 By Ralph Freed
March 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The idea of a “smart city” has been increasingly important in Burlington’s future vision as it develops into a progressive metropolis. A smart city uses technology to improve resident quality of living, boost efficiency, and advance environmentally friendly growth. Burlington is laying the groundwork for a vibrant, interconnected urban environment using modern technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), digital infrastructure, and community involvement apps.
Embracing Technology: The Core of Burlington’s Smart City Vision
 Colour of Pier lights change regularly to celebrate different events and occasions. Burlington’s dedication to incorporating technology into daily life fuels its goal toward smart city goals. To provide a more connected and responsive environment, the city has adopted the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is the network of devices interacting with one another to exchange data thereby enhancing city services and resident quality of living. Burlington is putting smart streetlights, for instance, that adjust their brightness based on traffic conditions or the time of day. This not only saves energy but also guarantees enough lighting when it’s most needed, therefore enhancing safety.
The city is additionally looking into the use of smart sensors to track traffic flow and air quality, therefore providing real-time data available to maximize infrastructure and lower congestion. Burlington is opening the path for a more environmentally friendly and effective urban experience with these developments.
Digital Infrastructure: Building a Strong Foundation for Innovation
Strong digital infrastructure is what a smart city depends on, so Burlington is heavily funding this field. The city is expanding the availability of high-speed internet to guarantee consistent and rapid connections for every citizen. In a world where digital platforms are progressively shaping daily life, this is absolutely vital. High-speed internet is essential for a smart city’s success, whether it means using government services, working remotely, or just keeping in touch with friends.
Burlington’s dedication to digital infrastructure encompasses governmental services as well. Residents may pay bills, report problems like potholes or broken streetlights, and access a host of other municipal services using the city’s newly created online platform. This digital change guarantees that the administration is more reachable to everybody and helps inhabitants connect with their city.
Community Engagement and Smart Apps: Empowering Residents
Community involvement is a fundamental component of Burlington’s smart city project. The city has developed several apps and platforms meant to keep its citizens updated and active in the process of making decisions. These instruments enable flawless communication between the city and its people, therefore strengthening the sense of community and motivating involvement in public events.
 Engaging electronically Burlington’s city app, for instance, lets citizens get real-time notifications on anything from road closures to upcoming events. It also gives neighbors an opportunity to express concerns, document problems, and offer feedback on city projects. This strategy enables people to actively participate in determining the trajectory of their community, therefore guaranteeing that the development of the city fits the needs and aspirations of its people.
Integrating Digital Entertainment into Burlington’s Smart City Plan
Burlington is not only paying attention to fundamental services but also thinking about how digital entertainment might be included into its more general objectives as it works toward being a smart city. With many people using digital entertainment—including online gaming—for leisure and amusement, it has grown to be a more and more crucial part of metropolitan life.
Jackpot City Canada and other sites provide an excellent example of how digital entertainment could be incorporated into the fabric of a smart city. Burlington understands the growing need for online gaming and other digital entertainment choices even if it is not emphasizing casino-style entertainment. This kind of leisure activity can be a significant component of the smart city ecosystem since it gives inhabitants several digital choices for social interaction and leisure.
Furthermore, Burlington has to remain aware of responsible gaming and safety online even as the city adopts digital entertainment technologies. Although the integration of such technologies can bring financial gains, it is important to do it in line with the values of the city regarding community well-being and responsible use of technology.
The Path Ahead: Smart Cities as the Future of Urban Living
Burlington’s ambitious, forward-looking plan to become a smart city will help to define urban living moving forward. Burlington sets an example for other communities to follow by embracing IoT, funding digital infrastructure, and encouraging community involvement.
 Jackpot City Canada’s and other digital entertainment platforms’ integration emphasizes the city’s readiness to evolve with the needs and interests of its people. Burlington’s initiatives to build a smart city will guarantee that it stays a dynamic, sustainable, and connected destination for future generations as technology continues to transform cities. Though the path ahead may be difficult, Burlington is headed toward becoming an actual smart city where technology and community will coexist for the benefit of all by means of a clear vision and suitable investments.
 By Staff
March 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) announces the launch of the Bruce Trail GeoHikes Hub, a free virtual geology education program developed in collaboration with the APGO Education Foundation and the McMaster University School of Earth, Environment & Society.
Bruce Trail GeoHikes are interactive digital tools that offer Bruce Trail users an accessible and innovative way of learning more about the geology of the Niagara Escarpment. Each GeoHike is a one to three-hour non-intensive self-guided tour that highlights the significance of the local geology. GeoHikes can be used as guides while walking the Trail in person, or as a virtual alternative at home or in the classroom.
 Ball’s Falls. Photo by Brooke Kochan. (CNW Group/Bruce Trail Conservancy) Most GeoHikes include virtual 3D models that show the locations of fossils and other geological features, 360-degree photos or drone videos, slide bars with overlays of important features or geologic information, and written and audio descriptions of the geology.
“For over 60 years the Bruce Trail has brought people into greater connection with nature, and specifically the Niagara Escarpment. In addition to the incredible biodiversity that can be found here are geological features that tell the fascinating history of the landscape.
“Over the past 3 years the BTC has taken their goal of covering the Bruce Trail with interesting and informative GeoHikes from concept to realty.
There are currently nine Bruce Trail GeoHikes available, which include popular destinations such as Ball’s Falls in the Niagara Region, Tiffany Falls in Hamilton, and the Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon. An additional 12 Bruce Trail GeoHikes throughout the 1,300 km Bruce Trail system will go live this spring, including four on the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula.
“The GeoHikes contained within the Bruce Trail Hub are easily accessible guides that aim to inform the public about the fascinating geological features they can see at selected sites along the Bruce Trail. The GeoHikes have been researched and compiled largely by undergraduate students at McMaster University who have not only learned about the geology of the Niagara Escarpment but also have gained experience in communicating scientific information to the public.
For more information and to access Bruce Trail GeoHikes visit geoscienceinfo.com/bruce-trail-hub/.
About the Bruce Trail Conservancy
The Bruce Trail Conservancy is one of Ontario’s largest land trusts that secures, protects and restores the vulnerable habitat and biodiversity of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere. For more than 60 years we have responsibly connected people to nature through the Bruce Trail. We are a member-driven, volunteer-based, charitable organization governed by a 19-member Board of Directors. Working with each of the nine Bruce Trail Clubs, we are committed to caring for the Bruce Trail and to preserving land along its route. The Bruce Trail Conservancy is a leading Canadian environmental charity and has been named one of the Top 100 Charities in Canada by Charity Intelligence.
About the APGO Education Foundation
The APGO Education Foundation is a registered charitable organization under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. The purpose of the charity is to advance the education of the public in the area of geoscience – see https://apgoef.ca. GeoscienceINFO.com, developed by the Foundation, is an innovative one-stop spot for the public to gather information about the earth beneath their feet. This website provides interesting information on all facets of geoscience. A particularly exciting feature of GeoscienceINFO.com is the highlighting of virtual field trips in different areas in Ontario. This enables viewers to experience and learn about the geology of an area while traversing it digitally in ESRI ArcGIS OnlineTM and StoryMapsTM.
 By Staff
March 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The mandatory requirement for high-school students to complete 40-hours of volunteering was implemented about 20 years ago. Since then, questions have arisen about how this requirement affects youth. Originally intended to promote volunteering in youth, concerns have arisen on whether this requirement has turned volunteering into a transaction (i.e. volunteering to get the minimum 40-hour requirement).
Further, some organizations have moved away from recruiting youth volunteers or may have shifts that don’t work well for youth. Community Development Halton is interested in exploring what it takes to empower youth to volunteer, and how organizations can change their practices to encourage youth volunteering.
 Community Development Halton (CDH) is offering a new year-long volunteer opportunity for youth in the City of Burlington! CDH is assembling a team of Youth Researcher Volunteers, currently residing in Burlington, to conduct research on volunteering in the City of Burlington. Youth will be trained to conduct research on the facilitators and barriers to volunteering faced by those 14 to 24 years of age.
Interested in learning more? Join the Youth Engagement Coordinator via ZOOM on March 13 at 7:00pm or March 20 at 7:00pm to learn more about this opportunity and the research project that recruited youth volunteers will conduct on the state of youth volunteering in Burlington.
Click here to Register
The target audience for this information session are youth residing in Burlington between the ages of 14 to 24, their families/guardians, as well as high school teachers and guidance counsellors, and nonprofit organizations focused on supporting youth in Burlington.
 By Staff
March 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Following the results of the 2025 Ontario general election, Premier Doug Ford and the Executive Council will be sworn-in by the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
 The Legislature at Queen’s Park The Legislature will be called back on Monday, April 14, 2025, to begin the 44th session of Parliament.
 Andrea Grebenc  Natalie Pierre We will know at that time if Andrea Grebenc or Natalie Pierre will be seated as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Burlington. A Judicial Recount of the ballots has been requested.
The government’s plans and priorities for the new session will be outlined in the Speech from the Throne, to be delivered by the Lieutenant Governor on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Related news stories:
The ballot count.
Recount requested.
 By Staff
March 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Starting this Friday in the late evening until end of service Sunday, March 9, Lakeshore West rail service will be temporarily modified to accommodate critical track work that will bring faster, more frequent service across the network.
During this time, there will be no train service between Oakville and West Harbour GO stations. Regular GO Train service will continue between Union Station and Oakville GO only.
On Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9:
- There will be no GO Transit service at Appleby or Bronte GO stations; however, existing early morning and late-night route 18 GO buses will continue to serve Appleby and Bronte GO stations.
- Trips to Niagara will run between Aldershot GO and Niagara Falls GO only.
- The following replacement GO Buses will be in service:
- 18E will run between Oakville, Burlington, Aldershot, Hamilton and West Harbour GO.
- 18P will run between Oakville, Burlington and Aldershot GO.
- 18Y will run between Oakville and Burlington GO.
- 18Z will run between Oakville and Aldershot GO.
GO Bus Routes 12, 15 and 18 connection times will be modified. GO Bus connection times will also be adjusted and customers can expect longer than usual wait times. Please check schedules before travelling as trip times could depart earlier or later than usual.
More information about Lakeshore West service adjustments and alternate route options is available HERE.
Regular service will resume on Monday, March 10.
Riders can transfer for free with One Fare between GO Transit and most local agencies, including the TTC. Customers are encouraged to use gotransit.com to plan their trips. You can also check the GO Transit Service Updates page for real-time details.
 By Staff
March 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Andrea Grebenc At 5:42 pm last night the Gazette was advised by an official of the Burlington Liberal Party that ” … that we have submitted an application for a recount but we have no further comment at this time.”
Andrea Grebenc, the Liberal candidate in the recent provincial election, came in 40 votes short of the Progressive Conservative candidate Natalie Pierre.
Related news story:
The ballot count.
 By Staff
March 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington is Now Recruiting for Board Positions – Join them in Shaping Arts and Culture!
Are you passionate about the arts and eager to enhance your community’s cultural scene? Become a vital member of the Art Gallery of Burlington Board.
Connect with like-minded professionals and community leaders who share your dedication to arts and culture. The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is currently seeking to fill Board positions for June 2025.
How to Apply:
Submit the following information by e-mail to the AGB Board Governance & Nominating Committee at board@agb.life on or before March 31, 2025:
- Cover letter expressing intent to apply;
- CV
By Pepper Parr
March 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
At 11:41 today the U.S. Secretary of Commerce told CNBC that “he expects an agreement Thursday on goods he says are compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade.
 Donald Trump should be thinking about the stupid decision he made. Harold Lutnick, left, his Secretary of State , should give Trump the help he badly needs.  Is this the third or the 4th time the American’s have blinked in the lead up to and the actual start of the trade war?
Are we going to have to bloody their noses before they find a way to back down?
Keep it up Canada!
 By Tom Parkin
March 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
More than a third of Conservatives don’t want Canada to retaliate against Trump’s tariff attack.
Donald Trump today launched an economic war on Canadians and has pledged to annex Canada as the 51st state, but a third of Conservatives think Donald Trump is pretty darn swell, according to an Angus Reid Institute poll released this morning.
Continue reading Despite attacks and threats, a third of Conservative voters favour Donald Trump
By Pepper Parr
March 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We asked the Ontario Liberal Party what there was in the way of plans to ask for a Judicial recount of the votes cast in the February 27th provincial election.
Eric Osborne, an Ontario Liberal Party staff member told the Gazette: “We are currently looking into a request for a recount and are hoping to have a decision made in the coming days.”
 There are 401 ballots that were not allocated to a candidate. In the event that the Courts decide that a Judicial recount is justified these are the ballots that will get a close look. The following data was published by Elections Ontario:
175 ballots were rejected as to marking
148 ballots were unmarked by voter
78 voters were declined by voters
Would a closer look at those ballots result in reconsideration?
That is what will be discussed when the application for a Judicial recount is made.
The Legislature is not scheduled to return until March 17th.
 Natalie Pierre at 11:30 p.m. on election night. At that time final results were still not in giving Pierre a slim 345 vote lead over Liberal candidate Andrea Grebenc. The final count had Pierre with a 40 vote lead.  The Andrea Grebenc campaign has said they will not be making any statements.
Natalie Pierre doesn’t talk to media.
 By Albert Denim
March 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Travel, the one luxury many of us would say that we can’t do without. As we know, Canada, and particularly our home of Burlington, is a place that spoils us with destinations to visit and stunning landscapes to take in. However, sometimes we want to make it a little bit further than our own neighbourhood, spread our wings, and make that travel international. In some cases, that even extends to visiting our neighbours to the south – the good old US of A.
 Beaches and casinos – almost as far as the eye can see. One destination often overlooked – largely because of its proximity to one of the world’s biggest metropolises, New York – is Atlantic City. Yes, it might be dwarfed in its scale by another casino-adjacent center of tourism in Las Vegas, but it has a lot going for it on a number of different fronts.
So what should Canadian visitors to New Jersey’s answer to Vegas know about the city and what tips should they follow?
A Casino Destination Without Hours of Travel
Las Vegas is the biggest gaming destination in the US. In fact, it can probably claim to be the biggest in the world, alongside Macau and Monaco. However, Burlington to Vegas means at least five hours of travelling if you’re going by air. Otherwise, you’re looking at a huge two-day driving time. Alternatively, a trip on the road from Burlington to Atlantic City and its nine casino venues is a much less daunting nine hours – that’s just one hour for every casino.
Convenience is a big part of modern life, and it goes beyond just travel times and choosing your destination. If Atlantic City wasn’t an option, Canadians would find themselves faced with the lengthy journey to Vegas.
However, the Internet has made a massive change to that, and this is evidenced by the boom in sites like Karamba casino CA, where players can use their computer or mobile device to play the table games or slots found at Vegas casino floors. No longer are players required to visit physical locations.
Keep the Budget in Check by Booking Smart
Travel isn’t cheap and we’re certainly feeling the pinch in 2025. Once you’ve factored in your travel, food, and accommodation, you can very quickly start to see your cost spiral. If you’re not careful, you’ll have to cut back on what you wanted to do while there. It doesn’t matter if that’s eating, gambling, or even just having a couple of beers.
However, to keep the restrictions of expense at bay, there are things that you have control over. For example, Hotels.com explains that Atlantic City is a big weekend destination for tourists, meaning the hotels are booked up. It makes sense – who wouldn’t want a night out on the town over the weekend?
But if you’re willing to make your trip a midweek one, without sacrificing the fun of Atlantic City, you will be able to find much cheaper hotels. That, coupled with free drinks and food at the casino tables, can help you save some extra cash for other uses.
Use New Jersey as a Base for Further Exploration
Atlantic City isn’t just nearby as far as us Burlington residents are concerned. New Jersey sits in a unique position, close to a number of great destinations for tourists. Yes, we may have had some rivalry with New York over the years, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that the Big Apple is a great city.
 The city that never sleeps: Hop, skip and a jump from Atlantic city. Visiting NJ doesn’t mean you have to stay in NJ. Instead, make the short hop over to the City That Never Sleeps and grab a sliver of pizza, take a walk through Central Park, or catch a show on Broadway.
And it’s not just New York City that you should visit. If you’re on something of a road trip or happy grabbing a train, you can visit other great cities like Philadelphia. If you manage to line your dates up just right, you could drop in and attend a Philadelphia Eagles game, fresh on the back of the franchise winning the 2025 Super Bowl.
Then, if you’re something of a politico, you can reach a little further out and make the journey to the United States’ capital city, Washington D.C. – though, that may be a little dry. Either way, there’s plenty going for Atlantic City!
By Staff
March 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Mayor Meed Ward has packed her bags and is in the United States with other Mayors who are part of the Ontario Big City Mayors group.
In an update to the community the Mayor said:
“Today’s imposition of tariffs by the United States will severely affect Canadian and American jobs, businesses, and the economy. Canada has responded appropriately with counter tariffs; it is hoped this will bring the US to the negotiating table for the benefit of both countries.
“In my role as Chair of Ontario Big City Mayors, I have been invited to join a delegation of Mayors and Councillors travelling to Washington March 3-7 as part of the annual meetings for Great Lakes Day organised by Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward “The delegation will be meeting with US counterparts and congressional decision-makers in Washington to discuss our vital business relationship, integrated supply chains, and the impacts of 25% tariff and counter tariffs on Canadian and US products.
“The key message of the Canadian delegation is that tariffs hurt both sides of the border. We know municipalities will be on the front lines of this trade war, and developing strong relationships with US Mayors and Regions will help us to speak with one voice to decision-makers to support strong bilateral trade and respect for trade agreements.
“Burlington is prepared to do our part. Working with Paul Sharman, Deputy Mayor of Strategy and Budgets and Kelvin Galbraith, Deputy Mayor of Business and Red Tape Reduction, I have established a Tariff Task Force of community stakeholders to share information and inform our response and advocacy. I also directed staff to launch the “Buy Canadian” resource page, and brought a “Buy Canadian” resolution in Burlington City Council and Halton Regional Council, which were unanimously passed.
“Working with the Cities Initiative is another opportunity to advance the interests of Burlington, OBCM Mayors, our Region, province and country.
“The Cities Initiative is a multinational coalition of 270 Canadian, American mayors and First Nations elected local government officials working together to promote the environmental and socio-economic health of community in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. Seventeen of the 29 members of OBCM are also members of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, with eight joining this delegation.
“The delegation also provides the occasion for US Mayors of the delegation to advocate for the continuation of Great Lakes environmental funding and against the current funding freeze affecting their communities.
“The Great Lakes Economy represents a combined $8 trillion dollars (C), making it the third largest in the world if we were a country. A pillar of this economy is the trade between our two nations, as 50% of the goods crossing the Canada-US border do so in the Great Lakes and St-Lawrence Region.”
There are some who think the Mayor is working “outside her lane” – perhaps – but if the President of the United States is going to be brought around it is the citizens of the United States who are going to have to do that. American municipal politicians meeting with Canadian municipal politicians is a good idea.
By Staff
March 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Parking certainly got a solid work over at the Council Standing Committee earlier this week.
A delegation took members of Council through a detailed accounting of what she has to deal with and the frustration neighbours are feeling about a problem that is not going to go away and is only going to get worse until someone comes up with solutions.
Mention was made of parking cars on the front lawn – I don’t have a problem with that was the response Councillors were given by the delegation.
 The Orchard – where parking is at a premium – and no solution in sight – yet. Consideration is being given to allowing on-street parking overnight with permits that would come in at about $350 annually. Parking staff were listening – expect something to come back later in the year.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman If you live in the Orchard – it is going to require more than patience to get to the point where there is a solution.
Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman was expected to chair the Standing Committee – he was not available or unable to attend the session in the morning – which is when the parking matters were being discussed.
He did appear after the lunch break – looking just fine. One wonders – better to duck and let someone else deal with the problem?
By Staff
March 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
He didn’t say a word about paying MPP’s more nor did he say a word about keeping the Cabinet at the same time – biggest it has ever been in the province’s history.
 Is winning a third term going to result in a different Premier? The Cabinet is too big – but the MPP’s were due for a raise.
Many people will be surprised to learn that MPP’s do not have a pension plan.
In his first news conference since his Progressive Conservatives were re-elected Thursday with 80 seats in the 124-member legislature and 42.9 per cent of the popular vote, Ford touted his new mandate. That includes keeping the largest cabinet in Ontario’s history and finally lifting a 16-year pay freeze for MPPs. Here’s how raises will be determined.
Former Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty froze MPP pay in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. The base salary for an MPP remains $116,550.
By Staff
March 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We all knew that the snow was going to be followed by some flooding.
Conservation Halton advises that Environment Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SWMC) are forecasting 10-20 mm of rain overnight Tuesday and Wednesday.
Daytime high temperatures between 6-8°C are expected and will melt part of the remaining snowpack. In addition to the forecasted rainfall and melting snow, any remaining frozen ground will increase runoff and contribute to elevated water levels in rivers and streams within our jurisdiction. Any existing ice along watercourses may break up and increase the risk of possible ice jams as a result.
 All that snow is going to melt and work its way to creeks through the Region. Flooding becomes a concern. Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however, fast flowing water and flooding of low-lying areas, natural floodplains, and areas with poor drainage may be expected.
Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to keep a safe distance from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Any ice-covered bodies of water are considered unsafe. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and cold water temperatures, combined with slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.
Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will issue an update to this Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook message as conditions warrant.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook will be in effect through Friday March 7, 2025.
By Staff
March 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Timing is everything – isn’t it?
The Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario announced that over $24 million to support 10 businesses in southern Ontario.
$3.5 million was allotted to Tempel Canada, a leading supplier of transformer core products for power conversion and distribution to the Central, Midwest, and Eastern U.S.
 Ouch – the President of the United States is said to be about to declare a 25% tariff on everything that is imported by Americans from Canada.
With 110,000 square feet of space Tempel can provide a wide range of quality transformer products from a central location, including small stamped transformer lamination components, cut-to-length laminations, distributed gapped cores, slit steel, mitered core logs, and fully assembled mitered cores.
The development of these federal grants are years in the making – they were probably started before Donald Trump was elected.
The Tempel management have some hard decisions to make in the next month.
By Staff
March 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Sometimes referred to as “Burlington’s Airport” the Hamilton International Airport announces a new era of hassle-free and convenient travel with a transformed experience from curb to gate, alongside the introduction of Porter Airlines’ renowned elevated economy service.
 Porter Airlines will have direct daily service starting in early June between Hamilton and four popular domestic destinations: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Vancouver. Hamilton International unveiled its 2025 Summer Program, featuring more destinations and more choice with the introduction of flights from Porter Airlines that are available for booking now, with direct daily service starting in early June between Hamilton and four popular domestic destinations: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Vancouver.
WestJet will continue to provide its non-stop service to Calgary, with connectivity onward to Western Canada. Additionally, Air Canada and The Landline Company will operate multiple daily departures between Hamilton International and Toronto Pearson, connecting travellers into the airline’s global network of destinations while starting and/or ending their journey in Hamilton via its luxury motorcoach service.
The Airport also confirms it has started work on its multi-million-dollar terminal enhancement project announced at the beginning of February. Construction is actively underway inside and outside of the terminal with exciting Airport enhancements to be unveiled this June including:
 Updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies to improve curbside flow are part of the changes being made. An updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies to improve curbside flow, making arrivals and departures smoother and more convenient.
Refreshed interior spaces from check-in counters and passenger screening areas to departures lounge seating and baggage claim, modernizing the terminal experience.
Integration of new architectural elements and finishes inspired by the region’s natural geography, enhancing the Airport’s charming character and creating a unique sense of place.
New digital signage and lighting upgrades, enhancing navigation and overall ambiance.
Future enhancements will include passenger jet bridges to connect the terminal directly to aircraft – a first for Hamilton International – and additional terminal infrastructure upgrades to position Hamilton International for future expansion to accommodate expected air traffic growth.
In celebration of these momentous developments at Hamilton International, the Airport is offering all travellers a special discount of up to 30% OFF all online parking reservations booked through parking.flyhamilton.ca – no promo code needed! This offer is valid on parking reservations booked from March 5, 2025, through June 11, 2025.
Hamilton International thanks its travellers, employees and partners for their patience and cooperation during this period of construction. Those travelling from Hamilton International are always encouraged to plan ahead and arrive at the Airport at least two (2) hours prior to domestic departures and at least three (3) hours prior to international departures to allow ample time for parking, check-in and security screening.
“We’re looking forward to an exciting summer at Hamilton International as we welcome Porter Airlines and complete significant upgrades to our terminal building,” says Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of Hamilton International. “These strategic efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to providing travellers with greater choice and connectivity to and from the region, while ensuring every step of the passenger journey is seamless and enjoyable. We’re thrilled about the future of air travel at Hamilton International and cannot wait to welcome passengers to #TravelRefreshed in just a few short months!”
 By Staff
March 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Traffic congestion seems to have been a Burlington problem for some time.
There are those who speak of a time when traffic wasn’t a problem.
This is a view of St. Paul Street, St. Catharines in 1940.
 This is a view of St. Paul Street, St. Catharines in 1940. The opening of the QEW was expected to solve the problem. .
By Pepper Parr
March 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) will begin hearing the application from Nelson Aggregates to allow the requested expansion of the site on Monday.
Some background on this situation.
According the Nelson Aggregate people everyone other than the City of Burlington has signed off on the application to expand the area that will be quarried.
Nelson Aggregates and Conservation Halton (CH) have an agreement in place that has CH taking control of the property once the OLT has agreed that the request for an expansion has been approved.
Nothing happens until the OLT makes a decision.
That the issue is now before the OLT is unfortunate. Nelson Aggregate argues that the City was dragging its feet and not meeting the schedule that was put in place to have a Joint Tribunal review in place.
The graphic below shows just how long and cumbersome that process was.
Full disclosure: Consultants to Nelson Aggregates advertise in the Burlington Gazette.
 Is there any wonder that this process failed?
| By Staff
March 3, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The federal Liberal government’s consumer carbon tax seems destined to be axed, whether by the Conservatives or by whomever replaces Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader.
This re-evaluation of federal climate policy comes as new data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds Canadians’ urgency to deal with the climate emergency, as declared in 2019, has declined. While approaching two-thirds (63%) of Canadians say climate change is a fact and it is human caused, that majority is smaller than the one seen in 2021 (71%). At the same time, Canadians who believe climate change is a “very serious” threat to the Earth has dropped by eight points from 50 to 42 per cent.
 Hamilton as seen from Burlington on the worst days. This decline in concern over climate change is seen across the political spectrum. Those who last voted for the Conservatives (-9 points), Liberals (-12), NDP (-6) and Bloc Québécois (-13) are all less likely to describe climate change as a “very serious threat” than they were four years ago.
However, only past Conservative voters describe it as a “minor” or “not a” threat at a majority level (57%).
This comes as the Liberals’ signature climate policy, the carbon tax, looks likely to be a thing of the past after the next federal election as both leading leadership candidates, former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney and former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, have said they plan to abandon the consumer side of the policy if they win the Liberal leadership race. As the party that instituted it changes tact, Canadians’ opinions on the carbon tax itself have shifted little from the fall; more than two-in-five (45%) want the carbon tax abolished, but the rest would keep it either at a lower rate (15%), maintained at the current level (27%) or increasing, as planned (15%).
Link to the poll, and more key findings, here: www.angusreid.org/
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By Ralph Freed
Jackpot City Canada’s and other digital entertainment platforms’ integration emphasizes the city’s readiness to evolve with the needs and interests of its people. Burlington’s initiatives to build a smart city will guarantee that it stays a dynamic, sustainable, and connected destination for future generations as technology continues to transform cities. Though the path ahead may be difficult, Burlington is headed toward becoming an actual smart city where technology and community will coexist for the benefit of all by means of a clear vision and suitable investments.
