 By Catarina Mendez
July 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A significant change occurred on April 4th, 2022, in Ontario’s online gambling market. This sector, which until that date lacked regulation and thus became a hot spot for offshore betting sites, became a legal jurisdiction, and with it came some changes.
 Getting legally registered in Ontario is a very very strict process Since the legalization of online gambling in the province, several brands from North America and Europe keep joining the list of licensed operators.
Although these betting operators must meet strict regulations and take several steps before launching their websites in Canada, it doesn’t seem that the new additions will slow down soon.
What Brands Are Legally Operating Already?
At the time of this article, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario (iGO) have already received registration from thirty-three gambling websites. These two entities are responsible for regulating and overseeing the operations of all Ontario sportsbooks and online casinos.
Before the regulated gambling market opened, several brands had already submitted their application for registration, which led to thirteen gambling websites going live on April 4th, 2022. The first brands to launch their operations in the province were:
● BetMGM
● Caesars
● BetRivers
● Royal Panda
● LeoVegas
● Coolbet
● bet365
● 888
 Over the past three months, several other companies met the strict regulations and security standards that AGCO and iGO set for them, thus joining the original thirteen:
● Bally Bet
● DraftKings
● ComeOn!
● FanDuel
● KnightSlots
● NorthStar Bets
 North Star and Rivalry are two brands available to gamblers in Ontario ● Bwin
● PartyCasino
● Pokerstars
● Unibet
● PlayOjo
● PointsBet
● Rivalry
● SlotsMagic
● Spingenie
● TheScore
Many of the currently legal brands in Ontario provide multiple gambling products, including casinos, sports betting, and poker. The companies that own and operate brands with separate product websites must apply for registration for each platform.
Nevertheless, this hurdle doesn’t seem to hinder gambling companies’ drive to join the regulated market, as there is already a long list of brands waiting to receive their registration.
New Brands Coming To Ontario… Soon!
As mentioned before, joining Ontario’s regulated online gambling market isn’t easy, and the process often takes time. Due to this, the companies behind gambling sites usually apply for registration several months before their preferred launch date to ensure they can meet all the steps established by the regulatory authorities.
 Companies must complete two seven-step processes to launch their websites in Ontario legally. Firstly, they require AGCO’s approval which depends on multiple security, reporting, and compliance registrations. Once they receive this approval, they’ll have to complete the additional steps from iGO, which include, among others, submitting information about Anti-Money Laundering systems and configuring secure data communications.
The timings to complete all of these strict processes take more than two months, and, depending on the gambling platform’s unique properties, it could take even longer. However, once the brands receive AGCO’s approval, it’s only a matter of time until they become available for Ontario bettors.
Betway, Casumo, BetVictor, Betway’s Spin Casino, and Jackpot City have all received approval from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission. As such, you can expect to see some newly launched websites in the upcoming weeks.
Along with these brands, fourteen others await the license to complete the launching process.
Conclusion
Ontario has always been an exciting gambling market for offshore operators, who were able to launch their platforms without the need to meet strict regulatory standards. Before April 4th, 2022, several international operators took charge of the gambling industry in the province and did so at the potential expense of players’ safety.
Since the launch of the regulated market, gambling brands must ensure that all players’ winnings are paid and that their personal and financial information is safe. Likewise, sportsbooks now must comply with the gambling standards and offer fair and competitive odds.
Perhaps one of the most important aspects for players is that licensed gambling websites must provide responsible gaming tools, such as deposit and play time limits and the possibility for self-exclusion.
It’s possible to see that the regulated market brought an array of advantages for players and allows for healthy competition between brands. If the trend continues, we can expect Ontario’s gambling industry to expand continuously to become a global leader.
 By Staff
July 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
There a number of commercial organizations in Burlington that go out of their way to give back to the city in which they do business. Of course the events they sponsor keep their name in the public eye with a favourable view.
Nothing wrong with that and we congratulate those that see their role as working with the public to make Burlington a better place.
 A fun example of this Giving Back is:
THE ROCCA SISTERS PRESENT – KIDS MINI FEST!
Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At three locations:
Brant Hills Park (2255 Brant St.)
Cumberland Park (562 Cumberland Ave.)
Millcroft Park (4520 Millcroft Park Dr.)
Great picture!
By Staff
July 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington has its name on a new list.
A panel of 101 golfers travelled across the country and judged golf courses on nine criteria.
They ranked 100 golf courses and said that the Burlington Golf and Country Club was # 61 on their list
The course opened in 1924.
 Ranked 61st out of 100. The judges noted that the removal of many trees has made a big difference to the original Thompson design
So much for the urban canopy.
The SCOREGolf Top 100 courses in Canada.
What began as a grading of the country’s top 15 tracks in 1988 grew to a list of 25 in 1990, to 50 in 1994 and 100 by 2000.
Initially the ranking was completed by a small group of mostly golf professionals. Today the ranking is done primarily by public players or private club members.
The list is released every two years.
The Hamilton Golf and Country Club ranked #4
By Staff
July 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It couldn’t happen at a more inopportune time.
The pool at the Aldershot High school will be closed on July 29
 Pool to be closed from 9:00 am to 4:00 on the 29th – Friday Halton District School Board will be completing maintenance in Aldershot Highschool which will impact Aldershot Pool.
As a result, Aldershot Pool will be closed on July 29 for drop in programming from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will re-open for programs at 4 p.m.
That is a very short period of time for any kind of work to be done.
Kudos for the short break in the swimming schedule.
Let’s hope they can stick to the schedule.
Please check online before heading to the pool for a drop in program. The other indoor pools, as well as our outdoor pools, are open as usual. burlington.ca/dropinandplay
By Frank P. Mickens
July 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
While the gambling regime in Canada was previously rippled with obscurity, the coast is much clearer now as provinces now have the leeway to enact regulations and issue licenses pertaining to the gambling industry within their territory. In exercise of this right, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation regulate the gambling scene in Ontario, which includes the Greater Toronto Area.
The gambling industry has recorded major success in Ontario, with several land-based casinos, race tracks, and slots providers available in the province. This love for gambling is also translated onto the digital scene as online gambling has become popular in many areas of the territory. Today’s post is by Frank P. Mickens of https://ontariocasino.online/, a virtual casino review service in the province.
How many people gamble online from the Hamilton area?
Recent surveys have shown that a large percentage of adult Canadians living in Ontario have at one time, or the other tried their hands at online gambling. The province’s population stands at a staggering 14 million people, representing a huge market for the online gambling industry.
 This population strength and accessibility of gambling platforms have made it easier for most of the population to explore their gaming interests. Hamilton bears some interesting similarities to its mother province, Ontario. The city is home to a port which makes industries and commerce commonplace. The city’s population is just under 600,000, but that hasn’t stopped its inhabitants from gambling online.
Hamilton area families are gambling savvy and manage to find time out of their busy schedules for gaming and entertainment. Hamilton area families are also huge lovers of Bingo, which happens to be one of the most popular online gambling games of chance in Ontario.
Gambling Safely Online in Hamilton and Greater Toronto areas
As entertaining as online gambling may be, the foundation to having endless fun is the security of your data and funds. Since wagering is done online, customers are required to make deposits via bank transfers or card payments. So it is essential that you gamble on trustworthy websites only. Some of the ways to verify a website’s trustworthiness are by:
1. Licensing status:
Under Canadian law, operating casinos and iGaming businesses (whether virtual or land-based) is illegal without obtaining a federal or provincial license. If the gambling house has no license, it is safer to stay away to avoid falling victim to fraudsters. An operator’s licensing status also shows whether they have met the minimum financial requirement set by the government and are bound by Canadian laws or not.
2. Reviews
The reputation of a gambling house is also a key factor to consider. This is because offshore gaming platforms may still offer Canadians their services without obtaining a license. In such situations, it is advisable to read about the company’s services, terms, and the experiences of other users before plowing in. Fortunately, sites like ontariocasino.online help research these sites, so you don’t have to.
3. Use Prepaid Cards
Even if you’re not conversant with the risks of virtual gambling today, entering your financial information online requires some caution. For this reason, it is advisable to use prepaid cards which are not connected to your bank account to make payments on these platforms. These cards have a preloaded fixed amount which you can top up via the issuer’s trusted channels. This helps to keep your funds and private information safe.
 4. Encryption
Encryption software helps online casinos to protect their servers and customer data from getting hacked. As companies with large access to data, funds, and customer information, it is important that virtual gaming platforms are well protected. Encryption software ensures that your activities and exchanged data with online platforms stay private and invisible to third parties.
5. Accessibility and User Experience
A virtual gaming platform’s selling point is how easy it is to use and how well it adapts to the various devices of its customers. Thanks to the wide reach of online gaming today, you can access these platforms via smartphones, laptops, iPads, and many other internet-enabled devices. A good gaming website should have a friendly user interface that lets you enjoy the games seamlessly regardless of your device.
Residents of the Hamilton Area and Greater Toronto can look forward to more exciting games thanks to the current legal stand on gambling in the province. This comes at a time when lots of scrutiny and regulation are being channeled into the gambling industry to make it even safer and more enjoyable.
By Justina Gursky
July 25th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Knowing that the people you are using for online casino sport gambling are properly licensed is critical. While there are many different casino apps available on the market, finding a reputable one offering a Caesars promo code can be quite challenging.
With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which app is the best and most trustworthy.
That’s why we’re here to help you out.
Tips for choosing a reputable casino app in Canada
If you’re looking for a reputable casino app in Canada, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First of all, it’s important to make sure that the app has a license issued by a reputable gambling authority to ensure that the app is safe and secure to use.
Secondly, you should also check the reviews and ratings of the app before downloading it. This will give you an idea of what other users have thought about the app and whether or not it’s worth your time and money.
Finally, make sure to test out the app yourself before committing to it. This way, you can be sure that it meets your needs and expectations.
Red flags to watch out for when choosing a casino app in Canada
There are a few red flags to watch out for when choosing a casino app in Canada, so let’s explore them to keep you on the safe side.
1. The app is not available in your country – While many apps are available internationally, some are only available in specific countries. Download only the ones that are.
2. Bad reviews – If there are a lot of negative reviews, it might be best to steer clear.
3. There’s no trial period – Most casino apps offer a free trial period, so you can test out the games and features before deciding if it’s right for you and you should download only the ones that have them.
What are the consequences of choosing an unreliable casino app?
And now, let’s explore the consequences of unreliable apps.
 The banker you use for your financial transactions is important to you – it is your money and you want to know it is safe and that the banker is reliable. The first is that you may end up losing money if the app is not secure. If it is not secure, it could be accessed by someone who should not have access to it, which could lead to identity theft or fraud.
Another consequence of choosing an unreliable casino app is that you may not be able to withdraw your winnings. The app may not be linked to a reliable banking system and your winnings could disappear into thin air, and you would have no way of getting them back.
Finally, choosing an unreliable casino app could also lead to problems with customer support. If the app is not well-made, it may be difficult to get in touch with customer support in case you run into any problems, which could leave you feeling frustrated and helpless if you need assistance.
By Staff
July 21st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Metrolinx is listening to comments about crowding on TFC match days – on platforms, trains and even at the BMO Field gates.
The Lakeshore West schedule will be modified before the TFC game on Saturday, July 23.
 Soccer fans are much more passionate than hockey fans – even basket ball fans. As for baseball fans – do they every get excited. Fans and other travellers on the Lakeshore East and West Lines will see some changes, designed to give everyone more time to board their trains and reduce crowing at the stadium gates for those taking the last trains before kick-off.
These scheduling changes will be in place around the TFC game on Saturday, July 23.
Lakeshore West:
All westbound trips from Union Station from 5:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. will depart five minutes earlier than regularly scheduled.
The 4:13 p.m., 5:13 p.m. and 6:13 p.m. eastbound trips from West Harbour GO will depart ten minutes later, at 4:23 p.m., 5:23 p.m. and 6:23 p.m. and arrive at Exhibition GO and Union Station 15 minutes later than regularly scheduled.
The 4:55 p.m., 5:55 p.m., and 6:55 p.m. trips from Aldershot GO will depart ten minutes later, at 5:05 p.m., 6:05 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. and arrive at Exhibition GO and Union Station 15 minutes later than regularly scheduled.
During these adjustments, eastbound trains will also make longer than normal scheduled stops at the most popular stations on the Lakeshore West Line to provide customers extra time to board their trains.
The last two trips before TFC’s kickoff will arrive at 6:36 p.m. and 7:06 p.m.
In a small break from routine, most pre-game westbound trains will arrive on the south platform at Exhibition Station. Post-game trains will depart from both platforms as usual, so make sure to check departure boards before you head to the platform.
Fans heading through the tunnel to Liberty Village after the game will no longer have to turn left and up the stairs that lead to the platform. The tunnel has been extended, so people heading to Liberty Village can go straight and up the newly opened stairs, making it easy to get to Atlantic Avenue.
People that don’t have PRESTO cards and want to avoid line-ups at station ticket vending machines can buy GO e-tickets in advance online or take advantage of one of the GO Transit Weekend Pass options. E-tickets should be activated five minutes before boarding.
 By Staff
July 14th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 July 13th, 1980 On July 13, 1980 Terry Fox ran through Burlington along Lakeshore Road; by that time he had run a marathon a day for 93 days. Burlington has had a run/walk every year since on the second Sunday of September but when the pandemic hit in 2020, the Terry Fox event had to go virtual.
The Cedar Springs team, who have been doing the event for the last 8 years, thought it would be great to recognize when Terry Fox ran through Burlington so they gave themselves a month to get to July 13 and the 3582 kms Terry had achieved by the time he hit Burlington.
The pandemic was scary and Terry was an inspiration for us all to not be discouraged when times are tough and to keep going. “I am not a Quitter” rang true for this team!
On June 13, 2020 they started to track their kms and blew past the number in a month. Again, the pandemic continued into the next year with no large gatherings so in June 2021 they decided on 2 goals since they had spinners/cyclists who joined the team and they exceeded 3582KMs walking/running & 3582KMs cycling.
 The Cedar Springs Team – on the road every year for the past eight years. It has now become a tradition and provides the encouragement and kick off for the Burlington Terry Fox season to inspire others to get their teams together. “In this last week running up to July 13 we had giddy up as we were falling short on our goals but the team rose to the occasion and finished super strong with 3810kms Run/Walk and 3949Kms in bike/spin” said Nancy Demerling the team captain. “Very proud of how everyone added an extra bunch of kms when we needed to hit our goal. The Cedar Springs Team (Health and Racquet Club) has raised a total of $25,000+ over the years and we’re not done yet.”
Craig Gardner, Co-Chair of Burlington Terry Fox announced that there will be an actual physical event at Spencer Smith Park on September 18, 2022. “We encourage everyone to come out, run, cheer, walk 1km, 5km or 10km. Bring your friends, your families and celebrate those who are fighting cancer and remember those we have lost. Be confident that the money you raise for the Terry Fox Foundation and family are true to Terry’s wishes and are passionate by ensuring the dollars raised go to leading physicians who are doing breakthrough cancer research.”
By Maria Gracious
July 12th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Before you start betting on sports, it’s critical to understand the most frequent bet kinds offered by oddsmakers. It’s amazing how many individuals wager on sports without recognizing what they’re doing or just don’t care.
Here’s a quick breakdown of each of the key bets available from the bookmakers.
 Understand the most frequent bet kinds offered by oddsmakers. Point Spread
Point Spreads betting is the most prevalent type of gambling for most sports bettors, commonly known as handicap betting. Point spread wagering is well-known among football bettors, but it’s also a popular technique of gambling on basketball. In most sports, the home team is listed second, while the away team is listed first.
Because it’s so simple, point spread betting is popular. For newbie bettors, the easiest way to grasp it is to add or subtract the point spread from their team’s score. If you bet on the underdog, then add to the point spread, and subtract points if you bet on the favorite. You win the bet by covering the point spread after doing your math.
Totals
 Totals, commonly known as under/over bets, are the same throughout most betting markets, irrespective of which sport it is. The idea is straightforward. The bookmakers estimate the total amount of points achieved in a given game, and bettors can gamble on an amount under or over that figure.
Also, remember that the total includes all points scored in a game, not just those scored in normal time. Extra points are added to the total if a game goes into overtime.
Moneyline
Moneylines are the simplest form of betting. Moneyline wagers, also known as win betting or line bets in various areas of the world, don’t include any form of point spreads. When betting on Moneylines, gamblers are betting on the contest’s winner. There’s no point differential.
Futures
Futures, often known as outright bets, are wagers placed on events that occur weeks or months later. However, they can be gambled on for a shorter duration until the event is determined. Future markets, unlike point spreads or total wagering, can’t push. Bettors either win or lose their wager. The most prevalent future bets are based on big sports championships.
Propositions
 Many online bookmakers refer to propositions, as props for short. Props are marketplaces that are unrelated to the game’s final conclusion or score. They’re point spread and total derivatives that act as a game inside a game for gamblers. Originally, they were just novelty wagers, but they’re now available regularly for several sports.
Props are classified into two types: player props and team props. “Who will score first?” is one of the most wagered on prop bets, although the prop bet markets available for bettors to choose from are extensive. Many prop bets on various sporting events are available at several sportsbooks. It’s up to the oddsmakers’ creativity, but proposition markets provide an infinite number of possibilities.
Final Words
One of the major advantages of online sports betting is the diversity of betting possibilities accessible. The betting options mentioned above are only a tiny part of the oddsmakers’ wagering arsenal. However, it’s advised that beginner bettors stick to them before moving on to more intricate and advanced bet types.
There’s a lot of value to be discovered in the markets mentioned above. If you line up your bets correctly, you should have no trouble starting your online sports betting journey while following our guide.
By Andrew Johnson
July 11th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The online casino industry is among the fastest-growing sectors, especially in Canada. With around 20 million online casino players, Canada is among the top eight countries in the world in terms of spending money at online casinos. The online gambling industry is reported to generate approximately $100 billion in revenues by the end of 2023. Canada earned around $3.5 billion from online gambling last year. This is because of the popularity of online casinos and the relaxed gambling laws in Canada, unlike other countries like the U.S.
 Canadian Casino Player’s Demographics
According to statistics, most Canadian players play casino games at any online Canadian casinos between 4 pm and 6 pm, and 8 pm to 11 pm, with Mega Moolah, a popular progressive slot being the most popular casino game. It is important to note that nearly 80 percent of online casino players are males; however, it is important to note that the number of females using mobile devices for playing online casino games outnumber men. Regarding the age groups, online gambling is more prevalent in the age group of 20-35. This age group makes up around 16% of total online casino players, while all the other age groups are in the single digits. The younger generation prefers playing fast-paced casino games, while the older people prefer playing comfortable and relaxing casino games like bingo.
Canadian Casino Player’s Preference
Canadian loves sports betting. It is evident from the fact online sports betting is the top online gambling activity. While males prefer sports betting, females in Canada prefer luck-based games like bingo. In terms of table games, poker is the most preferred game of Canadians, with 59% of players playing this skilled game of cards.
 Find a place to play online casino games that is safe and fun at the same time Legality of online casinos in Canada
Online gambling activities fall in the grey area in Canadian law. According to Canadian law, operating an online casino within Canada without a valid license is illegal. However, since no particular laws target offshore online gambling sites, Canadians can play casino games safely and legally at any offshore casino.
The Canadian Gaming Commission oversees the online gambling industry and resolves any major issue. However, individual provinces govern the laws regarding online casinos and other betting activities. Since there is no nationwide legislation to regulate online gambling in Canada, it helps that each province can develop its casino regulations.
Any online casino in Canada must have a valid license from the local authority to operate legally. In addition, the local authorities of the provinces must enter into a special agreement for games to be played across provincial borders. Each province except Saskatchewan has at least one online casino.
Why Canadians prefer playing at online casinos
The number of Canadian players in online casinos has touched a new high, which resulted in Canada becoming a significant contributor to the online casino industry. There are many reasons why Canadian players are thronging online casinos. Some of the reasons are:
Easy of Convenience
Online casinos offer people the chance to play casino games from the comfort of their homes. Since online casinos can be accessed anywhere and anytime, they fit into the everyday schedule of people perfectly, thus saving both time and money.
Casino Bonuses & Promotions
Online casinos offer several casino bonuses to attract new casino players to their website and retain their existing players. Players can claim these casino bonuses to play casino games and win real money. In addition, online casinos run different promotions from time to time for their players.
Several Payment Methods
Online casinos provide several popular payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Neteller, and more. These payment methods provide a safe and secure environment to transfer money to and from the casino.
 There are all kinds of computer games you can play on line. Plenty of Casino Games
Since online casinos are not bounded by physical space, they can host plenty of casino games. As a result, online casinos have vast quantity and quality of casino games than any land-based casino.
Future of the Canadian Online Casino Industry
The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted several sectors, and the land-based casinos are one of them. Because of the different restrictions and health concerns, people don’t prefer to visit land-based casinos, which resulted in the shut down of many land-based casinos. Although many industries have suffered due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the online gambling industry didn’t slow down, resulting in the significant number of online casinos Canada has ever seen. The demand for new games is enormous right now, and the online casino industry is taking full advantage of this.
So, we can safely say that the future of online casino industry in Canada is looking pretty good.
 By Alan Harrington
July 10th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The NHL Draft was held this past week in Montreal.
The 60th time for this showcase of talent where the NHL Teams get to pick the finest young hockey players from around the world.
Usually the BEST players are from Canada – but this time – a Slovakian was chosen first overall.
2022’s first pick overall was by the Montreal Canadiens for Juraj Slafkovsky – a player from Slovakia .
If that wasn’t enough for Slovakia, the 2nd player chosen – Simon Nemec – is also a player from that nation – chosen by New Jersey..
The third player – Logan Cooley – an American from Pittsburgh was taken by Arizona.
Where are the Canadians?
 Shane Wright was an outstanding payer when he was with the Kingston Frontenacs. Seen as the # 1 draft pick in 2022. Especially since Ontario-born players make up about a fifth of the NHL players?
Well the answer came next as the Seattle Kraken embraced the services of Shane Wright to join their team.
Shane Wright is a Canadian – 18 years old – playing for Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL as a centre.
Shane was drafted by Kingston with “exceptional player status” becoming only the sixth player to be granted exceptional status after the likes of: John Tavares and Connor McDavid, . (And that was mentioned in the Burlington Gazette back on February 8 2021).
In 2020, Shane’s first year – he won the CHL Rookie of the Year award. Sidney Crosby won that award back in 2004 and John Tavares in 2006
So what hometown claims Shane Wright as their own??
Burlington, Ontario – birth home of the first Canadian hockey player selected in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
Here is how the sports world told the story:
“You gotta feel for Shane Wright. He was labeled as the top draft prospect in his class when he was granted exceptional status into the OHL as a 15-year-old back in 2019. It was pretty much Shane Wright and Matthew Savoie at the time.
Then Shane Wright took off and put up 66 points in 58 games as an under-ager during his first season with the Kingston Frontenacs to really separate himself as the consensus 1st overall pick. Then the global pandemic happened, then Juraj Slafkovsky had a preposterous draft year by being the leading scorer in the Olympics as a 17-year-old and also had over a point per game at the World Championships for Slovakia. There were rumblings a few weeks before the draft that the race would be tight between Shane Wright and Slafkovsky for the top pick but you figured the Montreal Canadiens would have to take the Canadian kid.
 Selected as the 4th draft pick Shane Wright will play for the Seattle Kraken Then the days leading up to the draft there was a lot of chatter that Slafkovsky could be the pick. And then last night with the 1st overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, the host Montreal Canadiens select…
For over a year, Shane Wright was labelled as the #1 pick.
Then when last night came around, not only did he not get taken off the board 1st overall but New Jersey didn’t need another center with the 2nd pick.
Then Arizona decided to stick with their plan and take Logan Cooley with the 3rd pick.
Finally the fourth overall pick came around for Seattle and somehow Shane Wright fell into their lap.
The first time the Seattle Kraken play Montreal will be a game to watch. Shane Wright is said to be very very upset – admits that he has a chip on his shoulder now.
By Staff
June 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Holiday weekends in Burlington means hundreds of people head for the Beachway – one of the best beaches in the province.
Sunny weather increases the traffic – and the traffic looks for parking spaces.
Prior to the pandemic the situation got out of hand and the city had to come up with a way to control the parking.
There was a point where with no rules in place vehicles, often pick up trucks parked wherever they could find a spot.
The city came up with a set of rules that resulted in paid parking and they found a way to protect people in the Region from having to pay.
 One of the best stretches of beach in the province The Beachway is a Regional park managed by the city.
 The Beachway is a play place. Now you have to pay for parking in the Beachway.
Fees will be charged from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends – until the last weekend in September: Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022.
Parking fees can be paid through the HONK mobile app. Users do not have to download the app – they scan the QR code on parking lot signage to pay for parking.
 A camera does it all for you. The hourly rate of $2.50 or a daily flat rate of $20. Users can scan the QR Code or download the HonkMobile app. There is a transaction fee of $0.35 for each payment. Dashboard tickets are not needed as every payment is linked to a license plate number. Parking ambassadors are onsite to assist visitors with this process.
 You get ticketed when you do this – some of them got towed. Illegally parked vehicles will be issued tickets and/or towed. Drivers are reminded not to park illegally, especially on Lakeshore Road shoulders and the grass boulevard over the pipeline as they will be towed.
Parking is free in Downtown Burlington on weekends and holidays. Beachway visitors are encouraged to extend their walk or use the drop-off zone, park for free in the downtown and meet their household members at the beach. For parking downtown, visit burlington.ca/downtownparking.
Visitors are also encouraged to consider taking Burlington Transit, cycling, walking or rolling to the beach and leaving their cars at home.
 Premier comes through – cuts the gas tax Also starting May 21, Halton residents can take advantage of 10 free days of parking per year at Beachway Park. It is recommended that residents wait to fill out the parking exemption form once they’ve arrived at the beach and parked in a legal parking spot. The exemption doesn’t guarantee a spot, but it does give residents free parking for the day.
There is a bit of a bright spot – the Premier lifted some of the gas tax – you’ll save 5.7 cents per litre. If you tank is big enough the savings just might cover the cost of parking.
 By Maria Garcia
June 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Since April 4th, 2022, Ontario residents, including those in Burlington, gained legal access to online gambling sites. Now that the market is up and running, we thought we’d check in on what has changed.
Has the ability to place over under bets and wager on the outcome of the roulette wheel changed our attitude toward gambling? Are the legal safeguards in place working to improve the lives of people in Burlington and Ontario in general? These are the questions we aim to answer.
What’s Changed?
Plans to end the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s market monopoly were announced in April, 2019. The legislation was introduced and passed in 2021, and later that year, regulatory standards were drafted.
The main changes were new advertising standards and rules for casinos, as well as the introduction of a new licensing system. For sports betting, it brought forth more choices for sportsbooks and a wider choice of bet types.
 iGaming Ontario
iGaming Ontario (IGO) is a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and is in charge of regulations and licences. The government body has already granted licences to several operators, which have met the new regulations.
Online gambling isn’t new to Burlington. However, sites will now require a licence to operate. As they’ve become a part of the system, they’ll need to pay taxes that’ll benefit locals.
Sports Betting
Bettors aged 19 or over now have access to several online sportsbooks. Before the change, sports fans were able to make predictions via the only sportsbook available. Additionally, single-event betting is now possible, whereas before, the focus was on parlays.
Around 20 sportsbooks have been granted licences. It means bettors can choose where to spend their money based on various factors.
Casinos
 Offshore casino gambling was already pretty well established in the province. The change in licensing and regulations is giving home-grown establishments the opportunity to penetrate the local market.
The 20% tax rate is a bone of contention with the brick-and-mortar casinos, which are subject to a much higher percentage at 55%. Many argue that the changes will cause a loss of revenue for existing operators.
On the other hand, proponents of iGaming regulations suggest that offshore gaming was already competing with land-based casinos. They maintain that legal online casinos need a lower tax rate to compete with overseas sites.
By Maria Garcia
June 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Just like the various sports that millions of fans follow, NASCAR races have a particular range of time in which they get completed. Some individuals have opined that the races in NASCAR are quite lengthy, and that the focus of the fans decreases over time. Typically, NASCAR has the longest motorsports race times in its class.
 A sport where winning is what it is all about. A normal NASCAR Race at Road America lasts for 180 minutes. However, it can last longer under certain conditions. Every NASCAR race goes through different stages, with every stage possessing a certain number of points. The length of a race relies on several factors, including the weather and red flags.
Factors that Determine the Length of a NASCAR Race
 For NASCAR race fans this is a truly magnificent view The Racetrack
To a newbie, NASCAR’s signature oval racetracks all look the same. However, each racetrack is unique and defined with specific features that influence the average velocity of the circuit. Steeper racetracks typically encourage higher speeds and quicker lap times.
Race Stages
NASCAR races have different stages, where drivers are rewarded with points after each stage. Every race is split into three stages. Each stage is different depending on the length of the racetrack.
For instance, the Daytona 500 race has a sum of 200 laps. After 60 laps, stage 2 begins and ends after another 60 laps. Stage 3 has a total of 80 laps.
Every racer to finish among the top 10 gets rewarded with points and bonus Playoff points. Essentially, it means that no one can win the Championship until the last race has been finished.
Secondary Factors that Can Affect NASCAR Race Length
One of the secondary factors that can impact the length of a NASCAR race is an accident. When an accident occurs, there’d be wreckage left on the track that can affect other drivers. Solving this issue can take quite a long time.
 Race course barriers are critical for public safety and drivers. Getting them in place and keeping them in good repair impacts on race time length. The barriers can sometimes break down after repeated collisions with the cars. Leaving these fences unattended could possibly endanger both the drivers and the fans.
During the race, the barriers have to be repaired and oftentimes replaced altogether, which could lengthen the time of the race.
Conclusion
Motorsports fans complain that NASCAR races are lengthy but they watch them regardless. Many factors, such as the weather, state of the fence, accidents, racetracks, stages and so on affect the time of NASCAR races.
By Maria Garcia
June 24th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The MLB is the Major League Baseball, where the best baseball teams from North America compete to become this season’s best team.
 As of 2022, a total of 30 teams play the league—15 teams in the National League and 15 in the American League —with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. The Canadian team that is participating is the Toronto Blue Jays, which is the one that most people here in the north are rooting for.
Betting on the MLB
To make any MBL match more exciting, you can try to bet on them. This is where you try to guess what will happen during the matches, for example, who will win. Before you can bet, you need to find a good betting site to do it on. This should be a site that offers to bet on the sports you like, and where you can find Mlb odds to wager on. You should also make sure that you are up to date on all the baseball rules, and on the different teams that are participating so that you can make educated guesses.
The Blue Jays
Most Canadians will probably want to bet on the Toronto Blue Jays. The team is a member club of the American League East division, and usually plays its home games at Rogers Center. However, the TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida has also been used for their matches. The name Blue Jays holds a special story and originates from the bird with the same name. It is also the traditional color of Toronto’s collegiate and professional sports teams in the country, of course including the famous Maple leaf. If you wish to bet on the Blue Jays, you should have a look at some Mlb lines to prepare.
Blue Jay fans have a history of waiting a long time to see their favorite baseball team play, but now they are finally able to see them play again. The Blue Jays are ranked as number 6 in the power rankings as of June 14. In other words, they are doing well, and as Canadians, we are thrilled to see the journey team represented in the MLB excell. It is also a great opportunity to bet on sports. Online sports betting is legal in Canada, so it might be time to find a good site to bet on.
 By Pepper Parr
June 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We can tell you this now – a few hours ago we were communicating via email with Ron Foxcroft and arranging to meet with him at the inaugural flight of Lynx Air that is setting up a Hamilton to Halifax flight schedule.
Foxcroft couldn’t talk for very long. He said:
 Marnix Heersink with his wife Mary “In 5 minutes I am leaving to tribute Burlington Central High School Graduate Marnix Heersink”, who Foxcroft said was the “the best basketball player at Burlington Central and Western University.”
“Today he is an Eye Surgeon in Alabama.
“He just donated $95MILLION to UAB Birmingham Alabama and $32MILLLION to McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences.
“I am the surprise guest speaker now, and a BIG SURPRISE. I am bring his 92 year old High School Basketball Coach Ward Russell to the celebration. Ward’s wife Shirley sang in my mom’s church choir. My mom was the organist.
“Marnix grew up in Burlington, and had a Spec Paper Route and earned $5.00 per week.
“I had a Toronto Telegram Paper Route and earned $1.90 per week.”
Is this the day that every Central High School student gets a Fox40 whistle – and every student blows that whistle at the same time?
By Staff
June 8th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Teen Fitness program returns for 12th summer, registration underway
 GoodLife, a multi-national commercial fitness organization is offering its free Teen Fitness program across Canada this summer – the first time since 2019 the program has taken place in clubs. GoodLife started the Teen Fitness program in 2010, and this year the program is especially important to help teens address the mental and physical damage caused by the pandemic.
Statistics Canada confirms youth in Canada are reporting lower levels of physical activity since before the pandemic, with the percentage of youth meeting the Canadian physical activity recommendation dropping from 51% in the fall of 2018 to 37% in the fall of 2020. In addition, the Canadian Mental Health Association reports roughly 1 in 5 children or youth are struggling with mental health challenges that stem from pandemic conditions.
“Teen Fitness participants tell us having access to the gym helps them establish a routine, build confidence and connect with friends. These benefits can help youth take better care of their health – not just the physical, but also the mental health erosion many experienced as a result of isolation, hours of unstructured sedentary time and nearly constant stress throughout the pandemic,” said Jason Sheridan, COO, GoodLife Fitness.
Creating a routine
For many teens, the absence of a structured routine during the summer months can contribute to lack of direction, negative behaviours and boredom. Studies find a more stable routine can help reduce stress, increase focus and boost mood. Teen Fitness participants agree that going to the gym adds some much-needed structure to help them feel more in control of their lives.
Teen Fitness is available to anyone between the ages of 12 and 17 and includes access to 200+ GoodLife Fitness Clubs across Canada, all completely free of charge. A parent or legal guardian must register a teen for the program, but they do not need to be an existing GoodLife Member to register.
Registrations for Teen Fitness are open now at www.teenfitness.ca. Participants have free access to the Clubs from July 4, 2022 to September 6, 2022.
 By Connor Fraser
June 8th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
A significant portion of my life has been spent cycling around Burlington. During high school, my commute often took me along Plains Road. On weekends, my friends and I would find our way to Spencer Smith Park and the beach. From a young person’s perspective, safe cycling options go a long way towards cementing a lifelong commitment to healthy behaviour.
 Lanes dedicated to cycling – some want to see barriers in place to protect cyclists. If my experience has taught me one thing, it’s that travelling around Burlington on a bicycle is inconvenient and borderline dangerous. Bike lanes along major streets such as Plains Road are intermittent and full of potholes. Connecting lanes between neighbourhoods – such as the Lakeshore Road QEW underpass – are non-existent. Under such conditions, cyclists are forced to dismount and walk long distances, or take their chances in live traffic.
Thankfully, a number of large-scale cycling projects are about to break ground in Burlington. In 2022, Plains Road between Waterdown Road and Spring Gardens Road will be resurfaced and buttoned up with protected cycling facilities. In 2025, Prospect Street and the remainder of Plains Road are scheduled for installations.
While these projects are likely to cause short-term disruptions to residents’ lifestyles, they should be welcomed with enthusiasm and open-mindedness. Aligning near-perfectly with the city’s strategic goals, cycling is both an environmentally sustainable method of transportation, and one that promotes long-term physical and mental health. As much as bike lanes are a short-term investment to enable diverse forms of mobility, they are also a long-term investment in environmental health and preventative healthcare. People who are empowered to cycle more often due to the presence of a convenient cycling network are more likely to remain healthy and happy throughout their lives.
 City photo op to promote cycling to work. Several very senior people in this picture even owned a bike. Unfortunately, Burlington’s recent past has been marred with hostility towards the concept of bike lanes. The New Street Bike Lane Pilot was removed in 2018 following the recommendations of a report entitled “New Street pilot project review and resurfacing.” While the report noted a common perception among residents that traffic along New Street became more congested during the pilot, the authors admitted that cause and effect was difficult to determine. For example, average westbound travel times between Walkers Line and Guelph Line increased by just 1.5 minutes during peak evening hours, while negligible travel time increases were noted for eastbound travel during peak hours. Moreover, when taking an average of datapoints over the entire day, impacts to travel times were minimal in both directions (+16 seconds westbound, +1 second eastbound). The report also found inconclusive evidence of traffic diversion onto adjacent roadways. Nevertheless, the New Street pilot was removed by council, setting back Burlington’s progress towards integrated mobility by several years.
Fast forward to the present, and conditions have changed such that all residents should be able to embrace, and also benefit from, upcoming cycling installations. Notably, the pandemic has enabled more people to work from home and avoid rush-hour traffic that some claim is aggravated by bike lanes.
Despite my above enthusiasm, progress towards building out the municipal cycling network is slow and suffers from critical underfunding. The New Street pilot project review and resurfacing report recommended (as a consolation) installing separated cycle tracks “for consideration in the 2019 to 2028 capital budget.” My sources at city hall informed me this project has been pushed until 2031 – a delay of at least 3 years. According to the 2022 Budget, several other projects that were listed as “high priority” by the 2021 Cycling Plan and initially targeted for completion by 2025 – have subsequently been pushed back. The Active Transportation Crossing of the QEW and Walker’s Line resurfacing will be delayed by 5-6 years and 2-3 years respectively beyond original timelines, documents suggest. We’ll see if anything changes once the Integrated Mobility Plan is released.
Is Burlington under equipped to make investments in public infrastructure and in particular cycling infrastructure? The media release page for the 2022 budget proudly displays how our municipal tax rate is significantly lower than other GTA municipalities (over 12.5% lower than the average municipality). If the consequence is that important projects must experience significant delays, it’s not a statistic to be proud of. We must be willing to pay for infrastructure upgrades, especially those that enhance quality of life to the extent that bike lanes will. Not only could there be noticeable upsides for property values (transit oriented communities are actually desirable for young people and young families), but the long term returns to personal, public and environmental health would be material and far outweigh any initial investment. One might argue that the above-cited delays are pandemic-related. However, our neighbours such as the City of Toronto used the pandemic as a catalyst for major expansions of their cycling networks.
The point is this. From my limited understanding, life is about compromise. That’s precisely what is happening here and why I hope to see uniform support behind city council and city staff. On one hand, Burlington is getting new cycling infrastructure. On the other hand, the projects have been delayed and will likely be completed incrementally over the next decade – keeping impacts on daily routines to an absolute minimum and allowing long periods for adjustment. Compromise.
I sincerely hope that most are enthusiastic about the upcoming cycling projects and are ready to eventually consider embracing cycling as a legitimate alternative to the automobile when it comes to getting around town!
 Connor was born in Hamilton in 1997, is a long-time resident of Aldershot. He has volunteered for several local organizations and advocated to municipal leaders on building transit oriented, walkable communities.
In 2020, Connor completed undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, with a B.A.Sc. in Engineering Science and a major in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Connor has returned to U of T to enrol in the dual Master of Global Affairs and Master of Business Administration program.
 By Staff
June 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Moon in June Road Race is happening at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. These races require road and lane closures in Burlington.
Streets will reopen as soon as possible following the end of the race. Vehicles parked illegally in the area will be tagged or towed to allow emergency access.
 Road Closures
3 to 11:30 p.m. – James Street between John Street and Brant Street
5 to 11:30 p.m. – Brant Street between Ontario and Elgin Street
6 to 11 p.m. – Brant Street between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road
7:15 to 9:30 p.m. – Lakeshore Road (east bound) between John Street and Brock Street; Brock Avenue between Lakeshore Road and Elgin Street; Elgin Street between Brock Street and Maple Avenue
Exit Points
• Baldwin Street/Victoria Avenue at Brant Street
• Maple Avenue at Ontario Street
Traffic Lane Closures
• Southbound Brant Street between Baldwin and Caroline Street
• All other streets on the race route will have one lane open for local access
Resident Access
Emergency Services access will be maintained at all times along the event route.
Traffic Supervision
Police will direct traffic at major intersections and event marshals will help runners and motorists at multi-residential driveways and on side streets. Race notices were delivered to all residences, religious centres and businesses affected by the races.
By Staff
May 30th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Bike Month, is being celebrated in Burlington through to the end of June.
The city sees this as an opportunity for people to try riding a bike for the first time, learn new skills, or simply have fun and connect with new people.
 Special lanes for bicycles and the speed at which vehicles travel along city roads are an ongoing concern . Riding a bike is one of the best ways to get around and explore your community. Fifty per cent of trips in Burlington can be done in a less-than 20-minute bike ride.
Burlington is once again holding a draw to give away bike racks for businesses and organizations to encourage cycling to their locations and offering a series of cycling webinars to celebrate Bike Month in Burlington.
Bike Rack Giveaway
The City, in cooperation with the Burlington Cycling Committee and the Integrated Transportation Advisory Committee, has 25 bike racks to give away this year. Each rack holds about 10 bicycles and is valued at $700. Interested parties are asked to email Dan.Ozimkovic@burlington.ca with contact information by June 15, 2022.
 Bike rack that will be given to 25 locations Selected organizations will be required to pick up and transport their bike rack to their private property and install the bike rack on a concrete pad for public use.
The City has been providing various organizations in the community, such as places of worship, small businesses and schools, with free bike racks for the past eight years.
Free Cycling Webinars
Residents are invited to learn about cycling with kids, bike maintenance, road rules and other cycling topics with the City’s free webinars.
 Basic maintenance is important
Family Biking
June 2, 7 to 8 p.m. Webinar information – Zoom link
June 20, 7 to 8 p.m. Webinar information – Zoom link
 Knowing the rules of the road Basic Bike Maintenance
June 13, 7 to 8 p.m. Webinar information – Zoom link
June 26, noon to 1 p.m. Webinar information – Zoom link
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