 By Staff
March 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Registration is open for BellyUp Bellydance’s 8 Week Spring Session.
Is this just a fun event or is this preparation for a public performance?
Register for in-person at the studio or live online.
In-Studio class sizes are reduced to 10 per class as per the Province of Ontario’s “Red Zone” restrictions which means their classes fill faster than ever. Join them for an inspiring session that’ll make you feel alive, build your self-esteem, strengthen and tone your body and so much more.
Click here for in-studio registration!
Click here for live online class registration!
Related news items:
Classic Belly Dancing
 Feel alive, build your self-esteem, strengthen and tone your body. 
 By Staff
March 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Lakeshore Football Officials Association needs more in the way of people who can serve as officials on the field.
It is no secret that officiating is an integral part of football. The Lakeshore Football Officials Association is beginning a campaign to recruit individuals who have a passion for football and are eager to stay engaged with the game.
 Bateman High School football team students . “We are reaching out to women and men, teens and adults who may be interested and have a passion for football. If you bring that passion, you will be mentored by some of the best football officials in the country,” commented Referee-in-Chief Murray Drinkwalter.
“There are many reasons to “Say Yes to Officiating”
For the love of the Game
Maybe you want to stay engaged and be a part of the game you loved to play, or maybe you are looking to get more engaged in the game your kids are playing. Either way, being an official will give you access to, and an appreciation for, the rules and strategies of the games you officiate like nothing else can.
Earn extra money
There is no better part-time job or hobby for you to make a little extra money doing something you enjoy. It’s the perfect extra gig for anyone from a high school student, to a parent to a retiree.
Give Back
Many officials like to pay it forward to football for what it has given them. Officiating is also a way to guide and enrich the lives of the athletes who are playing by teaching the value of sportsmanship and fair play.
 It was raining, the ground was wet, slippery and football was hard to hang onto – but the game went on. Stay Active
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by engaging with a sport you love. Also, who doesn’t like getting paid to exercise?
Sense of Community
The fellowship and humour officials share with one another are incomparable. You will quickly realize there is no community like officials. Many of them will become your closest friends — lifelong friends.
Life skills
Officiating teaches independent thinking and the ability to see the big picture — a skill that translates outside of officiating. It also requires dedication, togetherness, and ability to work as a team that is important everywhere.
Opportunity
Football officials are often identified and associated with the sport and are known outside of officiating by coaches, players and fans. Even if people don’t know you specifically, many people associate officiating with trustworthiness, impartiality, dedication and integrity – all qualities that can open doors for you in other areas of life.
The organization is making a concerted effort to recruit individuals who have the availability to officiate high school football from September to November, the busiest time for the organization. High school football games are normally played Tuesday-Friday with most doubleheaders kicking off at noon, 1 p.m. or 2:30 pm.
All new officials must complete a Level 1 Football Canada Officials’ Certification Program, which has yet to be scheduled.
If you are looking to stay or get involved with football, make some extra money, be a part of a community, and enjoy being active, then please visit www.lfoa.ca to learn more and see the links to social media.
Have more questions? E-mail info@lfoa.ca and someone will contact you.
 About the Lakeshore Football Officials Association
The Lakeshore Football Officials’ Association, (LFOA) established in 1963, is responsible for officiating all community and high school tackle football in the regions of Halton, Peel, and Niagara. The organization offers Football Canada Certification Programs, rules and positioning clinics, and a personal mentoring program to assist in the development of all officials. Many of the organization’s officials are former or current members of the Canadian Football League and Ontario University Athletics officiating staffs.
By Staff
March 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
That $400 million the federal government is handing out over a five year period – was given to every municipality in the country.
Each of those now has to put together their proposals and basically compete for the dollars.
It’s a good move – getting people outside never hurts.
The media release explained it this way:
 Given the opportunity the people of Burlington get out every chance they get. Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Parliamentary Secretary Andy Fillmore announced $400 million over five years to help build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges, as well as support for repairs and planning studies. This is the first federal fund dedicated to building active transportation through Canada – powered by people – and part of the Government of Canada’s plan to create one million jobs, fight climate change, and build a more sustainable and resilient economy.
The new $400-million fund is part of an eight-year, $14.9-billion public transit investment outlined by Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister McKenna on February 10, 2021. It will support communities as they build vibrant neighborhoods where people can safely live, work and play. The fund will also help Canadians living in rural communities and places without active transportation options to unlock the potential in their communities.
 Walking trails and quiet countryside. In concert with this new fund, Minister McKenna and Parliamentary Secretary Fillmore also launched stakeholder engagement for Canada’s first Active Transportation Strategy. The strategy will be informed by input from the public and key stakeholders including provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations and businesses and will help the federal government make smarter investment decisions to:
• Support the active transportation networks of the future;
• Promote healthier, walkable communities that are environmentally sustainable and affordable; and
• Support better data collection to ensure measurable outcomes.
Watch carefully for how you community responds to this opportunity. Burlington is currently working on a Cycling Master Plan that is going to need to need millions to be completed – this fund appears to be tailor made for the Transportation people.
By Staff
March 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 If you didn’t get to strap on the blades this winter – you’re out of luck. Rink now closed. The Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond is now closed for the season due to the warm weather.
There are still opportunities to skate outdoors at the outdoor artificial surface at Hidden Valley Park (1137 Hidden Valley Rd.).
Register at burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
 By Staff
March 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Someone believes there is going to be a Spring followed by a Summer during which the city Parks and Recreation department will offer the best program it can and still abide by whatever COVID19 conditions are in place.
Registration for spring recreation programming opens March 13
Spring programs can be viewed now at burlington.ca/recreation.
Burlington residents can register for in-person, outdoor and virtual programs for Adults 19+, Adults 55+ on March 13 at 9 a.m. Registration for Youth programs will happen at 11 a.m. on March 13.
An account is required to register online. You can create an account or register at liveandplay.burlington.ca.
Residents can call 905-335-7738 for staff-assisted telephone registrations.
Anyone with questions or needing assistance can contact the Recreation, Community and Culture Department by email live&play@burlington.ca or if you need to speak to someone, call 905-335-7738 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends.
 Everyone can’t wait until the COVID19 crisis is behind us. Gyms and play fields that have been closed will burst with activity. Can’t wait. If restrictions change due to the pandemic, we will do our best to adjust and modify the program.
Safety requirements are in place for all programs and include Bring Your Own everything, and the requirement for masks for all non-physically active programs.
Anyone participating in an in-person program will need to fill out the mandatory health screening form at burlington.ca/screening before each session.
Outdoor programs will require participants to dress for conditions and will run rain or shine. Cancellations due to extreme weather conditions of thunder, lightning or high-winds or in the case of unforeseen staff absence will result in credits to affected customers.
Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation is for all, regardless of financial situation. Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to resident individuals or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreation programs.
For more information or to apply, visit burlington.ca/feeassistance. You can also leave a confidential voicemail message at 905-335-7738, ext. 8501 and staff will return your call to assist you.
 Director of Recreation, Community and Culture, Chris Glenn Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture has said he is “ taking a cautious, phased-in approach to re-opening our recreation facilities. We want to welcome everyone back but we’re doing it with an abundance of caution to ensure staff and participants remain safe and have confidence in our safety procedures.
“Many of our programs for the spring will take place outside, too. For those who still want to enjoy our virtual programs, we still have our Active-at-Home videos and TelePALS running. Keep checking the website as we are adding more programming frequently.”
By Staff
March 5th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Parks and Recreation people, despite feeling like a yoyo – open, closed, then open again only to be closed once more have set out a program that they hope will take on a life of its own
 There will be a summer – what it will be like is almost a guess at this point in time. •Adult / Older Adult Programs: Gradual return to more in person programming including the operation of the Seniors’ Centre and other locations like Tansley Woods, Haber and potentially Brant Hills. Mainway auditorium (group fitness and indoor pickleball) to remain closed for necessary capital renewal work.
•Tyandaga Golf to open early spring, weather dependent. General golf offerings with potential for smaller / modified league play. Tournaments not considered at this time.
•Summer Camps looking to be scaled back due to restrictions and facility availability and offered at City locations including Haber Recreation Centre. Development of more park pop up and play activities around the city.
•Student Theatre continues to operate various levels of programming & camps with potential use of both Student Theatre and BPAC.
•Teen Tour Band resuming in-person practices and supporting any local events. Not looking to do any travel over the summer months.
•Pools to be open including Nelson, Mountainside and LaSalle outdoor locations offering a variety of recreational swim opportunities and partnered clubs with limited swimming lesson programming.
 By Staff
February 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Recreation facilities welcome back participants in recreation programming that will start to re-open with a phased approach starting the week of Feb. 16.
Not all programs and facilities will be opened immediately; re-staffing and facility preparation is underway.
All Adult Virtual Fitness, Learning and Music Registered Programs already running until March 26 will continue as is with no change at this time.
Drop-in skating, lap swims, recreation swims and Aquatic Fitness will start to re-open this week and programs and locations will increase over the next two weeks. All programs can be viewed and registered for at burlington.ca/recreation.
Restrictions for City facilities and recreation as a result of moving in the Red (Control) Phase in the Province’s COVID-19 framework include:
• 10 people maximum for indoor programs such as ice pads, gymnasiums, etc.
Outdoor events limited to 25 people at a time • 25 people maximum for outdoor programs
• Drop-in recreation programs will have a maximum capacity of 10 people, this includes skating and Aquatic Fitness
• Pool capacities for drop-in recreational swimming and lap swims will be reduced to ensure physical distancing can be maintained
• Bistro Express Curbside Pickup will again be accepting phone orders and providing nutritious home-style cooking for reheating at home. Pickup at Seniors Centre Main Entrance. Tap payment only accepted
• In-person instruction, including Learn to Swim and Aquatic Leadership courses will have a maximum capacity of 10 people
• Indoor pickleball activities are cancelled. Outdoor pickleball is available in Optimist and Leighland parks, weather permitting
• No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian supervision of children
These restrictions will impact program providers in the following ways:
 Team sports are on hold. • For all team sports, indoor and outdoor game-play is not permitted
• Teams in City facilities and on City fields can adjust their programming to training and skill development with a maximum of 10 people indoors, up to two coaches and 25 people outdoors. Program participants are encouraged to reach out to their organization for additional information
• If you are a participant in a non-City program or team sport, please connect with your organization to understand how this may impact you
• No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian supervision of children
• Parents/guardian must maintain 3-meter distance while in facilities
• No contact permitted for team or individual sports
 Public performances – including at the Performing Arts Centre are not taking place. . Limit duration of stay in a City facility or on City fields to 90 minutes (does not apply to sports)
• Require active screening, contact information and attendance for all patrons
• No live performances. Performing arts rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted
• Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barriers
 By Matt Jones.
February 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
How to find the best online bonuses for Canadian casinos
With more online casinos than ever opening in recent years – the total number of online sites now numbers in the many thousands – this space has become incredibly competitive. In fact, if recent industry reports are anything to go by, the global online gambling market is expected to reach a staggering $127 billion by 2027!
Much of this competition centers around the need for online casinos to not only attract new customers to their platform but to keep them playing there in the long run.
But with so many options available to both new and old players, this is no easy task!
 There are reliable online casinos that cater to the Canadian market. One of the most popular methods online casinos use to ensure they can attract new players to their platform is to lure them with enticing welcome bonuses. These come in many different shapes and forms, but the end result is much the same; they provide you with a little bit of an incentive in the hope that you will keep on playing with them.
With so many online casinos out there these days, there is understandably a huge variety when it comes to what kinds of bonuses are available. Although choice is always a good thing for consumers, an unfortunate consequence of having so many options is that it can become quite difficult to choose a casino to play with. For newer players in particular, this can sometimes be a daunting task – and this time of year often sees an influx of new and inexperienced players. People who are searching for some indoor leisure activities to wait out the usual heavy snowfall in February.
But what are some of the main things we need to keep in mind when looking for a new online casino platform to start playing with, and how can we identify and take advantage of the best casino bonuses on offer?
Know your bonuses
Before you start trawling through pages of Google search results looking for the best bonus out there, you first need to understand the different types of casino bonuses that are offered by online casinos.
Not all casino bonuses are created equal and there is significant diversity in terms of who can avail of them, how easy they are to use and how lucrative they might be.
Generally speaking, the main types of bonuses that online casinos will offer you are cash bonuses, deposit bonuses and free game bonuses.
As you might have guessed, cash bonuses typically involve the online casino in question giving you an amount of money, credited to your account, simply for opening an account with them. You will usually be able to use this on any game type you like, unless they specify that it can only be used on certain games. Similarly, a deposit bonus involves the casino giving you a certain percentage of any deposits you make to the platform, as a bonus. This will usually have some wagering conditions attached to it that you have to hit before you can withdraw any funds you win using the deposit bonus. You will generally be able to use deposit bonus funds on any game, with the bonus credited straight to your account once you meet the initial requirements. In contrast, the free game or free spin bonuses are limited to specific games and will, once again, be subject to wagering requirements.
Of these, the deposit bonuses tend to be the most lucrative, as online casinos will typically offer you a full match, up to a specific amount, on your initial deposit. Unfortunately, however, deposit bonuses are usually only available to new users signing up for the first time, which limits their availability for more seasoned players.
How to find the best online casinos?
As mentioned earlier, the huge number of online casinos bursting onto the scene in recent years has made it a difficult space for individual users to navigate. When a simple Google search can potentially yield millions of results, finding the right online casino to use can often be a discouraging task.
According to the trusted Canadian casino portal SuperLenny.com, however, this is exactly where their services come to the rescue. Using a review aggregator portal such as SuperLenny allows you to compare and contrast a wide variety of online casinos in one centralized location, without the need to trawl through pages and pages of search results.
 The main types of bonuses that online casinos will offer you are cash bonuses, deposit bonuses and free game bonuses. Read the rules carefully and understand your limits. This means you can spend less time searching the darkest reaches of the internet looking for the best possible deal, and more time doing what you love – settling in for an exciting online casino gaming session! It also has the benefit of allowing you to directly compare the type of bonus offered, without the need to navigate directly to the website in question.
By Adam Lumb
February 15th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The legal gambling age in Canada is determined by province. This means how old you need to be to gamble depends on where you live. However, it can also depend on what type of gambling you are partaking in. For example, there might be different minimum ages based on if you’re playing a casino game of chance or buying a lottery ticket.
In Ontario, the rules are strictly applied based on the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporate Act, 1999. This law has made the legal gambling age for Ontario residents clear for different gambling types. Let’s take a look.
Casino age in Ontario
You must be 19 years of age or older to play casino games of chance in Ontario. This includes slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and other game types. In fact, you must be 19 years of age or older to even go to a gaming premises like a casino, unless you are there for employment.
 Playing slots on line can be fun – exciting. Just know your limit Upon entering a casino in Ontario, you may be asked for a government-issued identification document featuring a photo to verify how old you are. This is a common practice at gambling premises across the province. If you are 21 years of age or younger, two identification documents may be needed.
Of course, there are a few other entry requirements that you need to satisfy as well. For example, you cannot appear intoxicated, nor can you be self-excluded from playing at the premises.
How old to play casino online in Ontario?
You must be 19 years of age or older to play at online casinos in Ontario. In recent years, playing online has become more and more popular across the country. There are lots of new Canadian online casinos launching that provide a fun and new experience.
However, the age requirement for Ontario players remains the same.
You will need to create a new account at these sites using your personal information. Make sure that what you provide is accurate.
Your account needs to be verified which will often require an identification document featuring a photo and your age to be uploaded.
If you are lucky enough to win, you may be asked for further verification documents when you request a withdrawal. Online casinos must follow strict anti-money laundering policies and other rules to comply with their licence obligations. Therefore, submitting the correct personal information when you sign up is very important.
Age to buy lottery tickets in Ontario
You must be 18 years of age or older to buy lottery tickets in Ontario. There’s a variety of different lotteries that are drawn over a week. You must buy your tickets before the deadline to be eligible.
Lottery retailers may ask for a government-issued identification document featuring a photo to verify how old you are. Any retailer caught selling lottery tickets to underage people can face significant fines.
You can claim lottery prizes lower than $1,000 at a retailer. Prizes under $50,000 must be claimed via mail, while anything from $50,000 or above must be claimed at the OLG Prize Centre in person.
Make sure to check your tickets to see if you have won. There have been several occasions when a winning ticket totalling millions of dollars has not been produced. However, many lottery tickets remain valid for several months after the draw so the prizes can be claimed.
Keep gambling fun
No matter how old you are, gambling is meant to be fun. Never gamble what you cannot afford to lose and be mindful of your activity.
If you think you are starting to lose control, ConnexOntario can help. There’s a variety of resources that they can help you to find and access in Ontario.
By Staff
February 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Mountainside Outdoor Pool has served the community well for over 50 years.
The City of Burlington is planning a future revitalization of this popular community outdoor pool. The renewal project is anticipated to begin after the 2021 summer swim season. The pool will remain open for use this summer, pending public health and provincial COVID-19 direction.
 Time for an upgrade. The ward Council is now a happy camper – he has delivered something for his constituents The City is inviting and encouraging all families and individuals who use the pool to take the online survey to help guide them with the style and themes of amenities and features planned for the new pool. The survey is open until Feb. 19, 2021: CLICK HERE for the survey.
Styles and themes of amenities in the survey include:
- Pool water spray features
- Climbing wall
- Water slide
- Shade structures
The revitalization will create an attractive, fun, active and welcoming multi-use outdoor swimming pool, that invites the community to participate and experience swimming and water play while encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2021, with completion expected in the spring of 2022.
About Mountainside Outdoor Pool
Mountainside Outdoor Pool and Splash Park (2205 Mount Forest Dr.) is an important community hub and aquatic recreation destination in the Mountainside neighbourhood. The pool is well used and serves on average 27,000 participants in a wide variety of activities including recreational swimming, lap swimming and learn to swim lessons each summer.
 Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture explains what the City is doing and the timeline for the revitalization. “Mountainside Outdoor Pool is over 50-years old and has served the community and the city very well. It’s now time to revitalize it and make the needed upgrades, repairs and updates so it can be a community activity hub for another 50-years. By starting the construction in the fall, we can ensure people have another opportunity for healthy, active recreational swimming this summer, and weather and construction permitting, have it open for the 2022 outdoor swimming season.”
By Staff
January 30th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
You have to give Oakville North Burlington Member of Parliament Pam Damoff more than a high five for giving the drive to get Terry Fox on the new five dollar bill more than the old college try.
The Petition she presented to the people at the Mint who will be printing the new $5 bill had 1251 Burlington signatures on it.
An announcement is due soon on who will be on the currency.
What the Gazette didn’t know was that Ms Damoff is a football fan.
Here she is speaking in the House of Commons yesterday:
 Pam Damoff taking the Polar Dip on a New Year’s Day – not this past year though. “Mr. Speaker, eight worthy candidates are being considered by the government for the new five-dollar bill, but one stands out from the rest: Terry Fox.
“I am proud to sponsor an e-petition initiated by Burlington resident and CFL Hall of Famer, Tony Gabriel, to have Terry Fox chosen to be on the five-dollar bill.
“In 1980, Terry embarked on the Marathon of Hope to raise funds for cancer research. When he came through Ottawa, he participated in a ceremonial kickoff at an Ottawa Rough Riders game. Tony told him there was not one person on the team that could possibly physically do what Terry was doing.”
 Tony Gabriel and Pam Damoff beside the Terry Fox marker on the Burlington waterfront. This gave Terry an emotional lift. The Marathon of Hope made Terry Fox a household name and a Canadian hero. Over $800 million has been raised for cancer research in Terry’s name.
As Tony would say, let us get Terry in the end zone. It is time to put him on the five.
By Staff
January 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The crack of the bat that can be heard even if you are seated way up in the bleachers of a large ball park, a sound that North Americans just love to hear.
Given the way we have had to live our lives for the past year, taking in a ball game would be nice. Being able to sit with friends with a beer in one hand and a hot dog in the other is something to look forward to and might aid us in getting through the current lock down.
The Burlington Oldtimers Slo-Pitch has begun to promote their summer league offering; we assume they believe the lock down will be lifted by then. Running from the plate to first base wearing a mask doesn’t sound all that appealing.
The teams play on Wednesdays at 10:30 am at Sherwood Park where there are four diamonds – if that much space is needed.
Like everyone else they will be watching for changes from the provincial government on what people can do. The moment there is even a hint the games can take place the Slo-Pitch people will be onto Teresa Campbell, their contact at Parks and Recreation, looking for approval to start the season.
If you had previously registered and paid for 2020 then there is no further action required by you.
However, if you had previously requested a refund of your 2020 registration fee then the league treasurer will reach out to you closer to when the season is anticipated to start.
JOIN US!
Become part of something special in your community. Let’s face it, what better way is there to get a little exercise on Summer nights! Get your friends and relatives to join too.
• Men’s 35+ league
• Way too many games… PLUS two tournaments!
• Twice a week
• All games in Burlington with short fences 🙂
• Best people ever
The league asks newcomers to do a self assessment in order to fit them into a team. It is brutal.
 Looks like there is room for everyone in this league.
 By Staff
January 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It was one of those bleak winter days that often follow a snow storm.
Close to blistering cold but not cold enough to freeze Lake Ontario water and not cold enough to keep those barking mad surfers out of the water.
The photo offering today shows someone pushing through the water hoping to catch a decent wave.
Not for the faint of heart.
 Photo by Helene Dube
By Staff
January 23, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Play equipment lending and other outdoor activities are available now.
There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor, active, and fun winter play with the City of Burlington. Dress appropriately, stay safe and enjoy a winter wonderland!
 Snow shoeing – great winter fun. Play Equipment Lending Library is available with winter-play equipment such as snowshoes, glow in the dark soccer, snow play kit, tug of war, and horseshoes and is intended for use by one family at a time. A list of play equipment is available HERE
• Equipment can be borrowed, starting Jan. 14.
• $50 deposit is required at the time of booking
• Play equipment is available for pick-up and drop-off only at the Brant Hills Community Centre, 2255 Brant St.
• Late and administration fees may be deducted from the $50 deposit
The outdoor ice at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond is open. Located at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington – the rink is open most days from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and skating is free; however, online, pre-registration is required and can be booked no more than 25-hours in advance.
To accommodate as many community members as possible we ask that they only book one skate per day. The rink is very popular and capacity is reduced for COVID-19 safety. If you cannot come to the rink at your reserved time, please cancel your time so the next group can have an opportunity for fun and activities.
Anyone having difficulties with registering or cancelling their reservation time, please email Customer Service at liveandplay@burlington.ca.
To pre-register, visit burlington.ca/skating.
For up-to-date information on ice conditions at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, please call 905-335-7600, ext. 8587. To learn more about the pond’s features and rules, visit, burlington.ca/pond.
By Alex Gramantin
January 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
With the world coping with a pandemic and people in many countries in a lock down situation or restricted on which commercial operations are actually opening and operating, millions of people are shopping on-line.
Some method of paying for what you buy on-line is needed.
Let’s start with the obvious, using your credit/debit card to make transfers and online payments is pretty annoying. Constantly having to log in and typing your card information is a hassle, and it’s not that safe for various reasons. Thankfully, there are loads of online payment systems and e-wallets you can use in Canada.
There are a lot of them, so many in fact that it may be hard to choose which one is better and more convenient. I’ve set out below the most popular payment systems for Canadians and given you the pros and the cons based on my experience; you will then be able to determine which one suits you best.
 PayPal Canada
Want a payment method that doesn’t use any of your information with the store you’re purchasing from? PayPal Canada is perfect for those wanting a secure banking option that will ensure that no one can get to your actual banking details even in PayPal casinos in Canada. Better yet, you don’t need to replenish your PayPal e-wallet, it automatically uses money from the bank account linked to it. There are over 6.4 million PayPal users in Canada, and yes – it does work with the CAD currency.
Pros:
-Extremely fast, and easy to use
-No transaction fees
-Downloadable e-wallet
-Plenty of discounts with various retails
Cons:
-Long withdrawal times (3-4 days)
-Business account use charges
-Accounts get frozen randomly
GooglePay is in the process of revising their logo
Google Pay Canada
Google really is dominating the world, and now you have an option to make payments via Google Pay. Canadian users can use this system on the website, or download a mobile app (Android Pay) that is beyond easy to use. Using Google Pay, you will have the opportunity to earn cash back, gain reward points, and have a secure experience with scam and fraud protection. A little over 12% of Canadian residents happily use this payment method for online shopping, quick transactions, and thousands of available retails in the region.
Pros:
-Lots of rewards and promotions
-Widely accepted online
-No transaction fees
-Charges in CAD
Cons:
-Not as widely accepted in physical retails as PayPal
-Only accepted on smartphones with NFC
-Isn’t compatible with mobile voice assistants
 Instadebit
If you want to feel the lightning speed power transactions, Instadebit CA is going to blow your socks off. This payment system is incredibly fast, and offers instant transactions, hence the name. The company serves thousands of Canadian users, as it quickly proved to be a highly convenient online financial system. It’s very similar in structure to most other online payment methods, and can be used for various digital payments except this one happens to be extremely popular in the online gambling world. Making an Instadebit account is as easy as ever, and depositing to online casinos couldn’t be speedier. There are currently over a hundred legal Instadebit online gambling sites for Canadians.
Pros:
-Incredibly fast transactions
-Fast online casino deposits
-Quick online casino withdrawals
-Quick registration process
-Accepted on many Canadian casino sites
-Secure payment system
Cons:
-Doesn’t work with some CA banks
-Can only be tethered to one bank
-Lack of anonymity
My take on what is available:
Whether you’re shopping online, depositing money to friends and family, or gambling online – there are plenty of options. You will find dozens of online payment systems in Canada, but make sure to always read reviews and weigh out the pros and cons before linking your bank details.
PayPal, Google Pay, and Instadebit are all reliable. They have their differences but they are all secure options with quick transactions, and no excessive fees.
Alex Gramantin is a consultant who is located in Europe. He consults for an international clientele on internet based payment services.
By DENIS GIBBONS
December 11, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Nothing good occurs during a pandemic, yet some of its side effects could bring positive changes.
The NHL, for instance, has decided to create an all-Canadian division for the 2020-21 season so that players do not have to cross the U.S. border, potentially leading to a spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets will play only in their own group.
 I’m suggesting they take things a step further and award the Stanley Cup to the champion of the Canadian division.
Only the goals scored by Canadian players should count, except those scored against Canadian goalies, which would not!
However, the goalies who surrendered those goals would issue a coupon entitling the shooter to one free penalty shot.
That shot, if successful, would count as a goal.
Canadian networks, alone, should have the rights to telecast the games. And to steal a page, in reverse, from Donald Trump’s notebook, commercials should promote just Canadian-made products.
Before the season starts in January, each of the seven Canadian clubs would be allowed to draft five Canadian-born players from the rosters of the other 24 American teams. In return, each American club losing a player would be compensated with their choice of either two Europeans or three Americans.
That is deemed to be fair market value, according to the results of the last two Olympics and last two World Cups of Hockey, all of which have been won by Canada.
The champagne, traditionally sipped out of the Cup, would be replaced by Canadian Club whiskey, for those who imbibe. Tee-totallers could use maple syrup harvested from a Canadian bush.
Let’s make this a genuine Canuck Stanley Cup final by having the final series played in Ottawa, the nation’s capital, where the Ottawa Silver Seven defeated the Dawson City Nuggets to win Lord Stanley’s mug in 1905.
  Much has been written about the 1905 Stanley Cup Challenge when the Silver Seven played host to the Nuggets, a team with no league that traveled 4,000 miles from the Yukon by dogsled, ship and train to compete for the Cup.
It took them a month and, naturally, exhausted, they suffered humiliating losses by scores of 9-2 and 23-2. One-eyed Frank McGee, who lost the use of his left eye during an amateur game for a local Canadian Pacific Railway team scored 14 goals for Ottawa in the second game.
Sadly, McGee was killed fighting during the First World War in France. He was among the original inductees of the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945.
Since the Dey’s Rink, which hosted the 1905 games, no longer exists, I recommend the series be played in the ornate Aberdeen Pavilion, the steel and glass structure at Lansdowne Park that was the site of the 1904 Stanley Cup challenge, also won by the Ottawa Silver Seven.
The pavilion was designated a national historic site because it is the only large-scale exhibition building in Canada surviving from the 19th century.
There are plenty of good reasons to exclude American teams from competing for the Stanley Cup.
When the Cup first was awarded to the Montreal Hockey Club in 1893, it was designated for Canadian amateur teams only. That was 24 years before the NHL even began.
Professional clubs did not become eligible to compete for the Cup, which was donated by Canada’s Governor General at the time, Lord Stanley of Preston, until 1906.
Besides Lord Stanley, who was born in England, authorized the construction of an outdoor rink on the grounds of Rideau Hall and was a benefactor of the Ottawa Hockey Club.
Two of his sons, Arthur and Algernon, were teammates of James Creighton on the Rideau Rebels team.
It was Creighton who organized the first official indoor game of hockey at the Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal in 1875.
Lord Stanley’s daughter, Isobel, participated in the first recorded women’s ice hockey match, which took place on the Rideau rink on February 10, 1891.
This old blusterball welcomes the comments of all readers of The Burlington Gazette.
Denis Gibbons, a former editor of the Burlington Post has written frequently about hockey at both a local and international level. He learned to speak Russian at McMaster University and served as a translator during several of the international contest.
Related news story:
He was once an alter boy
 By Pepper Parr
December 7th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Why the city could not say they were grateful for the initiative and the money that the Burlington Seniors’ Community Initiatives (BSCI) put up to refurbish a bus shelter and install the fittings to make it heated is hard to understand.
What we got was notice of a photo opportunity where the Ward Councillor, perhaps even the Mayor, will strut their stuff and talk about the how great the city is.
The Burlington leadership team, referred to as the BLT, will also be on hand for the photo op.
The people who raised the money were at one time the operators of many of the services that were provided at the Seniors Centre.
 The Bistro, the heart of the Seniors’ Centre. The Bistro, which is a very profitable operation, was an idea the seniors came up with.
They were unceremoniously pushed out when the City Manager at the time sent one of his threatening letters telling them their time had come to an end.
There is a reason for the bus shelter being across the street from the entrance to the seniors’ shelter where the bus could pull up – no one has said just what that reason is.
Hopefully the recognition of Burlington Seniors’ Community Initiatives contribution towards the purchase and installation of the City of Burlington’s first heated transit shelter is full-throated and heartfelt. Not a lot of respect of the one group for the other.
Will there come a time when the seniors get to have more direct involvement in their affairs?
 Regional Chair Gary Carr getting a workout on a piece of equipment while Mayor Meed Ward does her Hallelujah while peddling away on equipment paid for by a senior citizen group. BSCI put up the money for the sports equipment at Burloak Park; they recently put $5000 into the Meal Bag program at Wellington Square and paid for some much needed PPE at another church – the Baptist church got funds to do an upgrade of their kitchen.
Hopefully some of that remarkable history will get a mention at the photo op on Friday: 1:15 pm at Transit Stop 45 on Burlington Teen Tour Band Way.
By Ella Wilson
December 3, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
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BURLINGTON, ON
Will Ontario’s Land Based Casinos Ever Get Ahead of the Online Competition?
 There is something so very exciting when you are a space where people are having fun and excited about gambling – hard to have that experience online. Canada continues to witness exciting growth in gambling revenue. As you’d expect, Ontario, the most populated province in Canada, was the most significant contributor, generating around $2.36 billion net profit annually. Furthermore, a large proportion of this was from online gambling.
What’s the Current State of Gambling in Canada?
Canada suffers a slightly confusing situation with regards to online gambling and the law. This is because online casinos are neither fully legal nor illegal. Instead, there are no clear laws that actually define online betting there. Separate policies exist for every single province. If this wasn’t bad enough, additional regulations are also in place for Native American tribes. As a result, inter-province agreements usually need to exist when an operator in one area wishes to provide services to someone in another.
Casinos throughout Canada are separated into either being part of their home country, or foreign/offshore. Province licensed casinos are entirely legal and offer sites written in both French and English. These sites also accept Canadian dollars, in addition to PayPal and other forms of payment. Foreign casinos which target Canadian residents aren’t really supposed to, as they’re not licensed in Canada itself. Nevertheless, many offshore casinos attempt to entice players by including the Canadian dollar as a currency option.
While playing at these sites isn’t problematic, banking options can be. Laws exist that restrict the movement of money from Canadian to foreign accounts. Nevertheless, this alone hasn’t affected access to foreign online casinos.
What are the Best Land Based Casinos in Ontario?
There is no shortage of land-based casinos in Ontario with 44 establishments existing there. On the Trip Advisor website, Caesars Windsor, the Niagara Falls View Casino, and Casino Niagara are the three casinos with the highest ratings. Here is a little more about each one.
Caesars Windsor. This casino promises a range of exciting gameplay thanks to a robust selection of slot and table games on offer. Players are promised an exhilarating experience each time they spin a reel, roll a dice or anticipate their next hand. The casino even offers a rewards system where players don’t have to use all their free slot play at once at one machine.
Niagara Falls View Casino. When a player steps onto the casino floor, they’re promised a feeling of excitement and energy as they navigate the 200,000 square feet area which is the size of three football fields! With over 3000 slot machines and 130 table games, players will never be short of new experiences here!
Casino Niagara. There’s plenty of fun and excitement to be experienced at Casino Niagara. The gaming floor is 95,000 square feet, and with two floors, there’s no end of choice, from slot machines to a range of different card tables, plus many others.
 One of the greatest tourist attractions in the world. The Niagara Falls is a popular tourist hotspot with hotels and resorts boasting luxury casinos for their guests.
Despite Losing Out to Online, Land Based Casinos are Now Fighting Back
This year, land-based casinos in Ontario generated $200 million. While this may sound impressive, it is not. As last year, the figure stood at $2.3 billion. The main reason this has happened is due to the competition from online casinos. It’s generally accepted that online casinos are more convenient than land-based ones and that they offer a better choice of games. A lot of sites do spoil their players for choice with many offering a range of casino games such as an online baccarat game as well as roulette and slot games. Online casinos also tend to have better bonuses and promotions for their players too. Moreover, players don’t feel the pressure to dress up, like they may do when attending an actual casino, and they may not feel as pressured to spend large amounts of money.
However, the state of land-based casinos hasn’t helped either. Some facilities are worn out, and money laundering was known to be rife. Yet, tax contributions from these establishments remained impressive.
Now, private operators will take over from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp (OLG) in the greater Ontario area. New casino projects have been planned, such as the Parq Vancouver resort, as well as a full revamp of the existing Niagara casino. Which will include upgrading its appearance and investing in new gaming options such as a sportsbook. The Kingsway Entertainment District is yet another scheme that, amongst other amenities, will also include a casino.
While all this does sound positive for land-based casinos, it still needs to be considered that international companies will be allowed to operate legally in Ontario, which will create even more competition when new brands eventually launch.
Could Ontario Online and Land-Based Casinos Ever be Considered Equal?
Ontario and Canada are witnessing impressive growth in online gambling, while revenues from land-based casinos have somewhat stagnated. It is expected that online casinos will continue to grow, mainly thanks to online casinos being legalised in different provinces. Equally, it will be interesting to see how land-based casinos will perform in the near future, considering their past impressive performance, and the recent changes that could allow them to compete better with online casinos.
 By Nick Ostergaard
November 27th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Five good reasons why you should exercise regularly
 Losing weight, being healthier and more productive are some of the more obvious reasons why you should start exercising. But people often find it hard to stay motivated just by the thought of maybe losing weight and becoming more healthy in general. Often more people need even more persuasion – and this is where we enter the picture. Because in this article we present you our five top reasons why you should exercise on a regular basis. These reasons could also possibly help you maintain your motivation to exercise and work out. You see, there is much more to exercising than just physical health.
Reason no. 1: It will give you more energy and make you in a better mood
Exercising might not always feel absolutely amazing in the moment – on the contrary it often feels exhausting and overall not good. But if you think about the last time you exercised – how did you feel afterwards? Good, we presume. The feeling you get after finishing a run, a work out or a training session can sometimes feel similar to the feeling of winning the bit jackpot at an online casino or – some even say – it’s similar to the feeling of being in love. No matter what, it’s hard to compare the feeling of finishing a workout to something that feels just as good. And this feeling – some call it the “runner’s high” will give you more energy in your everyday life and will also boost your production of endorphins which will make you in a better mood. Not just after finishing your workout but in general – if you keep on exercising. Over time this will also reduce depression and axiety levens in your head and body.
Reason no. 2: Exercise reduces stress
Are you feeling stressed? Then go for a run, a walk or go to the gym! Exercising decreases the body’s own production of the stress hormone Cortisol in the bloodstream. This means that exercising will also reduce the possibility of you being stressed or even being diagnosed with stress. As mentioned before exercising will also release endorphins that will improve your mood and automatically reduce tension and stress signals in your head and your body.
Reason no. 3: Exercising will boost your immune system
Studies have shown that just 45 minutes of cardio training five days a week is enough to keep a cold away. This will also help decrease the risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, strokes, cancer and diabetes by up to fifty percent. This alone should be reason enough for everyone to start exercising on a regular basis. Exercising will also lower your blood pressure and levels of cholesterol in your body. A study made at the University of British Columbia actually shows that exercise can also have an impact on your ability to remember – regular exercise will expand the hippocampus which is the area of the brain that is “in charge” of learning and verbal memory.
Reason no. 4: You will sleep better at night
Working out will exhaust you and make you tired, which is pretty obvious. But it does not only have an affect on the day of your workout. Regular exercise will also have an impact on how you sleep in general. When you have been physically active, it will be easier for the body to relax and fall asleep. This being said, you should not work out right before your bedtime, because exercise causes your body to produce adrenaline which will make it harder for you to find peace and fall asleep.
Pssst. Better sleep is not the only bedside perk that exercise can give you. Exercise actually increases blood flow to the genitals which will heighten your sex drive. In pace with you having more energy and feeling and looking better because you started exercising – this is what we would call a win-win situation.
Reason no. 5: You will become happier and gain more confidence!
Exercise increases the level of happiness-enhancing substances in the brain which automatically will make you happier. Actually the rush of happiness after a workout can last up to 12 hours after you finish working out! Also, training and exercising will make you change the perception you have of your own body, and, combined with everything mentioned above, will make you more confident and positive towards your body. Losing weight, feeling happier and becoming more fit will make you feel better in your own body which will also help increase the physical feeling of being well and happy.
Remember, the more you exercise, the easier it gets. Exercising regularly and making it a habit will make it feel like fun – which will make the benefits you gain from it even more evident. So what are you waiting for?
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