationally after trailing by 29 points in late December. Were these numbers to hold, with the Liberals at 42 per cent in vote intention, what was a tired, discardable brand just three months ago would be on its way to a fourth term, this time with a majority.
The causes are myriad, with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre losing two of his biggest targets – Justin Trudeau and the carbon tax – and U.S. President Donald Trump generating a wave of Canadian pride and nationalism with tariff and annexation threats. Over this three-month period Liberal support has jumped 30 points in the city of Toronto, 25 points in 905 ridings.
There are serious caveats, however.
While the party has skyrocketed into majority territory not seen since 2016, much of this vote intention lacks solidity. Half of would-be Liberal voters currently say they’re very committed to this position (49%), 17-points lower than the CPC base (66%).
 That said, Carney enters the job with some key advantages over Poilievre. He is seen as best to handle the ongoing trade war and Trump’s annexation threats by a majority of Canadians, while Poilievre is seen as best by three-in-10. The same proportions say this when considering which leader will capably steward Canada’s economy more broadly.
More bluntly, 41 per cent now view Carney as best suited to be prime minister compared to 29 per cent for Poilievre. At least measurement, with Trudeau sitting in the PM chair, Poilievre led the Liberal leader by 19 points on this question.
More Key Findings:
- The Liberals now hold two key advantages in vote. In Ontario, 47 per cent would support that party while 41 per cent would vote for the CPC. The Liberals are also in first place in Quebec (39%) with a seven-point lead over the Bloc Québécois (32%). Vote intention is tied in B.C. and Manitoba, while the CPC lead has shrunk but is still massive in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
- The CPC leads by eight points among men over 55 years of age and nine points among those 35 to 54. Young men prefer each party at an equal proportion. Women of all ages now offer a significant advantage to the Liberals, recapturing one of the keys to the party’s success under Trudeau.
- Both of Canada’s longer serving federal party leaders continue to face negative public opinion trends. Poilievre is viewed favourably by 35 per cent and unfavourably by 55 per cent (-22); Singh is viewed favourably by 33 per cent and unfavourably by 58 (-25).
- Trudeau leaves with the approval of 47 per cent of Canadians and the disapproval of 49 per cent. Trudeau’s approval jumped 25 points compared to an all-time low of 22 per cent just weeks before he announced his resignation on Jan. 6.
 By Pepper Parr
March 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
His political life is over.
He may never have to step inside the House of Commons again.
Assuming Prime Minister Carney calls for an election before the 27th of March the House of Commons will not sit again until the results of the election are knowm.
This leaving politics has been a personally painful process for Justin Trudeau.
There was so much hope and promise when he was first elected in 2015. Sunny Ways was the way Trudeau put it at the time.
Last week, Adam Scotti, Justin Trudeau’s personal photographer, released some of the pictures he took while serving as the official photographer.
Last Friday Justin Trudeau met with Governor General Mary Simon and submitted his resignation.
 It was a difficult moment for Justin Trudeau.  The last day in Rideau Cottage Justin Trudeau had to move out of Rideau Cottage and find a new home for himself and his three children.
 Senior Staff are in on the call with President Donald Trump Justin Trudeau met with incoming Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Prime Minister’s House of Commons office.
 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with Prime Minister-designate Mark Carney. The body language in the picture tells it all. Justin Trudeau seems to favour mementos of the life he has lived. He wanted the House of Commons chair he sat in – he took it home.
 Justin Trudeau taking his chair out of the House of Commons. Who knows if he was allowed to take the chair? Did he have to pay for it?
 By Pepper Parr
March 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Are they electable?
In 2015 Karina Gould showed that Burlington can elect a Liberal.
She became the Member of Parliament for the city and went on to become a Cabinet Minister and then took a shot at becoming the Prime Minister.
The number of votes she got from Burlington was less than 200; Gould received just under 4,800 votes nationally – the number of votes from Burlington had to have stunned Gould.
Gould was elected in the riding of Burlington on Sept. 20, 2019, and won 45.7 percent of 69,208 votes cast.
In the federal election that is expected to be announced before the 27th of this month the certainty that was there for Gould in the past isn’t as solid now.
No one knows why Mark Carney did not put her in the Cabinet he named last Friday. One nationally known pundit said he thought it was petty on the part of Carney.
 Andrea Grebenc (straw hat with black trip) campaigning with Karina Gould. Andrea Grebenc was beside Gould during many of the door-to-door campaigns.
Grebenc had been a very successful school board trustee and served exceptionally well when she was chair.
When there was an opportunity to run as a candidate for the Burlington seat in the Legislature – she got tied up in the rules that kept her away from putting together a solid campaign. She lost the nomination. The woman who won Mariam Manaa lost the election.
Grebenc thought she saw an opportunity at the municipal level and ran against Gary Carr for Regional Chair. Grebenc ran into some of the hard realities for women who choose public service to run for public office. She pulled a respectable 20,276 votes (19%)at the Regional level.
No one expected Doug Ford to call the snap election – he did and Grebenc campaigned for the nomination – won that and was thought to be a sure winner. It was described by many as “hers to lose” – and she did just that.
She did say that she would be running again whenever the next election is held.
This leads to the question: Is Andrea Grebenc electable? And can Gould hold her seat?
By Julieta Belen Correa
March 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Cryptocurrency is transforming the landscape for small businesses, offering modern solutions to traditional challenges. With reduced transaction fees and the potential to reach a global customer base, digital currencies present significant advantages. Understanding secure methods to buy Bitcoin in Canada is crucial for businesses aiming to leverage this technology effectively.
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 Successfully integrated cryptocurrency solutions have allowed tapping into international markets without facing currency exchange hurdles. Implementing cryptocurrency has allowed some businesses to scale rapidly by tapping into international markets without facing currency exchange hurdles. This global reach would have been difficult to achieve with traditional financial systems due to high transaction costs and lengthy processing times. As such, adopting crypto solutions has facilitated smoother cross-border trade and opened up new revenue streams.
The success of these businesses serves as inspiration for others contemplating a similar transition. Their stories highlight the potential growth opportunities available through embracing digital currencies while underscoring the importance of robust planning and risk management strategies.
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 By Ray Rivers
March 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Rene Lévesque, who later created the Parti Quebecois, was the most influential minister in the Lesage Liberal government during Quebec’s ‘Quiet Revolution’ of the early sixties. Rene Lévesque is credited with the phrase ‘Maîtres chez Nous’ – used as a justification for nationalizing American energy companies which had once dominated Quebec’s energy scene. Lévesque, who later created the Parti Quebecois, was the most influential minister in the Lesage Liberal government during Quebec’s ‘Quiet Revolution’ of the early sixties. And his phase is revered by Quebecers.
Mark Carney, Canada’s new PM, has used the phrase on several occasions, presumably to appeal to Quebec voters, but also to signal that under his watch this country will not be subservient to, and be pushed around by our American neighbours. That Carney is making waves among potential voters can be seen by the reaction from the separatist and oxymoronic Bloc Quebecois federal party, worried about inroads into its Quebec base.
President Trump has made it clear that tariffs are coming and here to stay. And that means Canadians need to look for other markets for their exports. And we also need to focus on import substitution as an alternative to buying from the USA. Today, for example, we import over two billion aluminum beer cans made with Canadian exported aluminum.
 President Trump has made it clear that tariffs are coming and here to stay. Trump used to own a casino or two, so one needs to be wary playing cards with him. Premier Ford embarrassed himself, his province and the country when he tried to bluff without an ace up his sleeve. President Trump was holding the high cards and he called Ford’s hand on his 25% energy surcharge for US states.
Trump threatened to double down on the steel and aluminium tariffs and Ford buckled, folded his hand, and left the table with egg on his face. The surcharge was withdrawn and Ford was taught a lesson. Stay in your lane – international trade blackmail is for the big boys.
Ford may get high marks for scrapping Elon Musk’s ‘Starlink’ internet system, once planned for northern Ontario communities. But what about the $26 billion contract he signed for four the US based GE Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactors for Darlington? These reactors, once operational will need to be on a steady diet of imported American enriched nuclear fuel.
Meantime, Atomic Energy Canada now AtkinsRéalis, is dying to sell its new CANDU MONARK, an advanced CANDU reactor design which uses Canadian made uranium pellets. CANDU is the current technology that gives us half of our electricity in Ontario. Of course, we’d likely not need these new nuclear power plants if Ford hadn’t shut down the province’s renewable energy programs.
Ford’s slap down by the US president should inspire prudence as this country responds to the American trade war. Any response to US tariffs will be seen as retaliatory, but whatever that response it needs to be about benefitting Canadians and not just punishing the Yanks. That discussion starts with a withdrawal from the already broken USMCA.
 Former Prime Minister Mulroney sold the economic benefits of the free trade agreement (FTA) to Canadians on a song and a prayer. Former Prime Minister Mulroney sold the economic benefits of the free trade agreement (FTA) to Canadians on a song and a prayer. Canada’s GDP per capita, our national productivity rate – our economic standard of living – compared to the USA was 90% back then, just prior to the FTA. Today it has fallen to 65%, and our exchange rate has tumbled to under 70 cents.
Instead of making us better off, forty years of FTA, NAFTA and USMCA have just made us more reliant on the US as a trading partner. And the real beneficiaries are the transnational corporations that can relocate production from one country to another to take advantage of lower labour cost, less red tape, lower taxes, and tariffs. They are the real winners of free trade.
Canadian productivity has bounced up and down a few times since Mulroney but no matter how one looks at the statistics it is hard to make the argument that these free trade deals have been a win-win for Canadians, even in the good times. And these are not the good times as we head into a trade war led by the would be imperialist living in the White House.
Bottom line is that we’d be no worse and possibly better off if we had ignored Mr. Mulroney’s dream of an FTA. Instead, we should have done what the PM is telling us we need to do now – take control of our economy by becoming more self-reliant. But we will never be ‘Maîtres chez Nous’ so long as we are ‘free-trading’ with the elephant next door.
 Ray Rivers, a Gazette Contributing Editor, writes regularly applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
GDP/Capita – Maîtres chez nous – Bloc Objects –
 By Staff
March 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Hamilton-Halton Construction Association (HHCA) has inducted Henk and Henry Schilthuis into the 2025 Construction Hall of Fame.
This prestigious honour recognizes their contributions to construction, community, and family and will be presented at the HHCA’s 105 Annual General Meeting & Dinner on April 3rd in Hamilton.
 Henk Schilthuis Henk Schilthuis has played a vital role in Schilthuis Construction since 1960, serving as carpenter, superintendent, project manager, and eventually President (1988 to 2003). Under his leadership, the company modernized operations, adapted to industry advancements and specialized in municipal arena projects. He now serves as Vice- President/Superintendent, guiding the company’s expansion into residential and project management contracts.
 Henry Schilthuis. Henry Schilthuis, the current President and managing partner since 2003, has been instrumental in the company’s success. His commitment to building trust with institutional clients – including James North Baptist Church, YWCA, and Indwell Community Homes – has strengthened the company’s reputation as a leader in design-build, general contracting and project management.
“Henk and Henry have grown Schilthuis Construction into a recognized industry leader while maintaining the values of family and community, said Cameron Nolan, Construction Hall of Fame Chair. “They exemplify excellence in service and leadership.”
Tickets for the event are available at www.hhca.ca.
 Discovery Centre – a Schilthuis build.  Schilthuis built the first version of the Pier. What the HHCA doesn’t mention some of the exceptional work done by Schilthuis in Burlington. The Discovery Centre and the first stage of the Burlington Pier. Schilthuis wasn’t able to complete the construction of the Pier when a crane collapsed. The investigation into the collapse revealed that some of the steel used didn’t live up to the required standards and that there were serious technical errors in the plans Schilthuis was required to follow.
 Crane working at the pier site topples. Proves to be the point at which problems with the design became evident. There was an expensive lawsuit that put the construction of the Pier on hold.
It was eventually completed – few gave Henry Schilthuis the credit he deserved.
The incident came close to bankrupting Schilthuis – it was the willingness of the trades to give Schilthuis the time needed to get through the the law suits
Since 1920 the HHCA has supported Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) construction firms in Hamilton-Halton. We provide industry resources, advocacy, education and networking opportunities to help our members grow and succeed.
Related news story:
Henry Schilthuis was right – they just didn’t know it at the time.
By Pepper Parr
March 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We lost him 14 years ago.
 John Boich with the little sweetheart who lived across the street. I wonder what he would think about the way the city of Burlington is being run today?
John Willian Boich was 77 when he left this earth – taking one of the biggest hearts in the city with him.
 John Boich would rage at the idea of a 51st state. Boich wasn’t elected to office, but he had an impact larger than some of those who were. The biggest thing he did for the city was co-author the Shape Burlington report. Former Mayor Walter Mulkewich worked with Boich on the document that shook up city hall that initially asked for a re-write when the report came out. That didn’t happen.
The report was unanimously supported by Council; it just hasn’t been adhered to.
Purpose:
The “Shape Burlington” initiative, as presented to City Council in 2010, aimed to gather community input and foster a sense of ownership in shaping the future of Burlington.
Citizen Engagement:
The initiative emphasized citizen engagement and transparency in municipal decision-making, using methods like discussion forums on the website and social media to communicate with residents.
Impact:
The engagement contributed to high citizen expectations of interaction with Burlington municipal government, particularly in comparison to other municipalities.
Key Themes:
The initiative focused on key areas for the city’s future, including:
Designing and delivering complete communities that balance economic, social, and community benefits.
Affordable and Attainable Housing: Ensuring access to affordable and attainable housing options.
Parks and Open Greenspaces: Prioritizing the creation and maintenance of parks and open spaces.
Recreation and Cultural Amenities: Investing in recreation and cultural amenities to enhance the quality of life.
Modern, Eco-Friendly Transportation: Promoting modern and eco-friendly modes of transportation.
Long-Term Vision:
The initiative aimed to enable complete communities where people want to live over the next seven generations, and it served as a foundation for Burlington’s long-term 25-year strategic plan.
Link to the Shape Burlington report is HERE
By Pepper Parr
March 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
There has been a lot of grousing about so many members of the Carney Cabinet coming from the Trudeau Cabinet.
The question I have is: Where was Mark Carney supposed to get members to put in his Cabinet? He has to use people who are members of the House of Commons. He wasn’t going to choose Conservative members or New Democrats – he can’t just drag anyone in off the street.
Former members of the Trudeau who did not make it into the Carney Cabinet.
Carney seems to have done the best he could with what he had.
What might there be available for Cabinet posts when the expected election is over – assuming of course, Carney can win the election for the Liberals?
Related news story:
The political parties are still looking for people to run for office.
By Staff
March 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Today, Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, issued the following statement:
“Over the last several weeks, we have seen the number of new measles cases rise to 173 bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Ontario to 350 since 2024, including 31 hospitalizations. This is the most measles cases Ontario has seen in over a decade. It is critical we work together to mitigate further spread of this vaccine-preventable disease.
Over 96 per cent of cases in Ontario are among individuals who are unimmunized, or have unknown immunization status, and were exposed in their community or while travelling. A majority of Ontario’s cases are concentrated in southwestern Ontario among unvaccinated people.
 Vaccination is the most effective way to limit the spread of measles. Vaccination is the most effective way to limit the spread of measles and protect yourself and your loved ones. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been in use for more than 50 years and is proven to be one of the safest and most effective vaccines available. All Ontarians should ensure themselves, and their children, are up to date on their vaccinations. Children who are fully immunized with two doses of the measles vaccine are nearly 100 per cent protected, with one dose estimated to be up to 95 per cent protective.
As part of routine vaccination schedules, children should receive two doses of the measles vaccine, their first at 12 months and a second when they are between four to six years old. If you are not sure about your immunization status, please contact your health care provider or your local public health unit.
 Measles spreads easily among those who aren’t vaccinated and can lead to serious health issues including pneumonia, respiratory failure, swelling of the brain, and in rare cases, death. Measles spreads easily among those who aren’t vaccinated and can lead to serious health issues including pneumonia, respiratory failure, swelling of the brain, and in rare cases, death. If you think you or a family member has been exposed to measles, please contact your health care provider immediately. Before any visit, be sure to call ahead to let them know that you are coming and that you suspect that you may have measles so appropriate precautions can be taken.
We will continue to work alongside our public health partners to respond to measles and to ensure the health and safety of communities across the province.
 By Staff
March 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Swearing-in ceremonies are important – but they can be terribly boring for those who donèt pay much attention to the world of politics.
This morning however, Prime Minister Carney spit out a zinger: Carney said dismissively, “It’s crazy. His point is crazy. That’s it.”
 Prime Minister Mark Carney told media: “It’s crazy. His point is crazy. That’s it.” He was referring to a comment U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a G7 summit in Charlevoix — that the president believes Canada should be a 51st state from an economic viewpoint.
Carney said his government will have two priorities, to protect jobs in the face of “unjustified trade actions” and make life more affordable by “ensuring that government spends less, so Canada can invest more by building millions of homes, by making Canada a superpower in both conventional and clean energies, and by creating new trade corridors with reliable partners.”
The new prime minister said that while he respects and recognizes President Trump is a “successful business person and dealmaker,” he also will make the case that Canada is America’s biggest “client” in many industries, “And clients expect respect.”
Carney does not have immediate plans to go to the United States, but will speak with the president “at the appropriate moment,” he said, stressing that Canada’s economic interests and sovereignty must be respected.
By Pepper Parr
March 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The surprise for us was the decision to drop Burlington MP Karina Gould from the Cabinet and replace her with Arielle Kayabaga, as leader of the government in the House of Commons and minister of democratic institutions.
 Arielle Kayabaga, leader of the government in the House of Commons and minister of democratic institutions. Those were Ministries Gould held and did a good job.
 Burlington MP Karina Gould with then Prime Minister designate Mark Carney in Hamilton speaking to steel workers. Gould appeared with now Prime Minister Mark Carney at an event in Hamilton where he was talking to steel workers two days ago.
Will the being dumped from Cabinet impact Gould’s re-election in the federal election expected before the end of the month?
Emily Brown, the Conservative candidate, will certainly strive to make the best of this information.
Gould took the seat from Conservative Mike Wallace in 2015 and has held it with increasing majorities.
However, Gould’s votes from Burlington Liberal in the leadership debate were stunningly low. Was this due to a low turnout or have the Liberals in Burlington turned against Gould?
By Pepper Parr
March 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Lots of talk about a federal election soon soon. Are the Liberals ready for an election? Do they have enough money in the bank? More importantly – do they have a full roster of candidates? The answer to that one is – No!
 There will be an election and it will take place as soon as everyone is ready. Rumours suggest the election call could come as early as Sunday, but one Liberal cabinet minister speaking anonymously on background to discuss election timing said that would be too soon.
The minister pointed out that the party still lacks many candidates, including in ridings where the party would have a strong chance of winning.
Last month, International Trade Minister Mary Ng announced she would not be running in her Markham-Thornhill riding, which she won handily in the last election. Just last week, Women’s Minister Marci Ien, who won her Toronto-Centre riding with more than 50 per cent of the vote, said she would not be running again.
The Liberals have only two candidates in Saskatchewan’s 14 ridings and just seven people nominated in Alberta, where 34 ridings are up for grabs. They have only one named candidate in Newfoundland, and less than half of Quebec’s seats have a Liberal candidate in place.
Before the leadership race, party sources told the Toronto Star the Liberal campaign was fully funded and about 70 per cent ready. The Liberals have 170 candidates in place according to party spokesperson Parker Lund, the fewest out of the three major parties.
The Conservatives have at least 246 candidates nominated, according to the latest update on their website, while the NDP has nominated 188 candidates as of Wednesday. The Green Party, meanwhile, has nominated 190 candidates so far. There are 338 seats in the House of Commons.
There is a lot of on the ground organizing to be done before asking the Governor General to call an election.
Before 11:00 am Justin Trudeau will formally resign as Prime Minister. Immediately after that the Governor General will swear in Mark Carney as Prime Minister and then his Cabinet.
By Pepper Parr
March 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We are beginning to see just how tough Prime Minister designate Mark Carney is going to be.
 Justin Trudeau and his last Cabinet When he is sworn in on Friday we will get a look at his Cabinet: it will be much smaller than the 37 member Cabinet Justin Trudeau had.
The word at this point is that it will be between 15 and 20 people – assuming 20 that means 17 people will no longer be Cabinet Ministers. That also means their staff will be out of work as well. Cabinet members have up to ten people on their staff
How many of those without jobs come Saturday morning worked hard to have Mark Carney made the leader?
Going to be a tough weekend for those now on the outside.
What does this have to say about Carney – this guy is going to be tough, He knows exactly what the country is up against and is going to do his level best to ensure that the economy and the social values Canadians have enjoyed for decades is kept as stable as possible during what are truly perilous times.
 Mark Carney: Prime Minister designate It will be interesting to see how the first meeting between Carney as Prime Minister and President Trump works out. Trump tends to read people quite well. He will have been briefed on Carney and his background.
It is going to be an interesting couple of months.
 By Staff
March 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Registration is now open for Conservation Halton’s Ways of the Woods day camps for summer 2025.
Camps kick-off on June 30 and run every weekday including holidays until August 29, 2025.
Campers ages 4 to 15 can choose from twenty different camps with streams geared towards recreation, education, and leadership.
Boating, swimming, climbing, archery, mountain biking, animal care, gardening, construction, and camp games—with such a wide range of fun, outdoor-focused activities, kids can choose their own camp adventure this summer at Ways of the Woods!
Campers, parents, and caregivers alike will appreciate that Ways of the Woods continues to offer so many choices for fun and engaging summer camps:
 Waterfront Camp (Ages 9-11) Adventure Camp (Ages 12-14)
Athletics Camp (Ages 9-11)
Climbers Camp (Ages 9-11)
Construction Camp (Ages 12-14)
Counsellor in Training (CIT) Camp (Ages 14-15)
Disc Golf Camp (9-14)
Explorer Camp (Ages 9-11)
Farm Camp (Ages 9-11)
Girls Camp (Ages 9-11)
 Climbers Camp (Ages 9-11) Kinder WOW Camp (Ages 4-5)
Mountain Bike Camp (Ages 9-14)
Mountain Bike Camp – Trail Stewards (Ages 12-15)
Naturalist Camp (Ages 9-11)
Raptor Camp (Ages 9-11)
Olympian Camp (Ages 12-14)
Survivalist Camp (Ages 12-14)
Waterfront Camp (Ages 9-11)
Wee WOW Camp (Ages 6-8)
Wee Farm & Flight Camp (Ages 6-8)
Wee Sports Camp (Ages 6-8)
Ways of the Woods provides additional services for parents and caregivers to accommodate busy summer schedules. Free bus transportation is available to and from camp with sixteen camp bus locations across Milton, Burlington, Oakville and Mississauga.
This year, Ways of the Woods is offering more flexibility with extended care at the Kelso hub.
Parents and caregivers choosing to drop off and pick up at Kelso will now have three different extended care options. They can choose Early Camp Care with drop off starting as early as 7:30 am, After Camp Care with pick up as late as 5:30 pm, or Early + After Camp Care, allowing morning and evening flexibility. Ways of the Woods is happy to offer campers even more fun before camp, after camp, or both!
“Ways of the Woods camps are a long-standing summer tradition for families in Halton Region and beyond—and a guarantee of unparalleled outdoor fun and adventure during the summer months,” said Craig Machan, Director, Parks & Operations at Conservation Halton. “We’re delighted to offer twenty camp streams that familiarize campers with our parks like Kelso, Mountsberg, Crawford Lake and Area 8.
This year, WOW is offering more extended care options through our Kelso hub, to help make the summer camp experience even more convenient for families with busy work and personal schedules.”
To learn more about Ways of the Woods summer camps and to register, visit conservationhalton.ca/wow.
Ways of the Woods is a member of the Ontario Camps Association, so you can feel safe knowing you are sending your children to an accredited organization with professional counsellors and staff.
 Conservation Halton is a community-based environmental agency dedicated to protecting people, property and natural resources from flooding, erosion, and other natural hazards. As one of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities, we steward 1,000 square kilometres of conservation lands. From the Lake Ontario shoreline to the Niagara Escarpment and beyond, we safeguard forests, wetlands and waterways through science-based conservation, land management and climate resilience initiatives. Our eight conservation areas welcome more than a million visitors each year and offer opportunities to connect with nature through recreation and education. Learn more at conservationhalton.ca.
 By Julieta Belen Correa
March 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Since the beginning of the internet and the popularization of computers, the way we work, play, and socialize has been rapidly changing. The digital transformation isn’t just beginning – it’s already transformed our world enormously – and, at the same time, it’s still far from over.
Since the beginning of the internet and the popularization of computers, the way we work, play, and socialize has been rapidly changing. Both tools and entertainment have developed markedly in the past 20, 10, and even 5 years. As the digitalization of our country marches on, here are 4 trends to keep an eye on in 2025 and beyond.
Cross-Platform Tools and Entertainment
Today, most of us have at least a computer and a phone, if not also a tablet and a smart TV. This means that compatibility between different platforms and operating systems is increasingly important. We want to be able to pick up where we left off on whatever device we have in front of us, and that’s why seamless cross-platform compatibility is increasingly in demand.
For those of us with work-from-home days, the home laptop and office computer need to be flawlessly connected. This doesn’t just mean cloud storage – we’ll also want to see how different software, tools, and platforms integrate without hiccups.
 A digital poker table. The same thing is true for entertainment. For example, you can explore Canadian poker rooms on your PC, phone, or tablet. Whether you’re running Windows or macOS, Android or Apple, you can seamlessly play digital poker or join a live room. You can access your account and pick up where you left off from any of your smart devices.
Users also want to make sure they have access to the games or apps they’ve paid for on all devices. Integrations and fewer centralized platforms will both help make this possible.
Personalization Powered by AI
How much AI, and specifically generative AI, has already impacted our society is impossible to miss. But AI is much more than what LLMs have to offer. Arguably, one of the most powerful uses of AI could lie in personalization through machine learning.
Although not all of us are aware of it, we’ve already seen how powerful this technology can be through algorithms used by TikTok and Instagram. If the same advanced technology could be used to promote learning, for instance, education might change as much as entertainment has in the past few years.
By personalizing how technology responds to us through advanced algorithms, we can ensure everyone gets what they need, regardless of what that might look like. Each experience will be customized to fit each user, and the devices we own can be as unique as the personalities we have.
Augmented Reality in Daily Life
 VR shows amazing promise in entertainment The sectors where VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) can affect are virtually endless. Although VR shows amazing promise in entertainment, AR is likely to be more of a utility. The technology can be used to gamify boring or routine tasks and provide information in any way it’s needed. Whether that be automotive controls, tools for healthcare professionals, or allowing potential customers to test products virtually before buying them.
Education is another sector where VR and AR show promise. 3D models and interactive learning can help students truly understand concepts in a practical way.
Cleantech and Green Innovations
Canadians consistently report high levels of concern for the environment, so it’s expected that green technology will also be an important part of future developments.
Digitalization will without a doubt play an important role in increasing sustainability. Already, the digitalization of papers eliminating the need for physical papers is having a positive impact. There are lots of sectors where digital technology can be used to further drive important change and make technology clean – not the least through monitoring and localizing the most important areas with the highest impact on our planet.
Concluding Remarks About Canada’s Digitalization
Canada might not be known to lead the way when it comes to the technological revolution, but we’re taking important strides that are slowly changing lives – and hopefully for the better.
We should pay attention not just to the new technology being introduced, but more importantly how it’s applied, and how it affects both us and the planet we live on. To ensure the digital revolution is changing our lives in the way we want it to, it’s important to both understand what’s happening and take active action to steer the direction in which we’re headed.
By Pepper Parr
March 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
British MPs are calling for an inquiry into labelling of black pupils as ‘educationally subnormal’.
 Black elementary students – someone in the UK decides to put a label on them? I had to read that twice.
Some bureaucrat came up with the label, someone further up the food chain said it was Ok and so it got used.
And we wonder why our Black friends are so angry. We wonder why Black young men turn to stealing cars, selling drugs and violently breaking into homes in the middle of the night.
What these young men are doing is not acceptable – we treat it as criminal and lock them up.
Is labelling someone as ‘educationally subnormal’ not criminal?
If this gets done at the elementary school level those Black children don’t have a chance.
And if they don’t have a chance we as a society don’t have a hope.
Black Lives do matter – just as much as every other colour.
If there are learning difficulties, and there are, then we deal with them.
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