2025 News

Ontario politics at the best of times is a mix of raucous and boring.

We have Premier Ford to thank for spicing up the political scene throughout his term.

We need only to think back to the sudden closure and relocation of the Ontario Science Centre.  Or what about the Highway 401 tunnel? Ontario Place rebuild, anyone? Highway 413?

And then of course there were Ford’s Captain Canada efforts after US President Donald Trump was sworn back into office in a hail of anti-Canada  and trade war vitriol.

Summer’s a quiet time though, and politicians need to stay front and centre in the public eye.  Enter the takeover by the province of five school boards this year.

Were these boards misbehaving? Yes.  Were some of the school board trustees getting carried away without nary a thought of the taxpayer?  Absolutely. Was a takeover the best solution? No.

As we now enter the 12-month run up to next year’s municipal elections - which for now includes school board elections - Mr. Ford’s administration is running up another trial balloon.  Specifically, a threat that his government will abolish Ontario’s English-speaking, public school boards.  He will not touch the Catholic or French boards.

Can Ontario’s 4,848 public elementary and secondary schools be administered by  the Ministry of Education out of Toronto?  I have my doubts.  It would be one thing if Ford held a referendum on the idea next fall during the election.  But that is unlikely. Ford has a track record of charging ahead - and often reversing course when public opposition arises.

I watched closely years back when Ontario shifted from many largely county-based school boards to the mega boards that we see today.  Note that Burlington still enjoys a county-based board.

The megaboards rolled several counties and cities into large and ungainly school boards to administer and operate schools in those regions. The result was few efficiencies and just more administrative staff with loftier titles and fatter pay cheques.

This is supposed to be about educating our young to be productive members of society.

A much better solution than the one proposed by Ford is this: All publicly-funded schools would be owned and operated by the local municipality in which they reside. Those municipalities already collect education taxes.  Divide it up by the number of students and allocate it to their schools. Give the  city the power to hire principals to: run the schools, hire staff, run the school budget. Retain the School Parent Council at each school. Both Public and Catholic schools would come under a city education department. The city already operates brick and mortar operations for arenas, rec centres, community centres, libraries, works garages, etc. No new skills needed there.

The province would set curriculum, licence teachers, run EQAO standardized testing, and inspect all schools without warning.

Municipalities could then co-ordinate growth and transit plans with school locations and future school needs.  And municipalities would be responsible to voters for the results at election time!

Once upon a time in this fair land of Canada, a finance minister listened to the people – hardworking taxpayers, who were struggling to balance their household budgets, and who were worried sick about the disastrous state of Ottawa’s finances. That finance minister was Paul Martin, a Liberal who went on to become Prime Minister, and who at first dismissed our warnings that Canada was on a path to hit the Debt Wall. The year was 1994. The federal net debt hit a staggering $546 billion – or 73.2% of GDP (gross domestic product, a measure of economic growth).

With total taxes eating up an estimated 45% of the average household income and households still recovering from a nasty recession from March 1990 to April 1992, consumers were also drowning debt as households owed $470 billion. At our Survival Summit, organized by this financial journalist and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, and included an expert panel representing all corners of our economy, we finally convinced Paul Martin of this dire situation. Enter his first budget in 1995: Spending cuts of $25.3-billion over three years. The elimination of Ottawa’s deficits, which led to five consecutive budget surpluses from 1997-98 to 2001-02 - the 2000-01 surplus being the largest in Canadian history. Paying down of debt with the surpluses, which put the debt-to-GDP ratio on a downward spiral.

All of this brought our economy roaring back to life, hitting 5.14% growth in 2000 and averaging 4% from 1997 to 2001 – outpacing the U.S. growth of 3.5%.

And taxpayers finally got a break with the largest tax cut in Canadian history, valued at $100-billion over five years with reduced income tax rates for all taxpayers, including an increase in the Canada Child Tax Benefit. Low-income earners also benefitted with an increase in basic deductions for those earning less than $20,000 a year. The corporate tax rate was cut from 28% to 21%. Of course, critics voiced harsh opposition, but on the global stage Canada was a shining star.

Now enter Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, another Liberal, elected to power in 2015, and who with his “sunny ways” mantra promised balanced budgets again by 2019. But here’s what we got. During his 10-year reign, the federal net debt doubled in size from $693.8-billion to a staggering $1.4-trillion. The interest we pay to service this debt also doubled from $25.6-billion to $53.7-billion. And Ottawa’s debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to balloon to 106% by the end of this year which - if it’s any consolation - is still lower than the heavily-indebted U.S. at 124%.  Now enter Mark Carney, another Liberal who took over the reins from Trudeau this year. His interim parliamentary budget officer Jason Jacques is now sounding the alarm bells that Ottawa’s deteriorating fiscal mess is not sustainable and about to explode. No kidding.  With a downgrading of economic growth, darkened by the tariff-obsessed madman south of the border, Jacques warns Canada’s deficit is expected to hit $68.5-billion in 2025-26, up from $51.7-billion in 2024-25, as Carney tries to spend our way out these tough times. And that includes tens of billions of dollars more on defence, thanks to the world’s hated bully, U.S. President Donald Trump. 

So, get ready for it – higher taxes are on the way, including a capital gains tax on our principal residences – while we’re going broke with total household debt hitting $3.1-trillion in the second quarter of 2025, and the debt-to-income ratio now at an alarming 174.9%.

Where are you, Paul Martin? We need you.

BURLINGTON - On September 25, 2025 at approximately 10:04am, the Halton Regional Police Service attended the intersection of Guelph Line and Britannia Road in the City of Burlington for a serious motor vehicle collision.

A black Lexus SUV was travelling westbound on Britannia Road. As the Lexus entered the intersection at Guelph Line a collision occurred with a red Kenworth gravel truck that was southbound on Guelph Line. A passenger in the Lexus SUV sustained critical injuries as a result of the collision. The passenger was transported to an out of region trauma centre and later died as a result her injuries. The driver of the Lexus sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver of the gravel truck was uninjured. 

Due to the severity of the collision, the Collision Reconstruction Unit has taken carriage of the investigation. Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are requested to contact the CRU at 905-825-4747 ext. 5065 or CRU@haltonpolice.ca 

BURLINGTON - Burlington’s Committee of the Whole met September 8 and 9, 2025, tackling a packed agenda that reflected the city’s ongoing growth and development pressures.

One of the key decisions was the approval of a 23-storey mixed-use building at 2072 Lakeshore Road. Council amended the planning rules to raise the height limit from 10 to 23 storeys. The project will include more than 160 units, around 300 square metres of ground-floor retail, and about 160 parking spaces. Approval is subject to conditions, including confirmation of wastewater capacity and completion of environmental reviews.

Council also held a statutory public meeting on a proposed 12-storey mixed-use building at 100 Plains Road East. The application would allow about 250 homes above ground-floor retail. Residents raised concerns about height, how the building fits the neighbourhood, and traffic impacts on nearby streets. The committee sent the file back to staff for further analysis before a final decision.

At Appleby Line, Council approved a SmartCentres application to broaden permitted uses at the former Toys “R” Us site. The amendments allow grocery and department stores without new construction, re-using the existing building for re-tenanting.

The Millcroft Greens redevelopment also remained in the spotlight. Staff reported on the Ontario Land Tribunal-approved plan for new housing and a mid-rise apartment building on parts of the golf course. Back in May, tree removal led to a City-issued stop-work order that is still in effect, and residents continued to call for strict enforcement. 

Since the meeting in early September, the City has charged the developer, landowner, and contractor for allegedly cutting down trees without permits, with extra charges against the contractor. Millcroft Greens denied the charges, according to a statement to CP24.

Council also approved amendments to the 2025 Rates and Fees By-law, introducing a $300 licensing fee for short-term rentals and harmonizing appeal fees, and received financial reports projecting a $2.13-million surplus for 2025.

With development pressures mounting and community concerns ongoing, many of these files are expected to return to Council in the months ahead.

BURLINGTON - Burlington Council has approved a 23-storey mixed-use tower at 2072 Lakeshore Road. This marks a major change for the Old Lakeshore Road area and sparks debate over growth on the waterfront.

The decision came on September 16, after an earlier recommendation at the Committee of the Whole. Council voted 5–2 in favour. Councillors Galbraith, Kearns, Nisan, Sharman, and Bentivegna supported the project, while Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Councillor Stolte voted against it, concerned about the building’s size and fit with the neighbourhood.

The approval changes both Burlington’s 1997 Official Plan and its zoning by-law. Together, these changes raise the height limit from 10 to 23 storeys and allow a much larger building than the rules previously permitted.

The development will bring more than 160 units, about 300 square metres of ground-floor retail, and around 160 parking spaces at Lakeshore Road and Pearl Street. Council added conditions that require wastewater capacity and environmental reviews to be completed before the zoning can take effect.

City planning staff supported the project, saying it fits with provincial and regional planning policies. They noted the site’s closeness to transit, jobs, and services, and pointed out that over a third of the units will be three-bedrooms, offering more options for families.

Public opinion was split. Supporters said the tower will add much-needed housing and support downtown businesses. Opponents expressed worry about traffic, parking, the effect on the waterfront’s character, and the example it might set for future tall buildings.

As part of the approval, Council required the tower to be set back on its upper floors, add more greenery and public space around the site, and leave a wider open corner at Lakeshore and Pearl for better safety and visibility. The developer will also need to submit a detailed site plan with final design and servicing details before construction can begin.

BURLINGTON - Burlington’s Skyway Community Centre is about to reopen its doors after nearly five years of construction. Closed in October 2020 for a complete rebuild, the former

single-pad arena has been transformed into a multi-use space designed to be enjoyed for years to come.

Located between Appleby Line and Burloak Drive, the new centre features an NHL-size arena, an indoor walking track, and two community rooms with kitchenettes and space for pickleball.

Accessibility was a priority throughout the design, with barrier-free dressing rooms and an

accessible viewing platform at the rink. A bright lobby and lounge provide space to gather, while

public art, an upgraded baseball diamond, and a natural play area enhance the park.

The project was shaped through consultation with residents and community groups to ensure that

the design meets local needs. City officials also note that the low-carbon facility supports Burlington’s climate goals.

The centre will be open for public use starting September 2. Beginning September 12, staff will be on-site during programme hours, giving visitors a chance to explore the new facility even outside of

scheduled activities.

The official grand opening is on September 20 from 1pm to 3pm. It will include speeches from local

leaders, guided tours, refreshments, programme showcases, live demonstrations, a Burlington Teen

Tour Band barbecue and performance, as well as a free community skate.

Community room rentals begin September 21, followed by cityled youth, family, and  adult programmes on September 22.

Staff described the project as a turning point for the neighbourhood. “The Skyway Community Centre and Park will celebrate a major milestone in its transformation into a modern, inclusive, and accessible community hub,” they wrote in their report.

BURLINGTON - Burlington City Council held a Special Meeting on August 13, 2025, to meet planning deadlines under the Planning Act and finalize licensing by-law amendments ahead of the fall session.

The most notable decision was the Council’s unanimous rejection of a proposed 25-storey high-rise

at 127 Plains Road West. The application from MHBC Planning on behalf of Losani Investment

Corporation was seeking approval for 240 residential units above 475 square metres of retail space.

In its report, city planning staff concluded the project “does not represent good planning,” stating

it was inconsistent with the Provincial Planning Statement and did not conform to the Regional or

Burlington Official Plans. Staff said the tower didn’t fit Aldershot’s Official Plan, which sets aside Plains Road for mid-rise buildings of about 5 to 11 storeys, not a 25-storey high-rise.

Residents reinforced those concerns. In a written submission, Aldershot resident Alison Hood said

the building would “overshadow my home and negatively impact the enjoyment and privacy of my

property… My living room, bedroom and backyard will be directly overlooked by the apartment’s

many units.” Hood also cited traffic, noise, and the absence of safe play areas for children as concerns.

Losani Homes formally requested that Council defer its decision to allow time to revise and resubmit the application as a 16-storey building in response to the comments. Council declined the request, moving instead to a closed session before returning to vote 7–0 in favour of outright refusal.

Alongside the development decision, Council also approved reforms to Burlington’s licensing system. Three by-laws covering public vehicles, business licensing, and adult entertainment were amended to give business owners 30 days to appeal city decisions instead of seven.

Appeals will now go to a new citizen-led Appeals Committee rather than councillors, a change staff say will make the process more efficient.

Property Standards appeals, which used to be handled by the Committee of Adjustment, will

also move to this new committee. Committee of the Whole meetings will resume on 8 September as

Council returns to a regular schedule following the summer break.

BURLINGTON - Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) are requesting the public’s assistance

with identifying an man who assaulted a teenaged girl in Burlington. On 6 August 2025, at approximately 2:50pm the victim returned home from riding her bicycle and entered her home’s garage located in the area of Headon Rd. and Deer Run Ave. While inside the garage she was approached and startled by the man who requested a drink of water. As the victim attempted to assist the suspect, he forcefully grabbed the victim by the arm. The victim pulled her arm away and the suspect walked away, leaving in a white SUV that was parked on the street. The victim did not sustain any physical injuries and no other suspects were observed.

The suspect is described as male, medium dark complexion, approximately 5’8” tall with a medium

build, wearing dark coloured clothing, white/grey coloured shoes and a dark baseball cap.

Investigators believe the suspect vehicle may be an older model white GMC Acadia.

It has been widely reported that PM Mark Carney is in a rush to crank up Canada’s defence spending to satisfy US President Trump. The purpose is to spend more on defence in order to soften the trade impacts between our country and the Americans.

Carney has promised to spend $9-billion more this year (a year which is already half over!) and by 2032 he will be spending $150-billion annually on defence, three times our current levels.

We can do it, although how will we pay for it? That needs to be determined. But certainly in the short term it will be financed through borrowed money, which is precisely why we must spend wisely.

The biggest spend so far has been $2-billion in pay raises for our sailors, soldiers, and aircrew.

Great place to start. It would have been better, however, to have increased Non-Commissioned Officer pay by the same 20% that the entry level privates will get - because the sergeants, petty officers and warrant officers are needed to train and manage the new recruits. So, I say, give the NCOs the 20% raise now, too.

Next, let’s buy more equipment of the type that has already gone through the selection

and approval process. Finish the purchases currently underway but buy more of the same - increase the orders. This means buying one additional Joint Support Ship for the navy, additional (Saab Gripen) fighter jets, more trucks and guns, and anti-aircraft systems, plus more anti-tank systems.

Then we need to expand existing military bases and build a few new ones. Existing bases

need more base housing for the troops and their families.

Housing has been an ongoing thorn in the side of the defence department for years. New bases are needed for both an expanded training system as well as new operational bases, such as in the North/ Arctic.

Existing equipment needs to be repaired and put back in service, which will cost money. So, too, will the replacing of war stocks of ammunition and spare parts and equipment donated to Ukraine.

These four spending areas - pay, buying equipment, creating more bases, and repairing

existing gear - will account for most of the $9-billion this year. 

The remainder must go into a heightened tempo of operations - and readiness training.

Beyond this year, a bold new blueprint for the type of military that the Dominion of Canada

requires for the decades to come needs to be articulated, costed, and new acquisition projects set up and moved forward as quickly as possible - while remaining prudent.

When in doubt, keep it simpler, not high-tech. Diversifying our defence purchases away from the US makes sense to most Canadians. And a serious push on domestic production will help jobs in Canada and boost our defence exports. It will also be wise to have that industrial capability in

case we find ourselves at war.

This summer, a close relative – who for years worked in the U.S. banking sector – came to visit from Ohio, a brave move indeed given all the scare mongering at the border. As we drove through the

Lake Ontario neighbourhoods of Burlington and Oakville, she couldn’t help but comment: “Where is all the money coming from, with all these mansions?”

Yes, this area has been dubbed Billionaire Row, with rich executives enjoying windfalls from record-breaking pay, including stock options and bonuses, as the gap between the rich and the poor grows. But let’s be real. Real estate investors have been losing their shirts, as a long over-due correction takes shape in the longest running housing bull market since the crash of 1990-1996. Housing affordability is out of reach for so many with average prices in the GTA hitting well over

$1-million, and the homeless, many strung out on fentanyl, sleep in the streets as a lack of housing grips some of the most prosperous areas of Canada.

Yet, we watch as homes – some not even 40 years old - get bought up, torn down and replaced by mega mansions fit for ultra-rich celebrities. For years, this award-winning journalist, who’s won accolades from the real estate sector for fighting to keep the dream of home ownership alive, has warned dirty money from ill-gotten gains, like drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal gambling and terrorist activities, was being laundered in Canada’s real estate markets, in particular in rich

Ontario and B.C. And this activity has helped inflate out-of-sight real estate prices. But, as with other journalists who tried to blow the whistle, many dismissed me as a headline-seeking reporter

who did not understand the dynamics of the market. Well guess what? Federal intelligence authorities now estimate up to $113-billion a year is being laundered in Canada, considered

a haven for crooks, with a significant amount flowing through real estate transactions. The Canadian Financial Crime Academy (CFCA) reports:

“What is clear is that real estate – being a high-value, stable asset class – has become one of the preferred avenues for integrating illicit wealth into the legitimate economy.” Globally, the United

Nations Office on Drugs & Crime, estimates money laundering – described as the backbone of organized crime - is worth US$1.87-trillion, with the U.S, China, Russia, and Mexico the leaders.

So, how do they launder the dirty cash? Shell companies, trade-based money laundering, real estate purchases and cash smuggling. Also on the rise is digital money laundering, using cryptocurrencies. Beware Donald Trump.

As for real estate, the crooks use both the commercial and residential markets. The CFCA points out for commercial, they purchase hotels, office buildings, even farmland and industrial sites, where they can park large sums of dirty money, and generate a legitimate revenue stream through

rents or business operations. In some cases, they also participate in property development projects, to take advantage of the huge capital flows, where tens of millions of dollars can change hands in a single project. For residential, the criminals employ a number of ways to launder their dirty money, like setting up intermediaries or shell companies to buy luxury properties in prestigious neighbourhoods to avoid scrutiny from regulators. They also use fraudulent mortgages and private lenders. For example, a criminal might use a fake identity or straw buyer to take out a mortgage, then only make legitimate monthly payments. The bulk of the mortgage is then paid off quickly

using illicit funds to turn dirty cash into clean money and securing equity in the property to be sold later. In Ontario, with our high prices, this allows crooks to launder large sums in a single

property by paying down the mortgage and using dirty cash to increase the value with renovations. The sad reality is even with a clampdown in 2019, with regulators calling money laundering a

“national crisis” and real estate agents and brokers required to report any cash transaction over $10,000 to Fin-TRAC (the Financial Transactions & Reports Analysis Centre) – the crooks

are still feasting. In one example, police seized or froze $35-million worth of assets, including 27 luxurious residential properties in Ontario, but in the end, the accused walked and the case

was dropped.

Bottom line: It will take all agencies – FinTRAC, the RCMP, the Canada Revenue Agency, provincial police, banking, real estate regulators, and more to fight back. NOW! Or forever, forget the dream of home ownership.

BURLINGTON - Burlington tennis star Victoria Mboko defeated former WTA No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka at the National Bank Open in Montreal on Aug. 7.

The 18-year-old Mboko began the season ranked 333rd in the world and was 85th by the time

the Open began. Her win made her the second-lowest ranked player to win a Tier 1 tournament

and her world ranking shot up to 24.

Mboko’s parents emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo and she was born in

Charlotte, N.C., before moving to Burlington at the age of four. She trained at Burlington’s ACE

Tennis from age four until the age of 12 under partners and former professionals Doug Burke and

Pierre Lamarche. “From the word ‘Go’ she had incredible competitive spirit, she wanted to beat everyone, she wanted to beat her siblings even though they were eight or nine years older,” Burke told The Independent.  Her passion for the game was evident from a young age.

“She loved being on the tennis court playing, she couldn’t get enough. When she was out there

she was zoned-in and unusually focused for someone so young,” said Burke.

Throughout the tournament Mboko was constantly coming from behind, including a 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4) win in the semis against Elena Rybakina.“What struck me the most was her composure in tough situations through the tournament...she was almost itching to come back and fight.”

“Her power and ball striking are exceptional, her timing is so good and she has so much power that I think after a while it wears on her opponents,” said Burke.

After picking up her first WTA Tournament win Burke thinks the sky is the limit, “I don’t think

there’s a ceiling, I really don’t... she has a strong belief in herself, she doesn’t get rattled easily and

she seems to have a really good team around her. I think as long as she stays healthy there’s no

limit where she can go.”

Despite a straight sets loss in Round One of her first U.S.Open appearance, Burke does not think

it will impact her long term - and that it might be good for Mboko to get some rest. She was plagued by a wrist injury.

As for what Mboko’s rise means for tennis in Canada? Burke is already seeing an impact at Ace.

“They’re more excited about tennis and the possibilities, for young Canadians, especially females. I

think it does give them the belief that they can go far in this game.”