By Joseph Gaetan, Bsc

September 28^th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

By any fair measure, the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) saga has left our community shaken. Parents, athletes, and residents have watched a respected club—one that has served Burlington for decades—pushed aside in a process that raises more questions than answers.

Until now, it was right that Council respected procurement protocols and did not wade in. Rules exist to prevent elected officials from interfering with active bidding processes. But the procurement phase is over, and with it, the firewall that shielded staff decisions from political scrutiny. What remains is not just a contract, but a matter of public trust.

A Timeline That Demands Scrutiny

The Gazette has laid out a troubling timeline. From March to June, BAD followed the rules, submitted documents in good faith, and even provided a legal opinion to support its standing. Yet on June 25, after 5:00 p.m., the club was told it was rejected on a technicality over a document that does not exist in Ontario law. Hours later, GHAC was elevated to the status of “successful bidder.” Days later, the City had to quietly change its press release to account for GHAC’s failure to meet the 85% Burlington residency threshold.

These are not trivial details. They are red flags.

The Stakes for the Community

The most painful part of this story is not buried in policy—it is visible in the faces of the young swimmers who came to Council chambers. BAD has 400 members and 100 more on a waiting list. GHAC, by contrast, is still building its Burlington base. This is not a transition of equals. It is, as one councillor bluntly put it, a zero-sum game. Children will lose opportunities. Families will face higher fees. Burlington risks losing a legacy program that has carried our city’s name across the country.

Why an Audit is the Right Next Step

The allocation of swimming pool time touches on governance, fairness, and whether Burlington families can trust the City to act in their best interests.

Councillor Lisa Kearns’ per the Gazette, has expressed an intention to request an independent audit of the procurement process. This is not interference—it is accountability. An audit would examine whether staff applied the rules in good faith, whether the process aligned with best practices.

This above all is a matter of public interest because it touches on more than pool time. It touches on governance, fairness, and whether Burlington families can trust the City to act in their best interests.

Council’s Duty

No one is suggesting that procurement staff acted with malice. But the appearance of inconsistency, combined with shifting explanations, is enough to warrant a thorough and independent review. Council owes it to the public to ensure that this decision—and any future ones—are beyond reproach.

In the end, this is about restoring trust. Council was right not to interfere while the process was live. After many months BAD and the public is still asking questions. An audit is the only way to answer that.