The Burlington Gazette/Focus Burlington survey was conducted between August 22nd and August 31th. The survey was shared online through the BurlingtonGazette.ca and FocusBurlington.ca websites. Posts asking for input were made on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, X, Reddit and NextDoor. In total, 324 people responded to the survey. Thank you to everyone who participated. As with any … Continue reading Opinion – Our Survey Results
Opinion – Plain Talk Builds Real Trust
In this era of instant communication, across countless channels, clarity is more elusive than ever. When communication breaks down between elected officials and the public, trust naturally erodes. Take Prime Minister Carney’s statements on the Gordie Howe Bridge. In finance, operating costs and interest expenses are well-defined concepts. Blurring those terms, before the details were … Continue reading Opinion – Plain Talk Builds Real Trust
Quick poll: Who will be Burlington’s next Mayor?
Click here and let us know what you think will happen. It's early in the election cycle. Internet Voting: October 14th to 23rd, 2026 Advanced voting: Saturday, October 17th, 2026 and Tuesday, October 20th, 2026. Election Day: Monday, October 26, 2026 But it's not too early to see what the major issues are and what … Continue reading Quick poll: Who will be Burlington’s next Mayor?
Opinion – The assessed value of homes for property tax purposes is coming down; will this affect the property taxes we pay?
On June 24, 2026, MPAC shared a press release titled “More Ontario homes valued under $500,000 as market eases from 2022 peak”. MPAC stands for "Municipal Property Assessment Corporation". How did Burlington Fare? The table below shows the percentage of properties assessed with a value less than $500,000. We can see that in 2016, 39% … Continue reading Opinion – The assessed value of homes for property tax purposes is coming down; will this affect the property taxes we pay?
Opinion – Are we headed for another dispute with CN Rail?
On Monday, July 6, 2026, our city council will be discussing Item 13.3 Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments for 1200 King Road (DGM-28-26) This is a "Committee of the Whole" meeting where votes are recommendations. When the council votes “yes,” they're voting to recommend that council approve the specific action during a future "Regular … Continue reading Opinion – Are we headed for another dispute with CN Rail?
Opinion – Why is Millcroft Greens calling for the release of all confidential documents?
On June 5th, 2026, Millcroft Greens, the developer planning to build homes on the Millcroft golf course, posted this on its website. “Burlington residents - specifically those in Millcroft - should call upon the Mayor and CAO to immediately release all correspondence and records relating to the Millcroft Greens property so that the decision-making process … Continue reading Opinion – Why is Millcroft Greens calling for the release of all confidential documents?
Opinion – Election 2026 – Show your support!
Municipal elections will be held across Ontario on October 26, 2026. We'll be voting for a mayor, our ward councillor, and a school trustee. The most important way to support a candidate is to vote for them. In the 2022 election, of the 142,218 eligible voters in Burlington, only 39,217, or 27.6 percent, voted. Other … Continue reading Opinion – Election 2026 – Show your support!
Opinion – A First Look at Burlington’s 2027 Budget
Take a look at the forecasted Burlington property tax increases for the next five years and consider voting in the October 26th, 2026, election. Voter turnout is always low, and people should be voting for or against these increases. Voting lets our elected representatives know whether they’re on the right track. The Burlington item on … Continue reading Opinion – A First Look at Burlington’s 2027 Budget
Opinion: Tax Clarity or Clever Math?
April showers bring May flowers, but June brings something less pleasant to Burlington mailboxes: the first property tax bill of 2026. Whether you own a home, rent an apartment, or simply shop at local businesses, you are paying property taxes. They are baked into our rent, our groceries, and the price of our morning coffee. … Continue reading Opinion: Tax Clarity or Clever Math?
Opinion – What’s $90 million between friends?
Every year, the City of Burlington releases a budget. We can expect to see the 2027 budget after the October 26, 2026, municipal elections. There is always a lot of debate about the percentage of the tax increase, but what does the increase mean in terms of total tax dollars? One of the more interesting … Continue reading Opinion – What’s $90 million between friends?