For an industry that began the year in a financial funk, real estate developers should be ecstatic after some of the support measures announced by the federal government. Christmas has come early! First came the March 2026 GST rebate for first-time homebuyers, intended to spur an industry struggling with weak consumer demand. Then came the … Continue reading Opinion – The New “Corporate Welfare Bums”
Opinion – What Happens To All The Feedback?
Burlington recently released its new Community Engagement Charter. First released in 2013, the charter sets out how public servants, citizens and council work together to shape public policy. According to the website, the updated charter “sets clear expectations for how the city engages with residents, focusing on early communication, open dialogue and showing how feedback … Continue reading Opinion – What Happens To All The Feedback?
Opinion – Where are the drones?
Is there more that the Halton Regional Police should be doing about car theft?
Opinion – 5 Key Candidate Questions
5 questions to consider asking candidates in the upcoming municipal election.
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 – 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
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.
OPINION – TIME TO GET READY
The 2026 municipal election is less than eight months away. In preparation, Focus Burlington recently hosted its second Town Hall event on February 26th titled “Taking the Next Big Step: Practical Tips, Advice and Guidance on How to Run a Successful Municipal Election Campaign.” The panel featured three experienced political veterans—Brad Harness, Liz Galvin, and … Continue reading OPINION – TIME TO GET READY
Opinion – Do They Deserve Another Term?
2026 will usher in another municipal election. It has been eight years since the mayor and councillors were first elected. https://www.focusburlington.ca/ready-set-run/ If their first term was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and measures to deal with and limit its negative consequences, surely the second has been symbolized by higher-than-anticipated budget increases. By using terms … Continue reading Opinion – Do They Deserve Another Term?
Opinion – SORRY, NOT SORRY
On Monday, February 9, I live-streamed Burlington’s Committee of the Whole meeting. At least four delegations urged the City Council to reduce or defer development charges for new housing. Council was eventually persuaded to move to the next step in granting a two-year freeze. The justifications were familiar: softer housing demand, unsold condos across the … Continue reading Opinion – SORRY, NOT SORRY