Councillor would like to depend on something that doesn't exist - seems unaware of what does exist

By Pepper Parr

December 5^th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

At a recent council meeting, during which how city councillors are to be compensated, Ward 1 Councillor Kelven Galbraith said: “With no print newspaper left in Burlington”, he relies on flyers to reach residents.  He noted that the current budget only allows him to do so once a year.

Galbraith needs some help;  There are four online newspapers that serve the city:

Burlington Gazette, which is the oldest online newspaper: 12 years

Burlington Today – a relative newcomer that has a strong readership.

The Burlington Post which converted to an online paper when Metroland Media killed all their weekly papers, and stiffed their reporting staff at the same time.

The Bay Observer and Insauga.

The five online newspapers are active, growing and serving the news and entertainment that are part of every city.

Advertising support from the city, precious little. The Bay Observer has managed to convince some of its city Councillors to advertise. In Burlington, both the federal and provincial elected representatives have advertising budgets. Not much of that money makes its way to the media.

The Bay Observer manages to get some advertising from members of Hamilton City Council. In Burlington media gets invitations to photo ops where the Mayor might tear up or a Council member is cutting a ribbon at a new retail location.

Media is in place to keep those that serve the public transparent and accountable. They all read the media – we know that because when there is something that they think is wrong – we hear from them.