Airbnb and Vrbo dominate the short-term rental market here in Burlington When City Council unanimously passed the Short-Term Accommodation (STA) By-law, it was championed as a decisive victory for our neighborhoods. Facing a housing crisis and growing resident complaints over party houses and parking chaos, our local leaders designed a rigorous framework. Strict principal-residence rules, a six-month annual operational cap, and a meticulous, $300 upfront licensing process req

Pictured Here: The mayor ignoring the death of native children The advocacy by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward for Finlay’s Law is a performance in selective grief that the taxpayers of Burlington should view with profound skepticism. While the Mayor has been frequenting news studios to champion national pediatric standards and mourning a tragic loss in the ER, her sudden transformation into a crusader for the vulnerable is jarringly inconsistent with her track record. This is a lea

Angelo and Marianne pose for yet another photo op, this time for ROMA, as the constituents long for better representation As the 2026 municipal election approaches, the political divide in Burlington is becoming defined by a stark contrast between who pays the bills and who sees the benefits. Ward 6 stands as one of the most significant pillars of the city’s residential tax base. It is home to high-value properties that consistently fuel the municipal coffers. Despite this ma

My Mother Lisa Joyce Wagstaff and I the day we met. While the history of Mother’s Day is marked by activism and fierce debate, its survival for over a century points to a much simpler, warmer truth: the universal desire to say thank you. What began as a daughter’s private tribute has blossomed into a global moment of connection that transcends borders and languages. The foundations of this day reach back to ancient civilizations. The Greeks held festivals for Rhea the mother

This is the face of evil. These two monsters destroyed two lives to live out their twisted disciplinarian fantasy. In the wake of a tragedy that has shaken the very foundation of our community, leadership is not measured by the ribbons cut at park openings or a luncheon paid for by the taxpayer. It is measured by the courage to stand up and speak when the systems meant to protect our most vulnerable have failed. When a child dies under the watch of public institutions, a lead

A defunct 1960s construction full of asbestos, the Bateman acquisition alone was nearly $30M. After Phase 1 renovations we are sitting at a total price tag of over $100M Burlington’s current administration has finally achieved the impossible. They have turned a defunct 1960s high school into a monument of fiscal terminal illness. The Robert Bateman Community Centre acquisition isn't just a negotiating blunder, it is a textbook case of municipal malpractice that will haunt loc

As Burlington residents navigate the 5.8% property tax increase finalized in the 2026 budget, an uncomfortable truth is emerging from City Hall. We are a city that chooses to fund courtroom defeats over community foundations. In the world of municipal politics, there is a dangerous allure to resistance at all costs. It looks good on social media and sounds resolute in a council chamber. But for the taxpayers of Burlington, this litigate first policy has become a multi-million

Burlington residents are tired of hearing that safety is a top priority while watching their tax dollars disappear into the black hole of municipal consultancies. The recent Council approval of a $300,000 upset limit for yet another Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan is the latest example of a government that prefers studying problems to solving them. While our neighbors navigate dangerous intersections and cyclists risk their lives on painted lanes north of Highway 5, City

1. The Licensing Framework (The Process) A standard system would mirror the "Auxiliary Cycle" model used in jurisdictions like Bermuda or historical Canadian bicycle plates. Registration & "VIN" Assignment: Owners would register their device’s serial number (equivalent to a VIN). If no serial exists, the city would issue a permanent tamper-proof sticker. Safety Inspection: A one-time or annual "roadworthiness" check to ensure the motor is capped at 32 km/h (500W) and brakes

Vision Statement To create a safer, more connected community through a proactive partnership between residents and local government, ensuring that safety resources are deployed equitably, managed fiscally, and protected from legislative obsolescence. Pillar 1: Proactive Presence & Transit Security Action: Deploy high-visibility patrols to primary commerce corridors and transit hubs (GO Stations/Terminals). Deployment: Focus on "Peak-Impact" windows (commuter rush hours and

For years, the residents of Millcroft have been told a story—a story of resistance, of "standing firm," and of a municipal government that had the power to simply say "no" to development on their beloved greenspace. But as the excavators prepare to move in, the true tragedy of Millcroft isn't just the loss of grass and trees. It is the calculated erosion of trust between the people of Burlington and those elected to lead them. I have watched as Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Wa

I love Burlington. I love our waterfront, our trails, and the sense of community that makes this city one of the best places to live in Canada. But lately, when I look at my property tax bill, that "best place to live" label is starting to feel like a luxury I can no longer afford. Since 2022, we have watched our city’s portion of property taxes climb at a rate that defies logic and ignores the reality of the average household budget. It is time for a honest conversation abo

Property taxes can be a significant burden for homeowners and renters alike. As we strive to maintain essential services while managing our budgets, I believe the need for property tax relief has never been more pressing. I have made it my mission to support initiatives that aim to alleviate this financial strain and ensure our city remains affordable for everyone. In this post, I’ll explore my commitment to property tax relief, why these initiatives matter, and how they bene

Local government accountability is a pressing issue that affects communities across the Country. As residents, we often feel disconnected from the decision-making processes that shape our lies. As a prominent advocate for transparency and accountability in local governance, I have a vision that seeks to bridge this gap. In this article, I will explore my ideas, the importance of local government accountability, and practical steps that can be taken to enhance it. Understandin

In an era where community engagement is more crucial than ever, my Community Representation Plan stands out as a beacon of hope and innovation. This plan is not just a strategy; it is a commitment to fostering a deeper connection between citizens and their local government. By prioritizing transparency, inclusivity, and active participation, I aim to create a community where every voice is heard and valued. Understanding the Need for Community Engagement Community engagement