 By Pam Pitz
July 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
At the risk of taking too much of your time and that of those copied on this email string, I felt compelled to highlight a few things that may have been missed or could use some emphasis following this morning’s council meeting. I think this is a learning experience for many including a better understanding by council members of the long term effort a swim club must make if they are to develop kids from recruitment (age 6 or 7) through to 18 years of age and overall success. The kids need stability, trust, and a sense of belonging to be the best that they can be. I am sure we all agree it isn’t about the clubs – rather, it’s about the children who need to be assured that common sense and fairness will prevail. Please be assured the overall BAD family wants the best for Burlington kids — it has been the club’s mission for decades having spoken to swimmers who have supported the club throughout its history.
1) While GHAC suggested had they not been excluded from Burlington pool allotment in 2020, they would have lost less Burlington kids, could have recruited more and, in turn, justified more Burlington pool time. They are clearly giving the impression that they had a large number of kids from Burlington in 2020, however this appears overstated. BAD has always been the club of choice in Burlington. Why? Because BAD has always represented Burlington kids with:
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- Burlington hosted swim meets that attracts visitors to the city;
- Burlington community involvement,
- Burlington pride, signs and BAD swim gear as it travels.
- A name that speaks to its origin — BURLINGTON Aquatic Devilrays
 BAD swimmers in a training session It is clearly a Burlington identity with a long history. I might add GHAC’s creation in the first place was to respond to community needs in the Golden Horseshoe. They explained that today. Maybe these communities didn’t have the size or amenities to support a dedicated club like those that have existed for many years in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Milton, etc. where taxpayers pay for such benefits. Across the Province most cities have long histories with one major club representing their community – it’s the essence of community pride and competition. Further, poaching kids from Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, etc., as a regional team is not consistent with swim team etiquette. This situation is grabbing the attention of other sports/clubs in Burlington and elsewhere – if it can happen to BAD, whose volunteers, coaches and kids have worked hard for decades to build a successful, respected club, it can happen to them.
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 Based on their suggested numbers, the math would suggest they don’t need the pool time requested as compared to BAD’s needs. Even if one buys into the GHAC argument that they have about 28% of their swimmers from Burlington based on their suggested numbers, the math would suggest they don’t need the pool time requested as compared to BAD’s needs. BAD’s numbers are approaching 2.5 times those of GHAC when it comes to Burlington swimmers. Actually, common sense would suggest if GHAC’s Burlington swimmers wanted to swim in Burlington pools, rather then having over 400+ BAD kids move to GHAC or elsewhere, the less disruptive step would be to have GHAC Burlington swimmers move to BAD who would need a much more modest increase in pool time to accommodate them.
3) There is no policing of where swimmers come from for practices. Obviously policing the numbers is something the City cannot cost justify. GHAC wants pools, like Centennial, to run meets and to give them more pool time. Swimmers in all clubs are typically clustered around age and/or swim times with seniors allotted the better pools/facilities – like Centennial. Clustering serves to ensure the best coaching (limited) is given to them as they pursue the culmination of their competitive swimming efforts before college. It allows them to learn and feed off one another. I am sure, over time, this clustering will occur with GHAC and swimmers from other communities will be brought to practice in Burlington pools — pushing other Burlington swimmers to travel outside of Burlington or limiting the room for more Burlington recruits. Otherwise, why does GHAC need all the time they requested?
4) Please understand, even if all BAD swimmers went to GHAC, there is no benefit for BAD kids. The coaching at BAD, its reputation and successes are arguably better and the evidence shows the cost for BAD recruits is substantially lower — making it more accessible for kids with parents on limited budgets.
For the moment, let’s assume the coaching is comparable, however there are many other important points of impact :
In summary, there is NO benefit to BAD swimmers and particular to those in Intermediate and Senior levels who are focusing on the peak of their swimming careers, potential scholarships, etc.
 There are the personal relationships among the swimmers. They are supportive, feed off of each other, learn from each other, and bring healthy, well understood rivalry – often growing up together as their best friends. 5) No club can bring success in five year intervals. No kid can adjust because of regional expansion of an out-of-town association that brings unnecessary change in five year allotments. These kids are very impressionable, especially in the preteen and teen years. We all realize how experts caution parents in this regard. Kids have growth spurts, injuries, personal challenges at home, temporary distracting events, and many other factors that the coaches and club understand for each and every kid. This understanding develops over time and increases in intensity as the years pass by. They know the kids’ strengths and weaknesses by swim stroke, training habits, personalities, etc. The kids understand each coach’s disciplines, techniques and communication styles. Bonds form. Trust develops. It’s critical that the evolution of these relationships is protected and the results preserved, especially in the later years of the program. On top of this, there are the personal relationships among the swimmers. They are supportive, feed off of each other, learn from each other, and bring healthy, well understood rivalry – often growing up together as their best friends. They understand each other in terms of competitive swimming sacrifices and routines. These kids cannot be expected to embrace disruption every five years.
Fresh ideas are brought in by BAD and probably GHAC. BAD sources guests like current Olympians, sports psychologists , nutritional experts, and arranges professional land training, etc. BAD knows the importance of stability and trust and so does GHAC. That is what disappoints the most. If the number one priority is the kids then clubs like GHAC should focus on the communities they serve based on their original concept and market and stop encroaching on other proven clubs and communities. Taken to the extreme, regional expansion effectively eliminates competition except from within. That is not what underpins any competitive sport — rather, competition is nurtured through community pride and involvement.
Please consider these heartfelt, sincere and rational points of view. I am reminded of a T-shirt you often see parents wearing akin to “soccer moms”. It says something along the lines of, “Swim Mom” – 1000 hours of practice, one hour of warm-ups and 30 seconds of competition. Of course, longer races do exist but one can understand the point. In swimming, in particular, a hundredth of a second can make all the difference. That is why long term bonds, consistency and trust from the clubs and coaches is key along the development journey – it’s constantly tweaking based on the in-depth knowledge of each swimmer by the coaches. BAD has spent 40 plus years doing just that in Burlington.
 Pam Pitz There is nothing to be gained by radically diminishing or eliminating BAD in favour of a club who represents other communities and is currently operating within them. It was their choice at inception. BAD’s choice was Burlington and they enjoy the majority of Burlington competitive swimmers by far.
If this current ruling prevails it will mean a huge loss for the BAD kids and is not consistent with the “no harm” principle that was shared today.
Respectfully,
 By Joseph Gaetan
July 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Having followed the Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting this morning, it was impossible to ignore the emotional weight carried by the young swimmers in attendance. Their long, sad faces told a story that no statistics or procurement policy can truly convey. The decision by the City of Burlington to deny the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) pool time has had a tangible and heartbreaking impact.
Members of BAD – not looking very pleased with what they were hearing. Beyond the procedural and legal questions, the human cost of this decision is quickly becoming irreparable. BAD is home to approximately 400 swimmers, with an additional 100 on a waiting list. These are not just numbers—they represent children, families, and years of commitment to a sport that thrives on stability and community. With the shift to Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC), many of these young athletes now face uncertainty, possible exclusion, and disrupted athletic development.
GHAC’s model appears to depend on absorbing swimmers from BAD in order to fulfill contract requirements. This has led to a situation that one councillor aptly described as a ‘zero-sum game’—where one club’s gain is another’s loss, and in this case, the most immediate and vulnerable losers are the children. Some families have already begun to exit BAD simply because they can’t wait for clarity. That is the real damage, and it is already happening.
It also remains unclear whether the Request for Proposals (RFP) approach was appropriate for this type of community service. There were hints from many that a negotiated process might better serve the community. As it stands, staff have entered into what appears to be a binding agreement with GHAC, while BAD may well have a legal basis for judicial review in Superior Court. If the City can find a resolution outside of court, it would likely result in fewer losers and a faster path to healing.
Key questions remain unanswered:
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- Why was the RFP process used instead of a negotiated renewal?
- Would renewing BAD’s contract have caused less disruption and harm to swimmers?
- Will the GHAC model result in significantly higher program fees for families?
- Most importantly: if BAD’s application was never opened, how could the City disqualify the bid based solely on a document that does not exist under Ontario’s nonprofit regulations?
 Kimberly Calderbank This last question strikes at the core of the issue. If the rejection was based on a misinterpreted or impossible requirement, it suggests a critical failure in process and oversight. BAD submitted a valid Certificate of Status—the only up-to-date, official proof of incorporation available. Still, their application was dismissed out of hand.
What is at stake is not just pool time, but trust—between the city and its residents, between young athletes and their mentors, and between elected officials and the community. Rebuilding that trust will take time, humility, and, most importantly, action.
The city must act quickly and decisively to mitigate harm and restore confidence in its leadership.
 By Pepper Parr
July 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Revisions: Pam Pitz will not be delegating on behalf of the Devilrays. Kimberly Calderbank, will delegate on the confidential legal report on potential litigation for aquatics procurement.Katie Lebel and Piers Allington will both delegate on the same issue.
Colleen Bent will delegate for the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club.
City council will learn today just what it means to have an engaged community.
 The issue is – where are these swimmers going to train? The Burlington Aquatic Devisrays (BSD) will be out in force with several delegations speaking on behalf of the Devilrays.
Kimberley Calderbank has said she would like to get everyone of the 400 members into the Council Chamber – not likely, but expect a significant turnout nevertheless.
Joseph Gaten wrote a succinct overview and outline as to just what the issues are.
 City Solicitor Blake Hurley Council is expected to go into a Closed Session during which the City Solicitor, Blake Hurley will advise on what the legal implications are on a contract award that many feel was a mistake.
Burlington has an awkward agenda procedure where they go into Closed Session during which several matters. When they come out of the Closed Session they report on any decisions they made. They seldom provide much in the way of detail.
The delegations take part at the beginning of a council meeting, which means quite a bit of time between the legal part and the public part.
Staff will be on hand to answer any questions Council members have.
The public does not get to interact with staff.
Link to the Joe Gaeten summary
 By Gazette Staff
July 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gazette received the following from Cody Bradt, the Chief Operating Officer and Associate Head Coach of the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club.
Labeling what was sent to us as “Our Side” we were given the following:
There has been a great deal of discussion surrounding the recent awarding of the 2025 Competitive Youth Swimming RFP, and I believe it’s time we share our side of the story.
 Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club. Throughout the RFP process, we respected the confidentiality rules and refrained from making public comments. Now that the contract has been awarded, we are able to speak openly.
First and foremost, the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club is not a “Hamilton club.” We are proud to serve swimmers across the entire Golden Horseshoe region—including Burlington, Hamilton, Dundas, and Stoney Creek. We’ve been part of these communities for over 20 years.
 This most recent procurement process is not new. It began in 2020, following more than a decade of GHAC coexisting with other user groups. . On a personal note, I’m proud to have grown up swimming in City of Burlington pools and to have called Burlington home for more than 20 years of my life. I know firsthand the profound impact that competitive swimming can have on shaping a young person’s confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships. It’s a privilege to now give back to the same community that helped shape me.
This most recent procurement process is not new. It began in 2020, following more than a decade of GHAC coexisting with other user groups in City of Burlington-owned facilities. When the first RFP was released in 2020, we submitted a proposal and narrowly missed being selected. We respected the outcome, requested a formal debrief, and used that feedback to improve our organization. Although we lost nearly 200 members that season, we remained committed to our mission and continued offering high-quality programming outside of city-owned pools.
It’s also important to clarify that the incumbent organization did not “lose” their pool time—they completed their contract term. The 2020 agreement was for three years with two possible extensions, and it ran its full course.
When the City released a new RFP in 2025, we again submitted a proposal—and this time, we were awarded the contract.
 Cody Bradt – “the offer for a meeting was declined by their Head Coach.” It’s important to note that in February 2025—prior to the RFP being issued—we reached out to the incumbent organization to request a meeting to discuss the possibility of jointly approaching the City to return to a shared pool use model, as we had successfully done prior to 2020. This conversation included their Head Coach, President, and Past President.
Unfortunately, the offer for a meeting was declined by their Head Coach. We respected their decision and informed them that, in light of that, we would be submitting a proposal—just as we did in 2020.
At GHAC, we are proud to offer an inclusive program for all swimmers—including Olympic-stream able-bodied swimmers and Paralympic-stream swimmers with physical, visual, or intellectual impairments. Our organization does not distinguish between able-bodied and para-athletes. We have multiple coaches with extensive experience working with para swimmers at all levels—from those learning to swim for the first time to athletes competing internationally.
There has been some public conversation around the statistic that only 28% of our members reside in Burlington, as reported by Swim Ontario. That number reflects home addresses across our entire membership and does not accurately represent the makeup of those training in facilities in Burlington.
Statistics without context can be misleading. Over 85% of swimmers training at our Burlington practice locations are Burlington residents—and that figure has remained consistent throughout our existence.
We are a professional organization that respects every contract we hold, whether it be with municipalities, universities, or private institutions. That includes our former relationship with the City of Burlington, which we maintained respectfully from 2009 to 2020.
 Cody Brady: “If an agreement requires that 85% of swimmers come from within a specific community, we meet that requirement.” If an agreement requires that 85% of swimmers come from within a specific community, we meet that requirement—just as we would meet a condition requiring swimmers to be able to swim 25 metres. These are simply terms we follow, and have always followed, with integrity.
We also take pride in being responsive and professional in our operations. All new inquiries receive timely responses, and we work hard to ensure that every swimmer and family feels supported.
Our experienced coaching staff brings decades of knowledge to the pool deck, with coaches who have served on provincial and national committees and represented Ontario and Canada at international competitions. Their shared goal: to better the sport of swimming for everyone.
 The reality is, the youth of Burlington are not losing their place to swim—they are gaining a new opportunity to continue their development with a different organization. The reality is, the youth of Burlington are not losing their place to swim—they are gaining a new opportunity to continue their development with a different organization. One that is committed to welcoming all swimmers, helping them find a group where they belong, and continuing their journey in the sport. We already have over 120 tryouts scheduled for the fall and are excited to welcome new and returning athletes into our program.
At GHAC, we will continue to act with integrity and respect. We will not engage in tearing down other organizations. Instead, we will focus on facts, solutions, and a commitment to putting the youth of Burlington first.
This is an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to supporting every swimmer through it.
There was no email address or telephone number provided for us to follow up on. We will dig around and see what we can find. The Gazette did reach out to the GHAC person for whom we had an email – there was no response.
There was a video and a second document that we will wade through this evening.
Addendum. The video was of Cody Bradt speaking the words set out in the document we were sent. Photographs were added to this article when they became available.
Mr Bradt – do send us an email address and a telephone number so that we can make sure we fully understand what you have to say. Our interest is in the interpretation you give the Swim Ontario data. You can reach me at 905-462-1948.
By Gazette Staff
July 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
City Hall staff are reported to have not even opened the BAD application due to a missing document.
For news stories that are controversial and moving quickly it takes time for the whole story to bubble to the surface.
In a broadcast on the Cogeco Your TV channel, we learn that the people reviewing the RFP – Request for Proposal – from BAD did not even open the application that was sent in by the BAD – Burlington Aquatic Devilrays claiming it was incomplete.
In the four-minute video Mayor Meed Ward now says that she will discuss the matter when it comes up at council on Monday of next week. Up to this point, the Mayor has said Council members could be involved in RFP discussions.
Kimberly Calderbank, was front and center in the broadcast, suggesting that BAD may find itself looking for a new home.
 BAD swimmers in a training session at a Burlington pool The challenge for Councillors on Monday is going to be – how do they wiggle out of this mess? there are serious legal implications.
The City has told GHAC that the contract is there‘s all they have to do is show that 85% of their members live in Burlington.
The data from Swin Ontario says that 28% of the GHAC members live in Burlington.
In order to get to that 85% level, GHAC will have to poach members from BAD, which will mean putting as lot of pressure on the student swimmers..
If the city rescinds the contract (we don’t know if anything has been signed yet), that is to be awarded to GOAC – expect them to sue for breach of contract.
The YouTube video clip is HERE.
Stick around – this story is far from over.
Once Counsellor made the following comment to the Gazette:
“A bunch of years ago the City had a similar problem with allocating football fields and the use of an RFP system to solve allocation arguments. It was brought to Council, as I recall, and it was decided to not use the RFP system and just figure how to equitably share the capacity.”
 By Katie Lebel
July 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
As a follow-up to your ongoing coverage of the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD), I wanted to share some new context that will inform Monday’s Council meeting, where the club will formally delegate.
 Is the Sports Eco-system in the process of changing? While the immediate issue is pool time allocation, the broader concern emerging from this case is that the City of Burlington may be unknowingly endorsing a shift toward a privatized model of youth sport — one that prioritizes market expansion over community values. BAD’s delegation will respectfully ask Council to consider what kind of sport ecosystem they want to support going forward.
Here are four key differences between BAD’s nonprofit model and the model GHAC appears to be advancing:
1. High Fee Structure
- GHAC programs appear to cost 2–2.5x more than BAD for similar age groups and training levels.
- These higher costs do not appear to be tied to more intensive programming or superior coaching.
- Instead, they seem to reflect a market-based, pay-to-play model that could create a barrier to access for many families.
- This marks a shift away from the principle that youth sport should be accessible and publicly supported.
2. Drop-In, Multi-Pool Practice Model
- GHAC swimmers reportedly attend practices at multiple pools across the region, rather than being assigned to a single site/team.
- This disrupts traditional sport development frameworks, which emphasize peer cohesion and long-term coach-athlete relationships.
- The model seems to prioritize parental convenience and consumer flexibility — echoing for-profit gym or swim lesson models rather than club sport principles.
3. Multi-City Expansion
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 There are more than 130 swimming clubs in Ontario GHAC operates in Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, and now Burlington — a region-wide, growth-first footprint more characteristic of commercial expansion than community sport.
- Centralized administration and uniform branding further reflect a franchise-style approach, rather than a municipal or community-rooted one.
4. Aggressive Recruitment / Market Capture
- GHAC has begun recruiting BAD swimmers, which is viewed by many as a market acquisition tactic, not a collaborative approach between clubs.
- This raises concerns that the City’s endorsement of GHAC is enabling market consolidation, rather than fostering a diverse, inclusive sport landscape.
 We risk losing an entire philosophy of sport. 5. The Bigger Picture:
This isn’t an isolated case. The model GHAC is advancing is not unlike the rise of private swim schools like Aqua-Tots or Goldfish Swim School — both of which have steadily eroded participation in municipal swimming lesson programs by offering high-fee, drop-in based alternatives.
While these providers fill a market niche, the concern is that public infrastructure — in this case, municipal pools — is now being allocated in ways that mirror those privatization trends.
 Preserve what’s working. Why It Matters
“There could be room for both models in the sport ecosystem,” says Kimberly Calderbank. “But if the City pushes out volunteer-led, community-based clubs in favour of market-based providers, we risk losing more than just pool hours. We risk losing an entire philosophy of sport — one that values equity, inclusion, and community-building over revenue growth.”
BAD’s delegation will be rooted in gratitude, positivity, and a simple request: do no harm.
Protect access.
Preserve what’s working.
And ensure that Burlington’s public infrastructure serves all families — not just those who can afford to pay more.
Katie Lebel is a supporter of the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays.
 By Louie Rosella
July 4th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
In its Live and Play Plan, the City of Burlington calls Sherwood Forest Park a “major destination” park in the city.
 It was a small group – the biggest concern seemed to be space for cricket games to take place. Thursday night (July 3), in the midst of rugby practices, soccer games and playground play, a few dozen residents showed up to the well-known park at 5270 Fairview Drive to hear the latest updates on the proposed amenities for the park’s “revitalization.”
The informal outdoor, “public living room” style event offered plans for the new park, including renderings of the proposed amenities.
This includes a proposed, full-size cricket pitch on the west side of the park, which would replace an existing soccer field, more parking spaces to accommodate the anticipated increase in park goers, a new splash pad, and the redevelopment of the Sherwood Forest Park Community Centre.
The redeveloped facility should include a full-size gymnasium and indoor walking track, according to City staff at Thursday’s event.
Residents in attendance had some questions about the planned cricket field, concerned that it would essentially be replacing the soccer field.
However, Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman said this updated plan addresses community needs.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman, to the left, listening to what those who attended the event had to say. “It’s all a question of whether you live here today or you live here in the future,” he told the Gazette. “The big issue is the changing character of our population; an increasing number of people who want to play cricket.”
Demand for cricket fields in Burlington is huge, City staff said, as there is just one dedicated cricket field in the city, located in Central Park.
Sharman said if residents were to walk around their neighbourhoods on the weekends, many would see the baseball diamonds being used for playing cricket.
Other residents, including Margaret Hughes, expressed concern that there was no immediate consideration being given to lighting the pathways that run through the park.
“In the winter time, people are walking through here in the dark at 5 p.m.,” she said.
City staff said lighted paths, ironically, can create safety issues, as the dark patches between lights create shadows that present hazards, such as hiding uneven pavement, ice patches, or even a potential attacker.
“Clearly safety is the priority,” Sharman said. “You look at the playgrounds. We turn the lights off at 11 p.m., for that very reason because we don’t to have people out there drinking beer and making noise in the middle of the night.”
Hughes and others understand the need for more cricket fields in the city.
“We’re running out of space in Burlington,” she said.
So, when could the cricket field be up and running?
“It’s dependent on a grant coming from the provincial government,” Sharman said. “We’re not expecting to get that answer for a number of weeks.”
 City Staff member explaining the big picture to a resident. Burlington has applied for a grant from the province’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to help fund the Sherwood Forest Park project.
Development of Sherwood Forest Park is being guided by the 2016 Sherwood Forest Park Revitalization Plan; the City recently made major investments on the east side of this park by upgrading the ball diamonds, playground, and other features, the City said.
Sherwood Forest Park is located next to the Appleby GO Major Transit Station Area (MTSA), which is expected to experience significant population growth through intensification, the City said.
The City’s Live and Play Plan, which the City says is designed to ensure Burlington continues to grow as a sustainable, vibrant, and economically strong community, identifies Sherwood Forest Park as a “major destination” park.
Louie Rosella is a professor at Humber Polytechnic and a former journalist in the GTA.
 By Pepper Parr
July 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
When the city announced on the Friday before the long weekend that GHAC (Golden Horsehoe Aquatics Club) had been awarded the contract – the folks at BAD (Burlington Aquatics Devilrays) were close to frantic.
The media release explained the decision they made which included the following:
As part of the evaluation criteria, the RFP required all applicants to demonstrate that at least 85% of their registrants live in Burlington. This is to make sure that Burlington residents benefit directly from the pool time the City provides. GHAC met all the requirements of the proposal, including this residency threshold, and has been awarded the contract.
 Kimberly Calderbank, volunteer president of the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays – is fighting to keep her organization alive. When Kimberly Calderbank, volunteer president of BAD saw that statement she immediately reached out to Swim Canada, the regulatory body for competitive swimming in Ontario, for data on the BAD membership and the GHAC membership.
Swim Canada confirmed that
79% of the BAD membership lived in Burlington and
that 28% of the GHOC membership lived in Burlington.
Later the same day the city sent out a second media release (5:36 pm on a Friday before a long weekend)
The content of both media releases were identical except for the one paragraph related to membership levels.
In the second media release the city said:
As part of the RFP process bidders were required to demonstrate how their organizations will ensure 85% of participants are Burlington residents. The successful bidder – GHAC- demonstrated that it could fulfill this requirement upon service commencement in September 2025. Further, the successful bidder will be required to validate this requirement in September, and annually thereafter. This is to make sure that Burlington residents benefit directly from the pool time the City provides. GHAC met all the requirements of the proposal, including this residency threshold, and has been awarded the contract.
Saying that an organization could fulfill a membership requirement stands in contrast to an organization that has already met the requirement.
BAD has retained legal counsel.
 The 400 members of the Devilrays show that competitively they are winners – the city doesn’t seem to see them the same way. At a scheduled city council meeting, there is an item on the Confidential part of the meeting
Something that could have and should have been worked out at an administrative level is now in the hands of the lawyers.
 City CFO Craig Millar: Is this the level at which the pool allocation problem should have been resolved? Did the issue ever get to this level? The procurement staff involved in this matter are said to be away on vacation. They come under the supervision of the CFO Craig Millar, who is new to Burlington. The procurement people should have brought the CFO into the picture.
The Gazette reached out to a resident with years of experience dealing with RFP’s – Requests for proposals. Here is what he had to say about this situation:
On the Resident Priority part of the RFP – “Demonstrate how your organization will ensure a minimum of 85% of participants are Burlington residents.” Use of the word “will” means in the future, the requirement is not to have 85% now or at the time of submission. If the city did not have this wording, the incumbent vendor would be the only vendor that qualified, removing the competitive nature of the process.
In the requirement to produce documents: “”bids must include current and valid certificate of incorporation as a Non-Profit or Not-for-Profit organization.” Our expert asks: How did the Golden Horseshoe group comply if the form, as the Devilrays claim, does not exist?
“The contract will be for a First Term of three (3) years with two (2) optional extensions of one (1) year each based on the same terms and conditions and upon mutual agreement between the Vendor and City and contingent upon a sufficient budget and/or Council approval if applicable.” As suspected, the contract is for five years.
“The hourly pool time fee accepted pursuant to this RFP will include:
- The supervision of two (2) City of Burlington Lifeguards for indoor pools
- The supervision of three (3) City of Burlington Lifeguards for outdoor pools.”
Our expert suggests “This wording does make the RFP look like a pool rental agreement, not the purchase of something by the city that would fall under “procurement”.
“The Pool User must commit to a minimum of 2,000 pool rental hours annually at a rate of $110.00 per hour. This hourly rate will be adjusted each September based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1% for the duration of the agreement.”
Again from the expert: This works out to $220,000 – so the “winner” commits to buy $220,000 a year of pool time from the city.
My conclusion – this is a facilities rental agreement and should not be classified as procurement. Council can and should be involved in the decision-making.
By Staff
June 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Beachway and that little slip of a beach at the bottom of Brant Street are open for swimming.
Testing for E coli takes place regularly
Beachway Beach in Burlington (1094 Lakeshore Road) tested safe for swimming on June 11
 Lake Ontario is still quite cold – it tends to warm up nicely in August. Brant Street Beach in Burlington (Lakeshore Road and Brant Street) tested safe for swimming on June 12
 This mini-beach on the west shore side of the pier was created naturally by sands that came from as far away as the Scarborough bluffs. It was upgraded when Michelle Benoit, a local swimmer, attempted to swim from Port Dalhousie to Spencer Smith Park in 2012. Heavy waves brought the attempt to an early end.
 By Pepper Parr
June 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
The criminal trial of the five hockey players accused of sexually assaulting a woman has ended.
The Crown has presented its case, and the Defence has put forward its arguments.
 Justice Carroccia Justice Carroccia will deliver a verdict on July 24th.
The public has heard far more than they wanted about the antics of boys who were headed for fame, celebrity and annual incomes in the millions, driven by their gonads.
Whatever the decision, it may well be appealed.
We know far too much about what they are accused of doing. As described during the trial – this was disgusting behaviour.
As I followed the trial, I found myself wondering – what do the parents and grandparents of these boys say to their friends and associates about the behaviour?
 We know that Hockey Canada, the national governing body for grassroots hockey in the country, used funds provided by parents to pay out hush money to women who filed complaints.
The outrage over that practice was so strong that the federal government cut off its Hockey Canada funding and sponsors walked away from the table.
Hockey Canada got a new board and cleaned up their act.
The remark that came from the National Hockey League about whether or not the five boys (now young men) would be able to play in the NHL even if they were found not guilty – reset what is acceptable behaviour and what isn’t.
The parties that took place were not something new. They had been going on for years – they were looked forward to as a sort of “coming out” in the hockey business. Young women were as involved as young men.
The question I found myself asking is – who is going to set the standards for the sport?
Could it be that the NHL will determine what the social values are determine what is acceptable?
In the Armed Services, there is a phrase: “prejudicial to good order and discipline” a catch-all provision, used to address misconduct not specifically covered by other offences.
Offences that are prejudicial to good order and discipline can result in disciplinary actions, including summary trials or courts-martial, and potentially lead to penalties such as dismissal with disgrace from Her Majesty’s service, fines, or imprisonment.
 NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman In February of 2024 NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said he does not believe the NHL players facing charges will return to their NHL teams this season.
It appears that Bettman might be prepared to rule that the players never return to the league.
 By Nicolai Ryan Klausen
June 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Progressive jackpot slots breathe new life into online gambling. And when it comes to places where you enjoy such jackpots, Wildrobin casino offers its own selection of progressive slots, each with fresh designs and fun gameplay. Today, these dynamic jackpots are no longer limited to traditional slot machines. They’re now found in online slots, and even some video poker games, with prize pools shared across networks.
What are progressive slots?
Progressive slots are machines where the main prize, or jackpot, grows with each bet. When someone places a bet, a portion of this money is added to the jackpot. And it gets bigger and bigger until someone wins it.
Sometimes the jackpot can automatically “fall” when it reaches a certain amount. But more often it simply grows without limits, and you can win it at any time if you’re lucky.
 There are two types of such games: those where the jackpot is created specifically for this game; those that are connected to a common jackpot (the same prize for several slots).
Here’s what’s important to know about progressive slots before you go to play more than 50+ types of games in Wildrobin:
- Each bet has a small portion that goes into the common prize pool;
- This fund is visible on the screen: it is constantly updated so that everyone can see how big it is;
- When someone wins the jackpot, it starts over with a minimum amount;
- The jackpot itself is formed from the players’ money, not from the casino’s pocket. You all “collect” it together;
- Anyone can win, but usually it’s just one person, like in the lottery.
That’s it. A simple idea, but sometimes it brings someone a lot of money.
Different types of progressive slot
 Progressive jackpots have changed in recent years. Previously, jackpots were only in one game, but now they are collected from many casinos around the world. The more people play, the bigger the jackpots become and the more often someone wins them. For example, there is the Jackpot King feature from Blueprint Gaming. It shows three large jackpots at once, collected from many games at once.
Here are the common jackpots:
 Game jackpot. Some games, like Ozwin’s Jackpots, have their own jackpot. It is also formed by players from different casinos.
Network jackpot. This is when the jackpot is the same for more than 30 different slots. That is, you can play different games, and the winnings will be from one large fund.
Multi-level jackpots. Many games have several jackpots: small, medium, and large. Small ones can be won more often, and large ones, less often, but they are very large. This makes the game more interesting because there is always a chance to win.
Time-limited jackpots. Red Tiger has come up with jackpots that are guaranteed to be paid out by a certain time of day. This means that the prizes cannot accumulate for very long; they are paid out daily.
Canadian players try out two primary categories of jackpots at Wildrobin: hot and new.
Almost all game manufacturers now make progressive slots. But the biggest jackpots are given by big gaming companies like Games Global, NetEnt, and IGT.
To cap it all, progressive jackpots are not just ordinary games; they grow in value with every spin players make. It means the more people play, the bigger the prize becomes. It’s a feature that keeps players coming back, all hoping to hit that growing jackpot.
 By Jeannie Løjstrup
June 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Modern online casinos offer many slots that differ in theme, mechanics, and bonus options. Jackpot slots are especially popular among Canadian gamblers because they allow them to win a large prize. Many reputable online casinos, including Robocat, offer this format of gambling entertainment. In some of them, the jackpot sizes can reach millions of dollars.
What is the difference between fixed and progressive jackpot slots?
Top gambling sites, including Robocat online casino, offer slots with fixed and progressive jackpots. Below, we will explain the main differences between them.
Slots with fixed jackpots
A fixed jackpot is a specific amount of payouts you can receive in a particular slot. Usually, the limit on the win is set by the provider, but there are slots in which the online casino determines the prize amount. The size of the fixed jackpot does not depend on the number of rounds and the popularity of the slot. You need to collect a winning combination or pass levels to get the biggest win.
The most popular slots with a fixed jackpot, which are offered by a random online casino:
- Electro Coin Link. This slot from Fugaso allows players to win one of four fixed jackpots (Grand, Major, Minor, Mini), which are activated by the Running Wins bonus feature. Each of them has a fixed value, which depends on the size of your current bet. The maximum win in Electro Coin Link is up to 5000× of the bet.
- Immortal Ways Sweet Coin. You can win one of four fixed jackpots by launching this colorful and dynamic slot. To do this, you need to activate the Prize Wheel bonus feature. It is triggered by collecting six or more gold coins on the reels. RTP of the Immortal Ways Sweet Coin slot is 96.28%. Volatility: medium.
 Juicy Win. This slot allows players to win one of four fixed jackpots (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) activated during the bonus game with the Hold the Spin mechanic. You must collect three coin symbols on the reels to launch the bonus game. The maximum win is up to 3600× of the initial bet.
In addition, reliable online casinos offer other slots with fixed jackpots. The most popular are Coins of Ra Power— Hold & Win, Power Coin: Trinity Series, and Eagle Strike.
Slots with progressive jackpots
 A progressive jackpot is a cumulative prize, the size of which consists of deductions from each bet. With each game round, the size of the progressive jackpot increases. This means that the more bets gamblers make, the higher the maximum payout. Another feature of progressive jackpot slots is that winnings do not depend on the bet size. A player who has made the minimum bet can win.
The most popular progressive jackpot slot on sites like Robocat online casino is Super Wolf from Skywind Group. It allows players to win a progressive jackpot, which is activated when five multi-colored gems fall on one active payline. The slot’s RTP is 95.34%, of which 0.4% goes to forming the jackpot. Super Wolf has medium volatility, which ensures frequent but moderate wins.
Try to perceive large prize payouts in online casinos as a way to get bright emotions and pleasure from the game, not as a source of income. Rationally manage your bankroll and adhere to the principles of responsible gaming.
By Jeannie Løjstrup
June 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario’s online gambling industry enjoyed a record-breaking end to 2024, with Q3’s online casino spend showing a 38% year-over-year increase, amounting to $18.9 billion. This money was taken in during the 3 months leading up to December 31st, and puts the province in a healthy position for 2025.
 Since April 2022, consumers have been able to play online poker in Canada with operators who have entered into an agreement with iGaming Ontario and registered with the AGCO. Consumers can also enjoy a variety of casino games with licensed and offshore betting sites, but only revenue taken by Canadian operators is counted towards the revenue figures cited.
Following a strong finish to 2024, 2025 started in a similar fashion, with online gambling enjoying a $7.84 billion handle in January, a record for the month. Of this total, online casinos led the way by taking in 83%, and 70% of the total GGR for the month. This has been put down to the excellent selection of operators and games available to consumers.
Online slots are the most popular casino attraction, but traditional table games also appeal to a lot of customers. Tech developments have helped online casinos to bridge the gap between online and in-person gambling experiences, with live dealers, AI-enhanced gaming, and state-of-the-art graphics.
Despite online casinos taking the lion’s share of online gamblers, sports betting markets have also experienced growth. The gross gambling revenue of $91.9 million for January represents a 32.2% year-on-year increase, and a 133.8% improvement on December’s figures. Sporting fixtures and events have had an impact on these figures, but operators have proven that they can capitalize on opportunities.
Some aspects of Ontario’s gambling industry are still in their infancy, with single-event sports wagering only being legal since 2021, and online betting following in 2022. However, operators have been quick to act, with more than 80 unique gaming facilities and 50 operators now in action.
 People can gamble on a game of chance from their smart phone. The success of the online gambling industry can be attributed to the estimated 14.6 million Ontarian smartphone users, roughly 84% of the province’s population. Operators are able to provide convenient gambling for customers, and bonuses, offers, and competitive odds have also been key to securing new users.
While these improving figures are great for Canadian gambling sites, they have also helped to generate significant tax revenue streams, including more than $145 million in the first quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year. Tax revenue since 2022 is rapidly approaching the £1 billion mark, and this has benefited public services and infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The industry has also had a positive effect on employment in Ontario, with an estimated 15,000 full-time jobs being created.
The online gambling industry in Ontario and Canada as a whole is in a strong position, thanks to a well-structured regulatory framework and the dedication of operators to embrace technological developments that can improve the user experience. As the industry continues to develop, consumers can expect an even greater game choice, as well as improved payment options that can streamline deposits and withdrawals.
By Staff
June 7th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
We think this means summer is here or really close.
Will the ward Councillor be on hand for a photo op?
By H. Randall-Wooden
June 2nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Due to the combination of the convenience of playing from anywhere at any time with an enhanced game library and more bonus options, online casinos have become an incredibly popular choice. As player numbers shot up during the Covid-19 pandemic, many questioned whether the growth of online casinos was sustainable. However, as more and more players make the move into the virtual world, the future of online casinos looks increasingly bright. In this article, we’ll explore the factors behind this growth in popularity, including the wider choice at online casinos and the increased convenience of online play.
Enhanced choice at online casinos
 Players use VR technology to customize their virtual avatar and immerse themselves within a vibrant casino environment. At online casinos, players are able to choose from a wider range of games. As well as classics like blackjack, poker and roulette, they can make the most of innovative offerings. These can include progressive jackpots, where the prize on offer grows as more people play, and virtual reality options, where players use VR technology to customize their virtual avatar and immerse themselves within a vibrant casino environment.
There’s further choice on offer through unique versions of popular casino games like slots. Players can still make the most of classic slots at online casinos, with all of the iconic symbols like fruit, money bags and sevens. However, there are also exclusive online options, such as interactive slots, in which players complete additional games that influence the overall game outcome.
Another popular online choice is live games, which allow players to interact with dealers in real time. They better replicate the experience of land-based casinos through enhanced set and sound design. Live versions of many casino games, including poker and baccarat, have become incredibly popular. They appeal to many players by combining convenience with a vibrant casino environment.
Options for all budgets
Whereas bonuses in land-based casinos are usually reserved for high spenders, there are options for every budget at online casinos. Players are able to use no deposit or low deposit offers to make the most of their budget. Online casinos also further promotions, including those linked to different game types, cashback bonuses and seasonal offers. The great variety of bonuses available at online casinos helps them appeal to a wide range of players.
Gambling online is incredibly popular across Canada, with 19.3 million active participants in 2024 alone. The most played game across these numbers is online slot machines, which offer players great value for money, with each spin costing as little as 10 cents. This makes slots popular with those who prefer lower-risk gambling or are looking to stretch their budget further.
Another popular option for players looking to manage their budget is sweepstakes casinos. These casinos use virtual currencies in the form of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, allowing players to participate in their favorite games without spending anything. To find the best sweepstakes casinos in Canada, players use one of the country’s most trusted affiliates in Time2play.com/ca-en. They analyze each sweepstakes casino across factors that include bonuses, playing experience and game choice, to find the top options. Sweepstakes casinos are continuing to increase in popularity and are set to help ensure the growth of the iGaming industry can be maintained.
A more convenient option
 Anywhere – anytime Not everyone – especially those who live in more rural areas – has easy access to a land-based casino. If they do, they might find themselves challenged by dress codes or strict house rules. Online casinos allow all players to access their favorite games from anywhere at any time. They’re available 24/7 and only require a stable internet connection for use. Convenience is at the heart of the online casino offering, helping to ensure their growth remains sustainable.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when live venues had to shut down, many turned to online platforms to continue playing their favorite games. This shift saw land-based casinos enter a decline, fueled by the abrupt drop in customer numbers. For example, in Alberta, land-based casinos saw their revenue fall by 24% following the pandemic. Many providers moved their offerings online during this time. The provincial government in Alberta even launched its own online casino to capitalize on the movement.
Incorporating new technology
The online gambling industry has always been at the forefront of technological advances, constantly evolving to provide the best service. As well as incorporating VR into gaming options, other technologies like cryptocurrencies and AI have helped to revolutionize the industry.
Cryptocurrency
One such change has been the adoption of cryptocurrency into the payment options available at online casinos. Cryptocurrency has a number of benefits for players, including lower fees, faster transaction speeds and better conversion rates. Many online casinos now offer payments from popular coins like Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum, and there are also providers who specialize in crypto payments.
For players who may be concerned about uploading their financial information online, cryptocurrency allows them to make transactions with better protection. Crypto uses a high level of encryption, meaning that all information is unreadable to anyone who tries to access it. It’s also stored in digital wallets and uses blockchain technology to manage transactions, so the player’s information is protected.
Artificial intelligence
AI has been revolutionary for many industries and online casinos are no exception. It has been introduced across many different areas of the market, including for use in customer service chatbots. AI chatbots are able to answer customer queries much faster than a human representative, using data from the internet to provide accurate answers. Across online casinos, the adoption of AI bots has led to faster, smoother customer service.
In terms of security, AI is used to help monitor player patterns and detect those who may pose a threat to the provider. By analyzing vast amounts of data quickly, AI is able to look at player patterns, like response speed, and detect any who stray from the average. For example, AI can detect those who respond to questions or make choices faster than humanly possible.
One of the biggest threats the industry faces is a type of fraud known as bonus abuse, where players make multiple accounts to claim the same bonus more than once. It’s estimated that bonus abuse currently costs the industry as much as 15% of its annual gross revenue. It’s hoped that AI can be part of the solution to this problem by identifying multiple accounts using the same information, much faster and more accurately than a human can. It can also be used to identify suspicious IP addresses or patterns, and flag these to providers.
The future of online casinos
In the future, generative AI is set to play an even greater role in the online casino industry. While typical AI analyzes and identifies patterns that it reports to the provider, generative AI can actually use this information to create content. At present, a similar method is used to tailor advertisements and recommendations to a player’s preferences, based on their playing history. Generative AI will go a step further by automatically generating and sending marketing materials to a player based on their preferences.
Online casinos also benefit from the constant improvement of other technologies, like mobiles and live streaming services. Currently, some online casinos can’t provide as many live options on mobile as are found on desktop versions. As livestreaming technology continues to improve, this should allow casinos to provide their full library across devices.
 Live gaming and VR better replicate the experience of land-based casinos through sound and visual designs. One of the things many players miss at online casinos is the social element found in land-based options. Live gaming and VR better replicate the experience of land-based casinos through sound and visual designs. Another big development has been in technology that allows players to interact during games. While this is currently limited to features like chatrooms, some casinos have been experimenting with technology that allows players to talk directly to each other, similar to the feature found in some video games. In the future, these technological developments could help to bring even more players to the online casino market.
Is the growth of online casinos sustainable?
Due to the convenience of being able to access online casinos anywhere at any time, their growth seems sustainable for the future. To continue to capitalize on this growth, online casinos have introduced greater choice in terms of options, like no deposit bonuses and enhanced game libraries with VR games. The industry also makes sure that it’s constantly evolving by adopting new technologies like AI and cryptocurrency. In the future, we’re likely to see these developments playing an even greater role at online casinos, helping to ensure their future. Overall, the growth of online casinos is sustainable because of the combination of convenience and improved playing experience that appeals to many players.
By Anthony Lucarno
May 26th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Online casino players must provide websites with sensitive personal and banking information when creating accounts, withdrawing funds, or depositing their winnings. When choosing an online casino, it is crucial to pick one with a history of player safety because such a brand guarantees the safety of your sensitive information.
Additionally, trusted real money online casinos provide you with a highest win rate guarantee and a fair chance of winning, thereby improving your gaming experience.
Real money online casino players recommend Yukon Gold Casino, Golden Tiger Casino, Zodiac Casino, Luxury Casino, and Captain Cooks Casino due to their security, fairness, and trustworthiness in real money gaming.
Featured Real Money Casinos in Canada
Luxury Casino is a brand known for reliable money play and reliability. The casino ensures the highest payouts and easy casino transactions by working with reputable game developers and payment providers. The casino is also licensed and regulated, which means it meets all safety requirements for secure casino platforms.
Zodiac Casino has a reputation for safe play and the use of effective safety measures. The casino and all its game providers are certified by eCOGRA. The casino encrypts all player data on its website and server and uses firewalls to protect against unauthorized access.
Captain Cooks Casino aims to provide trusted casino experiences similar to what players would get at physical casinos. It does this by working with vetted game developers to ensure all its games are safe and adhere to fair play regulations. The casino also works with reputable payment providers to ensure players can receive their winnings promptly.
Building Trust with the Highest Win Rate Guarantee
All Casino Rewards Group casinos, including Golden Tiger Casino, provide a HIGHEST WIN RATE GUARANTEE that assures players of the highest win and return to player (RTP) on all games on its platform.
This guarantee ensures fairness because it ensures all players have a fair chance of landing a big payout. Golden Tiger Casino also undergoes audits that check for fair and reliable real money play. These audits result in fair play assurances since they verify that the outcomes of all plays are unbiased and cannot be manipulated.
Identifying Trusted Casinos for Real Money Play
 So, what should you look for to identify trusted casinos? All trusted real money casinos use encryption on their websites. You provide a casino with your information (username, passwords, banking information) in plaintext. The casino uses encryption to turn this data into an unreadable format known as ciphertext. This makes it unusable by anyone who intercepts it or does not have the right key.
The second factor is the use of secure and licensed payment methods. Casinos that guarantee secure online gambling work with reputable and vetted payment providers to ensure safe casino transactions. These payment providers are independently verified and have a strong reputation in their industry for facilitating sensitive transactions.
Lastly, trusted casinos are licensed and registered. Doing this requires undergoing and passing strict audits that check their systems and processes for player security, fair gameplay, and adherence to privacy and data protection regulations.
How can you know if a casino meets these standards? One of the best ways to do this is to check its Trustpilot reviews. This platform allows players to leave the best casino reviews discussing various aspects of the casinos they have experience with.
Players regularly mention a casino’s licensing and registration, its encryption protocols, the game developers and payment providers it works with, and whether it adheres to data protection and privacy guidelines.
You can also use these reviews to gauge player satisfaction. Check what players write regarding a casino’s customer support, how usable its website is, and how well it protects their accounts, personal information, and financial data.
Ensuring Integrity through Audits and Certifications
All trusted real money online casinos are licensed and regulated by at least one regulatory body. Before licensing and regulations, these casinos must undergo verification and certification audits. These audits result in verified casino integrity because they verify details like security practices, use of secure payment providers, responsible gambling tools on responsible gaming sites, fraud and identity theft protections, and more.
 Top-rated casinos that guarantee secure online gambling are certified by bodies like eCOGRA. ECOGRA and other bodies conduct independent audits of casino games and game developers to verify that they meet the highest casino security standards.
Such audits also result in certified casino safety since they verify that all casino games on trusted real money gaming platforms use secure payment providers.
Why Trusted Casinos Are Preferred for Real Money Gaming
Trusted casinos are preferred because they have player protection policies that protect players and their funds. These include measures like encryption, mandating strong passwords, account monitoring, and behaviour analysis to catch issues early.
These casinos also have transparent payment processes supported by their payment partners. Players know the fees they will pay for withdrawals and how long these processes will take.
Lastly, these casinos provide superior customer support. Their experienced customer service agents answer questions and assist with deposits, withdrawals, games, payout rates, and more.
Selecting the Best Trusted Real Money Online Casino
The most trusted real money online casinos encrypt player data and financial information, work with secure and vetted payment providers, and are licensed and regulated by reputable bodies. Trusted online casinos also have numerous positive reviews and high ratings on Trustpilot and other review platforms.
Players should visit casino platforms like Golden Tiger Casino, Zodiac Casino, Yukon Gold Casino, Luxury Casino, and Captain Cooks Casino to experience their trusted casino experiences and for exceptional real money gaming experiences.
 By Yanis Temby
May 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 The supplement business is much more than steroids. It is a well established part of the health sector. Supplements are one of the most talked-about — and misunderstood — parts of the fitness world. From protein powders to muscle builders, opinions range from “life-changing” to “dangerous.”
The truth? Most of these opinions are based on myths, not facts.
In this article, we’ll break down five of the biggest supplement myths and show you how modern, science-backed products can support your fitness goals when used responsibly.
Myth #1: All Supplements Are Just Steroids in Disguise
 There are many different types of supplements. One of the biggest misconceptions is that any product designed to build muscle or improve recovery is automatically a steroid.
The Truth:
There are many different types of supplements — protein, creatine, amino acids, and more advanced options like SARMs or hormone regulators. Most of these do not function like steroids.
Some newer compounds, such as growth hormone secretagogues, support your body’s natural hormone production rather than replacing it. For example, MK-677 is a compound used to increase growth hormone levels naturally, without testosterone suppression or major side effects. It’s become a popular choice for improving sleep, boosting recovery, and supporting lean muscle development.
 You don’t need to be a pro bodybuilder or a competitive athlete to benefit from supplements. Myth #2: Supplements Are Only for Professional Athletes
You don’t need to be a pro bodybuilder or a competitive athlete to benefit from supplements.
The Truth:
Most people using supplements today are regular gym-goers who want to feel stronger, lose fat, or improve energy. Some supplements may be especially helpful as you get older, when natural hormone levels begin to decline.
With the right support — combined with solid training and nutrition — even beginners can see better, faster results. Many modern options are accessible, easy to use, and backed by clear guidance and quality control.
Myth #3: All Supplements Are Unsafe or Unregulated
Some people avoid supplements altogether because they worry about side effects or unsafe ingredients.
The Truth:
Quality varies — but that’s true of any industry. There are trusted brands that provide lab-tested, clean, and well-documented products. Look for supplements that use transparent labeling, organic carriers (like MCT oil), and published purity testing.
For example, SARM Canada is one company that emphasizes product purity, accurate dosing, and safe usage guidelines. Their products are formulated with high standards and are trusted by users across North America.
 A strong foundation in nutrition and exercise is essential. But even with perfect consistency, your body eventually reaches a limit. Myth #4: You Can Get the Same Results From Diet and Training Alone
A strong foundation in nutrition and exercise is essential. But even with perfect consistency, your body eventually reaches a limit.
The Truth:
Once progress slows, smart supplementation can help. Certain compounds improve recovery, stimulate muscle repair, and promote fat metabolism in ways that training alone cannot. For example, MK-677 — mentioned earlier — is often used to support deep sleep, better recovery, and improved muscle fullness, especially in experienced lifters or during calorie deficits.
When paired with a solid plan, these tools can help you train harder, recover faster, and see results more quickly.
Myth #5: Muscle-Building Supplements Are Addictive or Dangerous
The fear around supplements often stems from extreme cases involving unregulated or misused products.
The Truth:
Responsible use, correct dosing, and cycling make all the difference. Many well-researched compounds do not cause addiction or hormonal crashes when used as recommended. Most users follow a short cycle and then take a break to let the body reset.
Choosing products that include usage instructions and safety information helps users stay on track and make informed choices.
 Gender and age are not factors that keep people away from muscle building. Final Thoughts
Supplements are not a replacement for effort — they’re a way to get more out of the work you already do.
The key is education and quality. Look for clean, trusted options that support muscle growth, fat loss, recovery, and overall well-being.
Forget the myths. Trust the science. And make sure you’re choosing supplements that support your goals without compromising your health.
By Jeannie Løjstrup
May 28th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Let’s get straight to the point: online slots are legal in Ontario. However, that doesn’t mean you can just log into any flashy gambling site and start spinning. There’s a legal framework in place; if you’re not following it, you’re gambling in the dark, and that’s precisely where bad things happen. In 2022, Ontario overhauled its online gambling laws. Now in 2025, it’s one of North America’s most tightly regulated iGaming markets. Still, with offshore sites still accessible, knowing the rules matters more than ever.
The Law
 Everything legal about online gambling in Ontario runs through two names:
- AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario): They write the rules.
- iGaming Ontario (iGO): They enforce them by striking deals with private operators.
However, this didn’t appear overnight. For years, online gambling in Canada operated in a legal grey zone. Before 2022, Ontarians could access offshore sites without regulation, oversight, or protection. The Canadian Criminal Code technically restricted gambling to government-run entities, but enforcement was loose, and foreign operators flooded the market.
That changed in April 2022, when Ontario became the first Canadian province to launch a fully regulated, competitive online gambling market. AGCO created a framework, and iGaming Ontario was set up to manage it. This model allowed private companies to enter the market under strict conditions.
If you’re playing online slots legally in Ontario, the operator signed a contract with iGO and follows AGCO’s playbook. That means independent testing, data protection, responsible gambling features, and real accountability.
Offshore casinos? None of that. It’s the Wild West, and that’s being generous.
Age Matters
The first rule is clear. If you’re under 19, you cannot play online slots in Canada. That’s the law. It doesn’t matter if you find a site that doesn’t verify IDs. If you’re underage and gambling, it’s illegal.
Ontario enforces this hard. Licensed platforms will allow you to go through identity verification: ID, address, the whole thing. It’s a bit of a hassle, but that’s what legal compliance looks like.
Underage gambling is a gateway to addiction, and that’s not some overblown moral concept. Every major study on the subject backs it. That’s why the rules are strict.
Spotting a Legal Platform
So, how do you know a site is legal? Here’s the checklist:
- iGaming Ontario Logo: Should be visible at the bottom of the site. No logo? Bounce.
- AGCO Listing: You can Google it. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario publishes a running list of every licensed operator.
- Responsible Gambling Tools: Legal sites have deposit limits, time trackers, self-exclusion options, and direct links to support services that provide 24/7 mental health and addiction support.
Licensed platforms are upfront about these things because they’re required to be. If a site hides this info, doesn’t verify your ID, or pushes you to deposit with sketchy payment methods? It’s offshore, and you’re gambling without a safety net. No protections. No guarantees. And when things go sideways, no one’s coming to help.
This Isn’t Just About Rules, It’s About Risk
This system exists for two reasons: player safety and money.
Let’s start with safety. Unregulated sites are a breeding ground for scams. Payouts can vanish. Odds can be rigged. Customer support? Don’t count on it. And if these sites shut down overnight, which happens more than you think, you’re out of luck and probably out of cash.
Regulated sites in Ontario play by the book. Their games are audited. Their RNGs (random number generators) are tested. And if you hit a snag, there’s a formal complaints process through iGaming Ontario that doesn’t vanish into thin air.
Then there’s the money. Part of that revenue goes to Ontario’s public budget every time you play on a licensed platform. We’re talking hundreds of millions that fund healthcare, infrastructure, and public education. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year alone, Ontario’s regulated iGaming market brought in $3.2 billion in gross revenue.
Offshore sites? They take your money and run it through tax havens.
The Blueprint of Legal iGaming
Now that we’ve gone through the basics, let’s talk about legal online gambling.
BetMGM is one of Ontario’s flagship licensed operators. It’s reputable, fast, and secure. It offers hundreds of online slot titles from big-name developers. More importantly, it runs on AGCO-approved software. If you win, you get paid.
You can set your limits. You can take a timeout. You can self-exclude entirely. Every move you make is logged and protected.
BetMGM isn’t your back-alley corner bookie. It’s a transparent, regulated online gambling platform built for people who want to play responsibly without getting burned.
Play Smart, Play Legal
 If you live in Ontario and you’re still gambling on sketchy offshore sites in 2025, you’re playing yourself. The province has built a legal system that works. It protects players, it keeps the odds fair, and it gives back to the community. Ignore it, and you’re not just risking your wallet; you’re risking your identity, peace of mind, and future. So yeah, play online slots if you want. But play smart. Play legal. And don’t fall for the illusion of “easy access” on some unlicensed site run out of nowhere. You’re not being slick. You’re being scammed.
By Julie Andreasen
May 26, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Online casinos in Canada have surged in popularity, especially as players look for more flexible, private, and efficient gaming experiences than what traditional land-based venues can offer. While many stick to provincially run sites, a growing number of Canadians are turning to offshore platforms that provide faster withdrawals, crypto payments, and fewer verification requirements.
 These features make them particularly attractive to tech-savvy players. One of the standout reasons for this shift is the appeal of no-KYC casinos, which are sites that don’t require extensive documentation like ID scans or bank statements. According to casino expert Viola D’Elia, these online platforms are favoured for their speed, anonymity, and the ability to cash out almost instantly with crypto, all while offering access to thousands of games (source: esportsinsider.com). These features make them particularly attractive to tech-savvy players who value control over their gaming experience.
Naturally, when convenience is this high, the next logical question is: Are these platforms safe? The short answer is yes, but with conditions. Safety largely depends on choosing a licensed, well-reviewed operator. Many of the best online casinos in 2025 operate under respected international jurisdictions, like the Malta Gaming Authority or Curaçao eGaming. These licenses aren’t just decorative. They require casinos to meet strict standards for data protection, fairness, and transparency.
 It’s essential to dig deeper before you deposit a dime. However, not all sites are created equal. There are fly-by-night operators out there looking to exploit unsuspecting users. That’s why it’s essential to dig deeper before you deposit a dime. Look for recent player reviews, test customer support responsiveness, and always double-check the site’s licensing information. A legitimate casino will make this information easy to find.
Payment options can also tell you a lot about a casino’s credibility. Canadian-friendly casinos in 2025 support everything from Interac and iDebit to e-wallets like Skrill and PayPal. Increasingly, though, crypto is the method of choice for many players. It’s fast, globally accessible, and sidesteps some of the more tedious elements of traditional banking. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and even Tether are commonly supported, with some platforms now processing withdrawals in under 15 minutes.
Tax-wise, the situation is surprisingly favourable for most casual players. Winnings from games of chance (whether at a physical casino or online) aren’t taxed in Canada. This applies whether you’re using a government-run platform or playing at a licensed offshore site. The only time taxes might apply is if you’re gambling professionally or earning substantial income from it, in which case the CRA may expect a cut.
 Canadian online casinos are as safe as the effort you put into finding the right one. The increase in mobile gaming is another indicator that online casinos are adapting fast to user expectations. Whether it’s through dedicated apps or responsive browser-based platforms, players expect (and usually receive) a seamless experience on their phones. Many casinos even offer mobile-exclusive bonuses or faster payment tools optimized for smaller screens.
At the end of the day, Canadian online casinos are as safe as the effort you put into finding the right one. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of no-KYC crypto platforms or prefer the familiarity of platforms like Interac or PayPal, 2025 offers no shortage of secure, entertaining options. All you need to do is take time to verify the site’s licensing, read user reviews, and understand the terms around withdrawals and bonuses. With a bit of caution and research, enjoying online gambling in Canada can be both exciting and low-risk.
 By Anthony Lucanry
May 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Finding a safe online casino before playing online casino games is important because it helps protect your personal and financial information. Casinos that implement different player protection measures ensure your data cannot be lost with additional measures guaranteeing it would be useless in case of a data breach.
Gaming platforms known for the best casino security include Golden Tiger Casino, Yukon Gold Casino, Zodiac Casino, Luxury Casino, and Captain Cooks Casino. All these brands use various security features that make them the safest online casinos.
Key Security Features of a Safe Online Casino
The crucial secure casino features of a safe online casino include SSL encryption, licensing and regulation.
SSL encrypted casinos use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption on their websites to secure all data between their players’ devices and their servers. These encryption technologies turn plaintext data like usernames, passwords, and account numbers into ciphertext only readable by a server that holds the decryption key.
These casinos also implement additional encryption on their servers. This type of encryption ensures all data in storage is safe and would be unreadable.
These casinos are also licensed and regulated by different reputable gaming authorities and bodies. These bodies check that the systems and processes specific casinos use meet industry standards and are adequate to protect player data.
Certified casino sites also undergo additional audits that verify their games are secure and give all players a fair chance of landing big wins.
Canada’s Most Secure Casino Brands
Yukon Gold Casino has a long history of keeping its players safe through encryption and using different security measures.
The casino is also licensed and regulated by different gaming authorities and bodies. Holding certifications and licenses from these bodies for over two decades means the casino has maintained player safety for all that time.
Zodiac Casino is known for providing secure playing environments on its website and casino app. The casino does this using SSL encryption and working with vetted software providers and payment partners. These partners undergo specific security audits related to their industry, ensuring they use robust solutions to protect their customer’s personal and financial information.
Golden Tiger Casino also uses SSL encryption on its website and encryption on its servers and is licensed and regulated. It has certifications from multiple gaming authorities and bodies like eCOGRA that verify that it protects player data while ensuring its games and payment methods do the same.
Luxury Casino blends luxurious experiences with high-security standards. Players get exclusive experiences on its platform through its Casino Rewards Group loyalty program, with all promotions and bonuses secure through its security measures.
The casino also works closely with vetted game providers who hold certificates from eCOGRA that verify all their games are secure.
Captain Cooks Casino is committed to safe gaming practices and implements different player protection measures to do this. The casino has strict account-creation requirements and also provides 2-factor authentication that players can use to secure their accounts.
Captain Cooks Casino also partners with different payment providers to guarantee safe casino transactions since each partner has very high security ratings from multiple industry experts.
Using the Highest Win Rate Guarantee for Safe Play
The highest win rate guarantee ensures participating casinos only provide games with the highest Return to Player and win rates.
To provide this guarantee, Casino Rewards Group brands work with vetted game developers and software providers. With these partners ensuring secure gameplay on all their tables, progressive jackpot, live dealer and table games, the casinos are guaranteed an additional layer of protection.
 Facilitating the significant payouts that arise from this guarantee also requires that brands that uphold online casino safety work with secure payment partners. These partners are also vetted for secure transactions and the use of different technologies to ensure player safety.
The top safe casinos that provide this guarantee must also undergo additional audits to verify they offer these guaranteed returns. These reliable casino audits also provide additional security, making these casinos even safer.
The Role of Trustpilot in Ensuring Casino Safety
Players can use trusted casino reviews on platforms like Trustpilot for safety and reliability assurance. The player feedback they find can help them know if a specific casino is licensed and regulated. They can also check which bodies or authorities a specific casino works with so that they can verify this information themselves.
Players can also use these reviews and verified casino ratings to discover the security measures specific casinos use to secure player information. Players can search for keywords like SSL and encryption alongside the casino’s name to see if it uses these technologies.
Why Audits and eCOGRA Certifications Matter
Certified casino sites display banners from the various gaming authorities and bodies they work with. To display these banners, these casinos must undergo and pass strict audits that check if their systems and processes guarantee player safety and fair gameplay.
These casinos must also undergo specific audits that check their games’ integrity. Bodies like eCOGRA conduct the necessary audits to verify this. The third-party audit casinos use verifies that they implement the latest security measures and guarantee fair gameplay.
Steps to Verify Casino Safety
Before playing at an online casino, players should verify that it uses SSL encryption, check its licensing and regulation, and then go through reviews on platforms like Trustpilot to check what other players are saying. These reviews can help them find trusted casino brands like Golden Tiger Casino, Yukon Gold Casino, Zodiac Casino, Luxury Casino, and Captain Cooks Casino that uphold safe gaming practices and comply with industry regulations for player safety and fair gameplay.
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