Benefits of using a local version of an online casino in Canada

By Mia Gonzales

September, 26, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

Discover why playing at a Canadian-specific online casino like PinUp Casino offers a more tailored and enjoyable gaming experience. Explore optimized gameplay, and exceptional customer support for Canadian players.

No one is going to deny the fact that online casinos have shifted the gambling industry because they opened up a door for a whole new audience of players. Thanks to the brands, like Pin Up Casino https://pinup-casino.ca/, it has become much easier for gamblers to access their favourite games, no matter where they are.

But it is important to admit that at first, people were frustrated with such websites because they were not adapted for a specific market. It means there were only international versions of online casinos, but now, Canadian players can play games with the local variant of their favourite brand. There are a lot of reasons why it is good to do so.

You can play from wherever you are whenever you want using an application designed for Canadians.

Reasons to use a local version of online casino

There are several good reasons why the Canadian version of the PinUp Casino is better for local players. Here they are:

Well Optimized For A Region.

One of the first things people will admit about the Canadian version of the site – it is well-optimized for a specific region. This means people will find games, payment methods, and special rewards that were selected according to the statistics of the country and there are going to be boundaries in terms of the way people are able to play online. All promotions and payment methods will work clockwise.

All The Necessary Certifications. For the online casino to operate in a specific country, it is very important to be regulated by the correct organizations. In the case of the Canadian version of the Pin Up, it is a Curaçao license. This is important for the best experience of players, as it means the website will work correctly, and it is an indicator that all games are fair and updated to the latest version of the software.

High-Quality Customer Support. Local online casinos often provide customer support services that are more attuned to the needs and preferences of local players. Players can expect to communicate with support agents who understand your language and are familiar with the specific challenges and inquiries you may have. Having access to dedicated customer support can be a game-changer when Canadian players encounter issues or have questions about the platform. Quick and effective support can enhance your overall experience and resolve any problems promptly.

Designed to cater to the specific needs of Canadian players.

These reasons alone should be motivational enough for people to register an account at PinUp and start playing without any restrictions. But it is important to admit that age restrictions are applied, depending on the specific province, where the player currently lives.

The best way to experience online casinos

People who are looking for a decent way of playing games online should start with a local version of the Pin-Up brand.  Such casinos are designed to cater to the specific needs of Canadian players. So, the next time people look for an online casino, they should consider choosing one that is built specifically for the country they are living in to enjoy a more personalized and enjoyable gaming experience.

 

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Battery disposal can now be done while shopping - Longos first to take this up

By Pepper Parr

September 25th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Supermarkets are continually changing the products they put on their shelves and other services that are part of managing the lives we live.

Recycling batteries – it’s easier to just throw them in with whatever we put in the Blue Box for far too many people.

Look for it at Longos location

Call2Recycle, a battery recycling network in Ontario, with 2,600 collection sites is working with retail organizations that interact directly with the public.

Longo’s, a supermarket chain with 37 locations in Ontario is the first grocery store chain to join the  battery recycling network to dispose of end-of-life batteries as part of their shopping routine, to lessen their impact on the environment and support Canada’s circular economy initiatives.

Call2Recycle and Longo’s are like-minded organizations with strong ties to their local communities and a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Both organizations are focused on supporting the environment and reducing waste which is why they felt it was important to make battery recycling more accessible to Ontarians – by adding battery recycling services to 37 Longo’s stores in the Greater Toronto Area.

As part of this collaboration, battery sorting and recycling operations are operated by Call2Recycle  a not-for-profit organization that works on behalf of battery manufacturers and retailers to provide its battery recycling program at no cost to consumers across Canada.

Once the individual Longo’s locations report that their boxes are full, Call2Recycle arranges for the transport of the batteries to sorting partners who organize them by chemistry.

While some specific batteries have rare metals such as lithium and nickel, which are used to make new batteries, the majority of the recycled components are steel.

These components can be used to manufacture new products such as kitchen appliances, bicycles, or golf clubs. This whole process is part of the circular economy – the overall environmental effort to reuse our materials and reduce the environmental footprint of battery use.

 

 

 

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Saying Goodbye to Summer and Welcoming the Fall

By Pepper Parr

September 25th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

And so here we are – into the Fall Season.

How does one celebrate the change?

Ray River, a Burlington Gazette Contributing Editor, is part of Back-of-the-Barn Jam Band.

The players are Terry, Audrey, Steve, Peter, Jerrold, Doug, Bob, John, Brian, Stephen and Ray.

Rivers describes the group as retired and semi-retired men “who play pop and pop rock; songs were all hits – the kind of music we heard as we were growing up.”

The players are Terry, Audrey, Steve, Peter, Jerrold, Doug, Bob, John, Brian, Stephen and Ray.

Two musicians playing off each other while another band member sings Rock on Momma

River in the centre on a keyboard, Brian behind him with a guitar

It is a band that doesn’t do concerts or performances. A bunch of guys who love their music and meet outdoors during the summer, inside the barn when the weather shifts and in the “man cave” part of the house where there is heat from a small stove and snow on the ground.

Some of the members go back to their high school days.

It was fun music and socializing; kids running around, and a dog that had far too much energy.

 

Catching up between sets – these are people who have made their contribution to society – now they enjoy their time with each other.

There were a lot of guitars, Rivers on the keybaord, a bag piper wearing a kilt and a set of drums that got a very good workout.

There were no wind instruments.

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Council will be presented with a Motion asking the province to declare an interest in the Millcroft golf course development.

By Pepper Parr

September 24th,2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is now on the table – Motion moved by Mayor Meed Ward and seconded by Ward 6 Councillor, Angelo Bentivegna asking the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to issue a Minister’s Zoning Order for that part of the Millcroft Greens Corporation that proposes to add

And to declare a provincial interest in Millcroft Greens.

The full Motion is set out below – that part that sets out what the city wants is shown in bold italic type.

Portions of Areas A, B, C and D are critically important to the management of storm water and flood prevention in the Millcroft neighbourhood.

Whereas applications have been made by Millcroft Greens Corporation to the City of Burlington for a plan of subdivision and to amend the City’s Official Plan and Zoning By- law to develop portions of the Millcroft Golf Club golf course, identified as Areas A, B, C, D on the attached map, with 90 single detached homes; and

Whereas the same applications also propose the development of a separate parcel that has been designated in the City’s Official Plan as ‘Residential – Medium Density’, identified as Area E on the attached map, with a 6-storey residential apartment building or townhouse development; and
Whereas the applications have been appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal and scheduled for a four-week hearing in March 2024; and

Whereas Burlington City Council at its December 13, 2022, meeting unanimously declared its opposition to the proposed residential development of Areas A, B, C, and D of the Millcroft Golf Club golf course, and its support in principle for the proposed residential development of Area E of the Millcroft Golf Club golf course, in recognition of the importance of these lands to the City and its residents; and

Whereas portions of Areas A, B, C and D are critically important to the management of storm water and flood prevention in the Millcroft neighbourhood; and

Whereas Areas A, B, C and D serve individually and collectively as vital pockets of existing green space for residents of the City; and

Whereas the protection of existing greenspace within the City is crucial for the City to be able to provide opportunities to access both public and private green space for both existing residents and future residents; and

The intention when the project was developed was to have a community and a golf courses sharing land. The residents want that vision maintained.

Whereas Burlington City council is committed to accommodating its share of growth and has unanimously signed on to the Municipal Housing Pledge for 29,000 homes by 2031. The proposed development on the golf course is not needed to meet or exceed this housing pledge, ample land is available to accommodate new growth within our urban area around GO stations, aging retail plazas and major transportation corridors that don’t compromise existing greenspace; and
Whereas the Millcroft Golf Club golf course is part of a stable residential neighbourhood known as the Millcroft Community, and Millcroft Golf Club can continue to operate the golf course on the subject lands and benefit from existing uses; and

Whereas Oakville-North Burlington Member of Provincial Parliament Effie Triantafilopoulos has formally declared her support for maintaining the Millcroft Golf Club golf course as greenspace, and has presented in the legislature several thousand signatures on a petition from residents across the city of Burlington and beyond asking the Province to preserve this greenspace; and

Whereas Burlington City Council at its December 13, 2022 meeting unanimously directed the Mayor to work with the Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor for Housing to bring forward a resolution to Burlington City Council and Regional Council to request the Province to declare a provincial interest in the Millcroft Golf Club golf course; and

Now therefore be it resolved that Burlington City Council request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing:

1. to advise the Ontario Land Tribunal under section 22(11.1) and section 34(27) of the Planning Act that a matter of provincial interest is, or is likely to be, adversely affected by the amendments in respect of which the appeals are made regarding Millcroft Greens’ proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments and related plan of subdivision (OLT-22-004149); and

2. to attend the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing in support of the City’s position; and

3. to use all resources and tools at its disposal to confirm the Province’s interest in the Millcroft Golf Club golf course, including introducing legislation and preparing a development plan under the Ontario Planning and Development Act to protect and preserve the existing uses of Areas A to D; and

4. to issue a Minister’s Zoning Order under Section 47 of the Planning Act to facilitate appropriate residential development in Area E and ensure the protection of the greenspace and natural areas from re-development of Areas A, B, C and D on the Millcroft Golf Club golf course; and

The decision to take this approach came from Mayor Meed Ward – it could work.

5. to confirm that the Minister has the authority to issue a community infrastructure and housing accelerator order under section 34.1 of the Planning Act to (i) facilitate appropriate residential development in Area E, and (ii) protect and provide community infrastructure in Areas A to D, including green space that supports the quality of life for residents of the City, upon receipt of a resolution passed by Burlington City Council requesting such an order; and
Further, that this resolution be circulated to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Honourable Doug Downey, Attorney General; the Honourable Parm Gill Minister of Red Tape Reduction; Natalie Pierre, MPP Burlington; Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP Oakville North-Burlington; Halton Regional Council; Millcroft Greens; and Conservation Halton.

The decision to take this approach came from Mayor Meed Ward – it could work.

 

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Six Casino Games Canadians Love to Play

By John Brown

September 26th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Although Canada might have a reputation for being one of the politest nations in the world, it offers much more than just friendly faces. It is also home to spectacular scenery, roaring industries, and a love for maple syrup that surpasses everything else.

Canada has a reputation for being one of the politest nations.

However, something the country is not so well known for is its love of gambling, which is evident in the fact that Canada has 19.3 million active gamblers. With only 38.78 million residents, this accounts for an impressive percentage (49.8%) of the populace!

But what casino games do Canadian gamblers like to play? Read on as we go over the most popular ones players are drawn to from coast to coast.

Slots

With more than an estimated 76,000 physical slot machines in the country, the mighty slot is king in Canada. Add to these the thousands of slots online at SlotsOnlineCanada.com, and there are almost too many games to choose from. 

Slots are among the simplest casino games to play.

Despite the overwhelming number of games available, Canadians certainly have their favourites. Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck II, Starburst, and Book of Ra are the slots played most often. These offer immersive gameplay, fantastic entertainment, and generous ways to walk away richer. 

More than this, slots are among the simplest casino games to play. Because of this, they are highly attractive to both seasoned and new gamblers. 

Blackjack

Blackjack is known as one of the simplest casino card games. Since it originated in the early 1700s, its popularity grew gradually, and it is now a staple in casinos worldwide. This is no different in Canada, where millions of gamblers play the game regularly. 

Besides being simple to understand and play, blackjack is appealing because it has some of the best winning odds among all casino games. The reward for a few good hands can leave a player smiling all the way to the cashier station. 

Poker

The satisfaction of being caught bluffing,

Although poker may seem relatively straightforward, considering all you need is a better hand than your opponent, there is much more to the game than that. The art of maintaining your composure, bluffing, and knowing when to fold all play critical roles in determining whether or not you win.

From the challenge of competing in a high-stakes poker game to the thrill of being caught bluffing, Canadian players love every moment of it. The country has even produced some outstanding World Series of Poker champions like Daniel Negreanu.

Roulette

Roulette is another popular game in Canadian casinos, and considering it also offers great odds, that should not come as a surprise. The game—which comes in three unique flavours, American, French, and European—is a hit in pretty much every gambling house.

While the popularity of roulette is undoubtedly linked to its simplicity and excellent odds, many also believe it is because of its sophistication. Often shown in movies as a gentleman’s game, it is a go-to for many Canadian gamblers who want to win with class. 

Baccarat 

Like blackjack, baccarat is one of the most uncomplicated games to play in a casino, though the game varies slightly depending on the variant (punto banco, banque, or chemin). 

Allowing players to choose which outcome to bet on adds an element of thrill to this game and varies the odds of winning. Banker wins have odds of appearing 45.8% of the time, while player wins occur 44.6% of the time. And with ties accounting for 9.6% of all hands dealt, many players are cautious about how they decide to wager. 

Video Poker

Fully digital and allows players to stay entertained at their own pace.

The Poker-Matic machine, launched in 1970, was the first ever video poker game available. Since then, the game has grown in popularity and become a staple in most international casinos. It has also become one of the most appealing games among Canadian players. 

Although many game iterations exist, a standard game based on five-card draw poker is the most common. This differs from playing at a table because the game is fully digital and allows players to stay entertained at their own pace without waiting for the dealer or other players to decide how to play their hand. 

Conclusion

Many other casino games are available in Canadian casinos and online, including craps, keno, pai gow, and even bingo. Each of these offers fun, excitement, and a chance at riches. 

However, the games discussed above are the ones that have captured the hearts and chips of countless players across the country. With millions of Canadian gamblers playing them on the regular, they will likely hold their place as the most beloved casino games far into the future.

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The Best Places in the World to Gamble

By Lisa Clayton

September 26th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the ancient casinos of Macau, there are a variety of places to choose from when it comes to gambling.

It is thrilling – exciting and fun – as long as you are responsible and know your limits.

The Best Places for Gambling
Gambling can be a thrilling and exciting experience, and the best places to gamble in the world offer some of the most unique and diverse experiences. From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the ancient casinos of Macau, there are a variety of places to choose from when it comes to gambling. Whether you’re looking for a more traditional experience or a more modern one, there’s a location for you. From the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo to the laid-back atmosphere of Reno, each place offers its own unique experience. You can easily find Vulkan Vegas promo code in these places if you want to have a good time gambling. So, let’s take a look at some of the best places in the world to gamble.

Say Caesars Palace – and people know you are talking about one of the great locations.

Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is undoubtedly one of the best places to gamble in the world. You can find casinos spread throughout the city, but the best place to gamble is the strip. The strip has some of the most renowned casinos in the world, including the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and the Venetian. Las Vegas is also home to many different types of casinos, including casinos with table games, slot machines, and poker. If you want to learn more about how to gamble, Las Vegas is a great place to start. It’s also a great place for people who want to visit a casino but don’t want to gamble. There are also a large variety of shows and attractions when visiting Las Vegas.

Macau, China
Macau is a Chinese special administrative region that is known for its casinos. Macau is most famously known for being the home of Venetian Macau, which is the largest casino in the world. Macau is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a great place to gamble. There are a wide variety of casinos to choose from in Macau, including many different types of casinos. Macau is a great place to partake in the more traditional form of gambling. Macau is also home to the biggest casino in the world, the Venetian Macau, which sits on a 167-acre plot of land and has 35 restaurants, nine bars, and a hotel with 1,500 rooms.

Monte Carlo – a unique location.

Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monte Carlo is a small city-state in the south of France and is the setting for many fictional gambling dens. While it may not be the most modern place, it is certainly a unique location. It is also a great place to learn the more traditional form of gambling. Monte Carlo is a small city, so you may want to plan ahead when you decide to visit. Additionally, it is often very expensive to visit due to its location. Monte Carlo is a great place to go if you’re looking for something different and want to experience a bit of glamour. It is also a great place to try your hand at a game of baccarat.

Atlantic City, New Jersey
While Atlantic City is not what it once was, it is still a great place to visit and a great place to gamble. Atlantic City is home to many casinos and is a good blend of old and new gambling. Atlantic City is a great place to visit if you want to experience the traditional form of gambling. There are many different types of casinos in Atlantic City, making it a good place to visit for those who want to try their hand at a variety of games. Each casino has its own unique look, making Atlantic City a great place to visit if you want to experience something different.

Reno, Nevada
Reno is often thought of as the gambling capital of the world, and that’s because it really is. You can find casinos throughout the city, but the best places to gamble are downtown or on the north side of the city. Downtown Reno is home to many different types of casinos with a wide variety of games, while the north side offers a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Reno is a great place to visit if you want to try your hand at poker or want to experience the traditional form of gambling. There are plenty of games to choose from, making it a good place to visit for those who want to try their hand at a variety of games. It is also a great place for people who want to throw their own casino party.

Reno – gambling capital of the world.

The best places to gamble in the world offer a variety of different experiences. Whether you want to experience the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas or the relaxed atmosphere of Reno, there is a location for you. If you want to experience high-stakes gambling or try your hand at a more traditional game, there is a place for you. No matter what you’re looking for, there is a place for you.

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Escarpment residents feel they made their point - now they wait to be certain that city Council is onside and will fight hard to oppose the Quarry expansion application

By Pepper Parr

September 22, 2028

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Gord Pinnard left the city council meeting earlier this week at which many of the CORE (Conserving our Rural Ecosystems) members had delegated feeling that the job had been done by his members – now to determine if Council has heard what they have to say.

God Pinnard

The event was the first time people who were not part of the CORE organization got to see what Pinnard called “a very compelling piece of evidence” – a short video showing what happens when blasting of rock inside the quarry takes place.

It is worth watching – click HERE for a link.

The next step for Pinnard and the public is – for City Council to announce that it is taking a firm stand against any expansion of the quarry. The city has said it is watching but the Mayor has yet to come out with a strong statement, waiting instead to determine just what the risk is for the City.

CORE is a party to the next OLT hearing that is to take place on the 11th of October.

City Council is expected to do a Receive and File of report of the September 18th report at the Council meeting scheduled for the 26th – the public might hear a few words on their thoughts.

On October 3rd, City Manager Tim Commisso said Council will go into a CLOSED session to talk about the position the City will take at the OLT hearing on the 11th which is a Case Management Conference where determining just what the issue is and who is going to be representing who gets set out.

CORE has a vision with the label 7G – standing for the next seven generations that they want to be able to experience the Escarpment for what it is today – not what Nelson Aggregates wants now.

CORE has between 1200 and 1300 people getting their updates and announcements of fund raising events. They have raised close to $200,000 and know that they are going to need even more. The planned Porch Pumpkin fund raiser is running now.

Order your porch pumpkin here.

Pinnard talked about some of the disappointments their organization has experienced in learning just where the responsibility for oversight on what takes place at the quarry.

The two Ministries each have Acts they are responsible for that are part of the process that regulate quarry operations. The (MECP) Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the (MNR) Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – which at times seem to be at odds with each other.

Aggregate Resources Act governs quarry licensing and is administered by the MNR.

The MECP has responsibility for the Environment Protection Act.

When there is a complaint to the MECP, the MNR is required to investigate – Pinnard has found that an investigation either doesn’t take place or any investigation tends to miss the point of the complaint.

This little creature needed a place to breed and the then Ontario Municipal Board made sure he would have all the space he wanted. The City of Burlington shuts down portions of King Road so that the Jefferson can get from one side to the other.

There is a Memorandum of Understanding between the two but, according to Pinnard, “that document hasn’t proven to be all that useful”.

Pinnard is relying heavily on the approach the OLT will take arguing that the hearings rely upon the evidence of experts – with the wishes and feelings of residents having little to do with the decision.

Rob Northy, a lawyer with Weir & Foulds, has extensive experience at the OLT level and is fully briefed on the quarry issue.

Both CORE and the City were taken aback and very disappointed with the Nelson Aggregate decision to abandon the JART approach that was underway and appeal to the OLT for a decision arguing that the JART processes was taking far too long.

JART (Joint Agency Review Tribunal) was a bit of an awkward structure that set out many levels the Tribunal would go and called for thousands of pages of documentation.

When the last hearing was held there was tons of evidence – but in the end it was the threat to the existence of the Jefferson Salamander that won the day.

Few even knew about the creature when the Nelson Aggregate application for an expansion was made.

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Tough day for the Premier - Great Day for the province

By Pepper Parr

September 22, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Progressive Conservative Ford still did something you rarely see Liberal premiers or prime ministers do. He apologized. He took it on the chin, fell on his sword in full admission that this was messed up.

Doug Ford has certainly had a better month – in three weeks he lost three of his Cabinet members and on Thursday had to drag his Cabinet into a parking lot behind a hotel to publicly apologize for what he admitted was a mistake.

At that point it became a bit of a pile on with Burlington’s Mayor Marianne Meed Ward saying she “applauded the reversal of Ford’s plan that will now see 7,400 acres of land returned to the Greenbelt” adding it was great news for the environment.

The mayor went on to suggest the Ford government was left with few options to push the development agenda once the Auditor General’s report confirmed no Greenbelt land is required to meet the goal of new housing units.

However, the mayor acknowledged that work still needs to be done to meet necessary housing requirements.

“Burlington remains committed to working with all levels of government to do our part to get permits to builders so they can get shovels in the ground (to build homes,” she said. “We know the City of Burlington can do this within our urban boundary while protecting our rural and Greenbelt lands.”

Environmental Defence has been hounding the provincial government for months on the decision to let Greenbelt properties be opened up for housing saying “We hope this change marks the beginning of a broader shift away from the government’s current misguided policies, including: forced boundary expansions in Hamilton and Halton, Waterloo and elsewhere; its lowering of Growth Plan density requirements; its gutting of Conservation Authorities; and its dismantling of regional land use planning. These damaging decisions, along with attempts to repeal laws which promote efficient land use and construction, must also be reversed.

Environmental Defence kicking up their heals at a staff retreat

“Environmental Defence is particularly concerned that Premier Ford continues to pursue the wasteful and unnecessary Highway 413 scheme. Not only does the highway divert billions in public funds but also misallocates crucial construction resources needed for housing and transit. The only beneficiaries of building highway 413 appear to be a select group of land speculators who have invested in farmland and forests along the proposed route. Building 413 would mean fewer homes, slower, and worsened traffic in the GTA.

“The only way to deliver the number of homes that Ontarians need – with the speed that our housing crisis demands – is to overhaul the zoning and official plans of existing neighbourhoods where people want to live. This would permit and encourage the construction of compact, affordable family homes on all residential streets – including those currently limited to single detached homes. This approach would expedite the creation of much-needed housing without compromising community integrity.

NDP Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles in a soybean field in the Greenbelt.

Leader of the NDP Opposition, Marita Stiles, who deserves credit for sending those two crucial letters to the then Auditor General Bonnie Lysak and the provincial Integrity Commissioner J David Wake to investigate what was taking place. Without the letters from Stiles neither bureaucrat could do anything.

Stiles has been particularly tough on Doug Ford saying: “This is a government in complete and utter disarray, fractured after lurching from scandal to scandal. Ford’s Conservatives are now down three Cabinet ministers in just three weeks.

“Will there be any cabinet ministers left on Monday?

“The curtain’s been pulled back on a corrupt Conservative government all too comfortable with making backroom deals to benefit a select few of their friends – at the expense of everyone else.

“We can’t have a government that’s so entangled in its own messes that it’s not helping Ontarians with the very real challenges they’re facing.
People deserve a stable government that sees their frustration with the affordability crisis and how much the housing crisis is hurting them – and offers solutions that actually make their lives easier.”

The day Ford made his roll back announcement Stiles said of the eleventh-hour decision to reverse the Greenbelt Grab: ““This is a victory for Ontarians, who fought long and hard to get this government to reverse their corrupt decision to carve up the Greenbelt.

“It was clear from the beginning that this was the wrong decision, and yet Ford’s Conservatives pressed on. It was a calculated attempt by this government to benefit a select few of their insiders at the expense of everyone else.

“And Mr. Ford continues to dodge responsibility as the Premier of this province, especially as this whole scandal has pulled back the curtain on a government all too comfortable making backroom deals.

“This reversal won’t clear the air on a government that Ontarians know stinks.”.

CBC reporter Mike Crawley at a press conference

CBC reporter Mike Crawley said he didn’t think the announcement would bring an end to the story saying there was “much more to be learned”. Crawley wanted to know why the Premier didn’t ask questions is as to why the list of properties that were being approved for removal from the Greenbelt was debated – maybe it wasn’t debated – just rubber stamped.

The Legislature returns on Monday – expect Stiles to be in full attack mode.

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Doug Ford says: I'm sorry - I broke a promise - backs out of the Greenbelt decision

By Pepper Parr

September 21st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

We know now what the Saturday newspapers will be full of.

Premier Doug Ford apologizing for his original Greenbelt decision while taking part in a Cabinet retreat in Niagara Falls.

The politically amazing turn around on the part of the Premier on his original plan to open up the Greenbelt to development.

While taking part in a retreat with his Cabinet in Niagara Falls before the Legislature opens on Monday Doug Ford said “it was a mistake”

It is possible to say now that no one will attempt to do anything with that land for a couple of decades.

Commentators have been saying that “this isn’t the end of this”.

Give Ford some credit for backing out and let’s see what we learn during the balance of the day.

 

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A former member of Cabinet, a developer who attended the wedding of the Premier's daughter met while both were in Las Vegas. Cabinet Minister fibbed about the meeting

By Pepper Parr

September 21st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Drip, drip, drip.

There is most certainly more to come

First, the former Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark resigned.

Now Kaleed Rasheed, the former Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery of Ontario is sitting as an independent and no longer part of the  Progressive Conservative caucus.

Shakir Rehmatullah with Premier Doug Ford – the developer who attended the wedding of the Premier’s daughter.

Kaleed Rasheed, the former Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery

Rasheed’s office provided the wrong dates for a winter 2020 trip to Las Vegas, where he encountered his developer friend Shakir Rehmatullah — who attended the wedding of Ford’s daughter and who Wake believes was “more likely than not” tipped by someone to the government’s plans to remove lands from the Greenbelt.

Also on the trip were Ford’s principal secretary at the time, Amin Massoudi, and Jae Truesdell, now the premier’s director of housing policy, according to Wake’s probe.

Provincial Integrity Commissioner J. David Wake’s staff are clearly doing their homework and cross checking the information they have been given, under oath no less, and finding that the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth standard wasn’t met.

Is there more to come?  Bet on it

“Premier Ford and MPP Kaleed Rasheed have agreed that Mr. Rasheed would resign from cabinet and the Ontario PC caucus, effective immediately,” said a brief statement from the premier’s office.

 “If Mr. Rasheed can clear his name through the Office of the Integrity Commissioner, he will be provided an opportunity to return to caucus,” added the statement, saying a new minister of public and business service delivery will be appointed “in the coming days.”

There wasn’t much in the way of detail however a government insider speaking confidentially to discuss internal deliberations told the Toronto Star “we expect people to remember the month they took a trip.”

“There are generally a lot of questions not answered in light of what was said about what happened,” the insider added.

The public is still waiting for the RCMP to decide if any of the Greenbelt scandal warrants an investigation.

The provincial Legislature returns on Monday

 

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Two Burlington Members of Parliamentary are now Secretaries:

By Staff

September 21st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Oakville North-Burlington MP Pam Damoff is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs)

MP Adam van Koeverden is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change & Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity.

Parliamentary Secretaries get a small boost to their pay checks.

Adam van Koeverden in a winning moment represent residents in the northern part of the city; Pam Damoff represents part of Burlington and part of Oakville.

 

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Local author tells Council: 'it is your responsibility to protect our Escarpment

By Staff

September 21st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Celebrated author Janet Turpin Meyers delegated at a Standing Committee earlier this week.

Author Janet Turpin Meyers

My name is Janet Turpin Meyers. I’ve lived in Burlington for 52 years and on the Escarpment since 1982.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed the densification of population in the southern section of the city. And I’ve noted with approval how vigorously the city has always fought to protect the precious and irreplaceable natural ecosystems. that make up the very special Niagara Escarpment area of this city. As a longtime resident on the escarpment I’ve endured for most of my life. The gravel truck traffic the worries about contaminated imported fill from the Nelson pit the worries about diminishing well water and polluted creeks and silted in ponds. And I’ve also lived with the depressing realization that prime farmland has been permanently destroyed by Nelson aggregates nearly 70 years of mining.

We’ve listened to Nelson’s rhetoric about the quarry shutting down in the next five years. We’ve endured that eight year battle to stop that previous application from Nelson that was eventually denied in 2012 for that previous application, the due diligence process was fully and in good faith undertaken. The process rendered a resounding verdict of No, yet several years later, here we go again, another application from Nelson for virtually the same land.

This is incredibly upsetting to me as a citizen, that a decision so duly rendered only a few years years ago really can now be challenged by a private corporation, and possibly invalidated. What’s the point of all that painstaking, complicated process, all of that money being spent all of that energy expended by citizens and by governments? If a company can then come along in a few years later and try again for the same piece of land for the same thing, the aggregate industry conveniently professes a close to market mantra that goes something like this.

They argue that situating gravel pits close to market is the key to offsetting the negative impacts of greenhouse gases emitted by gravel trucks. They say it’s better to have trucks travel less distance, and thus inflict less co2 on the atmosphere. But already today in the here and now the process of replacing those combustion engine heavy trucks with electric vehicles with zero tailpipe emissions has begun. The federal government’s target for the electrification of heavy trucks is 100% of all sales by the year 2040.

Janet Turpin Meyers at home overlooking the Escarpment forest.

In July last year, the federal government brought in a purchasing incentive for heavy zero emission trucks of up to $200,000 per vehicle. The entire world is electrifying transportation, greenhouse gas emissions from tailpipes are on their way out. Now consider this  – the new pits being proposed by Nelson aggregates will be mined for at least 30 years, a length of time which means that trucking gravel back and forth will continue long after co2 emissions from those trucks will have ceased to be an issue.

So Nelson’s declaration of concern about greenhouse gases will be rendered as obsolete as those tailpipes will. Wear when faced with an either or situation, either Nelson is permitted to permanently destroy 125 more acres of Burlington precious Greenbelt or we may have a few for a few years, increased greenhouse gas emissions from gravel trucks that may or may not be travelling further. To me, it’s obvious.

Janet Turpin Meyers, local author launches her first title at the end of the month.

The permanent destruction of Burlington Greenbelt lands is too high a price to pay for a problem that is already on its way out. Nelson’s application to increase its open pit mine on Burlington escarpment means bringing the negative impacts of gravel mining closer to market as well. That is closer to people. This means bringing closer to home more destruction of prime farmland, more vanishing Greenbelt, more threats to the limited water supply of the people living on the escarpment. It means bringing more blasting and fire rock and dangerous dust right to Burlington’s backyard.

Why should a gravel company goal to increase its profits through reducing transportation costs trump the needs of Burlington citizens to preserve the natural heritage of their city for future generations. Burlington is a lucky city. It’s bounded on both its frontiers with beauty, with the sweeping blue expanse of Lake Ontario to the south and the rising living green of the escarpment to the north Burlington. has always protected its escarpment it has  prohibited urbanization there. It’s allowed the farms to continue the Carolinian forest to thrive and the animals to survive.

Open pit mining is one of the most destructive industrial practices on earth. No mitigation plan will ever replicate the complexity of a bio-diverse ecosystem that has been blasted to its rocky core. As counsellors we have entrusted you with the stewardship of this rare and beautiful part of our city. Do you think New York city Councillors would allow a company to mine in Central Park?

What we have here in this city is exceptional, and precious, and it is your responsibility to protect it.

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A month of solid programming for teens at the Library

By Staff

September 20th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It’s TEENTober, which means the Burlington Library has some extra programming just for teens all month long!

An Evening of Epic Fantasy – with authors Nicki Pau Preto (Crown of Feathers) & Joanna Hathaway (Glass Alliance).

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The Quarry cloud - a piece of evidence that just might make a difference.

By Pepper Parr

September 20th, 2023

BURLINGTON. ON

 

Many of the delegations heard during the different Standing Committee events have been based on feelings and emotions; sometimes references to events on which there wasn’t very much data.

The quarry site that has been operational for a couple of decades in nearing its life cycle. It appears it can still kick up a storm.

So far there hasn’t been anything in the way of a delegation by the Nelson Aggregate people – their representatives may have spoken for them but no one from Lagarge, the company that owns Nelson has appeared.

There have been good arguments about the need for the aggregate given the number of high rise towers that will be needed in Burlington to accommodate the number of new residents that will be Burlingtonians come 2031.

Hard, rock solid, evidence, (no pun intended)  has been hard to come by.  We got to view a video on The Cloud earlier today, the link is in red.  It runs for a couple of minutes and it is slow – but when you see that cloud of dust you might want to watch it a second time and ask – Is this what is happening now – and Is this what we can expect in the future?

It is slow – but take the time to watch it

 

 

 

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Burlington Conservatives like the local results of a national poll

By Pepper Parr

September 20th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington Conservative Party Association released the results of a portion of the 338 poll that showed where the party stood in the Burlington constituency.  The complete national poll can be seen HERE.

The poll has a +/- variance of 7% – making those numbers less than bankable.

In the world of politics you take what you can get.

 

 

 

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A day of performances at Performing Arts Centre on Saturday the 23rd - free!

By Staff

September 20th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre announces its participation in this year’s Ontario Culture Days Festival; an annual celebration of arts and culture across the province providing free community art events that continue the support, engagement and awareness of the arts in our communities.

BPAC has removed one of the barriers to performing arts participation – all the events are free.  This strengthens the community of artists, arts patrons and the general public by offering a full day of free and accessible community programming; supporting the cultural development of the city—and in turn—the quality of life within our shared communities.

This year BPAC offers a combination of performances and interactive events that will showcase performing artists and organizations that can be found in Burlington and the surrounding region.

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Popular singer, native of rural Burlington delegated virtually on Monday evening - 'give it your all' she asked

By Staff

September 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Sara Harmer

Sarah Harmer was raised on a farm adjacent to the Nelson Quarry.

The popular singer has been part of the organizations that have fought the expansion of the quarry from the very beginning.

She was a major witness in the first application Nelson Aggregates made to expand their license.

Sample of karst rock – used by thousands of area residents to decorate their front lawns.

During her delegation Monday night she said: “So much of what I feel and have concerns about when we started Pearl back in 2005, when we didn’t know much about aggregate issues and quarry and land use issues in general, we sought the advice of renown local hydro geologist Wilf Ruhland and had him come to our place.

“He looked at the map of Mt. Nemo and said: “Do you see all the blue lines emanating from the top of this plateau?  Then added he couldn’t think of a worse place to go in below the water table. This is the headwaters of so many creeks and streams, the grindstone Creek, Bronte, there’s so many of them that begin at this high head-water area.

“He also asked us if we knew what karst geology was, I don’t think anybody knew what karst rock meant; he went on to explain that karst is a type of geology that is quite rare and is found in ancient land forms like the Niagara Escarpment.  It is rock that has been worn down by millions of years by water to create caves and fissures and sinkholes and springs.

” It’s a place that not even experts can predict where you’re going to impact; it’s like looking at a loaf of sourdough bread. It looks really solid on the top and as soon as you cut into it, it’s just full of holes. The many assurance that Nelson aggregates is giving us as far as well water protection and Source Water Protection is not credible.

Sarah Harmer’s father, Alan (Clem) and mother Isabelle, who were once described by former Mayor, the late Walter Mulkewwich, as Burlington royalty. Sitting in the front row during the three hour meeting.

“Experts have seen the modelling the company used; it is very generic and does not express the complexity of what’s going on at Mt. Nemo. I’m here representing my family who have lived on Mt. Nemo for 53 years this month. My mom Isabelle and my dad are in the audience tonight.

“Years ago I stood at the back of our farm on number one side road with a provincial government hydrogeologist in 2006 or 2007; we were up there on the high ground and he said “What’s this doing here as he was pointing at a pond and said you know this isn’t getting flow from anywhere else. This is not downstream of anywhere. This is happening because of an upwelling through the karst limestone, and you can’t predict where these rare springs and seeps and ponds will pop up out of the rock.

“And you can’t predict what impacts blasting and mining and explosive industrial activity will have. And as you know there are hundreds of wells all surrounding the proposed extraction area, on the west side especially, that’s one of the reasons this is an even worse proposal than the first go round because of the Burlington springs western expansion.

“There are so many residents along Cedar Springs that are in the down gradient to where Nelson wants to expand and the impacts to their wells, the impacts to the meet at Valley and the area of natural scientific interest are unknown and unknowable.

“I want to tell one little story about what happened a couple a couple of summers ago. Imperial Oil wanted to put a diesel pipeline through the right of way at the back of our farm. 

“They were right next to the Jefferson salamander habitat, the provincially significant headwaters of the grindstone Creek which is provincially protected. They had to drill underneath this section of the wetland. The hydrogeologists had a lot of experts on the case and they thought they were in solid rock.

“They were drilling a test drill with drilling mud underneath this provincially segment wetland and Jefferson salamander habitat.

“They were wrong. They hit a seam or a fissure, a crack in the rock that they did not predict. And up came thousands of litres of drilling mud and fluids, bentonite and a whole bunch of other combined fluids many meters away from where they were drilling into this provincially significant wetland.

“They had to alert us, they had to alert the Ministry of Environment. It was an unexpected void in the rock that they came across that then created this major spill.

“Now that’s Imperial Oil who you know put in pipelines all over the place, and yet they missed it. They didn’t understand that on Mt. Nemo you can’t be sure of what you’re going to impact Our well went dry and we have had to use our barn well for the last few decades. Our neighbour’s well went dry on number one side road. We know people on number two side road whose wells have gone dry. The impacts are unknowable, any assurances that the company has been floating are not credible.

Sarah Harmer performing at an outdoor CORE fund raiser.

“The precedent has been established for the protection the land Nelson wants to quarry. Nelson in their plan for the southern edge of the southern proposed expansion area plan to pump and de water into a wetland in the West arm of the Mt Nemo tributary. They want to de water into this amphibian habitat.

“There’s are so many reasons to oppose this project. Decisions made now are among the most consequential in history. We are at a tipping point, as we know, and the compelling evidence has been laid out beautifully before you tonight and in the JART report.

“I would encourage you to continue on the path that Burlington has been on to protect our beautiful and precious world biosphere in our backyard to protect the well water, to protect the endangered species. We have incredible grasslands, prime agricultural soil and forests and wetlands that are sequestering carbon in the north part of our city. Please give it your all.”

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When a patient needs blood urgently, there is no substitute - supply is currently very low

By Staff

September 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

After asking more people in Canada to donate blood and plasma this summer and despite many answering the call, distribution of blood to hospitals continues to outpace the number of donations being made—especially in Ontario, where nearly half of Canada’s population lives. 

“Canadian Blood Services sends Ontario hospitals about 7,400 units of blood per week to treat patients so it’s incredibly important that people donate blood—or other blood components, like plasma and platelets—to prevent patient care from being impacted,” says Dr. Katerina Pavenski, head of Division of Transfusion Medicine, at St. Michael’s Hospital-Unity Health Toronto and member of the National Advisory Committee on Blood and Blood Products.

“When a patient needs blood urgently, there is no substitute. Without it, lives are at stake.”

In addition to serious trauma and emergency care, blood and blood products are a critical part of everyday medical care including major surgeries, medical procedures, cancer treatments and managing diseases and disorders.

“As quickly as we collect blood, hospitals are calling for more. There are simply not enough people donating in Ontario to ensure patients’ needs will continue to be met long term,” says Mark Newburgh, director, donor relations and collections, Canadian Blood Services.

While Canadian Blood Services manages a national inventory and blood can be moved around the country, the national blood system depends on donors showing up across Canada, including people right here in Burlington.

Andrew Pateman, Vice-President, People, Culture and Performance with Canadian Blood Services.

Blood donors in Burlington help ensure hospitals in this province receive the blood they need — including the Joseph Brant Hospital, which needs more than 2,800 units of blood every year. To keep meeting the needs of patients in Burlington and elsewhere in Canada, 658 people are needed to donate blood in the next four weeks at the Burlington donor centre located at 1250 Brant Street.

There are roughly 10 million people in Ontario who are eligible to donate blood, yet only a mere fraction do—just 1.5 per cent of the population.

“Life can change in seconds, and you or someone you love may need blood urgently. It’s up to all of us to ensure we can save lives here at home,” says Newburgh.

Don’t count yourself out. Canadian Blood Services regularly updates our eligibility criteria for donating blood. You may be able to donate—even if you couldn’t before.

Go to blood.ca, download the Give Blood App or call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) and book an appointment today, tomorrow and in the coming weeks.

If you cannot donate, you can still help save lives in other ways. Visit blood.ca to learn how you can make all the difference for patients and their families. You can also ask friends, family and colleagues to donate blood and share the message on social media.

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The City encourages residents and people who work in the city to subscribe to Alert

By Staff

September 19th. 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is called Alert Burlington, a free emergency notification system created to keep you informed about local emergencies – floods, gas leaks, and accidents that could put you or your property at risk. The City encourages residents and people who work in the city to subscribe.

In case of an emergency, Alert Burlington will send you messages through text, email, or phone calls. It will also give you instructions on whether you should leave your location or stay put.

Since its launch in 2022, there hasn’t been a need to send out any emergency alerts. However, it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

Sign up for this free community alert service by clicking HERE

You’ll need to provide your name, address, and contact information.

Those who are already registered with Alert Burlington should log in at least once a year to make sure contact information is up to date.

Burlington Fire Chief Karen Roche

Fire Chief Karen Roche explains: “When it comes to responding to emergency situations, time is of the essence. Alert Burlington is a tool that helps us connect with subscribers quickly to ensure they have access to real-time information in an emergency. It’s great to see the amount of people subscribed to the platform increasing, and I hope it continues to trend that way.”

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Some of the delegators at the Quarry meeting

By Staff

September 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City Council Chamber has not see a crowd like this since well before the pandemic was declared in 2020.

They came prepared to clap and cheer – which is a no no in Burlington.

The meeting lasted more than three hours with at least 20 delegations.

Lots to report on – the transcript of the meeting ran to 120 pages. Set out below are pictures of some of the delegators.

We are not going to be able to publish all the delegations – each person was given ten minutes to make their point.

We will provide a few today and follow up with several others later in the week.

 

 

 

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