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Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy commenting to Premier Ford on their way into the Legislature on March 23rd to deliver the 2023 budget.
 Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy commenting to Premier Ford on their way into the Legislature to deliver the 2023 budget. . 
March 24th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
Communities around the world are expected to support Earth Hour on Saturday, March 25 from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. Every year, since the inaugural event in Australia in 2007, at 8:30 p.m. on the last Saturday of March, people across the world unite, taking action on and raising awareness of the issues facing our planet.  Will things get to the point where human beings as we know them will not be able to live on the earth? Earth Hour draws attention to biodiversity loss, climate change and the need for cooperation to secure a bright tomorrow for all people and the environment. HDSB schools are encouraged to spend at least 60 minutes on Friday, March 24 doing something positive leading into Earth Hour , including: • Learning about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including #7 – Affordable & Clean Energy, #6 – Clean Water and Sanitation and #13 Climate Action Participation in Earth Hour supports the Halton District School Board’s continued commitment to environmental leadership and taking action for a sustainable world ⎼ one of the five areas of focus in the Halton District School Board’s 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan.
March 24th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
It is ugly, despicable, life destroying behaviour and it takes places in our community – to our children. The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is now providing families with information and resources to address and prevent sex trafficking.  Students live on their cell phones where they can be manipulated. The vast majority of sex trafficking victims are under 24 years of age and approximately 30 per cent are reported to fall between 13-18 years of age. This is why the Ontario Ministry of Education is requiring school boards to educate students and staff about sex trafficking and promote safety by taking meaningful, culturally-responsive and consistent action to prevent and respond to issues of safety and inappropriate behaviours.  Teachers are in touch with their students every day – they spot changes in behaviour – the first sign that something could be wrong. Due to almost daily contact with students, teachers and other education staff are well placed to educate on prevention and promote healthy relationships, notice troubling changes in behaviour, and connect with students as caring adults. By training staff to recognize the signs of sex trafficking, they will be better equipped to identify the cues and safely intervene if they suspect a student is being trafficked or involved in trafficking. Education can also serve as a key factor in helping survivors of trafficking heal and rebuild their lives, helping to prevent re-victimization and resetting students on a healing trajectory towards positive outcomes. The HDSB’s Anti-Sex Trafficking webpage has resources and information about the important steps being taken in our Board to recognize, prevent and respond to sex trafficking. Families can find video resources that cover three important topics: • Anti-Sex Trafficking Awareness for Parents/Guardians The webpage also includes the Halton Anti-Sex Trafficking School Board Protocol, Administrative Procedure: Anti-Sex Trafficking and information about annual staff training and education in the HDSB. The Gazette urges parents to be part of educating your children. It is an ugly subject – help your children understand and save them from that experience.  Jennifer Fowler, Superintendent of Education – Safe Schools. “The HDSB is committed to upholding and championing human rights and this is embedded in so much of what we do every day. Through the HDSB’s 2020-2024 Strategic Multi-Year Plan, we incorporate principles of equity and inclusive education into all aspects of our operations, structures, policies, procedures, guidelines and practices, consistent with the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code,” says Jennifer Fowler, Superintendent of Education – Safe Schools. “As a Board, we have been actively partnering with community groups and school boards across the region to address the unique and specific needs of our Halton community. Action by schools, families and community partners together will help prevent, identify and recognize sex trafficking to act quickly to ensure appropriate interventions.”
March 23, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON A quick summery of the provincial budget Getting to a balanced budget was the priority. Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser said he was “shocked” the Tories made balancing the books a priority over helping families coping with inflation.  The Doug Ford government has opted for balancing the budget and having a huge surplus they can spend in 2026 when they will ask us to vote them them again. “They didn’t balance people’s lives,” said Fraser. “Families are hurting right now. Rents have gone up, gas has gone up, utilities have doubled,” he said. It will pass, and probably well before we see lower food costs. As for that drive to build 1.5 million new homes over the next decade — the rationale for Ford’s controversial opening up of 7,400 acres of protected Greenbelt lands to development — have been dealt a setback. Thanks to rising interest rates and other market factors, the government projects just 80,300 new housing starts this year, far below the 150,000 needed annually to achieve Ford’s target. For next year, an estimated 79,300 new homes are expected to be built, rising to 82,700 in 2025.  Legislative pages delivering copies of the budget to the Members.
March 23rd, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip left a mark on this country. The final months of his life were a demonstration of both nobility and bravery.  Gord Downie’s remarks to the crowd included an exhortation to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who attended. People across the country are praising Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie for using his televised concert in Kingston, Ont., to campaign for Canada’s North. He also showed his esteem for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and called on the crowd to hold the PM to account. We’re in good hands, folks. Real good hands,” Downie said on Saturday, as the camera showed Trudeau in the crowd at the Rogers K-Rock Centre, clad in a Hip T-shirt. “He cares about the people way up north. That we were trained our entire lives to ignore.“ His calling out the Prime Minister at a concert in Kingston is the kind of thing not often seen. There are still hundreds of Indigenous communities that are still on water advisories. One jet plane would cover the cost – but we Canadians don’t see the Indigenous community quite the way they see themselves. The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF), is working with the Burlington Performance Arts Centre to put on an Indigenous Cultural Competency Training session for Educators of all grades. Through an informative “Reconciliation in the Classroom” presentation facilitated by Lisa Prinn & Sabrina Angeconeb will include a live music performance and a speaking engagement with Tom Wilson. Educators will learn more about the Legacy Schools program and how to incorporate the unique interests, rights, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples into everyday learning. Monday April 24, 2023 at 10am to 12pm
March 23rd, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
This is a very disappointing situation. Last weekend the Hamilton Spectator published a front page feature that ran for four pages inside the newspaper on serious problems at the Joseph Brant Hospital. Since then – not a word to the public except for this article on Dr. Douglas Belton, Chief of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging at Joseph Brant Hospital. The hospital has hundreds of people that can be described as dedicated health practitioners who have brought their skills, empathy and care to thousands of people. When you are in a hospital care really really matters. Hundreds of people will tell you it is there at Jo Brant in spades. Those people deserve our respect and admiration. At the same time the public respects a newspaper that has been published daily for far longer than Joseph Brant hospital first opened its doors. For the Hospital Foundation to decide to tell the really interesting story about Dr. Belton yet never say a word about the newspaper story, tests the trust people have for their hospital.  Dr. Douglas Belton, Chief of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging at Joseph Brant Hospital. Dr. Belton played Division I college basketball for Hampton University (Virginia, USA).”While it was great to play against future NBA stars such as Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison, it was obtaining firsthand knowledge of team building and creating a culture of winning” that transformed his approach to life. “I saw firsthand how to build a team, how to nurture it to get the most of out everyone,” he said. “I have carried this over to my current role.” It was the team and some of the innovative thinking and approaches to healthcare that inspired Dr. Belton to take on his current role at JBH. “When I came for my interview, I saw the Pandemic Response Unit, which clearly put the community and patients first,” said Dr. Belton. “The Complete Breast Care program is another example of an innovative program that our community is lucky to have and deserves.” For Dr. Belton, “diagnostic imaging is central to the healthcare system and provides a truly unique opportunity to work collaboratively with other departments toward the success of the entire organization.  This hospital was built for the public, paid for by the public and has a responsibility to be forthcoming and transparent when dealing with public matters. “The vast majority of patients will require some sort of imaging during a typical hospital visit,” he says. “I want to work with my colleagues to provide the best possible care.” There is some doubt that the hospital will ever respond to what the Spectator published. They behaved the same way when close to 100 people died at the hospital as a result of an outbreak of C difficile . Trust is a huge factor – it is what people rely upon when they are asked by the Hospital Foundation to donate. Quite why that trust is being squandered is beyond this writer. Related news stories: Spectator headline “Don’t come here to die” get no reaction from hospital The c difficile outbreak is reported to have cost the hospital $9 million
March 22, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
A Burlington couple remind us once again about people that dump their garbage behind commercial locations in the Guelph Line – Upper Middle Road area.  Who owns the donation bins. Security cameras would solve this problem. “Here we go …still again. This is a disgusting lack of community well being. It seems many folks will just ‘Dump” their garbage here as it costs them nothing, or they are too darned lazy to dispose of it properly. Another selfish case of ‘“outa sight….outa mind” Shame on them…. Turns out there just might be a way to catch the culprits. We will let you know how it might work out.
March 22nd, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
The city is now accepting applications for the 2023 temporary patio program.  Patio takes up parking spaces – restaurant pays for that space Business owner/operators that would like to install a temporary patio on municipal property in the downtown during the 2023 patio season are encouraged to apply online at burlington.ca/patios as soon as possible. Application fees for the 2023 temporary patio program are being waived once again this year. City staff are committed to reviewing temporary patio program applications and working collaboratively with applicants to help local restaurants and businesses understand how they can safely operate an outdoor patio during the 2023 patio season. At Council on Tuesday, March 21, a start date of April 15, 2023 for the continuation of the temporary patio program in 2023 was approved. The temporary patio season for 2023 will run from April 15 to Oct. 31, 2023. The unfortunate part about his decision is that there was zip public engagement. The city and the hospitality sector could have benefited from the views of those people who get out and enjoy the restaurants. There are some that don’t think city property should be made available – but our guess is that most are pleased to see more in the way of activity on city streets. A lost opportunity. Jamie Tellier, Acting Director, Community Planning said: “We are happy to once again offer local restaurant owners and business operators a way to expand their outdoor dining space on public or private lands for the 2023 spring and summer season. This initiative is a great way to support our local businesses and bring customers unique outdoor dining experience that add to the vibrancy of our city. “Whether you are a returning participant from last year’s program or a new applicant, please apply for a temporary patio permit and we will evaluate your application through a streamlined process to get back to you as soon as possible.” In 2021, City Council approved an expedited approval process for previous temporary patio permit holders that allows for past permits to be renewed based on previous approvals.
March 22nd, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
What is a Watershed? A watershed is an area of land drained by a creek or stream into a river which then drains into a larger body of water such as a lake. Everything in a watershed is connected. Our actions upstream can affect conditions downstream.
What is a watershed report card?
Conservation Halton What Did We Find? WHAT’S TRENDING? As part of Conservation Halton’s Long-term Environmental Monitoring Program, staff have been collecting, analyzing, and reporting on environmental data for almost 20 years. Some of the most evident trends in our watershed include: Water Quality: Invasive Species: WHAT IS OUR WATERSHED’S KEY ISSUE? • Chemical and physical pollution, including the warming of waterways, has significant impacts on water quality, and the species, including humans, that rely on clean water.  Walk around a lake that is in pristine condition. When scientists explored the bottom of the lake they found evidence of early Indigenous settlements. What Actions Can You Take To Reduce Pollution In Our Streams? WHAT CAN BE DONE? What can agencies do?
March 22, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
Moving to a new home can be a daunting task, especially if you’re moving long distance. Cross country long distance moving is an exciting but challenging journey, and proper preparation is essential for making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. To help Canadians make the transition easier, here are some packing tips to keep in mind when preparing for cross country moving day. Start Early When it comes to cross country long distance moving, it’s best to start early. Begin by purging your home of all unnecessary items – this will help reduce the amount of things you need to pack and transport. Additionally, starting early also gives you more time to research the best movers and find the most cost-effective way of shipping your possessions across the country.  Prepare – and have a plan Begin With A Plan Once you have an idea of how much stuff you need to move, create a plan that outlines each step of the process. Doing so will help ensure that nothing gets overlooked or forgotten during your move. This includes making lists of what needs to be packed and creating a timeline that specifies when each item should be completed (e.g., gathering packing supplies two weeks before move day). Choose Quality Packing Materials Quality packing materials are essential when it comes to cross country long distance moving; after all, they will protect your belongings during transit. Invest in sturdy boxes with lids (or plastic bins with lids) that are large enough to fit all your items – but not too large that they become difficult to handle or stack on top of one another. When it comes time to pack fragile items, use bubble wrap or foam peanuts for extra protection. Additionally, consider renting plastic crates from a moving company instead – this eliminates the need for boxes altogether!  You can a set of labels for pennies apiece online Label Your Boxes Disassemble Furniture If Possible Furniture takes up a lot of space when transporting across the country; thus, it’s important to disassemble them as much as possible before packing them up. Make sure you keep track of all screws and bolts so that reassembly is fast and easy once everything has been delivered at its destination!  Done! You’re in the new home and the boxes are all unpacked. Pack An Essentials Bag On move day itself, having an essentials bag handy will make life so much easier; this bag should contain essential items such as medications, toiletries, phone chargers, snacks/water bottles etc.. Have this bag easily accessible throughout the entire process so that these important things don’t get lost amidst all the other boxes during transit! Moving can be overwhelming – especially if you’re going across the country – but with proper planning and preparation anything is achievable! By following these simple tips for packing up your belongings prior to cross country long distance moving day like labelling boxes properly, investing in quality packing materials, disassembling furniture when possible ,and packing an essentials bag , you’ll be well on your way towards achieving an efficient and successful move!
March 22nd, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
The 31st annual Halton Skills Competition (secondary panel) has returned and will be held in-person on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at M.M. Robinson High School (2425 Upper Middle Rd., Burlington) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. A dinner celebration begins at 4 p.m. and ends with an awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m.  Young women learning the craft of cabinet making – they will be at the Skills Competition Approximately 150 Grade 9-12 secondary students will compete in a wide range of skills including 2D Character Animation, Baking, Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Coding, Computer Aided Manufacturing, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Electronics, Graphic Design, Hairstyling, Horticulture and Landscape, Photography, Precision Machining, TV & Video Production and Welding.  Halton Skills Competition (secondary panel) has returned and will be held in-person on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at M.M. Robinson High School “This unique Halton event is an amazing opportunity for students to become truly engaged in learning through technological education programs,” says Wade Richardson, OYAP and Pathways lead with the Halton District School Board. “Technological education is at the forefront of preparing our students for the careers of the future. Through the hard work and dedication of many teachers, the Halton Skills Competitions helps students hone their skills and compete in a friendly environment.” A Career Showcase will take place during the day profiling representatives from the community, business, industry and education sectors.  Fully focused as he assembles a device.  Students from different cultures bring their skills to the competition. “For student participants to see the tremendous industry and corporate support of their educational path, and the many educational and career opportunities available in post-secondary, is highly encouraging and motivating,” Richardson says. Students successful in the competition will go forward and represent the HDSB at the Ontario Skills Competition in Toronto May 6-8. Those who qualify will move on to the Skills Canada National Competition. Participation in activities like the Halton Skills Competition help students develop innovative strategies and connect learning to the real world by aligning with the ‘Equity and Inclusion’ and ‘Learning and Achievement’ areas of focus in the Halton District School Boards 2022-2024 Multi-Year Plan, which is designed to elevate student achievement.
March 22nd, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON Ian Elliott has announced a new season at The Different Drummer; the bookshop burgeons with marvellous new books. And there’s more great news. He is thrilled to announce the Spring 2023 BOOK & AUTHOR SERIES The bookstore will welcome nine more extraordinary authors presenting their wonderful new works over three splendid mornings. The venue is the spacious main auditorium at Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Road West in Burlington. They convene at 9:30am each morning, on these dates–all Tuesdays– April 25, May 16, June 6 Among the illustrious guests scheduled to appear this season: Harriet Alida Lye, Kyo Maclear, C.S. Richardson, Harley Rustad, Julian Sher, and Kai Thomas. More to be confirmed! TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW Series admission, one ticket for all three dates, is $60. To purchase your tickets: Buy through PayPal, at this link; or  Author signing books at Different Drummer launch. Send us an etransfer, to diffdrum@mac.com; or Purchase over the telephone, at (905) 639 0925; or Stop in and see us at A Different Drummer Books, 513 Locust Street in Burlington. A Different Drummer Books differentdrummerbooks.ca
March 22, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
The federal government has climbed aboard the drive to reverse the land swaps and the Greenbelt Land Grab the Ford government announced in December of 2022. Minister Guilbeault’s action are being described as a key step on a path to victory for Ontarians working to protect the Greenbelt in perpetuity.  Steven Guilbeault, not yet a politician got himself arrested for climbing the CN Tower. The man clearly knew what a photo op is supposed to be. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault announced a new regional environmental study on the impacts of housing developments planned by the Ford government near the Rouge National Urban Park. Guilbeault has a flair for the dramatic and his intervention certainly won’t hurt in the push to ensure that the Greenbelt is protected in perpetuity. Today’s Federal announcement is described as a direct result of Ontarians speaking up about the broken Greenbelt promise. The federal announcement adds to the work being done by Environmental Defence and the several complaints being looked into by Ontario’s Auditor General and the provincial Integrity Commissioner.  Properties that are targeted for development.. Support for the Greenbelt is said to be well understood. In August 2022 an EKOS poll commissioned by the David Suzuki Foundation found that 75 percent of voters in Toronto’s suburbs wanted municipal election candidates to offer more protection to the Greenbelt A group working out of Guelph. Greenbelt Promise Campaign, used dramatic language to describe what the issue is and why it is important. Ontario’s Greenbelt created in 2005 has become land that developers have been acquiring. Residents of Ontario are said to understand that greenbelts are created as guarantees to protect the environment and farmland from profit-driven developers. “In December 2022, Conservative MPPs betrayed Ontarians when they chose to undermine the environment and the will of the people by selling out the Greenbelt to wealthy developers. “The Ford government is being pressed to reverse the decision that gave developers permission to send bulldozers into the Greenbelt. “The Ontario’s environmental community congratulates Minister Guilbeault for this timely intervention to protect farms, forests and wetlands.”
 The threat is real – there are specific solutions.
March 21st, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
At the beginning of each Council meeting the Chair reads out a Land Acknowledgement and explains what to do if a fire alarm goes off and how people are expected to behave. In the last couple of months the language and tone that the Chair uses has changed. Delegates are told they have a choice to delegate in person or remotely. “Delegates who are participating remotely are listening to the meeting from a separate room and will be joining us virtually as I call upon them to delegate. As with in person delegations in council chambers delegates will have five minutes to provide comments. We will use the time clock in council chambers to keep track of your time which is also available on the screen so you can see when you have when you’re winding down your last minute. Once you are done, please remain as there may be questions that members may have for you.  Jim Thomson delegating on his concerns over the soccer pitch at the former Bateman High school site. Would that T shirt be defined as a placard and therefore unacceptable at a Council meeting ? “And as a reminder to all the delegates, they are required to adhere to the procedure bylaw, to speak only to the report and item on the agenda. And also be mindful of the procedure bylaw provisions regarding public conduct at committee and council meetings to which only members and authorized city staff are can proceed beyond the speaker’s podium. “Public attendees must maintain order and will not display signs placards applaud heckle or engage in telephone or other conversation or any behaviour that may be considered disruptive. “No person will use indecent offensive or insulting language or speak disrespectfully to anyone in council chambers.” These instructions were read out by the Mayor during the Council meeting today. At a June Council meeting Mayor Meed Ward had this to say about Councillor Shawna Stolte She closed with the following: “And we ask electronic devices to be switched off. Any person who contravenes any provision of this bylaws section may be expelled from the meeting by the chair. “I know we won’t have to do that today. But always good to let folks know the expectations as outlined in our bylaw.” The Gazette has heard from two people who individually made mention of the Mayor’s behaviour to City Manager Tim Commisso who is reported to have said it wasn’t the Mayor’s best day.
March 21st, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON The Halton District School Board is hosting additional Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians this Spring. Covering specific topics based on feedback from parents/guardians, each session will be led by a mental health expert in that area who will share their knowledge and provide helpful information and resources. Sessions include:
Note: An additional session will be available in May. More information will be available regarding this session in the coming weeks. Registration is required for these sessions as limited spots are available. Parents/guardians can register by completing the Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions Registration Form. Sessions will be held on Google Meet, where closed captioning is available in various languages. Registrants will be emailed a link to access the session. Sessions will not be recorded. Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to submit questions when completing the registration form or during the session. The Board’s Mental Health & Well-Being webpage has information for parents/guardians and students on mental health, ways to support positive mental health and well-being, and how to get additional support at school and in the broader community.
March 21st, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
The pushing, the delegations, the email and the consistent public comment on not hearing anywhere near enough about that was actually happening with the former Bateman High School site finally got some results.  Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director of Communications and Engagement Council had Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director of Communications and Engagement, in the Council Chamber telling Council what was in the works. Kwab has been a busy man – he just wasn’t sharing was being done by his team. They were in fact meeting that very afternoon to suss out some of the plans. One is a mail out to every taxpayer in the city (it might be every household) that wasn’t very clear. Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns, supported by ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte put forward amendments that look is as if they were going to pass – Council recessed for about an hour after which they will continue with what Kwab has to say. Parks, Recreation and Culture are going to be involved with what will be done outside the building and what would be done inside what Councillor Kearns is calling a Community Hub. Mention was made of possibly meeting with people during the Under the Stars, community film nights that take place in the summer and asking people what they thought. Kwab assured Council that he would have a fully developed Engagement Plan for Council in May and that he thought there would be both in person public events is as well is as virtual events.  Jim Thomson delegating on what he would like to see done with the football pitch at the rear of the former Bateman High School site. Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman pressed the point that what was planned for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the development be included. All the Councillors wanted everything that was being thought about on the table where the public could read and be aware of and then have an opportunity to delegate and comment. Kearns, who is the Deputy Mayor for Engagement, made the point that the purchase of the Bateman school property was the biggest thing council was doing – but that the public wasn’t being given a chance to speak. While Kearns wasn’t wearing the Deputy Mayor Engagement badge quite yet – she was certainly doing the “giddy up” council dance today. About time.
March 21st, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON OPINION After a full day of discussion and debate City Council agreed on how the work they did on Procedural Bylaw revisions will come back for REVIEW. They will: Direct the City Clerk to bring an amended Procedure By-law to the Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee by the end of Q3 2023, incorporating feedback from the February 27, 2023, Council Workshop Committee meeting;  Lisa Kearns doing her daily photo op at a Regional Council meeting, was not able to attend the Workshop at which her role as Deputy Mayor for Citizen Engagement was discussed. That could be as late as September. How Deputy Mayors will do their work will come back by the end of June. Direct the City Clerk to report back to the Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee with proposed Deputy Mayor with Portfolio guidelines by the end of Q2 2023. There has yet to be any public discussion on either of these initiatives. While they aren’t exactly interesting or subjects that are easily understood they are important. The do pale when compared with the cost of food and what home owners are having to cope with when their mortgages come up for renewal. One wonders if this council is relying on a lack of public interest. What is on the agenda has to be passed by this Council today. Changes do get made but not that often. It will be interesting to hear what ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns has to say. She was not able to take part in the Workshop for personal reasons. She has the capacity to spot the weak spots in an argument and will no doubt put forward trenchant remarks. Word is that she has amendments she wants to put forward at the Council meeting today. The unfortunate part is this council has lost the ability to work together in a meaningful, useful way. The Mayor chairs Council meetings and has the ability to do some agenda management. The last time she did that it blew up in her face. Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
March 22nd, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
You may have a vacation planned already for 2023, but don’t forget there is so much to see and do right here in Burlington! We believe it is more important than ever before to support our local businesses and pay a visit to some of the incredible entertainment venues, restaurants and bars right here in the city. There’s a seriously thriving entertainment scene in Burlington, so whether you’re a local resident or a brand-new visitor – let’s dive into some of the best local spots! Entertainment is Everywhere In today’s fast-moving society, it is easier than ever before to access entertainment wherever you are in the world. Ontario recently regulated the online gambling industry, meaning that you can enjoy yourself at an online casino as you make your way around Burlington. If Burlington is just one stop on your trip around Canada, you can still enjoy yourself at a Canadian instant withdrawal casino as you travel. There’s never been a better time to start playing, as some of the top Canadian sites have a massive range of games, and there’s something to suit everyone.”  Burlington has an extensive stretch of public beach that is a five minute drive from the downtown core. Great walking trails. You can also find your own entertainment by spending time in some of Burlington’s beautiful local beauty spots – the Lake Ontario shoreline is a stunning place to relax or play games with friends. Entertainment is all around us here in Burlington, and local businesses have been working hard to provide a range of different options to those looking for fun. For those who enjoy the arts, Burlington is home to a thriving cultural scene. The Burlington Performing Arts Centre hosts an eclectic variety of performances throughout the year, including theatre productions, concerts, and dance performances. The centre also offers educational programs and workshops for people of all ages, making it a treasured hub for creativity and learning in the community. Downtown Is The Place to Be We have to give an honourable mention to the beating heart of our city – downtown Burlington. After spending a morning on the natural lakefront beach at Beachway Park, there are so many amazing local businesses here on the stunning waterfront which can satisfy all your shopping and dining cravings.  Paradiso Restaurant for a Mediterranean feast, For a classic lunch, we’re huge fans of Downtown Bistro & Grill for their unmissable burgers and charred calamari. For an evening meal, there is a huge range of local restauranteurs here serving up incredible global food – head to Paradiso Restaurant for a Mediterranean feast, to Rayhoon Persian Eatery for a family-friendly experience, or to Mikado for arguably the best, most authentic sushi in town. The downtown area is now also very pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot and enjoy the buzzy atmosphere at your own pace. From boutique shops to trendy restaurants, there is something for everyone in downtown Burlington. For more information, check out the Burlington Downtown Business Association – a local non-profit organization which promotes our thriving business community in downtown Burlington. Small Business Shopping  The Village Square – unique setting with shops and good restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a unique, hand-crafted gift for a friend or are simply on the market for a little personal retail therapy – there are countless creative and independent local shops to choose from when shopping in Burlington. Pay a visit to the Village Square in Downtown Burlington, and you’ll find a whole host of independent shops and even a regular farmer’s market for fresh local produce. Burlington After Dark It’s never been a better time for Burlington’s nightlife. Now that our best-loved bars and nightclubs are thriving again, there are so many fantastic spots to choose from. There’s something for everyone here in Burlington – whatever your style. One of the city’s most treasured and iconic pubs, The Dickens on Elizabeth Street, is a great choice for those seeking that traditional British pub experience. The venue is well-loved for regularly hosting local bands every Friday and Saturday night, and it also has a weekly trivia night on Tuesdays for those who prefer their entertainment to be a little more intellectually challenging! When it comes to partying in Burlington, we have seriously got to celebrate many of our incredible local businesses and bars.  Walk out to the end of the Pier and just while away half an hour. The Queen’s Head next door to city hall is one you don’t want to miss – fine traditional British food and a great crowd at the bar. Another spot, minutes away is the Pearle Hotel and Spa with a fine selection of places to eat and the best view of the lake from the Outdoor Patio where you can walk over to the Pier and out to the end where you can sit and relax and just while away half an hour. Festivals and Events These days, there is a wide range of public events, themed days and festivals in Burlington all year round – there’s something for everyone! On July 1, there are some pretty exciting Canada Day celebrations held right here in Burlington – last year’s celebrations hosted a range of activities, local stalls and food vendors, and the day ended with an awesome fireworks display. The festive season here in Burlington means the annual Santa Claus Parade, which showcases local businesses on its floats and has become a firm family favourite for that fuzzy festive feeling. The Sound of Music Festival is one of the most popular cultural events in Burlington – this thrilling festival takes place every June and features live music from both local and international artists.  Annual Antique Car Show takes place on Brant Street – the main thoroughfare. We’ve only really scratched the surface of the thriving entertainment scene here in Burlington today. There are so many awesome small businesses and projects to celebrate – Burlington’s bars, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues have so much to offer, whether you’re a local resident or just passing through. In our fast-paced modern world, it is so important to remember to slow down and support local businesses, so we hope you’ve found some new favourites today. So get out there, and enjoy everything Burlington has to offer!
March 21st, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
In recent years, the popularity of online poker in Canada has skyrocketed. This is partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, throughout which Canadians have looked for new ways to entertain themselves. But this surge in popularity can also be attributed to the wide range of options available to poker players on virtual platforms. Canadians have access to many different variations of poker. While Texas Hold’em is recognized all of the world as the most popular variation of the game, there are many other ways to play poker. Most online casino sites also offer other variations of poker, including Omaha, Razz and Stud, as an option to players. Poker is a simple game to learn these days. There are several websites and forums that encourage communication amongst poker players and have amassed a wealth of poker information over time. The whole online poker community gives players access to useful information as well as a welcoming setting where they may meet others who share their interests and create enduring relationships. Players of all skill levels can progress together in forums like TwoPlusTwo by staying informed about new advancements and exchanging strategies with other players.  Steely eyed and very focused – attributes of winning poker players. Yet, eventually, learning the fundamentals of the game is a requirement for anyone hoping to break out on the professional poker scene. This includes the ability to explore winning poker hands and understand the various strategies employed in winning a game of poker. Anyone who is persistent enough could boost their chances of success by studying the strategies used by more skilled poker players. Nevertheless, maintaining consistent strategies and advancing your skills are more powerful than just beating other players. While understanding the principles of online poker is a key requirement for success, players should also consider the security of their financial transactions. This is where cryptocurrencies prove useful. The Rise of Cryptocurrencies in Online Poker A number of websites have now embraced cryptocurrencies as a way to simplify financial transactions for their player base. Online poker players utilise cryptocurrencies as a convenient way to deposit and withdraw funds on their accounts. For players of online poker, cryptocurrency provide a number of advantages. For starters, players may transfer money between accounts quickly and securely thanks to cryptocurrencies. For people who respect their privacy and prefer to stay anonymous, cryptocurrency also provides anonymity, which is crucial. The ability to play from any location in the world is also made easier by cryptocurrencies since they are not bound by any one particular legal system. In short, they are quick, provide anonymity, and lower transaction costs, benefits valued by players and online poker venues alike. Mobile Gaming and AI in Online Poker  Online poker rooms are increasingly taking payments made in crypto currencies. Future developments in online poker are predicted to involve a significant amount of artificial intelligence (AI). Numerous other businesses now use AI technology to increase efficiency and accuracy, and the online poker community may soon follow suit. Analyzing gameplay data with AI might be an intriguing use. The ability to uncover trends in player behaviour using insights from AI analysis could greatly enhance decision-making. AI might also swiftly offer players recommendations for enhancing their methods, which would be helpful for newer players who might not yet have a firm grasp of the game. The Future of Online Poker in Canada  The way Texas Holdem is played online. The best and most successful poker players today are thought to be Canadians. The capacity to continually strive for success by Canadians like Mike McDonald, Jonathan Duhamel, and Daniel Negreanu has made them household names all over the world. This has led to an increase in the game’s popularity throughout Canada. Poker played online is here to stay. As more and more Canadians turn to online poker as a convenient way to socialize and engage with others, the number of active players hoping to follow in the footsteps of their countrymen is only growing. Looking ahead, Canadians’ favourite pastime and competitive sport will undoubtedly be online poker for a very long time.
March 20th, 2023 BURLINGTON, ON
The silence has been deafening. The Saturday issue of the Hamilton Spectator published a four page feature on problems at the Joseph Brant Hospital. It was not a pretty picture and it isn’t the first time that the hospital has been the object of seriously negative news. There was no comment that I am aware of from the hospital; there was no comment from the Mayor; we did ask for one early this morning.  Mayor doing a photo-op a three minute walk from the hospital – not a word on the problems at JBH The Mayor spent part of the day viewing the Indigenous art that was on display at Spencer Smith Park. She later took part in a photo-op in front of the Joseph Brant Museum; all she had to do was look over her shoulder to see the hospital.  Angelo Bentivegna: Fresh cut lawn and displaying my favourite lawn sign from Joseph Brant Hospital . Order yours lawn sign Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation jointhej.ca! Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna places a Support the Hospital sign on his lawn. Good. But a lawn sign doesn’t cut it when there is a serious concern within the community about the Spectator news feature. I don’t expect the Mayor, or ward Councillor Bentivegna, who is the city’s representative on the hospital Board, to solve the problem. But could we not expect the Mayor to make a statement that she has asked Bentivegna to report to Council on what the hospital response has been to the news feature in the Spectator ? Council meets on Tuesday. Perhaps the Mayor will make a statement The public expects its political leadership to be aware and respond to citizen concerns Related news story: Spectator publishes a four page feature on hospital problems Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
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Why Measure?
Conservation Halton
• Grades ranged from A (Excellent) to F (Very Poor).
