 By Staff
April 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington’s Mundialization Committee is inviting the community to take part in two free events to celebrate our city’s friendships with its twin cities — Apeldoorn, the Netherlands and Itabashi, Japan.
The events will mark two significant milestones — 20 years of twinning with Apeldoorn, and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Apeldoorn by Canadian soldiers at the end of the Second World War.
 Burlington Teen Tour Band at a previous event in Apeldoorn. The Burlington delegation to Apeldoorn will take place from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6; it will include representatives from the Mundialization Committee, Mayor Meed Ward, and senior City staff — the media release did not include the names of the full delegation – we will dig that out for you.
The focus is reported to be on commemorative events and ceremonies marking the liberation of the Netherlands and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The delegation will join a remembrance ceremony at the Canadian war cemetery and take part in a silent walk to Oranjepark on May 4, followed by the Freedom Parade on May 5.
Canada Netherlands Friendship Day will take place at LaSalle Park Pavilion, 50 North Shore Blvd. E. – Saturday, May 24 – 10 – 11:30 a.m. – Event – 11:30 a.m. – Reception
Open to the public, the event will mark the 20th anniversary of Burlington’s twinning with Apeldoorn — a friendship rooted in a shared history, remembrance and the promotion of peace.
Features of the event include:
- Welcome messages from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Mr. Harman Idema, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Elizabeth Witmer, former Deputy Premier and Past Chair, WSIB
- Performances by the Burlington Teen Tour Band and Enchorus Children’s Choir
- A special exhibit of artwork created by Burlington and Apeldoorn elementary school students
The Itabashi, Japan relationship events will take place Saturday, May 10, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
 The Sakura Festival will take place at the Performing Arts Centre in the Family Lobby.
The spring arrival of the Japanese cherry blossoms at Spencer Smith Park always highlight Burlington’s 36-year friendship with our twin city, Itabashi, Japan.
Features of this event include:
- Performances by Burlington’s Do Kon Daiko Japanese drumming group and internationally renowned taiko group Nagata Shachu
- Karate, aikido and iaido demonstrations
- Suzuran odori (traditional dance) performances
- Yosakoi dance by Sakuramai Toronto
By Pepper Parr
April 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Rendering of the 409 development Same site – different owner.
This development was originally filed by Reserve Properties Ltd. project for 401, 403, 405, 409, 411 and 413 Brant St., 444, 448 and 450 John St. and 2002 and 2012 James St. It is now in the hands of 409 Brant Street Limited.
This tower is on the south-east corner of Brant and John Street. On the north-east side of John the 27 story tower has residents
The corner of each building is cut away to give people a wider sense of what is across the street and to take away the sense that you have 27 storey rising above you.
Public art is expected to be in that open space for each building.
This developer is asking to have the zoning modified from what was previously approved as follows:
Reduce the parking rate to 0.74 parking spaces per residential unit (overall number of parking spaces),
Reduce the parking stall dimensions,
Reduce the second-floor height from 3.8 metres to 3.7 metres,
Reduce setbacks to the parking structure and
Increase the overall building height from 65m to 66 m to make room for a mechanical penthouse.”
 The reshaping of the east side of Brant Street  This is the tower opposite City Hall on the north-east corner of Brant and John. While this is a new application for the same development. All of the items that will be permitted in their previous approved application do not change. They have asked for some additional zoning amendments for specific items in the development.
Public Engagement will be in the form of a Statutory public meeting and recommendation report on May 13, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – it will be a Virtual Meeting held in hybrid format.
What will happen to Kelly’s Bake Shop – sooner or later the wrecking ball will take it apart
 By Pepper Parr
April 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The library has taken up a lot of the news space.
Their participation in the CBC Ideas program this evening is worth listening to – your library is part of a national discussion on what democracy means and how libraries are part of communicating that story. CBC IDEAS at 8:00 pm this evening.
Now on to the federal election, the national leaders and the candidates at the local level.
 The Click on feature has been disabled. You can access that level of detail at 338Canada.com
Our decision to focus on just the Conservative party and the Liberal party will offend many. It is a matter of resources – we just don’t have the time to cover candidates from other political parties other than giving them a polite mention.
More than 7.3 million people voted during the four day weekend with two million voting on Good Friday; highest vote ever recorded in one day.
Citizens are clearly engaged and the race gets tighter each day.
We will publish a piece on both Pierre Poilievre and Mark Carney and then publish a piece on Karina Gould and then Emily Brown.
The statement by President Trump early this morning on his view that Canada should become the 51st American state sharpens just what the election issue is about.
And then leave it to the people who make a point of voting to cast their ballots and wait for the results on the 28th
 By Staff
April 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Public Library leaders are speaking out about the role of libraries in democracy as part of a new CBC series, Ideas for a Better Canada.
 The episode airs on CBC News Network and CBC Gem today, April 24, and focuses on intellectual freedom. The series is hosted by journalist and bestselling author Nahlah Ayed. In it, she interviews guests from across the country about the health of our democracy and local solutions that can inspire national change.
“Burlington Public Library was honoured to be one of four stops in this cross-Canada series on the future of our democracy,” says Lita Barrie, CEO, Burlington Public Library. “In our increasingly polarized society, there’s a unique role for the Library to protect our freedom to read and bring together people and ideas to build community.”
 A capacity crowd took part in the recording of a CBC IDEAS production on democracy in Canada and how it is practiced at libraries across the country. In the Burlington episode, Barrie and Director of Service Design and Innovation Meg Uttangi Matsos speak about how the Library supports your freedom to read by providing uncensored access to information and resources. The episode also features Ira Wells, journalist, academic, and author of On Book Banning, to discuss the rise of book bans and challenges across North America.
“The freedom to choose what information you access and form your own ideas and opinions is crucial to democracy,” says Barrie. “When members of the community can discover and explore a breadth of topics and perspectives, civic engagement thrives. It’s our responsibility as a Library to uphold that access.”
The episode was recorded at BPL’s Central Branch last month, live in front of an audience of more than 100 community members. The series is produced in partnership with the Samara Centre for Democracy. It can be listened to for free on CBC Radio or watched on CBC Gem.
 By Staff
April 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The energy was electric at Burlington Public Library’s Central Branch during this year’s Burlington Grand Battle of the Books tournament. Teams brought their A-game to a fun-filled morning of fierce (but friendly!) competition, cheered on by proud families, enthusiastic friends, and dedicated coaches.
A huge congratulations to Sacred Heart of Jesus (Junior) and St. Raphael (Senior), who claimed top honours in their divisions after thrilling matchups with John T. Tuck (Junior) and Ascension (Senior). And a BIG thank you and applause to all the readers and participating schools that took part in Battle this year—your hard work, team spirit, and love of books were truly spectacular!
 These are the members of the 2025 winning Junior Team: Sacred Heart of Jesus; they also won in 2024.
The Junior Teams were: Ascension, Burlington Christian Academy, Charles R. Beaudoin, Florence Meares, Frontenac, John W. Boich, John T. Tuck, Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Anne, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael.
 Members of the Senior Team from St. Raphael; known as The Page Turners. The Senior Teams were from: Ascension, Burlington Christian Academy, Charles R. Beaudoin, Florence Meares, Frontenac, John W. Boich, John T. Tuck, Sacred Heart of Jesus, and St. Raphael.
The teams now go on to the Regional Battle of the Books Championship against other Halton teams at Halton Hills Public Library in May!
By Staff
April 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
FAST FACTS:
Number of staff FTE – 140
Number of books on shelves – BPL’s Collection totals 345,352 items – 305,662 physical items on the shelves
Number of videos on shelves – DVD’s comprise of 11% of BPL annual checkouts.
How many people hold a library card – 93,322 Active Library Card holders (i.e used within the last 2 years)
By Pepper Parr
April 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 It was the finals for the Battle of the Books; a public library program that started with twenty schools and was now down to the finals for the Junior teams – grades 3 to 5 and the Senior’s – grades 6 to 8.
John T. Tuck and Sacred Heart of Jesus were the semi-finalists in the Junior teams
St. Raphael and Ascension were the semi-finals in the Senior level.
Sacred Heart of Jesus won the Junior level for the second year in a row.
 Battle of the Books judges: from the left Deepti, Jamie and Sarah. It was not an easy task. More detail tomorrow with pictures of the winners.
Great to watch the kids collaborating to come up with the answers to the questions.
 By Jen Carera
April 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Canadian Football League (CFL) is once again striving for inclusivity and gender diversity in its operations. KPMG’s Women in Football program announced its selection for 2025.
This year, nine experienced women were selected – one for each CFL team – to work alongside football operations staff in a four-week internship. For Burlington sports fans and future professionals, this initiative means a great deal: football has long been a male-dominated sport where women have been underrepresented. This initiative is looking to close the gender gap.
 Girls playing soccer in Burlington The “Women in Football” program has enabled the CFL to reach new target groups and increase spectator participation. In a field traditionally associated with masculinity and toughness, this initiative marks a forward-looking change: the focus is now primarily on competence, dedication, and new perspectives that actively promote the growth and development of the game. The selected participants not only get the chance to demonstrate their skills in a professional environment, but also help to break down outdated structures.
Since the start of the program, there has been a significant increase in viewer participation — female fans in particular find this inclusive approach more appealing. Interest in betting on CFL has also increased in parallel. The betting industry has adapted to this development: Bets can now be placed on all nine CFL teams. This creates an interesting addition to the familiar NFL markets. Fans have the opportunity to bet on various types of bets, such as point spread, moneyline, or special bets. Bets can be placed both during the regular season and during the playoffs and the traditional Grey Cup.
With such positive feedback, the CFL continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to building an inclusive, diverse, and accessible professional environment. By fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and equality, the league strives to create a workplace where every voice is heard and ideas are evaluated on their merit, regardless of background. This approach not only strengthens team dynamics but also reflects the CFL’s role as a progressive institution in Canadian society.
In keeping with these values, the CFL’s Women in Football program opens up new opportunities for women to enter and succeed in professional football. This initiative opens the doors for qualified and motivated women to participate in the development of football and make a significant contribution to the growth of the sport across the country.
The program is anchored in four key pillars. The nine participants begin by immersing themselves in the day-to-day operations of their team, where they gain essential knowledge and insights through observation and guided mentorship. They are then encouraged to translate this learning into action. This means contributing directly to the tasks and objectives of their role. Constructive feedback supports their development, helping refine both technical skills and strategic thinking. Last but not least is preparation, which ensures that participants leave with not only experience but also the tools, connections, and confidence to pursue their future career opportunities in football or related industries.
 Mentoring is critical. The program is supposed to help the nine participants enhance their skills beyond the field. Through business-focused mentorship, each participant is matched with a mentor who provides ongoing guidance in leadership, communication, and career development. This approach exposes the nine women to professional sports and corporate dynamics and helps them build a well-rounded skillset that can support a variety of future roles.
Meanwhile, residents in Burlington are concerned about the declining participation of girls in club sports. According to The Rally Report, girls across the country are significantly more likely to drop out of sports than boys. The nationwide study, which surveyed girls ages 6 to 18, found that one in three girls quit sports by late adolescence. In comparison, only one in ten boys stops playing sports by the same age. Even more disturbing is that up to 62% of teenage girls in Canada no longer play on a team.
By creating a foundation for women to rise to positions of influence, the CFL and KPMG are setting an example of how meaningful change can take place in sports culture. Not through symbolic gestures, but through structured, targeted programs that empower participants.
For aspiring sports professionals in Burlington, especially women who have graduated with degrees in kinesiology, sports business, or coaching, initiatives like this are inspiring. It’s not uncommon for graduates to look uncertainly at the professional leagues because they don’t know how to break into this seemingly narrow world. With its program, the CFL is making it clear that women are not only allowed access to the professional leagues, but they are also supported. The program shares its structured approach that rewards achievement and passion, and gives young women the courage to invest in themselves.
 This is what the Canadian Football league is all about. It doesn’t get better than this. Despite progress, women’s participation in sports remains insufficient. In cities like Burlington, where youth sports are an established part of community life, the Women in Football program has planted a seed and raises important questions about how local programs can be made more inclusive and supportive for girls as well. A study by BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation shows that physical activity has a positive impact on teenagers’ self-confidence.
Furthermore, sport plays a crucial role in building resilience and leadership skills. These qualities are essential for future career success. This means that ensuring that girls stay in the game is not just a matter of equity, but an investment in the social and economic future of the whole community.
As the CFL prepares for a competitive season on the field, programs like this are ensuring that behind the scenes, the attitude towards female leadership continues to evolve. Slowly but surely, Canada’s fields are becoming more inclusive, more dynamic, and more reflective.
 By Staff
April23rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The MAD people (Millcroft Against Development) called it a community gathering – not a demonstration. They hoped Premier Ford wil show up – unlikely.
 When (and if) the development of 98 additional homes is completed, the pond will no longer be needed and will disappear. They have announced a change in location – changed to the Millcroft Mill on the corner of Country Club and Upper Middle
Fences are up; surveillance is installed. Trees could be coming down soon. The developer is setting the stage to get started on building as soon as they complete the conditions of the OLT decision from June 2024.
He is already crossing the finish line, hoping we have given up.
Join us on Saturday, April 26 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm for a Community Assembly
 By Staff
April 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Bruce Trail Conservancy advises that a controlled burn will be taking place at the site of Fisher’s Pond located off Cedar Springs Road in Burlington on Wednesday, April 23.
Smoke may be visible in near-by areas.
 By Staff
April 23, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Library sent out the following statement a number of months ago:
“We live in an era of eroding democracy where polarization is increasingly fracturing our sense of a shared reality” adding that “ there’s a growing sense that our political system prioritizes short-term gains over the long-term health of our democracy.”
The CBC program, IDEAS decided to host a series of cross-Canada discussions that focus on local solutions with the potential to inspire national change.
Moderated by Nahlah Ayed, the discussions were to take place in Burlington, Charlottetown, Edmonton and Nanaimo, BC.
 Lita Barrie (CEO, Burlington Public Library), Sabreena Delhon (CEO, The Samara Centre for Democracy), Meg Uttangi Matsos (Director, Service Design & Innovation, BPL), Nahlah Ayed (Host, CBC’s IDEAS), and Ira Wells (Professor, University of Toronto, critic & author). Local innovators/thinkers/storytellers in each community came together for conversations that explore the next chapter of Canada’s democracy. In Burlington that included library CEO Lita Barrie and Ira Wells, a Professor, University of Toronto, critic & author).
The program will be broadcast on CBC’s IDEAS on Thursday April 24th at 8:00 pm
The series is part of CBC Collab fund and in partnership with the Samara Centre for Democracy.
Libraries are a target in the culture wars raging across the continent. Yet they define themselves as a place to give all people access “to the widest possible variety of expressive content.”
As upholders of intellectual freedom, can libraries remind Canadians what democracy is all about, and which values are still worth fighting for?
 By Olivia Sabell
April 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON. ON
Online casinos have been a revelation in the gambling world since the beginning of the 21st century. Canada has been one of the strongest global economies throughout this period. Still, it wasn’t until recently that Canadian provinces warmed to regulating and taxing online casinos.
 In Canada casinos are regulated by the province they are located in with Ontario having the best regulations. It has been a global surge that has pulled many countries along with it. Unlike the UK, which was one of the first countries to regulate online casinos nationally, Canada’s provincial and fractured regulatory landscape meant that the rise of online casinos has taken a different trajectory.
It’s essential to distinguish between the federal regulations in Canada and the provincial bodies that oversee gambling competitions, including online casinos, but also encompass other gambling games, such as lotteries and sports betting.
Over the last decade, this has shaped the casino market in neighboring America rather than their European counterparts. Today, we will look at some nuances in the Canadian casino market and how they have affected the current market.
A changing landscape
In the late 1980s, Canada created a new landscape for land-based casinos. The first land-based casino opened in Winnipeg and became an entertainment venue featuring restaurants, hotels and other amenities.
A few years later, Montreal got in on the action. Although the first online casino emerged just a year after that, many within the casino industry were skeptical that the internet had a lasting place in the gambling world.
In the 1990s, few people had home PCs, and internet connections were slow and extremely expensive. It was a digital world of message boards and bookshops – the internet wasn’t the ubiquitous presence we see today in modern society.
Online casinos, of course, quickly proved to be a challenging, disruptive market for the traditional industry. The cost of accessing the internet decreased dramatically and the speed of connectivity soared, bringing tens of millions of people online within just a few years.
The global market’s interconnectivity meant that the best online casinos in Canada were companies establishing a presence in several other international markets. It became such a crowded and competitive market that experts started compiling reviews and assessments of the sites they believed stood out in this growing, saturated market.
Navigating local regulation in a global market
While the internet has introduced a range of innovations, it has proved to be a regulatory headache for governing bodies that look to provide oversight. Instrumental social media companies have shown just how difficult it can be to provide broad policing and taxation to markets that span dozens of countries, and online casinos have faced a similar fate.
By the early 2010s, propped up by the success of the online gambling market that had emerged in the UK, lobbyists and influential figures in online gambling were tirelessly searching for ways to get online casinos into the North American market, the biggest continental market.
Although the federal laws oversee the gambling market and its legality, they have devolved the regulatory powers to 13 different provincial governing bodies. While most of them are similar, it’s always a good idea to check the legality of online gambling in your province before you decide to sit down and play a casino game.
A rise in convenience
 As soon as online casinos proved to be an alternative that was just as secure and as reliable as a land-based provider, interest in this new form of gambling soared. There was a time before the advent of the internet when Canadian casino gamers would have to pack a bag, head down to the airport and fly to the US to scratch their gambling itch. However, online casinos meant Canadians could do this without leaving their homes. As soon as online casinos proved to be an alternative that was just as secure and as reliable as a land-based provider, interest in this new form of gambling soared..
Generally speaking, though, Canadians have only been able to access legal and regulated online gambling markets since this century, when regulatory changes allowed some of the world’s biggest sports betting companies to set up shop on Canada’s digital shores.
However, in the mid-2000s, a black market emerged in Canada, with millions of dollars’ worth of bets placed with offshore companies. This market forced the hand of regulators to some extent, as it was simply too difficult to police. Regulating, taxing and cycling these funds into community development projects became the only viable route.
The smartphone era
If online casinos weren’t convenient enough, the mid-2010s saw the rise of gaming apps and mobile gaming. Those who played at online casinos on their home PCs or laptops now had an even more convenient option: playing on the move via their iPads, tablets or smartphones.
This rise wasn’t unique to the Canadian market. Smartphones have transformed everything about our lives; we’re sure you don’t need us to tell you that. Online casinos simply surfed the crest of the wave that presented a fresh opportunity for their casinos to expand, and the rise in usage among Canadian customers was a microcosm of what was happening in the global iGaming market.
As the competition heated up, online casinos searched for ways to incentivize these promotions, offering free spins, matched deposits and other cost-effective promotions to get people to their sites ahead of the competition.
Final thoughts
 VR gaming could well be the next technological advance that takes the sport to new heights. Although Canada opted for a provincial and localized approach to regulation, many trends that resulted in the rise of online casinos are attributed to the broader pull of the global market. Countries like the UK pioneered their digital legislation in the early 2000s, creating a foundation whereby online casinos could launch their brands into the international market.
The UK tax base soared, generating tens of billions of pounds over the subsequent decade. Canada is a little behind in this curve, but the numbers are equally promising, especially if we combine online casinos with sportsbooks and lotteries as part of the complete market.
This trend will likely continue to adapt to technology over the next decade. It may take the form of VR gaming, further integration of AI, or casinos focusing on the rise of digital payment options; it could also be a combination of any of these aspects.
However, now that the sector has an appropriate regulatory framework and the number of Canadians accessing online casinos continues to rise, expect to see quick changes and serious growth over the next decade as it begins to take shape in a legal market.
By Staff
April 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Planned (weather dependent) operating dates for the 2025 outdoor pool season.
The planned operating dates are as follows:
Facility Operating Dates
 Nelson Pool & Splash Park Nelson Pool & Splash Park
(4235 New Street)
Saturday, May 24 to Tuesday, September 2
*to accommodate a PA day for HDSB
Mountainside Pool & Splash Park
(2205 Mount Forest Drive)
Saturday, June 7 to Sunday, September 21
 LaSalle wading pool LaSalle Wading pool
(50 North Shore Boulevard)
Saturday, June 14 to Monday, September 1
Extended Outdoor Pool Season
This year, the City is extending the outdoor pool season by opening earlier and closing later.
This change aims to improve access, maximize the use of our beautiful outdoor amenities, and make the most of warmer weather and higher temperatures. If the weather conditions are unfavourable, we reserve the right to close the pools earlier.
 By Ray Rivers
April 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
“The Conservative leader says that only one per cent of single-use plastics find their way into the environment every year, with the rest being recycled.” (CBC News Posted: Apr 18, 2025)
That has to be a misquote. Nobody running for prime minister on behalf of a major political party could be that ignorant. The real numbers from both US and Canadian environmental agencies is that something like 90% or more plastic packaging ends up in landfills or the environment rather than being recycled.
 Half of single-use plastic waste produced by just 20 companies And over 80% of Canadians, according to recent polling, support the single use plastics ban, including something like 70% of Conservatives. But Poilievre must be appealing to that other 30% who make up the extreme right wing of the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC). And it appears he is following the lead of the US president who, only days ago, eliminated the US ban on plastic straws claiming…“I don’t think plastic is going to affect a shark very much, as they’re munching their way through the ocean”.
Poilievre had been hoping to be the one to ‘axe-the-carbon-tax’. But then Mr. Carney beat him to it. So Mr. Poilievre has dreamt up some numbers and is calling the plastic bag ban just another tax – a ‘food-tax’ – that he needs to axe. And here again he may not get the chance. While the ban is still in force, it is currently under court review over a technicality.
Mr. Poilievre shuns the label MAGA, though he had been endorsed by Elon Musk. Perhaps it’s his Canadian version of ‘drill-baby-drill’ that Musk, the EV maker, ironically admires. Or it might be the Tory leader’s threat to defund Canada’s national broadcaster, in line with Donald Trump’s promises to defund NPR and the Public Broadcasting Service. But seriously, the primary purpose of the CBC is to inform and enlighten Canadians, and to engender a shared national consciousness and identity. What could be more important for Canadians in this time of national crisis?
 Over 70% of Canadians want to see handguns banned. And then there is the Tory leader’s stand on public safety. He has promised to keep repeat murders behind bars until it’s time to leave prison in a wooden box. And since that might be unconstitutional he would be the first PM to invoke the ‘notwithstanding clause’ to keep them there. But this tough love on crime is a peculiar position for someone who has opposed every single gun control measure in Parliament, and who is refusing to say if he’d relax handgun laws. Being soft on gun ownership may be politically astute south of border in MAGA country but over 70% of Canadians want to see handguns banned.
This is being touted as the most important election in recent memory, and voter turnout at the advance polls has broken all records. There has been a coalescence of the voting public towards the two traditional parties and that is prompting speculation that this might become permanent. Two centrist parties alternating turns at governing is what works best in our first-past-the-post electoral system. But will that be sustainable with one centrist party and the other a kind of MAGA Canadian?
 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
Plastic Ban – Plastics Poll – Handguns – Guns Poll – Electoral Coalescence – Record Turnout – MAGA –
By Staff
April 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, on
Last year, the Ontario government and Metrolinx launched the One Fare Program, which has made taking transit from Brampton to Oshawa or anywhere in between, simpler, more convenient, and more affordable.
 Transit riders now pay only once when transferring between the TTC and GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay and York Region Transit. During the first year since launching in February 2024, One Fare has saved transit riders over $123 million, with over 38 million transfers made between local transit systems.
Transit riders now pay only once when transferring between the TTC and GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay and York Region Transit. Whether you tap your PRESTO card, credit or debit, Apple Pay or Google Wallet, the One Fare savings will automatically be applied.
- Transfers are valid for two hours for trips started on local transit and within three hours of the start of a GO Transit trip.
- If you begin your trip on GO Transit, then transfer to a local transit agency within the 3-hour window, cost of the local transit agency fare will be discounted from overall trip cost.
- For trips between TTC and local transit systems, the second portion will become free (the first payment will enable a two-hour free transfer across all systems).
- Just remember to tap on each time you travel on a participating transit agency and tap off when travelling on GO Transit, to ensure the savings apply.
Learn more about how One Fare is making transit more accessible and budget-friendly HERE.
 By Eric Roy
April 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
As this industry evolves, Burlington is adapting to the growing demand for digital gaming experiences. This article explores how businesses, investors, and the local workforce are responding to this shift.
The Emergence of Startups and Tech Firms
Burlington has witnessed a surge in startups and tech firms, positioning itself as a burgeoning hub for digital entertainment.
Entrepreneurs are capitalizing on the online casino boom by establishing innovative gaming startups. These companies focus on developing unique platforms and software solutions tailored to the online gambling market. Their presence not only diversifies the local economy but also fosters a culture of innovation and technological advancement.
Established tech firms are expanding their portfolios to include gaming-related services. By leveraging their existing technological expertise, these companies are developing secure payment systems, user-friendly interfaces, and robust backend support for online casinos. This strategic shift enhances their market competitiveness and contributes to the city’s economic growth.
Investment Trends
 This industry is attracting significant investments, reflecting its lucrative potential. Venture capitalists are increasingly funding Burlington-based gaming startups, recognizing the sector’s rapid growth. These investments provide essential capital for research, development, and market expansion, enabling startups to innovate and scale their operations effectively.
Large corporations are forming strategic partnerships with local gaming firms, investing in joint ventures to tap into this market. These collaborations combine resources and expertise, fostering the development of innovative technologies and platforms.
Economic Opportunities
The rise of this industry has created new business models and economic opportunities for residents. The expansion of online casinos has led to increased demand for skilled professionals in areas such as software development, graphic design, and cybersecurity. This demand translates into job creation, offering Burlington residents diverse employment opportunities within the sector.
These businesses often collaborate with local businesses for services like marketing, customer support, and IT solutions. These partnerships stimulate the local economy by providing businesses with new clients and revenue streams, thereby strengthening the economic fabric.
Strategic Partnerships
Collaborations between businesses and these companies are proving mutually beneficial. Local tech firms are partnering with gaming companies to co-develop new platforms and applications. These joint efforts lead to the creation of innovative products that enhance user experience and expand market reach, highlighting Burlington’s collaborative spirit.
Through strategic alliances, these businesses and companies share resources and expertise. This synergy accelerates project timelines, reduces costs, and fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the local gaming industry.
Ontario’s Regulatory Framework and Its Impact
 Ontario’s regulatory environment plays a crucial role in shaping the industry. In April 2022, Ontario became the first province in Canada to regulate online gambling and sports betting. This regulatory framework has provided a legal foundation for online casinos, ensuring consumer protection and fair play. The establishment of iGaming Ontario (iGO) oversees these activities, promoting a safe and competitive market.
The regulated market has significantly contributed to Ontario’s economy. In its second year, the market generated 15,000 full-time jobs and added almost $2.7 billion (about $8.3 per person in the US) to the province’s GDP. These economic benefits extend to local businesses and residents, who are taking advantage of the growing opportunities in the online casino industry in Ontario.
Technological Advancements
Innovation is at the heart of Burlington’s thriving online casino sector. These companies are integrating virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies into their platforms. These immersive technologies enhance user engagement by providing realistic experiences, setting local firms apart in the competitive online casino market.
Recognizing the shift towards mobile gaming, developers are creating mobile-optimized casino platforms. This focus ensures that games are accessible and enjoyable on various devices, catering to the on-the-go preferences of modern gamers and expanding the user base.
Challenges Facing the Online Casino Industry
Despite its growth, this industry in Burlington faces several challenges. Adhering to evolving regulations requires continuous monitoring and adaptation by gaming companies. Ensuring compliance demands resources and can pose operational challenges, especially for smaller startups striving to keep pace with regulatory changes.
 With the industry’s expansion, there is an increased focus on promoting responsible gambling. Burlington’s gaming companies are implementing measures such as self-exclusion options and providing resources for players to seek help, aiming to foster a safe and sustainable gaming environment.
Prospects for the Gaming Ecosystem
The trajectory of Burlington’s gambling industry points towards continued growth and innovation. Gaming firms are exploring opportunities beyond Canadian borders. By tailoring their platforms to meet international regulations and cultural preferences, these companies aim to tap into the global online gambling market, thereby increasing
By Staff
April 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Chef Bart, owner of Son of a Peach Pizzeria & The Sunshine Doughnut Co., in Burlington, Ontario, has taken home two major “Chef of the Year” titles within a single week, earning national recognition and a spot on the world stage.
 On Pine street – make a reservation so you’re not disappointed. At the Restaurants Canada (RC) Show in Toronto (April 7–9, 2025), Chef Bart wowed the judges with his masterfully crafted pizza, clinching 1st place in the Traditional Category and a $3,000 prize, along with entry into the International Pizza Competition in Las Vegas, March 2026. Not to be outdone, Son of a Peach’s rising star Sous Chef Jie Yan earned 3rd place in the Creative Category, cementing the restaurant’s reputation as a hub of culinary innovation.
But the accolades didn’t stop there.
Just days later, on April 15th, Chef Bart traveled to Montreal to compete in the Canadian Pizza Summit’s Chef of the Year competition, hosted by Canadian Pizza Magazine—and won 1st place again. This second win secures an all-expenses-paid trip and another coveted entry into the 2026 International Pizza Competition in Las Vegas.
 We’ve always put love and creativity into every pizza we make. Chef Bart: “We’ve always put love and creativity into every pizza we make—but to be recognized twice in one week, and now have the chance to represent Canada on an international stage, is beyond anything I imagined.”
Chef Bart’s victories are especially remarkable considering he has only recently begun competing—making his back-to-back wins a momentous and inspiring milestone for the Canadian culinary scene.
 Sunshine Donut, tucked in behind the Art Gallery, should be on any tour of the city. Sunshine Donut wasn’t entered in any contests – but that shouldn’t keep you away from the place.
By Pepper Parr
April 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Doug Ford takes major first step to end Ontario’s electricity separatism
Last week, the Government of Ontario introduced the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, which will require Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to open up its procurements for new electricity supply to renewable power projects located in Manitoba and Quebec.
Virtually 100% of Manitoba and Quebec’s electricity is produced by low-cost wind and water power. As a result, Winnipeg’s and Montreal’s residential electricity rates are 30% and almost 50% lower than Toronto’s respectively.
Electricity free trade with our Canadian neighbours will lead to lower electricity rates for Ontario’s homes and business and help us reduce our need to import American gas to keep our lights on. Currently, more than 70% of Ontario’s gas is imported from the U.S.
Premier Ford’s announcement came just two days after Premier Wab Kinew of Manitoba announced that, due to the expiry of Manitoba Hydro export contracts to the U.S., Manitoba will have 450 megawatts (MW) of power available for export to Ontario or western Canada.
 This isn’t a Trump-style Executive order; it is Legislation passed by the province of Ontario Premier Kinew is also calling for the federal government to help expand Canada’s east-west electricity grid.
Next Steps
Currently Ontario’s transmission system has the physical capacity to import 250 MW from Manitoba and 2,050 MW from Quebec, whereas our annual peak day demand for electricity is approximately 23,000 MW.
 Manitoba will have 450 megawatts (MW) of power it would like to sell to Ontario. To maximize the economic and energy security benefits of the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, we need to expand our east-west electricity transmission grid.
According to an IESO report, relatively modest improvements to the Hydro One transmission system in the Ottawa-area would permit us to import an additional 2,000 MW from Quebec. Premier Ford should direct Hydro One to proceed with these improvements ASAP.
In addition, Premier Ford should direct the IESO to work with Manitoba Hydro to evaluate the costs and benefits of expanding our transmission links with Manitoba.
What you can do
Please contact Premier Ford to let him know that you support his plans to open up Ontario’s electricity procurements to renewable power projects located in Manitoba and Quebec. Ask him to expand our east-west electricity transmission system to make the most of this opportunity ASAP.
By Staff
April 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
By Julieta Belen Correa
April 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Online casinos in Canada provide something that brick-and-mortar establishments don’t: bonuses. Some land-based casinos offer special treatment, but it’s often reserved for high-rollers.
Online gambling websites have promotions for all types of players. For example, you can check out AllySpin and see that this casino provides bonuses not just for gamblers, but also for bettors. Here’s an important factor: these promotions have wagering requirements.
This article explains with examples what is a wagering requirement and other crucial factors.
What is a Wagering Requirement?
 It’s a term that explains how many times you must wager the bonus amount. Usually, a wagering requirement is a multiplier, like x20, x30, and so on. You must multiply the amount of funds you get by that number.
Suppose you received CAD 200 with a x25 requirement. You must spend CAD 200 x 25 = CAD 5,000. You can use gifted funds and the deposit amount to complete this requirement.
Players can’t withdraw funds without completing this requirement.
Reasons Why Casinos Implement Them
In the past, when online casinos only starting to gain popularity, companies had to compete for the attention of clients. Some users abused this system and kept claiming bonuses without playing at casinos like AllySpin.
That’s why now we have wagering requirements and other conditions. These are all other reasons:
- Prevent cash-outs without playing.
- Guarantee for profitability.
- Encouragement for longer gameplay.
- Balance of promotional attractiveness and risk.
So, wagering requirements are a strategic tool. Promotions attract users, but they can’ just cash out without gambling.
Other Important Aspects
Most promotions have excluded games on the list. This means they won’t contribute to the wagering requirement. Moreover, some games do contribute, but not as much as slot machines.
So, here’s a table with contribution percentages:
| Game type |
Contribution to wagering requirements |
Notes |
| Slots |
100% |
Most bonuses are designed with slot players in mind. |
| Blackjack |
15–25% |
Varies by casino; often lower due to skill element. |
| Video poker |
10% |
Strategic game, so contributes less. |
| Table/card games |
0–10% |
Generally low contribution. |
| Live dealers |
0–10% |
Live games are limited due to higher payout potential. |
You should also understand that all bonuses at casinos like AllySpin have time limits. They start from 48 hours to 30 days. For example, you must wager winnings from free spins within 48 hours.
Tips to Complete Wagering Requirements
 Here’s a list of a few tips that should be helpful:
- Opt for offers with wagering requirements between x20 and x40 for a better chance of complying.
- Games with a higher Return to Player (RTP) percentage are statistically more likely to result in wins. This means you get more funds to wager without additional spending.
- Play low-volatility games for smaller, but more regular winnings. Hgh-volatility games may offer huge wins, but they are rare.
To conclude, you should carefully read and understand the rules. You have a better chance to not prevent overspending when you select bonuses with reasonable requirements, and play games that contribute more.
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