 By Pepper Parr
October 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
On October 14, 2025, Council considered Finance Report and approved a direction to the Commissioner of Legal and Legislative Services/City Solicitor to release, and thereby waive privilege over, the aggregate amount paid to external litigation expenses in respect of the Ontario Land Tribunal appeal hearing regarding 2020 Lakeshore Road held between April 29, 2024 and May 17, 2024.
 The development would have changed the way people saw their city and how Spencer Smith Park was used. The Ontario Land Tribunal hearing is one of the few the city won. It wasn’t cheap: $405,896.00 On January 8, 2025, the Ontario Land Tribunal released its reasons for a decision in this matter, dismissing appeals of refusals of amendments to the City’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law.
The City retained external legal counsel to represent the City in this matter, along with retained expert witnesses in land use planning, transportation planning and urban design.
This litigation has concluded in full.
In accordance with Council’s direction, the Commissioner of Legal and Legislative Services/City Solicitor confirms that external litigation expenses totaling an aggregate amount of $405,896 were incurred by the City in the litigation of this appeal at the Ontario Land Tribunal.
 By Gazette Staff
October 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Karen Randell, Executive of Food for Life, an organization that has been serving the Region for 30 years, brought to our attention that a Statistics Canada report said grocery price inflation continues to rise at a faster pace than last year, further challenging our neighbours to nourish themselves and their families.
 In a season of plenty, it’s difficult to see so many of our neighbours doing their best to get by, while facing the rising costs that make it harder to keep up and make ends meet.
Food for Life is able to reach 4,500 households weekly through over 90 food access points.
To make an even greater impact, please consider becoming a monthly donor.
This method of giving uses smaller, regular gifts to spread your support over the year, while offering stability that makes an extraordinary difference for our neighbours. Monthly giving provides reliable support that helps us plan ahead to meet emerging needs.
All monthly gifts will be matched until year-end — helping even more individuals, families and seniors access nutritious food.
If you have recently made a gift, please accept our heartfelt thanks. If you have not had a chance to do so, please continue your generous support now. Your gift will help ensure more neighbours can access the nutritious food they need.
 
 By Gazette Staff
October 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
To help fans cheer on the Blue Jays during their World Series home games, Metrolinx is deferring planned Lakeshore West track work that was scheduled for this weekend.
 Additional service to get excited fans to and from the city. Metrolinx is also thrilled to announce the following additional GO train trips to help Jays fans GO home safely after the games this Friday and Saturday:
- Kitchener Line: A NEW trip will depart Union Station at 12:35 a.m., making all station stops and arriving at Kitchener GO at 2:27 a.m.
- Barrie Line: A NEW trip will depart Union Station at 12:30 a.m., making all station stops and arriving at Allandale Waterfront GO at 2:13 a.m.
- Stouffville Line: A NEW trip will depart Union Station at 12:30 a.m., making all station stops and arriving at Old Elm GO at 1:42 a.m.
- Milton Line: On Saturday, October 25 only, a NEW trip will depart Union Station at 12:30 a.m., making all station stops and arriving at Milton GO at 1:30 a.m.
We’re also adding an extra Milton Line trip to help fans get to the game on Saturday, October 25: A NEW trip will depart Milton GO at 5:44 p.m., making all station stops and arriving at Union Station at 6:47 p.m.
 Total mayhem for the hundreds that will congregate outside the Dome tonight. Yesavage will be starting pitcher for Blue Jays Frequent GO train service on Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East lines will still be running as normal to get customers to and from the games on Friday and Saturday.
Please note, on Sunday, October 26 only, Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East service will run on an hourly schedule. Note: There is no Jays game that day.
We expect a large number of fans attending the games and encourage everyone to travel safely. If customers need any assistance, they are encouraged to call Transit Safety Dispatch at 1-877-297-0642 or text ‘HELP’ to 77777.
 By Gazette Staff
October 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery has been doing this for years.
Artizans across the province are invited to submit some of their work, soup bowls in this instance, that are used as a fundraiser for the Art Gallery
 The selection of bowls is immense. They then invite the public to get together for a festive lunch celebrating both culinary and ceramic art while supporting AGB’s programming throughout the year.
Event takes place December 11th noon to 2:00 pm
Choose a handcrafted bowl made by one of our talented artists to take home, then settle in to enjoy a selection of soups and salads from local restaurants, coffee or tea, and dessert. Guests can also do a bit of holiday shopping at the AGB Shop featuring work by Canadian artists.
What to Expect – Delicious Local Fare
Choose from a selection of soups and salads from local restaurants.
 On a vacation a number of years ago, we happened across a ceramic artist who was making a bowl for the event. A Handmade Keepsake
Remember the event with a beautiful, hand-crafted functional ceramic bowl to take home—a perfect memento or gift!
Community Spirit
Enjoy an early holiday lunch with friends while supporting the arts during the AGB’s 50th Anniversary. The purchase of your ticket directly supports our programming, including exhibitions, Family Open Studios, and free public admission.
For information on Soup Bowl or inquiries about Sponsorship opportunities please contact sarah@agb.life.
 By Tom Parkin
October 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
From his heights in the stratosphere, Carney is not seeing the 1.5 million Canadians without a paycheque today.
Canadian unemployment rises as participation falls
To the nearly 1.5 million unemployed Canadians, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s assertion yesterday that “despite everything, our economy is holding up” will not feel true and his plan for “generational investment” offer no hope of better times soon.
StatsCan reports that, despite almost no population growth over the past year, 1,494,000 people were hunting for work in September 2025, 160,000 more than in September 2024 and 300,000 more than September 2023.
According to StatsCan’s most recent estimates, Canada’s population increased just 0.94 per cent from July 31, 2024 and July 31, 2025.
“Generational investments” buys time for Carney, unemployed pay the price
 All he could offer the student audience yesterday was a plan in his budget next month. The prime minister’s speech yesterday to students at the University of Ottawa set out the challenges facing Canada, including U.S. tariffs on lumber, steel, aluminum and autos imports. Integration with the U.S. economy has turned from a strength to a vulnerability, the PM said.
But from the stratospheric heights of his plan for “generational investments” the PM gave no indication he has any shovel-ready plan to create jobs next month or even next year.
Many of the “nation-building” projects being promoted by premiers and assessed by the major projects office have multi-year timelines just to determine feasibility and engineering.
His talk of generational investments and his suspect claim the Canadian economy is “holding up” buys time for Carney. But the cost is paid by families that aren’t holding up.
“Buy Canada” plan moving at glacial speed
Carney’s pace in establishing a “buy Canada” framework has also missed the urgency.
The PM rightfully says Canada needs policies to make Canada “our own best customer.” And yesterday he noted only 40 per cent of steel used in Canada is produced in Canada, a situation he rightly said needs to change.
So when will the rubber hit the road? We are now 10 months into Trump’s tariff attacks, and the pace of Carney’s response has been glacial. All he could offer the student audience yesterday was a plan in his budget next month. And then he gave no hint about the timeline for implementation.
Meanwhile, for months Carney has taken heat from steel manufacturers and the Steelworkers Union for allowing U.S. steel to flow into Canada, adding only a 25 per cent tariff and giving many exceptions while Trump’s 50 per cent tariff has effectively ended Canadian steel exports to the U.S.
When Trump cuts into our vulnerabilities Canada needs to staunch the bleeding on a timeline far more vigorous than Carney has thus far shown.
Unemployment is a today problem
To millions of Canadian, the time is now. But the PM’s message yesterday was to deny their urgency and tell them to hang on.
Those who aren’t holding up and can’t hang on need a political opposition capable of injecting some urgency into Carney’s glacial timelines. Our PM needs to be told 1.5 million unemployed isn’t a statistic. And it’s not even just a tragedy for the 1.5 million Canadians without a paycheque.
Sustained high unemployment is a dangerously destabilizing threat to Canada at a moment we can least afford it. Somebody please tell our PM this is a today problem.
By Gazette Staff
October 24th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Today, the Ontario government introduced the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025 that would, if passed, protect Ontario’s economy and keep workers on the job by cutting red tape, getting shovels in the ground faster and supporting the construction of homes, roads and infrastructure. The proposed legislation also includes measures that would reduce gridlock, relieve backlog at the Landlord and Tenant Board and promote increased supply of rental housing.
“Our government is building a more prosperous, resilient and competitive economy by fighting costly delays and regulatory burdens that slow the delivery of homes, roads and infrastructure that communities need,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “With tariffs and economic uncertainty taking aim at our economy, we’re working with municipal leaders and homebuilders to get shovels in the ground faster so we can build more homes and keep workers on the job.”
The Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, if passed, and related actions would:
- Reduce barriers to building homes and infrastructure by streamlining approvals and site plan control in time for the spring building season. Site plan control is a planning tool that municipalities use to evaluate certain site elements such as parking areas and landscaping, which the province is streamlining to create consistent standards and lower costs for building.
- Undertake a section-by-section review of the Ontario Building Code to reduce regulatory burdens and costs while maintaining safety.
- Address delays and support backlog reduction efforts at the Landlord and Tenant Board by improving the speed and fairness of processes, limiting bad actors from abusing the system and including new measures to help balance the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants to encourage landlords to bring more rental housing online.
- Help cut red tape that is slowing down road construction by moving forward with a common set of road construction standards across all municipalities.
- Speed up decision-making and get shovels in the ground faster for water and wastewater in Peel Region by enabling a new public corporation model for Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon to deliver these services.
- Keep people and goods moving by prohibiting the reduction of vehicle lanes when municipalities install new bicycle lanes.
- Crack down on fraud in Ontario’s licensing system by strengthening eligibility requirements to get an Ontario driver’s licence.
- Help build housing for seasonal farm workers faster by making it easier to put septic systems in place on farm properties.
The Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025 builds on the government’s ongoing work with municipal partners to cut red tape and accelerate housing and transportation infrastructure for the province’s long-term stability, resiliency and prosperity.
- The Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025 builds on the actions in the Protect Ontario by Building Smarter and Faster Act, 2025.
- A report from the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis found that gridlock in Ontario is significantly impacting commuters’ quality of life and costing the province $56 billion a year.
- Ontario invested $6.5 million in 2023-24 to appoint an additional 40 adjudicators and hire five additional staff – more than doubling the number of full-time adjudicators at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) – to help address the backlog, improve timeliness and strengthen client services at the Landlord and Tenant Board. The LTB has since reduced its caseload by 33 per cent since its peak in December 2023.
- Consistent with the rules in place across the rest of the province, Ontario is also removing the City of Toronto’s ability to require so-called green roofs to help lower the cost of construction.
- Ontario farms employ 30,000 agricultural workers who help grow and harvest the food that supports the province’s agricultural sector and food-supply chain.
- Peel Region’s water and wastewater infrastructure is the second largest in Ontario, with assets over $40 billion and serving 1.6 million residents.
Quotes
 Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation “Our government is cutting through red tape to support standardizing the construction of municipal roads so we can keep traffic flowing across the province and drive economic growth as we continue our work to protect Ontario. The legislation we’re tabling today will also enhance road safety by introducing more stringent requirements for driver licensing to crack down on fraud, increase public confidence in our licensing system and ensure Ontario’s roads remain among the safest in North America.”
 Doug Downey, Attorney General of Ontario “Our government is taking action to strengthen Ontario’s rental housing system by delivering faster, fairer and more accessible services. As part of the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, we’re proposing new measures to boost ongoing efforts to address delays and reduce backlogs at the Landlord and Tenant Board—it’s just the latest step in our plan to protect Ontario and help balance the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.”
 Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment “In the face of economic uncertainties, we are speeding up approvals for housing and infrastructure projects, ensuring construction moves forward quickly while safeguarding public health and the environment. These changes will enable the creation of thousands of new homes and jobs near transit through transit-oriented communities. The measures also support Ontario’s farmers by speeding up the development of housing for seasonal workers, protecting our food supply chain and strengthening our economy.”
“The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) appreciates the continued action the Ontario government is taking to reduce delays, modernize approvals, and align housing delivery with critical infrastructure. This legislation reflects a growing partnership between government and industry — one rooted in the shared goal of building more homes, faster. Builders, municipalities, and government are most effective when we move in the same direction, and OHBA looks forward to working with Minister Flack and his colleagues to ensure these measures deliver real, on-the-ground results for Ontario’s builders and homebuyers alike.”
Scott Andison, CEO, Ontario Home Builders’ Association
“FRPO applauds the Ontario government for introducing measures that support timely and effective outcomes at the Landlord & Tenant Board and reduce barriers to purpose-built rental development. Together, these actions will help strengthen Ontario’s housing sector, support fairness for rental-housing providers and residents, and make it easier to bring much-needed rental homes to market. FRPO looks forward to working with the government to advance the successful implementation of these important initiatives.”
Tony Irwin, President & CEO, Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) and President & CEO, Rental Housing Canada
“The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) welcomes this legislation as yet another step by the Ontario government to speed up the provision of new housing, accelerate housing-supportive infrastructure, lower costs and enable more efficient approvals. This bill acknowledges and addresses the importance of producing housing supply faster, at a scale and cost to meet the needs of Ontario families. BILD and the industry look forward to working collaboratively with the province, municipalities and other stakeholders on the implementation of these measures to the benefit of housing supply and affordability.”
Dave Wilkes, President and CEO, Building Industry and Land Development Association
“As builders, we see firsthand how different road specifications from one municipality to the next can slow down critical infrastructure projects and drive-up costs. Standardizing roadbuilding specs is another example of the Ontario government cutting red tape, supporting local jobs and businesses, enhancing infrastructure quality, and ensuring better value for taxpayers.”
– Raly Chakarova, Executive Director, Toronto and Area Road Builders Association
“This legislation represents a transformative step forward for Ontario’s infrastructure delivery. By enabling the harmonization of road construction materials and design standards, the government is addressing long-standing inefficiencies that have driven up costs and slowed project delivery. Greater consistency across jurisdictions will give contractors the certainty they need to plan and invest with confidence — ultimately allowing Ontario to build more, for less.”
Steven Crombie, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Ontario Road Builders Association.
The above was sent to media by provincial communications people. There are informed views that don’t see the situation the government does:
Parkin: ‘Ontario housing market woes came before higher immigration, not because of it’
Housing price collapse in GTA deepens in September
By Nikhil Constant
October 20th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
On October 1, 2025, Ontario increased the minimum wage to $17.60 an hour, starting from $17.20. It is a 40-cent raise that will impact over 800,000 employees throughout the province, with a significant number living in Burlington. That would translate to approximately $832 an annual pre-tax increase to a full-time employee. It is not the life-altering number, but it suffices to change the mindset of people in relation to their monthly expenditure, particularly in the areas of leisure and comforts.
 One of the prime places to just enjoy the city is on the north side of Lakeshore looking out over the lake. The citizens of Burlington are characterized by a balanced lifestyle. They attach importance to work, time with families, and recreation, be it in cycling along the lake, participating in community activities, or visiting local cafes. Even a slight increase in income can transform the appearance of weekends for those who are on a minimum wage. An extra bit of breathing space could include one additional family outing, a night out at a concert, or some impulsive buying that was not accessible earlier.
It is reported that the average Burlington citizen spends approximately $45 a month on leisure and entertainment. An increase in salary would push that figure up quite comfortably. It is possible that more individuals will be willing to visit the local recreation, make short trips locally, or patronize other small businesses that provide experiences instead of necessities. It is a spillover effect, which not only positively impacts the workers but also the community at large.
However, outside and social life is not the only thing that attracts attention when paychecks increase by a few dollars. Digital entertainment usually slips into that new zone of disposable income. Free and cheap online games are convenient, flexible, and need not be a big commitment. There is a high possibility that a variety of workers, and particularly younger workers, may begin to look at quick, casual games during their downtime, which is entertaining yet does not strain the budget. Online poker in Canada has been a typical way of relaxing without spending much, and with the wage raise currently being implemented, more Burlington residents can be motivated to view it as a simple and cheap part of their leisure experience.
Online poker, often in casual form, has become a common selection among those who desire to play poker in short spurts, which do not require hours or huge amounts of money. One can easily sit down and play a couple of hands and walk away without feeling bound to a time. Having an additional spare income may appear to be an innocent method of relaxing after a working day, just like picking up a cup of coffee on the go or having a home cinema.
 Small digital hobbies fit naturally into daily routines. Economists often note that when incomes rise, spending tends to diversify rather than simply expand. People don’t necessarily spend much more; they just try new things. The digital leisure space, apps, streaming platforms, and casual gaming have become one of the main outlets for that exploration. And in Burlington, where the pace of life blends urban comfort with a touch of small-town rhythm, small digital hobbies fit naturally into daily routines.
Ontario’s new minimum wage might not drastically change lifestyles overnight, but it creates a little more space for comfort. For many in Burlington, that might mean a better balance between needs and enjoyment, whether it’s a walk by the lake, a local concert, or a few quiet minutes spent on a favorite online pastime.
By Gazette Staff
October 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Three teachers from the Halton District School Board (HDSB) have been awarded the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.
 Kevin Carter  Phi Tran  Vittorio Iafrate Phi Tran, from Eastview Public School, and Vittorio Iafrate, from T.A. Blakelock High School, have each been recognized with a Certificate of Achievement for Teaching Excellence. Kevin Carter, from Brookdale Public School, has been recognized with a Certificate of Achievement for Teaching Excellence in STEM.
Since 1994, the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence have celebrated exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers from across Canada. To date, more than 1,800 educators have been recognized for their leadership, innovative teaching practices and dedication to helping the next generation of Canadians develop the knowledge and skills they need for future success in an innovation-driven world.
The Prime Minister’s Award website shares the following about Phi Tran’s teaching: “Phi helps students succeed by making school feel welcoming, inclusive, and connected to their lived experience. She creates opportunities for students to explore language and identity in meaningful ways—reading and writing in their home languages, building vocabulary and connections through clubs, and adapting content across subjects to reflect who they are. Phi also builds strong relationships with families and community agencies, ensuring that support extends beyond the classroom.” Learn more.
The Prime Minister’s awards website explains Vittorio Iafrate’s approach to student success: “Vittorio has the kind of classroom where every student feels safe, supported, and capable of success. He sets high expectations while adapting his methods to meet students where they are, whether they’re English language learners or simply need a different way to engage. With the belief that learning is an ongoing journey, Vittorio blends structure with creativity, digital tools, and real-world experiences to make science meaningful and accessible to all.” Learn more.
The Prime Minister’s awards website details Kevin Carter’s approach to supporting student growth: “Kevin recognizes the potential in every student, and uses technology and creative problem solving to meet them where they are. He is known for his warm, adaptable style—using humour, digital tools, and music to make learning accessible and meaningful for all. Kevin believes in a growth mindset and celebrates mistakes as part of the learning process, creating a classroom culture of trust and curiosity.” Learn more.
 “I am so incredibly proud of our educators who have been recognized with the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “This national recognition speaks to the dedication and creativity that HDSB teachers bring to classrooms each day. Phi, Vittorio and Kevin exemplify what it means to lead with purpose by inspiring students to think critically, explore their passions and become lifelong learners. Their achievements reflect the excellence and innovation happening every day in HDSB schools, guiding students toward future success. Phi, Vittorio and Kevin truly embody excellence in teaching and are known by students, colleagues and the Halton community for their ability to connect, motivate and make learning meaningful. Please join me in congratulating them on this remarkable accomplishment.”
By Tom Parkin
October 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Housing price collapse in GTA deepens in September
Government policy failed to check the price surge driven by FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and ultra-low interest rates, and now the resultant price collapse shows no sign of ending.
Average GTA housing unit price down $42k in past year
MLS average benchmark price, Greater Toronto Area
The price of the average housing unit sold in the Greater Toronto Area in September was $9,400 less than the month before, falling to $960,300, according to data from the Canadian Real Estate Association released last week.
Unlike the summers of 2024 or 2023, the 2025 summer buying period did not lift prices as buyers continued to wait, leaving a growing inventory of market listings.
In September, prices continued their usual seasonal down-cycle, but from a lower price base. The flat summer and current stock of listings suggests buyers will continue to look forward to price drops for at least some months to come.
Unchecked boom and resulting bust leaves economic damage
During the 2020-2022 period of ultra-low interest rates, the failure of governments in Ottawa or Queen’s Park to check a massive price bubble allowed the average housing unit purchase price to increase over $450,000. About $320,000 of that price inflation has now been given back.
The damage to Toronto’s economy from the unchecked boom and bust can be seen in stagnant retail sales and thousands upon thousands on owners now facing a mortgage renewal cliff.
Purchases in 2020 made with two per cent mortgage financing are now coming due after a common five year term in an era of four per cent financing. Adding to the insult, the housing may not be sellable for its 2020 purchase price.
Though CMHC has not raised a concern about loan defaults, financing for housing construction has evaporated, leaving building companies idle and trades workers unemployed.
CMHC reports there were only 7,200 Ontario housing unit starts in September, just more than half the 12,500 per month rate required to meet the housing construction target set by the Ford PC government’s own Housing Affordability Task Force.
By Gazette Staff
October 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We now know why Kelly’s Bake Shop store front has not been demolished.
 The facade of Kelly’s on the left and the facade of the white building on the right will be include in the street level of the development that will take up the whole block. Both the façade of what people have known as Kelly’s and the façade of the building that fronts on John Street, historically known as the Ice House, will be kept and made part of the streetscape.
Good idea – kudos to whoever came up with it.
The news came out of ward 2 Councillor ward meeting that was done virtually.
 By Pepper Parr
October 23ed, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
I weep when comments like this come in
“Thank you for this article. I’m not sure I would have read it anywhere else!! Such an important initiative. Why do we feel we can harass and worse threaten, our politicians?? And it must be anonymously. Thanks
 What MB fails to realize is, the moment you decide you do not want to declare who you are, the politicians know you are not going to stand up to them and demand that they be transparent and accountable.
Once they realize that they know that don’t have to serve your interests, they can now serve their own interests – And they do.
Not all of them and not all the time. But most of them and all too often.
You, MB have to find the courage of your convictions and hold them accountable. You, and thousands like you, are all we have
By Gazette Staff
October 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Cheryl Hall makes an excellent point in the comment she posted in the Gazette today.
 The swimmers are doing the training – where was the community support when the ward Councillor was willing to listen?
“Well, all of you who expressed concern about the handling of the RFP and its effects on BAD, it’s members where were you tonight?
“You all were aware Ward 2 Councillor Kearns was holding her open to floor questions meeting at City Hall.
“A wonderful opportunity to question a city councilor on this matter. There were only 6 attendees, 3 in person and 3 online (1 was one of those online).
“I suggest you cannot be as passionate about this issue as you all make out. Whine, whine but do nothing about it.
“BTW Councilor Kearns said check out the City Council’s next agenda, to be published on Friday.”
By Gazette Staff
October 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Yesterday, in the House of Commons:
 Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Burlington’s Mayor, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, and the Halton elected representatives group, which I am honoured to be part of, for launching the Elect Respect campaign.
This initiative began as a conversation among women elected at all levels of government in Burlington, in which we recognized a shared reality of harassment and threats. From those conversations came a commitment to create a safer, more respectful culture in public life. Elect Respect calls on both elected officials and citizens to pledge respectful and inclusive participation in our democracy. It reminds us that debate should be about ideas, not personal attacks, and that integrity and respect must guide our discourse.
Sadly, harassment of elected officials has been on the rise. In 2023, the RCMP reported more than 2,600 threats, which is double what was reported the year before. Campaigns like Elect Respect matter because they call on all of us to set a better tone for our colleagues, for our constituents and for the next generation of leaders.
By Gazette Staff
October 23, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Denise Davy to be at A Different Drummer on Saturday.
 By Ray Rivers
October 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The cancellation of another automotive assembly plant in Ontario has made auto production top of mind. The reality is that North American integrated assembly is now in the toilet. And we’re just watching from the sidelines as each car builder picks up, as if on command, and heads south to Trump land.
 In 1997, TMMC North opened for business in Cambridge, Ontario. The North Plant was TMMC’s first plant expansion and was where the award-winning Corolla was produced for over 20 years. The truth is we are victims of our own doing. We have been conned by the trade tricksters and have ended up making poor choices when it comes to our economy. The first was giving up the US-Canada auto pact in favour of Mulroney’s trade deal. The second was extending that deal to Mexico – NAFTA and CUSMA (USMCA) – which grew the Mexican industry at Canada’s expense.
So Canada should have two primary objectives when it comes to fixing the auto sector:
1. To create employment
2. To protect the environment.
The idea that Canadians build the same number of vehicles they purchase is fundamental. That was the idea behind the 1964 auto trade pact – and it worked. And that was the philosophy used to encourage Toyota and Honda to build their cars here in the 1980’s – the last auto companies to locate manufacturing here since the Mulroney deal.
Canada’s new steel sector tariffs provide a sense of direction for a cogent Canadian industrial strategy. A global 25% tariff on all imported vehicles would give pause to other auto plants thinking of closing up. It would allow Canada to partially repair its frayed relationship China. And it would send a signal to the South Korean and European auto folks to come and build, or suffer the tariff.
 The American Big Three have now turned their backs on the future, which is the EV. Canadians are both a problem and a solution when it comes to fossil fuels and global warming. The easiest solution, to stop burning fossil fuels when cleaner alternatives exist, has also become the biggest hurdle. Big oil, right wing idealists and cultural throwbacks resist every move of the needle. The electric vehicle (EV) is still in its relative infancy, but it is already proving superior to traditional fossil fuel powered vehicles in almost every way.
Given the climate impact of the fossil fuel auto and Canada’s emission limits, applying a 50% tariff on gas guzzlers would not be unreasonable. It might encourage the US makers to live up to their promises to build electric here, for which they have received massive subsidies and left partially built factories vacant.
There will be disruption in the markets, but it’s already here. And the ancillary market for used cars will also likely receive a boost. After all, when there are available used cars, purchasing a new one is just another option. Canada is not closing any doors – in fact opening them for those who care enough about this country to start making cars here. After all, the auto-pact is over, CUSMA will be soon and Canada is all on its own.
The American Big Three have now turned their backs on the future, which is the EV. They are all going back to the fifties with sexy curves and big mother V8 engines to burn up the pavement. Still, at least some of us will still keep buying them, even with the duty. After all, Henry Ford helped start Canada’s auto manufacturing industry by setting up a branch plant here in the early 1900’s.
 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:
Farewell to the Big Three – Adios Big three – Stellantis – Trump’s Trade War – EV Sales Record – Carney on Stellantis –
 By Stefan Almgren
October 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
For all the innovation in online gambling — new payment methods, better security, slicker platforms — one part of the industry has been stuck in the past: how casino review sites operate.
Spend five minutes searching for “best online casinos” and you’ll find dozens of websites all claiming to offer impartial rankings and expert recommendations. But ask how they reach those conclusions, or whether the sites are paid by the very brands they’re promoting, and things get fuzzy fast.
It’s a problem that’s eroded trust with players and regulators alike. And for most affiliates, the business incentives haven’t really encouraged change. But one Canadian platform, eCheckCasinos.ca, is taking a different approach — one that’s less about loud marketing claims and more about showing their work.
A Different Kind of Casino Review Site
eCheckCasinos.ca has no interest in being yet another “all things gambling” website. Its entire focus is on a single piece of the puzzle: casinos that let players move money with eChecks. It might sound like a small slice of the industry, but that’s exactly the point. By narrowing the scope, the team can actually go deep — the kind of deep that most comparison sites don’t bother with.
Instead of rattling off brand names and listing whatever welcome bonuses are floating around that month, they look at how these casinos actually work in practice. Which banks approve the transfers and which don’t? How many business days does a withdrawal really take? What identity checks are triggered when you try to cash out? Those details are where most review sites stop digging — but they’re the ones that make or break a player’s experience.
 The old way of doing casino reviews is starting to look outdated. The company’s founder says that level of specificity is exactly where most review platforms fall short.
“Too many sites write for clicks, not for players,” he told us. “Our thinking is, if someone’s trusting you with information about where to send their money, you owe them more than a generic listicle.”
Enter Lucy Adegbe: The Fact-Checker
To back up that philosophy, eCheckCasinos.ca made a move most gambling affiliates wouldn’t even consider: they brought on a dedicated fact-checker.
Part of that “dig deeper” strategy is bringing someone in whose job is to check everything twice. That’s where Lucy Adegbe comes in. Before joining eCheckCasinos.ca, she spent years at Investopedia, where she built a reputation for making complex financial systems understandable. Her background spans crypto, fintech, and payments — not the usual path into the gambling space, and that’s exactly why she fits.
Adegbe’s career actually started in the middle of the 2018 crypto boom, when she was writing and trading at the same time. Since then she’s worked with payment startups across Africa and Europe, and she’s seen firsthand how messy financial claims can be. “I’ve learned not to accept anything at face value,” she says. “If a casino says you’ll get your money back in 24 hours, I want to see the transaction data. If they say they’re licensed, I’m going to pull the regulator’s records myself.”
That background in Nigeria’s challenging financial landscape taught her a certain skepticism — one that’s now built into every review the site publishes.
Pulling Back the Curtain
 Where did the data come from? Fact-checking is just one part of the company’s broader plan to be more transparent about how it operates. eCheckCasinos.ca recently published a public “transparency hub” outlining how it evaluates casinos, how it makes money, and what factors influence its rankings. It also started storing documentation on GitHub, which means anyone can track changes to its editorial guidelines over time.
It’s an unusual move in a space that’s built on opacity. Most casino review sites don’t disclose how they pick their “top” brands or how much those brands pay for exposure. Many don’t even explain how they test platforms — if they test them at all.
“Transparency shouldn’t be a marketing tool,” Adegbe says. “It should just be part of doing business.”
Why This Shift Matters Now
This kind of honesty isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore — it’s quickly becoming a necessity. Regulators in Canada and the EU are paying closer attention to how gambling is promoted online, and there’s increasing scrutiny on affiliate websites that blur the line between editorial content and advertising.
Players, too, have become more skeptical. A decade ago, a simple “Top 10” list was enough to attract clicks. Today, users want deeper information: how a site handles payments, whether it’s licensed in their province, how customer support performs, and how those claims have been verified. Without that, most “review” sites feel interchangeable — and untrustworthy.
That’s why eCheckCasinos.ca’s leadership believes openness could soon become a competitive edge rather than a risk. By showing their work — literally — they’re betting that trust will convert better than traffic.
More Than Marketing
There’s a temptation to see moves like this as a branding exercise — and to some extent, of course, they are. But beneath that, there’s a deeper strategic calculation: if affiliate review sites want to survive long-term, they’ll need to adapt to a more regulated, more skeptical market.
What eCheckCasinos.ca is doing isn’t revolutionary. It’s closer to what financial publishers, SaaS review sites, and health content platforms have been doing for years: bringing in subject-matter experts, publishing editorial standards, citing sources, and treating accuracy as a feature rather than an afterthought.
The difference is that no one in the online gambling space has really done it at this scale before. And that might be the point.
The Takeaway
The affiliate model isn’t going anywhere. Casinos will always need partners to help players discover their platforms. But the days of unverified reviews and vague scoring systems are numbered. As the industry matures, the sites that thrive will be the ones that treat credibility not as a compliance box to check, but as the product itself.
eCheckCasinos.ca isn’t pretending to have solved the trust problem overnight. But by publishing how it works, by verifying its content before it goes live, and by hiring someone like Lucy Adegbe to hold it accountable, it’s sending a clear message: the old way of doing casino reviews is starting to look outdated.
And if players have a choice between “just another top 10 list” and a site that shows them exactly how those rankings were made — well, the smart money’s on the latter.
By Pepper Parr
October 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) are expected to hold a meeting on Thursday and elect at least five people to the Board.
 Fighting for its life. The additional talent and a new club president will allow BAD to focus on the significant issues it faces.
New data on just what the membership is at this point in time should bring some clarity to pressing questions.
It is not clear at this point what the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC) membership numbers are and exactly where its members live – if they don’t live in Burlington, many ask why are they being included in the discussions reported to be taking place with people at city hall.
 Kearns: Will her Motion get to the point where it is debated? Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns is understood to be putting a Motion forward at the November Council meeting to have the way the decisions on pool time allocation sent to the City Auditor for review. That intention has been mentioned in conversations going back to last August.
Based on how City Council has responded to this issue up to this point, there is considerable doubt that the motion will actually get to the point where it will be debated.
A majority of Council just want this issue to go away. With a stronger Executive running BAD starting on Thursday, Council can expect to find itself facing a determined bunch of people.
Not something you want to do heading into the next municipal election which takes place in October of 2026.
 By Gazette Staff
October 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
A new national survey from Léger and United Way Centraide Canada reveals a stark picture of growing financial strain across the country, one that is increasingly visible in Halton and Hamilton communities.
According to the 2025 United Way Centraide Financial Anxiety Survey, more than half of Canadians (55%) say thinking about their finances makes them feel anxious,
and 41% experience physical stress symptoms when talking about money.
Alarmingly, 42% of people in Canada report that if they lost their main source of income, they could only cover basic expenses for less than one month.
Financial stress is taking a real toll on Canadians’ well-being. More than one-third (35%) say they lose sleep over money, 32% report family conflict or tension due to financial pressure, and 30% struggle to focus at work or school because of financial worries. Even higher rates of anxiety and sleeplessness are reported among lower- income households, where two-thirds (67%) of Canadians earning under $40,000 report feeling anxious about their finances.
“The data makes one thing clear. Financial anxiety is a crisis that goes far beyond people’s wallets,” says Brad Park, President & CEO, United Way Halton & Hamilton. “It affects mental health, relationships, and community stability. Here in Halton and Hamilton, families are feeling those same pressures every day.”
Fin ncial Strain Hitting Home in Halton and Hamilton
While the national data paints a worrying picture, local indicators reveal that many families in Halton and Hamilton are living with growing uncertainty and financial stress. According to data from Community Development Halton and the Social Planning & Research Council of Hamilton:
Child poverty has climbed to 6% in Halton and remains at 13% in Hamilton, above regional averages.
The living wage needed to afford basic necessities is now $26.00/hour in Halton and $21.30/hour in Hamilton, both far above Ontario’s minimum
Food insecurity continues to rise, with food program usage up 25% in Halton since 2023 and food bank demand in Hamilton increasing steadily each year.
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- 6% of Halton households spend more than 6% of their income on home energy costs, leaving less for food, childcare, and other essentials.
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- Nearly 1 in 5 local residents contacting 211 cite financial or housing-related distress as a top concern.
Despite their different economic profiles, both regions face shared challenges, from housing and food insecurity to income instability, that are intensifying the daily stress experienced by residents.
By Natalia Buriy
October 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada’s vast geography creates distinct cleaning challenges for homeowners across the country. From the Atlantic coast to the Pacific shore, each region faces unique environmental conditions. These conditions bring specific types of dirt, dust, and allergens into our homes. Understanding these regional differences helps residents maintain cleaner, healthier living spaces.
 Dust on the prairies. Climate patterns, local vegetation, and geographical features all influence what accumulates in Canadian homes. Urban environments add their own layer of complexity with industrial pollution and traffic-related particles. Professionals specializing in Calgary house cleaning recognize that prairie dust presents entirely different challenges than coastal humidity or northern winters. Let’s explore how location shapes the cleaning needs of homes across Canada’s diverse landscape.
The Prairie Province Challenge: Calgary and Edmonton
Alberta’s prairie cities face some of Canada’s most demanding cleaning conditions. The region’s famous Chinook winds don’t just bring warm weather. These powerful air currents carry massive amounts of dust and debris. During dry spells, fine prairie dust infiltrates every crack and crevice of homes.
Calgary experiences particularly intense dust storms during spring and fall. The wind picks up dry topsoil from surrounding farmland and construction sites. This dust is incredibly fine, almost powder-like in texture. It settles on every surface within hours of cleaning. Window sills, baseboards, and electronics show visible dust accumulation daily.
Edmonton faces similar challenges with an added twist. The city’s river valley creates unique wind patterns that swirl dust and pollen through neighborhoods. Spring brings cottonwood fluff that blankets outdoor spaces and finds its way indoors. This fluffy material combines with dust to create stubborn buildup on screens and vents.
Winter in prairie cities introduces different problems. Road salt and sand tracked indoors create gritty residue on floors. The extreme temperature fluctuations cause condensation on windows. This moisture combines with dust to form muddy streaks that require special cleaning attention.
Vancouver’s Moisture and Mold Concerns
British Columbia’s coastal climate presents opposite challenges from the prairies. Vancouver receives substantial rainfall throughout the year. This constant moisture creates perfect conditions for mold and mildew growth. Bathrooms, basements, and poorly ventilated areas become breeding grounds for these organisms.
The city’s mild, wet winters mean homes rarely get the drying effect of prairie cold snaps. Humidity levels inside homes stay elevated for months. This moisture attracts dust mites, which thrive in damp environments. Bedding, upholstery, and carpets harbor these microscopic pests in higher concentrations than drier climates.
 Vancouver knows how to handle rain. Vancouver’s lush vegetation contributes significant pollen during spring and summer. Cedar, alder, and grass pollens infiltrate homes through open windows and on clothing. The moisture in the air causes pollen to stick to surfaces rather than settling loosely like in dry climates. This makes removal more difficult and time-consuming.
Coastal air also carries salt particles that settle on windows and exterior surfaces. These particles attract and hold moisture, creating spots and streaks. The salt accelerates corrosion of metal fixtures and hardware. Regular cleaning becomes essential to prevent permanent damage.
Toronto’s Urban Pollution and Seasonal Extremes
Canada’s largest city combines urban pollution with dramatic seasonal changes. Toronto’s dense traffic produces exhaust particles that settle on everything. This black, oily residue coats windows, sills, and outdoor furniture. It requires stronger cleaning solutions than simple dust.
 Leaves are something children play in – cleaning up is something else. The city’s proximity to Lake Ontario creates high humidity during the summer months. This humid air carries industrial pollutants from manufacturing areas. These particles combine with moisture to form sticky grime that’s particularly stubborn. Kitchen surfaces and bathroom fixtures show buildup quickly despite regular cleaning.
Toronto experiences true four-season weather with its own cleaning implications. Spring brings tree pollen from the city’s extensive urban forest. Maple, oak, and birch trees release allergenic pollen that coats cars and infiltrates homes. Summer humidity allows mold growth in air conditioning systems and damp basements.
Fall leaf debris creates outdoor messes that get tracked indoors constantly. Winter brings the double challenge of road salt and ice-melting chemicals. These substances leave white, crusty residue on floors and carpets. They also damage hardwood finishes if not cleaned promptly and properly.
Montreal’s Winter Salt and Construction Dust
Quebec’s largest city battles unique cleaning challenges tied to its harsh winters and constant construction. Montreal uses enormous amounts of road salt and abrasive materials during the winter months. Residents track this into homes on shoes and boots. The volume of these materials exceeds what most other Canadian cities experience.
The salt doesn’t just dirty floors. It creates a chemical residue that damages hardwood, tile grout, and stone surfaces. White, crusty buildup appears along baseboards and entryways. This requires specific cleaning approaches to remove without causing further damage.
Montreal’s infrastructure renewal means construction dust is nearly constant in many neighborhoods. Concrete dust from roadwork and building projects settles on homes blocks away from the actual sites. This dust is particularly fine and alkaline. It requires specialized cleaning to avoid scratching surfaces or leaving hazy films.
The city’s older housing stock presents additional challenges. Many buildings have aging ventilation systems that circulate dust inefficiently. Historic homes with original plaster walls generate fine dust as materials age. These factors combine to create higher dust levels than in newer construction in other cities.
Winnipeg’s Extreme Temperature Swings
 Winter cold creates unique street cleaning demands. Manitoba’s capital endures Canada’s most extreme temperature variations. Summer heat and winter cold create unique cleaning demands. The dramatic temperature swings cause significant condensation issues. Windows develop ice buildup in winter that melts and drips when indoor heat rises.
Winnipeg’s position at the convergence of prairie winds means dust storms rival those in Alberta. However, the Red River valley adds clay-based soil to the mix. This heavier dust doesn’t stay airborne as long but creates thicker deposits. It’s harder to remove from fabrics and carpets than lighter prairie dust.
Spring flooding concerns mean many Winnipeg homes have sump pumps and dehumidifiers running regularly. These systems help prevent water damage but require maintenance and cleaning themselves. Basement moisture issues demand vigilant mold prevention through consistent cleaning routines.
The city’s mosquito population, among Canada’s largest, means screens and window frames need regular attention. Dead insects accumulate quickly during the summer months. They attract other pests and create additional cleaning tasks.
Atlantic Canada’s Salt Air and Humidity
Maritime provinces face challenges from ocean proximity. Halifax, Saint John, and St. John’s all deal with salt-laden air. This salty moisture accelerates corrosion and creates sticky residue on surfaces. Windows develop salt film that attracts dirt and requires frequent cleaning.
 In Halifax, you don’t see the salt air – you feel it and you breathe it. Atlantic humidity levels stay high year-round. Mold and mildew growth happens faster than in continental climates. Closets, bathrooms, and basements need aggressive moisture control. Dehumidifiers run constantly, but proper cleaning remains essential to prevent fungal growth.
Coastal storms bring additional cleaning challenges. High winds drive rain horizontally, finding gaps around windows and doors. This creates water infiltration issues that demand immediate attention. Storm debris includes sand, seaweed, and salt spray that coat exterior surfaces.
The region’s older housing stock often lacks modern ventilation systems. This means moisture and odors linger longer than in newer homes. Traditional cleaning methods must be supplemented with improved air circulation and moisture management.
Adapting Your Cleaning Strategy
Recognizing your region’s specific challenges allows for targeted cleaning approaches. Prairie residents need strategies for managing constant dust infiltration. Daily dusting and frequent filter changes become essential rather than optional. Sealing gaps around windows and doors reduces but doesn’t eliminate dust entry.
Coastal residents must prioritize moisture control and mold prevention. Regular deep cleaning of bathrooms and basements prevents minor issues from becoming major problems. Dehumidifiers help, but they work best combined with consistent surface cleaning.
Urban residents in Toronto and Montreal benefit from focusing on pollution-related grime. Heavy-duty cleaning solutions work better than mild alternatives for traffic residue. Frequent window cleaning maintains visibility and prevents permanent staining.
Professional Solutions for Regional Challenges
Every Canadian region presents unique cleaning obstacles that test homeowners’ abilities. Sometimes the combination of climate, environment, and lifestyle creates situations beyond typical household cleaning capabilities. Professional cleaning services understand regional differences and adapt their methods accordingly.
Double Clean professionals recognize that effective cleaning strategies must match local environmental conditions. They use appropriate techniques and products for each region’s specific challenges. Whether battling prairie dust, coastal moisture, or urban pollution, experienced cleaners deliver results that protect your home and improve your living environment throughout Canada’s diverse climate zones.
 By Sadie Smith
October 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Throughout Burlington, increasingly, individuals have been reaching out to online gaming to relax and bring a splash of colour to their day. Among the favourites of these options are online slot games that have attractive visuals, popular themes and quick fire. With advances in technology and increased access, these games have become commonplace.
How Burlington Residents are Discovering Online Slots
In recent years, Burlington’s entertainment scene has stretched beyond trails, events and restaurants. Online slot games have become popular among many people who have made this form of entertainment a convenient and pleasant way to pass the time, at home or while traveling. Unlike traditional casinos that require travel, online platforms provide instant access through mobile apps and secure websites, allowing you to play whenever you have a few spare minutes.
 From spins on a lunch break to unwinding at home in the evening, ever more people in Burlington are uncovering the enjoyment and diversity of online slot games. Here’s how digital leisure is bringing a new zest to leisure time in the city. It’s all about convenience. Rather than big spends or extended play, punters can pop in and out of games fast, have a few spins while lunch is baking, or browse the day’s news. This combination of convenience and entertainment fits Burlington’s life to a T.
In expanding to new gaming platforms, numerous players also like to play themed games based on their interests. Adventure, sports, fantasy, or even nature-based slots provide familiarity to the player to escape with no sense of obligation or complexity easily. As part of this trend, it’s no surprise that have gained popularity among locals who appreciate both quality design and locally relevant gaming options.
The Appeal of Easy Entertainment in a Busy Lifestyle
Online slot games go with the times so well because they provide entertainment and flexibility on an uncomplicated level. Colourful graphics and soundtracks combined with uncomplicated gameplay make it a piece of cake to disengage from everyday stresses.
It’s entertainment over winning with many. Speed and variety of games make each session new. Some like nostalgic, old-school slot machines, while others prefer narrative or cinematic games that incorporate animations and bonuses to spice up the excitement. This variety of options goes part of the way to explain why online gaming has become a standard fixture in Burlington homes.
Moreover, online slot games often include free play modes or practice rounds, allowing you to experience the fun without any pressure. This accessibility appeals to casual users who want entertainment that’s low-risk and easy to manage.
Cell Phone Access and Game Selection
Technology has changed the face of entertainment among Burlington residents and online gaming is a great example. These new-age slot systems have user-friendly interfaces, vibrant graphics and reliable payment systems that make them safe and convenient. Mobile access has especially changed gaming by eliminating location and timing restrictions; you can have it quickly and efficiently while lounging at home or at a café.
Game developers have also added hundreds of unique creative themes and interactions to ensure that you stay interested. From ancient times to the future, there’s a slot machine to suit all tastes. Most have added leaderboards, in-game challenges, and social capabilities to give it a bit of friendly competition to make it all the more interesting.
The ease of getting started is also a contributor to the rise in popularity of Burlington’s online slots. Players aren’t required to have advanced skills or strategies. The games have been created to have an ease-of-use and reward function. It’s entertainment that blends the simple with the exhilaration and it appeals to all types of adults in the quest to have stress-free leisure.
Safe, Smart, and Responsible Gaming in Burlington
 Burlington residents have always been down-to-earth and level-headed with new trends and that includes gaming. Ensuring safe gaming practices is essential. Establishing personal boundaries, both in terms of time and money, ensures that it stays fun and in control. Many websites now include built-in functions to track play, establish spending limits, or voluntarily break intervals.
Licenced platforms and community organisations also give access to knowledge on good gaming practice. It’s a straightforward message: always treat online gaming as a source of entertainment and not a money earner. With that attitude, bettors will have the advantage to benefit from the social and creative experience of the games with no unnecessary pressure.
Community and Connection
Online gaming can be an individual experience, but it’s surprising how social it can be. Burlington locals love to socialise and share stories of popular games or unusual victories. Online communities and social media groups dedicated to casual gaming have made it simple to connect based on common interests, share new releases, or share tips.
Some local organizations are exploring hosting informal “game nights” where fellow members play together over the Internet or discuss popular titles. Such online interactions provide a sense of community to what could otherwise be considered an individual leisure activity.
It’s this mix of enjoyment, diversity and togetherness that’s propelling the popularity of online slot games in Burlington. They’ve become an extension of the city’s culture of entertainment, providing a fun, bright and versatile means of entertainment for individuals to have a good time on their own schedule.
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