Joe Gaetan digs into the controversial approval of $160,000 in taxpayer funds for the FIFA Canada Caravan. Following a Freedom of Information request, new details have emerged that challenge the "last-minute urgency" narrative presented to City Council. Thank you to the 238 people who responded to Focus Burlington's survey on this issue. The results are included in the article.
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Pipeline to Permit – April 16, 2026
This is a computer-generated transcript of the meeting and may contain inaccuracies. You can view the agenda and verify the accuracy of any statement using the timestamp information and the city's video on the city's website. This transcript is provided as a service to the community. Hearing-impaired individuals who are unable to watch the meeting … Continue reading Pipeline to Permit – April 16, 2026
Opinion – Taking One For The Team
With municipal nominations opening May 1st, candidates must weigh the risks of vote-splitting. In 2018’s Ward 5 race, Paul Sharman won with 33.99% of the vote, edging out his closest rival by only 6%. To unseat incumbents, challengers must realistically assess their funding and visibility, sometimes "taking one for the team" to avoid a split.
Opinion – Traffic Forum – Traffic Easing Suggestions
David Barker made these traffic-easing suggestions during the Traffic Forum held by Councillors Lisa Kearns and Paul Sharman on April 1st. At the recent Traffic Forum, I suggested these four traffic-easing actions be implemented. There is absolutely no reason why the first three should not be implemented without delay. There is minimal cost involved. Two … Continue reading Opinion – Traffic Forum – Traffic Easing Suggestions
Opinion – Is it time for On-Demand Transit in Burlington?
An ARGO transit bus was available for boarding during the recent “Burlington Community Traffic Forum”. During the event, our Ward 5 councillor announced that he will bring forward a motion to council to have Burlington conduct a pilot on-demand transit program with ARGO Transit. ARGO Buses are small, wheelchair-accessible, electric buses. Transit is the fourth-largest … Continue reading Opinion – Is it time for On-Demand Transit in Burlington?
Opinion – All Style, Little Substance
I recently attended the Transportation Open House hosted by Councillors Lisa Kearns and Paul Sharman. Normally, I welcome public meetings because they offer a chance to hear directly from officials about plans and new initiatives. But when it comes to transportation, I’m usually skeptical. Too often, these discussions focus on public transit and bike lanes, … Continue reading Opinion – All Style, Little Substance
Historic Agreement: Feds-Ontario Dig $ 8.8 Billion Deeper into Taxpayer Wallets
This article was originally published in the Bay Observer. It’s being sold as a “historic housing breakthrough”, in reality, it’s a textbook case of shifting the cost of growth away from those who create it - and onto every taxpayer in the country. At the centre of the announcement are Mark Carney and Doug Ford, … Continue reading Historic Agreement: Feds-Ontario Dig $ 8.8 Billion Deeper into Taxpayer Wallets
Opinion – Traffic, if only the province would do something!
This article was originally published in the March edition of the Burlington Independent. Councillors Kearns and Sharman are hosting a Burlington Community Traffic Forum on April 1st at 6:30 pm at the AGB. This is an election year. Was April Fools' Day an intentional choice? The current talking points from Councillor Sharman and our mayor … Continue reading Opinion – Traffic, if only the province would do something!
Opinion – Another Day, Another Metrolinx Fiasco
There are few public agencies that have attracted as much scrutiny, criticism, and outright ridicule in recent months as Metrolinx.
Committee of the Whole – March 10, 2026
This is a computer-generated transcript of the meeting and may contain inaccuracies. You can check the accuracy of any statement by using the timestamp information and watching the video of the meeting from the city's website. This transcript is provided as a service to the community. Hearing-impaired individuals who are unable to watch the meeting … Continue reading Committee of the Whole – March 10, 2026