Focus Burlington New Posts, Opinions

A community discussion on charting a new direction for our city.

Join us on Tuesday, January 20th, 7 pm, Lions Club Hall. Our Panellists Mark Carr Mark is the retired Executive Director of not-for-profit agencies and has been involved in politics and public affairs through his program The Issue, on YourTV for 28 years.   He has been a campaign manager for successful provincial and federal elections and has moderated debates, … Continue reading A community discussion on charting a new direction for our city.

Eric Stern Budgets, New Posts, Opinions

Budgets 101 – Operating and Capital

Join the discussion on January 20th at 7 pm - Burlington Lions Club - details: https://www.focusburlington.ca/2026communitydiscussion/ Municipalities in Ontario have long been required to approve two budgets: an operating budget and a capital budget. The province spells out the rules in the Municipal Act. Burlington combines its operating and capital budgets into one document covering … Continue reading Budgets 101 – Operating and Capital

Eric Stern Budgets, New Posts, Opinions

Everything you want to know about municipal reserve funds but were too bored to ask.

Reserve funds are a long-established way for municipalities to manage money. As of September 30th, 2025, Burlington’s reserve funds held $223.5 million, of which $90.2 million is what the city calls committed, meaning the city knows how the money will be spent. Burlington receives money from a variety of sources, including taxpayers, user fees, other … Continue reading Everything you want to know about municipal reserve funds but were too bored to ask.

Eric Stern New Posts, Opinions

FIFA Caravan Event – Survey Results – to date.

The City of Burlington has set aside $160,000 for a FIFA Caravan Event. In addition to the $160,000, a part-time staff member will be hired to coordinate the event with FIFA, bringing the total to approximately $200,000. The city will use an expected surplus from the Cultural Initiatives Reserve Fund. The money in the reserve … Continue reading FIFA Caravan Event – Survey Results – to date.

Joe Gaetan New Posts, Opinions

OPINION – Waterfront Music Festival / SOM: Questions Council Should Have Asked

The Standing Committee meeting of December 1st, 2025, raised far more questions than were answered - in part because our councillors did not ask them. While some members emphasized keeping the festival free, there was little examination of whether the selected provider, MRG Live, would derive revenue from the event, and if so, whether the … Continue reading OPINION – Waterfront Music Festival / SOM: Questions Council Should Have Asked

Eric Stern New Posts, Opinions

Opinion: Murky Waters surround Burlington Pools

This post discusses two RFPs RFP-25-202 and RFP-25-203. Copies of the RFP documents are linked at the bottom of this article for anyone interested in reading the them. In Burlington, the right to rent swimming pools is precious. Request for Proposals (RFPs) are typically used when the city is purchasing something. When the city needs … Continue reading Opinion: Murky Waters surround Burlington Pools

Eric Stern Budgets, New Posts

Opinion – Engagement and Transparency – Burlington’s 2026 Budget Process.

Burlington is a great place to live, but like many other communities, there are pressures and changes taking place. Balancing the needs of the community with taxpayers' ability to pay for those needs is the definition of politics. For those of us at Focus Burlington, the budget review process is not about cutting everything. We … Continue reading Opinion – Engagement and Transparency – Burlington’s 2026 Budget Process.

Eric Stern New Posts, Opinions

Opinion: From Pool Rental to Lawsuit?

When it comes to competitive swimming, Burlington swimmers have 2 outdoor and 4 indoor pools to choose from. The city’s recent and controversial decision to award an “RFP” to the Golden Horseshoe Aquatics Club (GHAC) over the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays (BAD) requires a closer look. First, the term “RFP” stands for Request For Proposal. This … Continue reading Opinion: From Pool Rental to Lawsuit?