 By Gazette Staff
March 17th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
 The three properties will be razed, and a three-story structure will be built.  Jamie Tellier: Director of Community Planning Jamie Tellier, Director of Community Planning wasn’t kidding when he said his department would be moving very quickly to get the zoning needed for three properties on Waterdown Road which will be used by Indwell to build very affordable housing.
The City bought the three properties for $7 million with the intention of leasing them to Indwell for 30 years.
Projects like this tend to take years – not this one. The city is clearing all the hurdles and making this a priority. They talk of wanting shovels in the ground before the end of the year.
The City announced today that it has initiated a Zoning By-Law amendment for 1022, 1028, and 1033 Waterdown Road.
The three properties are immediately north of two lots owned by Ward 1 Councillor Kelven Galbraith. He runs a community Farmer’s Market on the sites he owns.
Related news story.
Very affordable Housing
 By Gazette Staff
March 11th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
 Paul Paletta Paul Paletta has been itching to get shovels in the ground on the Bronte Creek Meadows development. Before the end of 2025 was his hope.
An application has been submitted to the city Planning Department proposing to amend the Official Plan, Zoning By-law, and apply for a Draft Plan of Subdivision for the lands located at 5164, 5366, 5470 and 5900 Upper Middle Road and 5201 Mainway to create 254 lots and blocks including parks and open space blocks, employment blocks, natural heritage and stormwater management blocks, and a new public road network as “Phase 1”. Phase 1 will provide approximately 597 new residential units in a mix of single-detached, townhouse and medium-density mixed use residences.
 By Gazette Staff
January 26th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
A lot of people were surprised when they learned that the development of two 20-storey residential buildings connected by a shared 6-storey podium with retail at grade were cancelled.
The notice didn’t say the development would be delayed. It had been cancelled The developers, Latch Development returned deposits to those who purchased.
This meant that 475 residential units would not be coming to market.
In an announcement on their website, Latch Development said:
 Sales projections were not met: developer cancelled the project “Although the development received strong early interest, overall sales did not meet the required levels to proceed with construction. Given the continued challenges within the GTA condominium market, at this time, we have made the difficult decision not to proceed with the 1989 Condominium development.
This decision was not made lightly, but it reflects what we believe is in the best interest of our purchasers and the broader community. All purchasers will receive a full refund of their deposits in accordance with the terms of their agreements.
We remain committed to transparency and to maintaining the trust of our homeowners and partners. Thank you to everyone who expressed enthusiasm and support for 1989 Condominium.”
MHBC Planning, Urban Design & Landscape Architecture were the planning consultants for Latch. They would have been involved in the analysis of the market potential. While the city planning department didn’t make a decision on the development within the required 90 days, which took the matter to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) where it was eventually approved.
The development fit in with what the province wanted to see – Burlington has pledged to approve xxx number of housing units by 2031.
If Latch couldn’t presell units in the current market – it is doubtfull if any other developer will succeed which points to a significant depression in the growth of the city.
Burlington taxpayers are already bearing the burden of high taxes, in part due to the fact that assessment in the city has not grown.
 By Pepper Parr
September 22, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Mayor and her Council took part in the opening of the Skyway Community Centre on Saturday. It is an impressive addition to the sports and community services in the city.
It wasn’t cheap – the city chose to borrow most of the money when the federal and provincial funding that was expected didn’t arrive.
The argument for borrowing was that this was needed for the population growth the city is going to go through.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward looking over the NHL size rink at the Skyway Community Centre.  One a near-perfect late summer day, the Burlington Teen Tour Band takes part in the opening of the Skyway Community Centre. Earlier this summer, Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) approached the University of Ottawa’s Missing Middle Initiative to conduct an analysis of the state of new housing in Ontario. Our assessment, based on data obtained from the CMHC and the Altus Group, is bleak.
They examined 34 separate municipalities across nine separate metro areas in the Greater Toronto Area and Greater Golden Horseshoe region, and assess the state of housing sales and construction over the first six months of the year, relative to the first six months of the previous four years 202125.
 Burlington doesn’t have much more land for this type of development. It will be high rise – at the 25 + storey level in the future. In the first six months of the year, housing starts are down 40% in those 34 municipalities. Condo apartment starts over the past six months are down 54% relative to 202124 January-June averages, and purpose-built rental starts are up 8%. Ground-oriented housing (everything other than apartments) starts are down 42%, showing that the region’s housing weakness is not just a condo-market story.
The reduction in housing starts has economic ramifications. On average, it takes 3.8 years of employment to build a ground-oriented home, and 1.5 years to build an apartment unit. The reduction in housing starts, over the first six months of the year, relative to 202124 averages, translates into 24,195 fewer person-years of employment.
Unfortunately, things are going to get worse before they get better. Housing starts are a lagging indicator, as the CMHC only considers a unit to be “started” when a building’s foundation is 100% complete, so it often reflects the market decisions of several years prior, when the decision to build was made. Pre-construction housing sales are a better indicator of the market’s current health and
are indicative of future housing starts.
Across our 34 municipalities, pre-construction sales of condo apartments are down 89%, and pre-construction ground-oriented sales are down 70%. This is a clear indication that Ontario’s housing situation will get worse before it gets better, and that market weakness is not isolated to the condo market.
Each of our 34 municipalities were assessed across five categories, three reflecting starts (ground-oriented, condo apartments, rental apartments) and two reflecting sales (ground-oriented, condo apartments), and given a grade.
For our 34 municipalities, 22 received an F, and another 5 received a D. While the other seven 7 municipalities received a C or higher, much of that was based on unusually strong housing starts, rather than robust pre-construction sales. Because starts are a lagging indicator, we expect average grades to fall before they rise.
The state of housing construction in the GTA and GGH should alarm policymakers across all three orders of government.
The report on Burlington is set out below:
The City’s Pipeline to Permit report a real time document that shows the status of every development in the city, even those before the Ontario Land Tribunal.
 By Pepper Parr
September 9th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The City is going to get what Council members have been pressing for – high-rise units with two and three-bedroom units that are not skimpy, small rooms.
Changes made from the original application are:
The number of one-bedroom units was decreased from 78 units to 21 units;
The number of two-bedroom units was increased from 24 units to 82 units;
The number of three-bedroom units was increased from 17 to 61 units;
In exchange for that, the developer will get an additional three stories in height. The original application was for 20 storeys.
 The rendering shows the development looking east. If what we heard at the Standing Committee on Monday holds through to the Council meeting on the 15th – the city will have avoided an Ontario Land Tribunal Hearing (OLT) hearing that they would have lost.
The site is in the western end of the football – a space that was at one time a serious hope for keeping some of the land in the core of the city open and available for some stunning development.
 Where the height has been built in the downtown core. That possibility disappeared when the Beausoleil and the Nautique were built on the north side of Lakeshore Road between Martha and Elizabeth streets.
 The red part of the illustration shows where the city has given up some space to allow for wider sidewalks. The sidewalks will be wider on the eastern end – there was some deft negotiation that made that possible.
There are some minor holds on the issuing of a building permit -but they don’t appear to be something that will result in an building where 80% of the units will be two and three bedroom units.
Parking will be slightly less than one space per unit.
The decision at the Standing Committee was not unanimous. Mayor Meed Ward said it was her view that building like this should be built in the MTSA xxx. She added that was the reason for moving the Urbangrowth Centres north and out of the downtown core.
 Mayor Meed Ward on the right with Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns above.  The back and forth between the Mayor and ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns gave us a bit of an insight into what we will see should Kearns decide that she can take on Meed Ward during the 2026 municipal election and become the Mayor of the city. That is a very real possibility.
The graphic above shows where the height in the downtown core is located.
 By Pepper Parr
September 1st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Development seems to always been an issue in Burlington,
“Council doesn’t listen to us” is something heard almost daily
“And we certainly don’t want THAT” is heard just as often.
“We want what Brant Street was five years ago.”
“And everything we don’t want goes to the Ontario Land Tribunal, where the city loses because we don’t hire the really good lawyers.”
I was combing through the Gazette archives last night looking for a specific picture a reader had asked for and came across this article about a meeting that took place in September of 2024.
There was a public meeting at which a development proposal was introduced. It was a short meeting held in a room that wasn’t very big. The reaction seen in the photographs tells the story. The developer didn’t show the visuals again.
It does show that developers do listen to what the public thinks.
 The development was something the public had not seen before – and they didn’t like what was being displayed. It was shown just the once at a community centre.  Representatives had difficulty getting their plans across to people. The size of the proposal was beyond what anyone who attended the meeting was prepared to even consider.  Some people were stunned at what the developer was proposing.  Mayor Meed Ward listened to an upset constituent.  There was nothing about the development proposal that anyone liked.
By Pepper Parr
June 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
It will be 19 storeys high, and be a purpose built residential building that will have a significant amount of affordable housing.
 Developer wants shovels in the ground this summer. And directly across the street from City Hall
Council spent a considerable amount of time debating the development which will have .66 parking spaces per unit.
There will be 140 1 bedroom units; 58 two bedroom units and 3 three bedroom units.
The developer, who got their funding from Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), was under a tight deadline if the funding was to be in place.
We found it interesting that when the spokes person for the developer was giving the presentation to Council none of the drawings or renderings were shown. We will dig those out for you.
The timeline – they would like to have shovels in the ground during this summer.
We now know why Kelly’s Bake Shop was give the required notice to vacate – just 60 days.
We also know that the location of the Bake Shoppe will be a door leading to a stairwell in the new building that has yet to be given a name.
 A 19 storey structure with 201 units – 25% will be designated as affordable housing. More to follow.
 By Pepper Parr
June 9th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The discussion was related to the development planned for 2083 Lakeshore Road. This is the property that is currently the parking lot opposite Emmas Back Porch.
 Second from the left – front row.  Entrance on the south side facing the lake. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward made the following comment:
“Thank you, Chair. I will be brief. I will not be supporting the recommendation, although I do want to thank staff for all their work on this and the applicants for for all of their work trying to get to some consensus on the few items that were outstanding.
“I think this is overdevelopment for this area. I believe that for a very long time, this will create a canyon of towers on both sides of a very narrow road, Old Lakeshore Road, right in proximity to our waterfront. I understand that there may be folks who think that the ship has sailed on this issue, but I am not going to give it any wind.
“I believe that this is not the right development here. My vision for downtown is not to see this type of height and density; it better belongs at the Major Transit Service Areas (MTSA) locations- where we have now shifted our urban growth center to.
“I maintain that vision. I will stand by that vision. I will fight that vision and I will continue to be consistent in what I think the downtown should be.
Councillor Kearns followed the Mayor with her comment – a tad cheeky. She has been smacking the Mayor more often these days.
 The captain here said Kearns “The captain here, through the chair, the ship has sailed, and here’s why. I went through this planning file with deep scrutiny, and I think that the commissioner can attest, we spent about an hour reviewing some of my initial questions, and I circulated many to staff in advance as well.
Here’s what I was looking for. I was looking for a defensible way out of this particular application, recognizing the contextual area in which it’s been landed. That’s why I referenced the provincial planning policy statement. I referenced the MTSA justification, the UGC.
“I asked how that could still hold. I asked about the leading policy context, and I asked about how a proposed scale intensification of the surrounding area affected the staff recommendation for approval before us today. And I was satisfied with those answers.
“I asked what would preclude the proposal to range from 10 to 15 storeys, and was met with an appropriate answer that was steeped in that planning, planning policy context. I went back to the concept plan. I checked the amenity spaces to see if there was any gapping, on mixed use, on amenities, on parking and any of those types of things, and I was remiss to not find any.
“That is why it is a complete report. I asked questions about the floor area ratio to see if it was outside an acceptable standard. And really it is 1.11 to 1.16, which is just a shortening of the parcel, but the same calculation holds the instruction to refer this file to staff to continue working on it, resulting in essentially immaterial changes – they are immaterial and almost imperceptible to the built form context and to the neighbouring areas.
 “I don’t work on my personal opinions in this role. I work on expert, technical staff, recommendations and reports and supporting policy pieces. That is why I have been led to a supportive position on this file.” “I talked deeply about the infrastructure, and I worked with the regional commissioners as well at the region about the holding zone placed in regards to junction street wastewater pumping station.
“I also consulted with the applicant on if they were satisfied that they could make efforts to release that holding zone as well. I asked questions of finance. Sorry, maybe not finance, but to finance through the Commissioner on how it may or may not affect DCS. And I asked questions of the region on how a holding zone would affect things like site plan, occupancy, etc. I worked very hard on behalf of the community to scrutinize this particular file and the place that I continue to land, although maybe outside of my personal opinions.
“I don’t work on my personal opinions in this role. I work on expert, technical staff, recommendations and reports and supporting policy pieces. That is why I have been led to a supportive position on this file.
“I would like to have a very different vision. I would like to have a completely different context. But the reality is, is that that is not where we sit today, and we would be leading ourselves to a tribunal if we failed to approve this development. I can’t speak about that, because that’s a legislative process; it would be extremely difficult to go against staff, technical experts.”
Councillor Nissan was up next:
“My personal point of view, and that which I brought forward, was not supporting tall buildings that were too high and in the wrong places. And at the time, what was going on in the football would have been the wrong place for such a tall building. Unfortunately, through OLT decisions, primarily, it has become clear, as demonstrated through the presentation, that the reality on the ground is not what I came for, not what I would like it to be, but we need to be real and be grounded in and what’s actually occurring.
 Councillor Nisan: “The context has shifted.” “In addition, we have a housing crisis in our province, including in Burlington. We have a staff. We have staff supporting it with their best expert advice, and they haven’t supported every development downtown, far from it. I think of the Waterfront Hotel development, where we were successful, but unfortunately being surrounded by buildings of a similar height.
“It is a reality. The context has shifted, as noted in the report. This will not in my opinion, be something we will be able to prevent this. Furthermore, we need the units, every extra unit in our community has an impact on supply, which is the only real way that we’re going to have more affordable housing is by increasing supply.
“So it would be one thing if staff weren’t supporting it be one thing if the immediate context were different. We fought those battles with success at the Waterfront Hotel, but not so much elsewhere. So indeed, the ship has sailed on this location. But we need to also ensure that we have enough housing for the next generations in our community, and whatever the cost of these units are, the supply is, what will having supplies? What will make that happen? So I will be supporting this.”
Some observations: If Councillor Nisan thinks the development is going to include affordable housing, one has to wonder how much he knows about the developments he is approving.
It was quite clear that the Mayor and Councillor Kearns were going to have a go at each other. What is motivating Kearns? She likes the look of the bling the Mayor has when she puts on the chain of office.
Expect to see more of this kind of behaviour.
 Mayor Med Ward: “I maintain that vision. I will stand by that vision. I will fight that vision and I will continue to be consistent in what I think the downtown should be”, For Meed Ward to issue the declarative statements –“ I maintain that vision. I will stand by that vision. I will fight that vision and I will continue to be consistent in what I think the downtown should be”, – has to be seen as a little on the self serving side. Back in 2010 she got herself elected on a Save the Waterfront platform. A little late in the game to bring back that vision.
By Pepper Parr
June 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 The playing of the national anthem and an Oilers’ jersey on the Chair reflected the mood of the event. They met as the Bay Area Economic Summit for half a day and started out the meeting by listening to O Canada being played and the Chair of the meeting wearing an Edmonton Oilers hockey Jersey.
There were workshops with a collection of qualified experts. One was labelled Sustainable Leadership, which one of the experts suggested meant that leadership was still breathing – always a good sign.
Mike Moffatt, the speaker who really came across with soundly thought-through arguments on what needed to be done to solve not only the need for housing, but for the solution to attracting the talent needed, was to assure there were properties they could afford to live in.
Terry Cado, president of the Chamber told the Gazette in an interview before the Summit took place that Chamber members were calling his office to complain about the problems they were having attracting talent to the city – the people they wanted to hire were finding that housing they could afford just wasn’t available.
 There were no obviously simple answers. And there was plenty of blame to spread around. Moffatt took to the podium and set out the issues.
There were no obviously simple answers. And there was plenty of blame to spread around.
 Where in this coat allocation do you try and lower the expenses? Moffatt started with what it costs to build a 1900 square foot home in the Waterloo Region and the got into housing starts and that it was impossible to build the number of homes that are needed. The province of Ontario has yet to meet a housing start target.
Restrictive land use policies, skyrocketing taxes on development, more red tape and a constantly changing policy environment weren’t helping.
When Moffatt added that Southwestern Ontario has the worst development process and planning at the municipal level in North America, you knew there was a real problem when you put that fact up against the Meed Ward claim that Ontario is the engine of the country’s economy.
There were solutions. Development charges could be moved from the developer to the home buyer. The current practice of lookin to the developer for these funds resulted in taxation on taxation. The developer has to pay the deveopment charges, marks them up and passes them along to the home buyer.
In the alternative development charges could be deferred.
Revise the GST and the PST – that would take 13% out of the cost of a home – that claimed Moffatt would put shovels in the ground.
He argues as well that the idea that growth should pay for growth, a hill that Burlington Mayor Meed Ward seemed prepared to die onzzz
Land costs have skyrocketed for the developer who banked land; things could not be better. For a developer trying to acquire land and put up new housing – it is a challenge. Impossible if the housing is going to be affordable.
 Construction of new homes had not kept pace with the demand. Then M0ffatt made a stunning comment.
He said that in order to attract and retain 35-year-old workers, you need a healthy community that you can raise a 5 year old in.
He added: If the middle class cannot raise children in a community, that community cannot survive.
The loss of families, means the loss of a tax base and the loss of a workforce.
That’s what Chamber members were telling Terry Caddo
 Moffatt: “Who will swing the hammer?” Moffatt suggested that “we need to get away from the mindset that a unit is a unit when we are counting. The 400 to 600 square foot condos that attracted investors are not housing for a family. We need three and four-bedroom units if families are to be accommodated.
There were very few questions at the end of the presentation. Mayor Meed Ward left the room before Mike Moffatt started his presentatrion.
Moffatt made a comment during the presentation that could have been used to sum up just where the province and its hundreds of communities are in solving the problems when he asked: “Who will swing the hammer?”
 By Staff
May 20th , 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Just what is affordable rental housing and how does it get created?
The level at which those decisions are made is municipal. Link to some useful background is HERE
The federal government is pumping millions into getting rental housing built.
 This is what the market seems to need. The provincial governments are doing what they can to make the process more efficient (faster)
Despite all the chatter, Ontario has not been anywhere near the target it set.
Burlington is doing its best, and its numbers are decent.
Understanding how the process is managed is what the public has to do – it is all set out in the link provided above.
By Staff
May 19th,. 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Sarah Phillips, Manager of Housing Strategy, City of Burlington is asking, via LinkedIn –
Do you build ️or sell ARU/ADU, secondary or garden suites?
Her department is hosting virtual industry training sessions from 4:00 -5:0 pm:
June 4 – modular/prefab manufacturers
June 9 – general contractor/builders/architect or designers
We want to set you up for success to participate in our BIG affordable rental housing (ARU) Community Improvement Program (CIP) program launching soon!
We will discuss available incentives, eligible costs, the application and approval process.
Message me for further details.
Phillips did not provide a link that would reach her. Call City Hall – they should be able to put you through. 905-335-7777
Link to more on the Community Improvement Program:
By Staff
April 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
On March 4, 2025, staff presented proposed Official Plan Amendment (OPA) No.4 to a Committee of the Whole Statutory Public Meeting through staff report DGM-13-25 Bronte Creek Meadows Proposed Official Plan Amendment No.4,in order to hear comments and questions from members of Council and the public. Staff continued to accept questions, comments and recommendations until March 18, 2025.
 City staff have reviewed and considered the feedback received, and are targeting bringing forward a Recommendation Report to Council for adoption of the OPA in May 2025.
Staff continue to be available to answer any questions about the project. Email newop@burlington.ca if you have any questions or would like to Talk to a Planner.
By Julieta Belen Correa
February 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada is home to some of the most diverse bucket-list destinations on the planet — it has some of the best ski slopes, thousands of kilometres of untouched nature, and multiple hubs of commerce and entertainment of international renown. This, coupled with its expansive tourism push in recent years, means that Canada relies on an adaptable and modern aviation industry.
Luckily for tourists and Canadians alike, the nation hosts North America’s busiest and most technologically advanced airports, perfect for handling the influx of tourism expected over the next ten years. Take a look at the top ten busiest airports in Canada.
10. Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
You can fly into Kelowna, a critical gateway to British Columbia’s Okanagan region, to explore some of Canada’s best wineries, lake regions, and the breathtaking scenery of Osoyoos. The airport serves around 2,000,000 passengers a year and offers destinations nationwide and routes all the way down to sunny Mexico.
 Billy Bishop, named after a Canadian war hero is an airport minutes from downtown Toronto 9. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Toronto’s second-largest airport, situated on the Toronto Islands, is named after one of Canada’s most iconic fighter pilots. This airport caters to just over 2,000,000 passengers a year and makes a great alternative to the massive Toronto Pearson International Airport, especially if you’re looking for either domestic or short-haul flights. You can expect shorter security queues and faster processing times so that you can make every minute count of your vacation or work trip.
 If your destination as a tourist is Halifax International – you will want to visit Peggy’s Cove. 8. Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Coming in at 8th place on the list is Halifax Stanfield. The airport serves the Halifax region, mainland Nova Scotia, and other areas in the Maritime provinces. As Canada’s easternmost international airport, it is a vital connection for rural communities and also provides hundreds of jobs for the region’s tourism sector. The airport generated a massive C$4.2 billion for the Nova Scotia economy in 2023 alone, and with a rise of over 20%, it’s expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
The airport is also home to numerous Fixed-Based Operators (FBOs), private companies that provide essential aviation services like fuel, parking, maintenance, and passenger amenities.
7. Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, located in the Winnipeg Capital Region, handled just over 4 million passengers last year. YWG is crucial for connecting small communities living in difficult conditions with regularly scheduled flights to Northern Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut.
6. Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)
As the airport serving Canada’s capital city, Ottawa International is a home base for Canadian North and a major hub for Porter Airlines, which is investing $65 million into the airport infrastructure over the coming years. The airport serves the National Capital Region with over 4 million passengers annually — a 36.9% increase on the previous year, the highest such growth among Canada’s busiest airports.
The airport’s modern terminal, extended in 2008, features artwork reflecting the region’s history and culture, creating a uniquely Canadian welcome for first-time visitors to the country.
5. Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Climbing into the top 5 busiest airports in Canada sees a marked jump in passenger numbers, with a massive 7.4 million passengers flying in and out of Edmonton International Airport. The airport caters to residents and visitors to the Edmonton Metro Region, some three hours north of Calgary.
The airport itself is so busy due to the lack of other major cities in the region, making it the only major airport for those travelling from Alberta and Saskatchewan.
 Calgary International 4. Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Calgary International Airport, also known as “the gateway to the Rockies,” serves a whopping 18.5 million passengers a year. One reason for YYC’s huge numbers is its proximity to Banff and Canada’s impressive range of ski destinations.
YYC is home to two terminals — one domestic and one international — and serves as the main hub for Canadian airline WestJet. The airport offers world-class accessibility with modern parking systems, easy-to-use car rental services, and the reliable Calgary Transit System, which offers routes across the region.
3. Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Serving the Greater Montreal area, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport is a bustling hub that managed over 21 million passengers in 2023. This large operation is the region’s primary link between Canada’s French-speaking population and the rest of the world.
YUL’s strategic location makes it perfect for transatlantic flights, with popular routes to Paris, London, and Frankfurt. This dynamic location, combined with a modern general aviation terminal, makes it an ideal airport for those looking to charter a private plane to Europe and beyond. Domestic travellers also benefit from frequent flights to Toronto, Vancouver, and Halifax.
 Vancouver International 2. Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport, nestled on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, is the busiest airport in Western Canada. Welcoming almost 25 million passengers in 2023, the airport is the ultimate gateway to the region’s surrounding mountains, lakes, and the icy North Pacific. YVR is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in North America and was most recently named as the number-one airport on the continent in 2024.
Vancouver International is also the nation’s best link to Asia, with frequent flights to Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul. Its location also makes it a popular stopover for flights to Australia and New Zealand.
1. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
With almost double the capacity of number two on the list, Toronto has been Canada’s busiest airport for decades. It’s the primary hub for Air Canada and the second busiest arrivals hub for international travellers to North America. Serving the Greater Toronto Area, Pearson handled an impressive 44.8 million passengers in 2023, making it the pride of Canada’s already-impressive aviation industry.
 Pearson International Located just outside Toronto in Mississauga, Pearson offers direct flights to destinations on every continent. With its cutting-edge amenities, including world-class dining and shopping, Toronto Pearson sets the standard for Canadian airports when it comes to sheer size and availability.
Canada, Connected
With some of the most forward-thinking, accessible, and downright massive airports in North America, Canada continues to impress year-on-year with its dazzling array of airports. Vancouver continues to offer the best service in North America, Toronto Pearson connects you to the world with ease, and Calgary, Halifax, and Winnipeg airports continue to provide a vital lifeline to some of the continent’
By Pepper Parr
February 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 2017 fire that destroyed most of the buildings The Paletta International site just off Appleby Line that was destroyed by fire in December 6th, 2017 is beginning to be re-animated.
The company has conditional site plan approval. The company is currently working through the various conditions one of which is obtaining Committee of Adjustment approval.
When completed the site and bring new employment and economic opportunity to the city.
Building designs are still a work in progress however there is a site plan.
Along with plans to eventually construct a new Alinea headquarters building, there will be approximately 300,000 square feet of new leasable light industrial / employment space in three new buildings.2017
Everything on the 18.5-acre property will be demolished and replaced with modern employment and office buildings. Given the uncertainty of timing to this point, no tenants for the light industrial / employment space have been sought yet; that will come in due course. “We are already getting calls from companies expressing interest in being part of this exciting redevelopment,” said a company spokesperson.
The 2018 fire meant there were going to be many changes in what the company would do and the business they were going to be in.
The death of Pasquale “Pat” Paletta, in 2019 brought about changes in the leadership and management style.
 The late Pat Paletta with his four sons. One huge change for the company was the creation of Alinea which didn’t include all four of Pat Paletta’s sons. Angelo Paletta went in his own direction while the other three brothers formed Alinea that is now focused on plans for the Bronte Meadows site and the 1200 King Road property
“While there may be a few minor tweaks to this plan in relation to the future Alinea headquarters building, there is a general sense of what’s being planned.
Property that was acquired by the Paletta family in Burlington was first used to pasture cattle; the company grew to become the largest beef processing operation in Eastern Canada; it was later sold to Canada Packers.
 The structure shown in orange will be the head office for Alinea. The other three structures will be developed when market conditions are right. The company added poultry processing (Tender Choices) to its operations.
 Both business lines were eventually sold and the focus was shifted to property development.
Alinea is working out of what is left after the fire. “All existing buildings on the property will be demolished once Demolition Permits are obtained later this year. Specific demolition and construction timelines have yet to be determined, but we do know that for practical purposes development will need to be phased over several years.
Exciting days for the company
By Staff
February 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Announces a new strategic airline partner, Porter Airlines.
Porter will initiate service at Hamilton International beginning in early June 2025, introducing daily service from Hamilton to four popular domestic destinations: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Vancouver.
The airport will move now on planned terminal upgrades that will begin immediately.
 The long-term collaborative partnership between the City and TradePort, in place since 1996, has positioned the airport as a critical driver of connectivity, economic growth, job creation, and community partnerships for Hamilton and the surrounding region. Under the new lease, efforts to expand air service, enhance the passenger experience, and deliver safe, sustainable, and efficient operations will continue – starting with planned terminal upgrades that will begin immediately.
Airport enhancements will include an updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies to improve curb operations, and a refresh of terminal interiors from check-in counters and passenger screening areas to gate seating and baggage claim. Integration of architectural elements and finishes inspired by the region’s natural geography will lend the airport a unique sense of place, while new digital signage and lighting upgrades will enhance the overall travel journey.
Additionally, future enhancements will include passenger jet bridges to connect the terminal directly to aircraft – a first for Hamilton International – and terminal infrastructure upgrades to position the airport for future expansion to accommodate expected air traffic growth
Airport enhancements will include an updated exterior frontage with new and expanded canopies to improve curb operations, and a refresh of terminal interiors from check-in counters and passenger screening areas to gate seating and baggage claim. Integration of architectural elements and finishes inspired by the region’s natural geography will lend the airport a unique sense of place. New digital signage and lighting upgrades will enhance the overall travel journey.
Future enhancements will include passenger jet bridges to connect the terminal directly to aircraft – a first for Hamilton International – and terminal infrastructure upgrades to position the airport for future expansion to accommodate expected air traffic growth.
By Pepper Parr
January 20th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith isn’t running for the Liberal leadership. He has a different job to do, and not much time to make a difference.
Erskine-Smith represents Beaches-East York, the community I published the community newspaper in more than 40 years ago. The paper is still published weekly – never more than 40 pages – because that is about as much as the carriers can handle as they deliver the paper door to door – free.
 Erskine-Smith had said that he was not going to seek re-election – it was clear to him that he wasn’t one of the Justin Trudeau favourites – he frequently voted against the party. Then in one of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet shuffles Erskine-Smith was invited into Cabinet. He took the job seriously and in the following interview (which I didn’t do) he sets out what the issues are and what he is in the process of doing.
In an interview with Erskine-Smith earlier this week, which I did do he did mention that he thinks there is a project he could work through with Burlington – no details at this point.
Continue reading Can the current Minister of Housing make a difference in the few months he has left?
 By Harold Dickert
January 18th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
No one is talking about “Garbage into oil” technology. Not even the Canadian Liberal Party, who added major funding to the world’s largest facility now under construction just outside of Montreal – built by Enerkem (https://enerkem.com/).
 From 360 000 tonnes of waste To 285 000 000 liters of clean fuels
Continue reading We can turn garbage into fuel – so why aren’t we doing that
 By James Portside
January 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This information is not professional investment advice. Investors are advised to do their own research into individual stocks before making an investment decision.
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider acquisitions in the public market are:
|
| Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust —–Buy Quantity: 99,700 Average cost: $5.50 Total: $548,294.92 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Morguard Corporation |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-15-25 |
57,400 |
$5.50 |
$315,644.92 |
| Morguard Corporation |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-14-25 |
14,400 |
$5.50 |
$79,200.00 |
| Morguard Corporation |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
27,900 |
$5.50 |
$153,450.00 |
|
| First National Financial Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 12,824 Average cost: $39.00 Total: $500,136.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| FNSC Holdings Inc. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-14-25 |
6,412 |
$39.00 |
$250,068.00 |
| Smith Financial Corporation |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
47 – Acquisition or disposition by gift |
01-14-25 |
-6,412 |
$38.99 |
-$250,003.88 |
| Smith, Stephen |
4 – Director of Issuer, 7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-14-25 |
6,412 |
$39.00 |
$250,068.00 |
| Smith, Stephen |
4 – Director of Issuer, 7 – Director or Senior Officer of Insider or Subsidiary of Issuer (other than in 4,5,6) |
47 – Acquisition or disposition by gift |
01-14-25 |
-6,412 |
$38.99 |
-$250,003.88 |
|
| Morguard Corporation —–Buy Quantity: 3,200 Average cost: $111.00 Total: $355,200.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Armoyan, Sime |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
3,200 |
$111.00 |
$355,200.00 |
|
| Jaguar Mining Inc —–Buy Quantity: 120,800 Average cost: $2.23 Total: $268,828.32 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| 2176423 Ontario Ltd. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
60,400 |
$2.23 |
$134,414.16 |
| Sprott, Eric |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
60,400 |
$2.23 |
$134,414.16 |
|
| Tourmaline Oil Corp —–Buy Quantity: 2,500 Average cost: $66.44 Total: $166,109.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Rose, Mike |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-16-25 |
2,500 |
$66.44 |
$166,109.00 |
The five stocks with the largest dollar value of insider dispositions in the public market are:
|
| G Mining Ventures Corp —–Sell Quantity: -514,622 Average cost: $13.17 Total: -$6,780,144.22 Options Issued: 34,622 Average cost: $0.00 Total: $0.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| La Mancha Capital Management GP |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
-160,000 |
$13.19 |
-$2,109,904.00 |
| La Mancha Investments S.à r.l. |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
-160,000 |
$13.19 |
-$2,109,904.00 |
| Loza-Sawiris, Yousriya |
3 – 10% Security Holder of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
-160,000 |
$13.19 |
-$2,109,904.00 |
| MacDonald, Norman |
4 – Director of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
01-13-25 |
34,622 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| MacDonald, Norman |
4 – Director of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
-34,622 |
$13.01 |
-$450,432.22 |
|
| Canadian Natural Resources Limited —–Sell Quantity: -85,504 Average cost: $45.00 Total: -$3,847,721.98 Options Issued: 85,504 Average cost: $10.85 Total: $927,977.44 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Balog, Brenda Gayle |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
01-13-25 |
4,504 |
$19.36 |
$87,197.44 |
| Balog, Brenda Gayle |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
-4,504 |
$45.37 |
-$204,341.98 |
| Stainthorpe, Mark Allen |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
01-15-25 |
81,000 |
$10.38 |
$840,780.00 |
| Stainthorpe, Mark Allen |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-15-25 |
-81,000 |
$44.98 |
-$3,643,380.00 |
|
| Peyto Exploration & Development Corp —–Sell Quantity: -103,000 Average cost: $17.09 Total: -$1,760,770.00 Options Issued: 105,000 Average cost: $11.85 Total: $1,244,250.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
01-13-25 |
35,000 |
$9.49 |
$332,150.00 |
| Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-13-25 |
-35,000 |
$17.20 |
-$602,000.00 |
| Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
01-14-25 |
38,300 |
$12.38 |
$474,323.00 |
| Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-14-25 |
-38,300 |
$16.96 |
-$649,680.00 |
| Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
51 – Exercise of options |
01-15-25 |
31,700 |
$13.81 |
$437,777.00 |
| Lachance, Jean-Paul Henri |
4 – Director of Issuer, 5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-15-25 |
-31,700 |
$17.10 |
-$542,070.00 |
| Carlson, Tavis Aaron |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-16-25 |
2,000 |
$16.49 |
$32,980.00 |
|
| Byrna Technologies, Inc —–Sell Quantity: -43,731 Average cost: $39.89 Total: -$1,744,562.19 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Eng, Victor |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-15-25 |
-43,731 |
$39.89 |
-$1,744,562.19 |
|
| Agnico Eagle Mines Limited —–Sell Quantity: -10,000 Average cost: $120.27 Total: -$1,202,730.00 |
| Insider |
Relationship |
Transaction |
Date |
Quantity |
Price |
Total |
| Girard, Dominique |
5 – Senior Officer of Issuer |
10 – Acquisition or disposition in the public market |
01-14-25 |
-10,000 |
$120.27 |
-$1,202,730.00 |
What is Insider Trading?
How Insider Trading works.
By Lisa Nathalie
January 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Canada is home to some of the most diverse bucket-list destinations on the planet — it has some of the best ski slopes, thousands of kilometres of untouched nature, and multiple hubs of commerce and entertainment of international renown. This, coupled with its expansive tourism push in recent years, means that Canada relies on an adaptable and modern aviation industry.
Luckily for tourists and Canadians alike, the nation hosts North America’s busiest and most technologically advanced airports, perfect for handling the influx of tourism expected over the next ten years. Take a look at the top ten busiest airports in Canada.
10. Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
 Kelowna Airport – gets people into the heart of British Columbia wine regions. You can fly into Kelowna, a critical gateway to British Columbia’s Okanagan region, to explore some of Canada’s best wineries, lake regions, and the breathtaking scenery of Osoyoos. The airport serves around 2,000,000 passengers a year and offers destinations nationwide and routes all the way down to sunny Mexico.
9. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
 The Billy Bishop Airport is minutes from Toronto’s downtown core. Toronto’s second-largest airport, situated on the Toronto Islands, is named after one of Canada’s most iconic fighter pilots. This airport caters to just over 2,000,000 passengers a year and makes a great alternative to the massive Toronto Pearson International Airport, especially if you’re looking for either domestic or short-haul flights. You can expect shorter security queues and faster processing times so that you can make every minute count of your vacation or work trip.
8. Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Coming in at 8th place on the list is Halifax Stanfield. The airport serves the Halifax region, mainland Nova Scotia, and other areas in the Maritime provinces. As Canada’s easternmost international airport, it is a vital connection for rural communities and also provides hundreds of jobs for the region’s tourism sector. The airport generated a massive C$4.2 billion for the Nova Scotia economy in 2023 alone, and with a rise of over 20%, it’s expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
The airport is also home to numerous Fixed-Based Operators (FBOs), private companies that provide essential aviation services like fuel, parking, maintenance, and passenger amenities.
7. Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, located in the Winnipeg Capital Region, handled just over 4 million passengers last year. YWG is crucial for connecting small communities living in difficult conditions with regularly scheduled flights to Northern Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut.
6. Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)
As the airport serving Canada’s capital city, Ottawa International is a home base for Canadian North and a major hub for Porter Airlines, which is investing $65 million into the airport infrastructure over the coming years. The airport serves the National Capital Region with over 4 million passengers annually — a 36.9% increase on the previous year, the highest such growth among Canada’s busiest airports.
The airport’s modern terminal, extended in 2008, features artwork reflecting the region’s history and culture, creating a uniquely Canadian welcome for first-time visitors to the country.
5. Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Climbing into the top 5 busiest airports in Canada sees a marked jump in passenger numbers, with a massive 7.4 million passengers flying in and out of Edmonton International Airport. The airport caters to residents and visitors to the Edmonton Metro Region, some three hours north of Calgary.
The airport itself is so busy due to the lack of other major cities in the region, making it the only major airport for those travelling from Alberta and Saskatchewan.
4. Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Calgary International Airport, also known as “the gateway to the Rockies,” serves a whopping 18.5 million passengers a year. One reason for YYC’s huge numbers is its proximity to Banff and Canada’s impressive range of ski destinations.
YYC is home to two terminals — one domestic and one international — and serves as the main hub for Canadian airline WestJet. The airport offers world-class accessibility with modern parking systems, easy-to-use car rental services, and the reliable Calgary Transit System, which offers routes across the region.
3. Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Serving the Greater Montreal area, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport is a bustling hub that managed over 21 million passengers in 2023. This large operation is the region’s primary link between Canada’s French-speaking population and the rest of the world.
YUL’s strategic location makes it perfect for transatlantic flights, with popular routes to Paris, London, and Frankfurt. This dynamic location, combined with a modern general aviation terminal, makes it an ideal airport for those looking to charter a private plane to Europe and beyond. Domestic travellers also benefit from frequent flights to Toronto, Vancouver, and Halifax.
2. Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
 Some people choose to dine at the airport before their departure. Vancouver has a superb restaurant that uses an Indigenous theme at its entrance. Vancouver International Airport, nestled on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, is the busiest airport in Western Canada. Welcoming almost 25 million passengers in 2023, the airport is the ultimate gateway to the region’s surrounding mountains, lakes, and the icy North Pacific. YVR is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in North America and was most recently named as the number-one airport on the continent in 2024.
Vancouver International is also the nation’s best link to Asia, with frequent flights to Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul. Its location also makes it a popular stopover for flights to Australia and New Zealand.
1. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
 Toronto’s Pearson Airport With almost double the capacity of number two on the list, Toronto has been Canada’s busiest airport for decades. It’s the primary hub for Air Canada and the second busiest arrivals hub for international travellers to North America. Serving the Greater Toronto Area, Pearson handled an impressive 44.8 million passengers in 2023, making it the pride of Canada’s already-impressive aviation industry.
Located just outside Toronto in Mississauga, Pearson offers direct flights to destinations on every continent. With its cutting-edge amenities, including world-class dining and shopping, Toronto Pearson sets the standard for Canadian airports when it comes to sheer size and availability.
Canada, Connected
With some of the most forward-thinking, accessible, and downright massive airports in North America, Canada continues to impress year-on-year with its dazzling array of airports. Vancouver continues to offer the best service in North America, Toronto Pearson connects you to the world with ease, and Calgary, Halifax, and Winnipeg airports continue to provide a vital lifeline to some of the continent’s remotest communities.
By Pepper Parr
January 17th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
If you want to know just how much trouble media is in North America try this on for size.
 Jeff Bezos with his second wife Laura Sanchez The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos, who owns the Amazon organization told the Post editorial staff they were not to endorse any candidate during the election.
The Post was said to be getting ready to endorse Kamala Harris.
The Post had a tag line, Democracy Dies in Darkness, that was always published under the title of the newspaper.
Continue reading Just how much trouble is North American media in?
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