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The blossoms are in full bloom in Spencer Smith Park
and they seem to be more popular than ever this year
The big attraction - here for a handful of days only - are here thanks to a twin-city agreement
Burlington signed a Twin City agreement with Itabashi
two rows of Sakura Cherry Blossom Trees are growing in Spencer Smith Park
The cherry blossom trail features more than 50 Sakura trees provide a short
but spectacular display of blossoms creating a canopy that visitors enjoy walking through
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A Hells Angels vest seized in the 2019 investigation Project Hobart
Halton police responded to reports a man was shot outside at an address on Fairview Street around 8:30 p.m
A longtime Hells Angel was shot dead Tuesday night in the parking lot of a Mandarin restaurant in Burlington after dining there with his family
Halton police responded to reports a man had been shot at an address on Fairview Street around 8:30 p.m.
The Star has learned the victim was Oakville Hells Angel Craig (Truck) McIlquham
McIlquham was known to Canadian police for decades in connection with big-money crimes
alleging a multimillion-dollar international gambling ring in 2019
McIlquham was charged with a dozen offences
including possession of a restricted weapon
bookmaking and commission of an offence for a criminal organization
The investigation was spurred by an escalation of violent crimes across Ontario
Police said at the time the Hells Angels were working in the gambling ring with a York Region-based ‘ndrangheta Mafia group
Gamblers were allowed credit limits as high as $20,000
but they were also expected to settle debts within a week
The gambling operation used five different websites to pull in $131 million in illegal revenues over five years
The groups also operated a gaming house in Mississauga
the OPP announced they had seized more than $12 million in assets
$1.2 million in financial accounts and approximately $1.7 million in cash
police announced 228 related charges against 28 people from across the province and in Oka
The Project Hobart case was ultimately dropped because of court delays
The Crown said that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the delays in the complex case
as well as “voluminous” amounts of disclosure documents
praising the Ontario Provincial Police for conducting a “thorough and effective investigation.”
was Niagara Hells Angel Michael (Diaz) Deabaitua-Schulde
who was killed in broad daylight on March 11
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located inside Spencer Smith Park’s Discovery Landing building
was named by among the top 100 lunch and brunch restaurants in the country by OpenTable
Online restaurant reservation platform OpenTable has revealed a list of the top brunch and lunch spots in the country and a Burlington eatery is on it
The list was released ahead of Mother’s Day
OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants for Brunch and Lunch in Canada for 2025 list is based on more than 950,000 reviews by verified OpenTable diners
Spencer’s at the Waterfront, located at 1340 Lakeshore Rd.
is the Burlington restaurant on the national list
The lakefront establishment describes itself as offering fabulous food and breathtaking views from its glass-walled dining room and patio
Reservations can be made on OpenTable
our annual Mother’s Day list now includes the top brunch and lunch spots as 1 p.m
dining on the day saw the biggest year-over-year growth in 2024
That 22 per cent increase is based on the number of diners seated through OpenTable reservations for that time slot on Mother’s Day 2024 compared to 2023
“Mother’s Day is one of the biggest dining occasions of the year
we aim to help diners discover and secure the perfect spot to celebrate Mom in style.”
The entire top 100 list is available on the OpenTable website
Developer under fire after tree removal in Burlington neighbourhood
Mike Myers, Colin Mochrie to perform at charity comedy show in Toronto
Evening weather forecast for May 2, 2025
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Grand Theft Auto sequel postponed, developer shares slide
General Motor to cut shifts over Trump tariffs, hundreds of jobs at risk
Residents in a Burlington neighbourhood are outraged over a developer’s decision to cut down trees in their area
The City of Burlington has launched an investigation into the developer’s actions
It’s the latest development in a long-running dispute over proposed housing plans in the Millcroft area
Steve Ruddick was at the Oakville & Milton Humane Society learning about
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An alleged Hells Angels biker who was swept up in a massive bust targeting illegal sports betting was shot dead outside a Burlington restaurant
Emergency crews responded to a reported shooting Tuesday around 8:30 p.m
to the Mandarin restaurant at 1881 Fairview St
where paramedics took a man to hospital and he was pronounced dead
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Police identified the deceased as Craig McIlquham
and investigators believe the shooting was a targeted incident
but investigators have released a photograph of vehicle of interest – a grey
newer model Honda Civic with dark-tinted windows and black alloy rims – and are asking anyone with video from area between 4 p.m
was one of two alleged full-patch members of the Hells Angels swept up in 2019 as part of Operation Hobart
a two-year probe of an alleged illegal gambling ring police contend was run by Hells Angels bikers and a Toronto crime family
Investigators alleged McIlquham and Robert Barletta
the founder of the London Hells Angels chapter
were the ringleaders of the sophisticated operation that controlled at least 14 sports-betting websites and took in more than $160 million in revenue over six years
Both McIlquham and Barletta were charged with bookmaking offences
firearms offences and commission of an offence for a criminal organization
Barletta was additionally charged with tax evasion
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were charged with over 200 offences in the case – the largest-ever investigation into illegal sports betting – but the case fizzled in the courts
with the charges against most of the accused withdrawn or stayed
It was estimated it would have taken nearly 42 months for the case to make its way through the court system
significantly longer than the 30-month timeline laid out in a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2016
The $40 million in assets seized as part of Hobart – luxury homes
cash and other valuables – are at the centre of an ongoing legal battle
The Crown is fighting to keep the seized assets under the Civil Remedies Act
Ontario’s forfeiture law that applies to criminal cases that end without a conviction
Court documents filed in the case shed light on the assets seized from McIlquham’s various properties and outline how he and his wife allegedly laundered proceeds from crime
and a Brazilian visa in McIlquham’s name and ID with his photo but another man’s name from McIlquham’s homes and vehicles
for a total of about $5.1 million between June 2004 and December 2018
$228,000 in unidentified drafts and $190,899 in unidentified deposits
McIlquham isn’t the first alleged biker linked Hobart to be targeted
Alleged Hells Angels member Michael Deabauta-Schulde
was gunned down outside a Mississauga gym on March 11
was under OPP surveillance as part of the Hobart investigation at the time of his death
Three men were convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting
transmission or republication strictly prohibited
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Halton Police has confirmed the identity of a victim who was killed in a homicide in Burlington on April 29
The victim was a 55-year-old Oakville resident named Craig McIlquham, who was also known as Craig Brown, police say. He was shot in the parking lot of Mandarin Restaurant at 1881 Fairview Street in southwest Burlington
McIlquham was rushed to the hospital where he died of his injuries
Police are currently seeking the public's assistance for any pertinent information, including anyone who may have dash cam footage between 4 p.m
within the area of Fairview Street and Brant Street.
Police are also asking the public to help identify a vehicle of interest
newer Honda Civic with dark tinted windows and black alloy rims
Read more here: Police seek vehicle of interest in Burlington homicide
Those with information can contact police at 905-825-4776
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
The City of Burlington has announced that its new citywide on-street residential parking permit is now open for applications for residents who have to regularly rely on street parking
The new permit will allow residents to park their vehicle on the street throughout the day and night for up to two days before being required to move it
A valid Ontario vehicle permit and driver’s license are required to obtain the new permit
which will cost $30 per month or $350 per year for each vehicle
Residents looking to purchase a permit can visit Burlington City Hall or one of the city’s pop-up locations
which includes Tansley Woods Community Centre on Saturday
May 16 or the Burlington Seniors Centre on Wednesday
Man fatally shot outside Burlington restaurant was a longtime Hells Angels member
Israel declares national emergency, crews battle countries largest fire ever
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The man who was fatally shot outside of the Mandarin restaurant on Fairview Street in Burlington on Wednesday was a longtime member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
Halton police identified him as 55-year-old Craig McIlquham of Oakville
McIlquham was among 30 people charged in an illegal gambling and money laundering investigation two years ago – a case in which charges weren’t proven in court
The shooting took place Tuesday night around 8:30 p.m
in the parking lot of the Mandarin restaurant at 1881 Fairview Street
Investigators are still searching for the shooter
and have asked for the public’s assistance in identifying a grey Honda Civic they believe to be connected to this case
Anyone with dash cam footage in the area between 4 and 10 p.m
on Tuesday is asked to contact officers at 905-825-4776
READ MORE: Man in his 50s fatally shot outside Burlington Mandarin Restaurant
Kids are doing pretty cool things to help save the planet
business coach and host of the Rise Together: Empowering
This Mother’s Day pamper mom with some extra TLC
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Mainly cloudy with showers/thunderstorms today and a cooler high of 10°C
The off-price retailer is taking advantage of the craft company’s closure as new shopping center growth diminishes
Joann’s decision in February to shutter all of its stores marks an opportunity for some companies looking to grow their footprint
“Our recent conversations with real estate contacts suggest very little new shopping center growth is planned in the US for the foreseeable future — meaning chains with high store growth ambitions
will need to be aggressively going after locations from retail bankruptcies along the way,” Evercore ISI analysts said in an emailed note Tuesday
Joann went through two bankruptcies in about 10 months, with its lenders and GA Group most recently winning a bankruptcy auction and initiating going-out-of-business sales at all locations. The retailer first filed bankruptcy in March 2024 with plans to reduce debt by about $500 million
A well-known arts and crafts retailer in business for about 82 years, Joann’s closure will push consumers to rivals. A Numerator survey released in February found that respondents said they would now shop for those products at Michaels and Hobby Lobby
as well as online companies and mass retailers such as Walmart
80% of respondents said they were upset by Joann’s closures
Burlington’s move to take on these leases comes as the off-price retailer chases growth. The company’s CEO, Michael O’Sullivan, in March said it opened 101 net new stores in 2024 and relocated 31 older
Burlington's net sales rose 4.8% year over year to almost $3.3 billion
and net income soared 14.6% to $260.8 million
that while the “outlook for 2025 is very uncertain,” such tumultuous economic environments are where the off-price model can perform best
While the retail industry deals with rapidly shifting global trade dynamics, off-price companies such as Burlington, TJX and Ross Stores could see hits to their customer bases because of new immigration policies in the U.S
Editor's note: This story has been updated to indicate Dani James is the author
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it remains key to growth for many retailers
But the era of the DTC brand as we know it is over
It could be an attempt to broaden revenue streams
The free newsletter covering the top industry headlines
2025Time: 7-8pmLocation: Port Nelson United Church
and lyricist Robert Macfarlane visits Burlington on his world book tour to share his brilliant
which answers a resounding "yes" to the question of its title
Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear this internationally renowned speaker
A Different Drummer Books will be on site with books for sale and signing after the talk
Burlington Public Library is pleased to present this event in partnership with Random House Canada and A Different Drummer Books
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2025— The City is aware of the cutting down of trees on those portions of the Millcroft Golf Course that have been approved for redevelopment by the Ontario Land Tribunal
The City is investigating this activity and as such
no further comment can be provided at this time
The City recognizes that many in our community have an interest in this project
The City will keep the community informed as much as possible as the project proceeds
Media contact: City of Burlington Corporate Communications
communications@burlington.ca
Email: city@burlington.ca Phone: 905-335-7777
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Trees were removed at Millcroft Golf Club on Thursday
in advance of planned housing construction
These trees were located on the 7th hole fairway
between Hadfield Court and Parklane Crescent east of Millcroft Park Drive
and Environment and Climate Change Canada are both looking into the tree cutting at the planned Millcroft Greens development
Tree clearing on sections of Millcroft Golf Club
apparently in preparation for upcoming construction of 90 new homes
is the subject of two ongoing investigations
The City of Burlington’s forestry department is investigating
Environment and Climate Change Canada is also investigating for contraventions of the Migratory Birds Convention Act
Representatives of the Millcroft Greens development did not respond by deadline to requests for comment
“The city is aware of the cutting down of trees on those portions of the Millcroft Golf Course that have been approved for redevelopment by the Ontario Land Tribunal,” city staff said in a statement issued Friday afternoon
“The city is investigating this activity and as such
no further comment can be provided at this time.”
City staff did not answer questions by deadline Monday around whether any necessary conditions had been met
A spokesperson reissued the statement released Friday afternoon
“There isn’t any more that we can say on this matter at this time,” they said
“This information is currently being reviewed to determine whether there has been any noncompliance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Migratory Birds Regulations,” Lafontaine said
He noted the Act does not protect trees themselves
but “prohibits the disturbance or destruction of migratory birds
Lafontaine said the department will continue to follow the situation closely
“If evidence of an alleged violation is found
enforcement officers will take appropriate action in accordance with the compliance and enforcement policy for wildlife legislation,” he said
or “recommend prosecution when evidence indicates that the nature of a violation is serious.”
under the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Migratory Birds Regulations
migratory birds are protected at all times and their nests are protected when they contain a live bird or a viable egg
Sonia Robinson of Millcroft Against Bad Development said at least 400 trees
were removed — including several on the seventh hole fairway behind her house
The front nine holes at Millcroft Golf Club are closed
Robinson said trees were also removed on holes 1
“We are at a deficit of green space in Burlington and need this green space for future generations,” Robinson stated in an email on behalf of the organization
“The majority of the golf course is flood plain and acts as storm water control.”
Millcroft Against Bad Development held a rally opposing the planned development on April 26
after preparation of the site for future development started
Burlington city council passed a resolution last summer asking Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack to issue an order maintaining open space zoning in the planned Millcroft Greens development
after a June 12 Ontario Land Tribunal decision approving official plan and zoning amendments for the development
The OLT decision allowed official plan and zoning amendments permitting proposed redevelopment of open space on five parts of the golf course for 90 single-detached homes and a 130-unit building
The city’s resolution states the golf course weaves among houses and functions “as a natural storm water conveyance on a floodplain.”
The minister’s office did not respond to requests for comment by deadline
Details and updates on the Millcroft Greens development can be found on the city’s project webpage
Halton police are looking for this vehicle of interest from a homicide on Fairview Street Tuesday evening
Police probing deadly attack outside Mandarin restaurant; no arrests made and no suspects named
Halton police have released a photo of a vehicle of interest in a targeted shooting that left one man dead in the parking lot of a Burlington restaurant Tuesday night
A man in his 50s was killed in the shooting around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday outside the Mandarin Restaurant at 1881 Fairview St.
The victim was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead
Halton major crime unit detectives are looking for a grey
police said in an update Wednesday afternoon
Photos from the scene showed a black GMC with blown-out back passenger windows
Evidence tags were on the ground just outside the luxury pickup truck
Halton police declined to answer questions by The Spectator
including about any connection to organized crime
Sources not authorized to comment on the record say the victim
was tied to the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
and we don’t have any further information we are able to provide at this time outside of what was shared in the earlier media release,” Const
Jeff Dillon said in an email to The Spectator
“We’ll be looking to provide more information as soon as we can.”
the scene was cleared and businesses were back open in the plaza
A staff member at the Mandarin — who did not provide their name — said the shooting took place when there were patrons in the restaurant
The manager declined to comment to The Spectator
The plaza has surveillance video that has been collected by police
Police are asking anyone with dash-camera footage from the area of Fairview and Brant streets between 4 and 10 p.m
Anyone with information is asked to call the major crime bureau at 905-825-4776
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or haltoncrimestoppers.ca
Nicole O’Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com
Calling all aspiring Burlington writers—embark on a literary adventure and let your creativity soar!
Burlington Public Library's annual writing contest, Write Here Write Now, runs from May 1 to 31, 2025. If you’re 10 or older and live, work, or go to school in Burlington—and you have a knack for storytelling—we invite you to enter your creative work.
The contest features three exciting categories: short stories, poems, and comics, each judged by age group: 10-12, 13-17, and 18+. We invite you to submit unpublished and original works sparked by your imagination based on this year’s theme, “Whisper.” Your challenge is to write a short story or poem, or draw a comic that revolves around a whisper. A team of judges will carefully select one winning entry from each age and contest category. Each winner will receive a $100 cash prize.
Visit BPL's website for the contest entry rules and online submission form.
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2025 9:22 AM EDT | Last Updated: May 2In a news release Wednesday evening
police say investigators are looking to identify the occupants and vehicle
newer model Honda Civic with dark tinted windows and black alloy rims
(Halton Police Service)Social SharingHalton police are trying to find a grey Honda Civic after a shooting that killed a man in a Mandarin restaurant parking lot in Burlington on Tuesday
was shot in the parking lot of the Mandarin Restaurant on Fairview Street
police said investigators are looking to identify the occupants and vehicle
Police said they believe this was "a targeted incident" and there is no known risk to public safety
They are asking anyone who may have dash camera footage of Fairview Street and Brant Street between the hours of 4 p.m
Desmond Brown is a GTA-based freelance writer and editor who hails from the Caribbean
It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual
Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on
of Burlington has been convicted of second-degree murder for the killing of his wife Margit on Jan
Jury rejects Sandor Somogyi's explanation that he killed his wife in self-defence
Jury rejects Sandor Somogyi’s explanation that he killed his wife in self-defence
A 73-year-old Burlington man has been found guilty of second-degree murder in connection with the 2023 death of his wife
The jury handed down their verdict in the case of Sandor Somogyi at around 5 p.m
April 29 after just over a day of deliberations
Sandor had pleaded not guilty to the charge of second-degree murder. He testified during his trial that he killed his wife, Margit Somogyi, 67, in self-defence
The jury’s finding of guilty indicates they did not believe this story
They also appear to have rejected Sandor’s assertion that he did not mean to kill Margit and convicted him of second-degree murder despite having the option to convict him of manslaughter instead
Sandor was accused of killing his wife in her Regency Court apartment on Jan
the court heard Sandor and Margit had a troubled relationship in the years leading up to her death
The couple had actually separated after their children moved out of their home and in 2016 Margit had gotten an apartment of her own at 695 Regency Court while Sandor had moved back to his native Hungary to start a business
Sandor’s plans did not work out and he came back to Canada a month later and moved into Margit’s apartment despite his name not being on the lease
Multiple witnesses testified to hearing regular shouting coming from the Somogyi apartment
when Sandor became intoxicated and passed out in the second-floor hallway of the Regency Court apartment building
Police were called as a result of this incident and a week later property management served Margit with notice that Sandor had to be out of the building by noon on Jan
Assistant Crown Attorney Maureen McGuigan noted during the trial that Margit was also told that if Sandor stayed and there was another incident Margit would be evicted as well
The court heard that Sandor was still in the apartment on Jan
Margit’s daughter, Beata Pegoretti, had testified that her mother had called her the night before her death crying and upset
She said she was concerned about her impending confrontation with Sandor during which she was going to tell him it was time to leave
she would have called police,” said Pegoretti
and I was worried that he wasn’t going to leave peacefully.”
Sandor testified that on the morning of Jan
13 Margit demanded he leave immediately and then attacked him
Defence attorney Donald Carter had shown the jury pictures of Sandor taken by police following his arrest
Sandor said he had grabbed Margit by the shoulders
turned her around and then put his hands around her neck from behind while pushing her onto the bed
He told the jury he held her neck for just “half a minute” and then let go because Margit went quiet
The 73-year-old said he then attempted to kill himself by swallowing a large amount of the various medications he was taking
Sandor was arrested after then leaving the apartment and telling the property manager to call police
An autopsy found that Margit died as a result of her neck being compressed
McGuigan argued Sandor’s story was a complete fiction
She suggested Sandor had no intention of leaving as the suitcase he said he packed could not be seen in any of the police photos of the apartment
The assistant Crown also raised doubts about how much of a threat Margit was to Sandor noting that while Sandor was around 200 pounds at the time
McGuigan questioned why Sandor didn’t just escape out the nearby bedroom door after he pushed Margit onto the bed
Sandor testified he feared his wife would get up and attack him again if he let her go
McGuigan also drew attention to a note Sandor left on a pillow beside Margit’s body
which read “I Sandor Somogyi killed this woman
The assistant Crown suggested Margit confronted Sandor about leaving and threatened to call police at which point Sandor killed her
McGuigan said he got those scratches when Margit tried to defend herself
“I did it rightfully” in what he thought would be his suicide note because Margit was trying to kick him out of the apartment and because he long suspected her of having an affair
Sandor had left a second note at the scene that read “Blood speaks
The blood of my 3 daughters doesn’t match.”
Sandor testified he wrote “I did it rightfully” because he wanted police to know he had “rightfully” defended himself
The jury did not buy Sandor’s version of events
A date for Sandor’s sentencing has not yet been finalized
More Spotlight >
Smith's Funeral Home - Brant Street
REGINA — Saskatchewan's government is reporting roughly $31,000 in public money losses after officials allege three employees used corporate credit cards and tampered with invoices for personal gain
The public loss report accuses a staff member at SaskPower of spending more than $23,000 on non-business expenses with a corporate card
It says the person is no longer employed and will need to repay the government
The report alleges another SaskPower employee spent more than $3,000 on non-business expenses with a corporate card and has been placed on leave pending the results of an investigation
a manager at the Prince Albert Housing Authority
of altering invoices for personal reimbursement in excess of $5,000
The report says the manager has been fired and the case reported to police
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5
A man has died after a shooting in a restaurant parking lot in Burlington
Emergency crews responded to the shooting in the parking lot of the Mandarin Restaurant at 1881 Fairview St
A man was found shot and transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead
Investigators believe this was a targeted incident and there is no known risk to public safety
Police said they have not made any arrests and do not have any suspect descriptions to provide
Anyone who may have dash cam footage of Fairview Street and Brant Street between 4 p.m
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Major Crime Bureau at 905-825-4776. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at http://haltoncrimestoppers.ca
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Ontario 360 Tours will be returning to Burlington this summer to create a new series of free 360-degree videos showing off some of the city’s most interesting businesses
Dave and Sheri Flook started Ontario 360 Tours in 2024 to create immersive
virtual-reality compatible videos of cities across the province to focus on what each municipality has to offer
“Our main objective is to highlight things off the beaten path that people typically wouldn’t find in tourism videos,” Dave said
“We’ll be doing Niagara Falls and the CN Tower
but we’re also doing bike trails and smaller parks
We hope to work with cities and businesses to form partnerships to give people a new way to discover places to go and things to do across Ontario.”
Ontario 360 Tours has created videos on Burlington
Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake in the past and hopes to revisit prior locations and see new places this year
The tours can focus on whole areas of a city
specific shops and businesses to share what they can provide
The pair first came up with the idea of the 360-degree tours after merging two of their hobbies together
kayaking and outdoor adventures,” Dave said
“We love discovering what’s available in Ontario and we’re always looking for new places to discover
We started getting into 360 videography later on and I thought ‘hey
let’s merge these things we like together.’”
Dave and Sheri filmed a tour in Burlington last year
the Burlington Performing Arts Centre and Spencer Smith Park
but wanted to come back to create a series of videos now that they have equipment capable of shooting in 8k
also wants to connect with the city again through the tour series and to highlight how it has changed and grown over the years
“People aren’t always fully aware of what’s available in their own cities,” Sheri said
“There were so many times where we’d been somewhere and realized that we missed something that we hadn’t known about
then it has to be happening to other people who have missed out on interesting local things.”
Ontario 360 Tours won’t just be in Burlington this summer
and the travelling duo will be trying to create videos weekly while the warm weather lasts
“Our game plan is to really hit the pavement this summer and get to as many cities as possible,” Dave said
“We’re always looking to make fun
outdoor videos or connect with local businesses to do shop tours to highlight them
We’re going to be visiting as many Burlington spots as possible
so look forward to a whole series of videos.”
Dave and Sheri are also considering creating a series of videos on heritage sites across the province
and could start with Burlington’s numerous heritage locations
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve will likely keep its key short-term interest rate unchanged on Wednesday, despite weeks of harsh criticism and demands from President Donald Trump that the Fed reduce borrowing costs
After causing a sharp drop in financial markets two weeks ago by saying he could fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, Trump subsequently backed off and said he had no intention of doing so
he and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have said the Fed should cut rates
They argue that inflation has steadily cooled and high borrowing costs are no longer needed to restrain price increases
The Fed sharply ramped up its short-term rate in 2022 and 2023 as pandemic-era inflation spiked
Separately, Elon Musk, the head of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency
last Wednesday suggested that DOGE should look more closely at the Fed's spending on its facilities
The heightened scrutiny shows that even as the Trump administration backs off its threats to fire Powell
the Fed is still subject to unusually sharp political pressures
despite its status as an independent agency
Even so, the Fed will almost certainly leave its key rate unchanged at about 4.3% when it meets Tuesday and Wednesday. Powell and many of the other 18 officials that sit on the Fed's rate-setting committee have said they want to see how Trump's tariffs affect the economy before making any moves
Trump, however, on Friday said on the social media platform Truth Social that there is “NO INFLATION” and claimed that grocery and egg prices have fallen
and that gas has dropped to $1.98 a gallon
That's not entirely true: Grocery prices have jumped 0.5% in two of the past three months and are up 2.4% from a year ago
Gas and oil prices have declined — gas costs are down 10% from a year ago — continuing a longer-running trend that has continued in part because of fears the economy will weaken
AAA says gas prices nationwide average $3.18 a gallon
Inflation did drop noticeably in March
though in the first three months of the year it was 3.6%
economists say it's possible the Fed would soon reduce its benchmark rate
because it is currently at a level intended to slow borrowing and spending and cool inflation
Yet the Fed can't now cut rates with Trump's broad tariffs likely to raise prices in the coming months
said that the Fed is “scarred” by what happened in 2021
when prices rose amid supply snarls and Powell and other Fed officials said the increase would likely be “transitory.” Instead
inflation soared to a peak of 9.1% in June 2022
“That’s a Fed that is going to have to wait for evidence and be slow to adjust on that evidence,” Reinhart said
Plus, Trump's badgering of Powell makes it harder for the Fed chair to cut rates because doing so anytime soon would be seen as knuckling under to the White House
“You could imagine a world where there isn’t pressure from the Trump administration and they cut rates ..
because they feel comfortable making the argument that they're doing so because of the data,” he said
For his part, Powell said last month that tariffs would likely push up inflation and slow the economy
The central bank would typically raise rates — or at least keep them elevated — to fight inflation
while it would cut them to spur the economy if unemployment rose
Powell has said that the impact of the tariffs on inflation could be temporary — a one-time price increase — but most recently said it “could also be more persistent.” That suggests that Powell will want to wait
to ensure tariffs don't sustainably raise inflation before considering a rate cut
Some economists forecast the Fed won't cut rates until its September meeting
Yet Fed officials could move sooner if the tariffs hit the economy hard enough to cause layoffs and push up unemployment. Wall Street investors appear to expect such an outcome — they project that the first cut will occur in July, according to futures pricing
Musk criticized the Fed Wednesday for spending $2.5 billion on an extensive renovation of two of its buildings in Washington
we should certainly look to see if indeed the Federal Reserve is spending $2.5 billion on their interior designer,” Musk said
Fed officials acknowledge that the cost of the renovations have risen as prices for building materials and labor have spiked amid the post-pandemic inflation
say that local regulations forced the Fed to do more of the expansion underground
a former Fed governor and a potential candidate to replace Powell as chair when Powell's term expires next year
said recently that the Fed has attracted greater scrutiny because of its failure to keep prices in check
“The Fed's current wounds are largely self-inflicted,” he said in a speech during an International Monetary Fund conference in late April
in which he also slammed the Fed for participating in a global forum on climate change
“A strategic reset is necessary to mitigate losses of credibility
worse economic outcomes for our fellow citizens.”
said last month that “Fed independence is very widely understood and supported in Washington
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Halton police are investigating a fatal shooting in a Burlington parking lot Tuesday night that left one man dead
police responded to reports of a man who had been shot in the parking lot of the Mandarin restaurant on Fairview Street
He was brought to hospital where he was pronounced dead
“Unfortunately an adult male was shot and pronounced deceased after travelling to hospital,” said Const
“We do believe he was dining at the Mandarin Restaurant at the time.”
Officers say that since the shooting happened before the restaurant closed
diners and employees were still inside the restaurant when shots broke out in the parking lot
“Of course it’s going to be traumatic for everyone that was there,” said Dillon
“It’s not something that you are going to expect when you are dining at a restaurant
and to have something like that occur – which obviously adds to the chaos of the scene.”
The back window of a black pick up truck was smashed in the shooting
Officers have removed the vehicle from the scene to examine further
Investigators believe this was a targeted incident and say there’s no risk to public safety
“It does seem like this gentleman was the target of the shooter
no one else has been injured and there are no other reported injuries,” said Dillon
A freelancer told CHCH News that the shooter fled in a black Mercedes
Police do not have a suspect description but have identified a vehicle of interest as a grey
Officers say this is Halton’s second homicide of the year
Anyone with dash cam or surveillance footage of the area between 4 and 10 p.m
READ MORE: One teen in hospital after nightclub shooting in St. Catharines
Emily Vukovic was at Linea Intima in Oakville checking out the array
If your after-work financial plan is tanking – please don’t try this
We are cranking things up a notch with a Mamma Mania Dance
Sunny skies with light winds and cooler high of 13°C today
glamjulz is supporting a ‘Joyful Journey’
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the last poll's figures just after 3 p.m
Incumbent Karina Gould is headed back to Ottawa after securing her fourth straight election victory to be Burlington’s MP
while Conservative candidate Emily Brown received 31,666 votes.The NDP’s Michael Beauchemin got 1,549 ballots in his name
and the Green Party’s Kyle Hutton received 596.
The People’s Party of Canada candidate in Burlington
Ocean Marshall of the Libertarian Party got 105
and Paul Harper of the Rhinoceros Party received 75 votes.
A Halton Regional Police logo is shown on a vehicle in Oakville
Police west of Toronto are searching for possible suspects after a fatal shooting outside a popular chain restaurant
Halton regional police say a man in his 50s was killed in the shooting Tuesday night in a Mandarin restaurant parking lot in Burlington
Police say investigators believe the shooting
was targeted and there’s no known risk to public safety
They are searching for a grey newer model Honda Civic with tinted windows and black alloy rims
Police have not made any arrests or released suspect descriptions
They are appealing for people to hand over dashcam footage of the area from around the time of the shooting
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is investigating a homicide after a man was shot and killed in the parking lot of a Mandarin restaurant in Burlington
Authorities were called to the buffet-style restaurant
A man in his 50 was treated for gunshot wounds and rushed to a local hospital
Investigators believe this was a targeted incident
Police say they looking to identify the occupants of a vehicle of interest
There is no suspect information at this time
Anyone with dash-cam footage of Fairview Street and Brant Street between 4 p.m
Leafs and Panthers players discuss Game 1 of round 2 of the playoffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls on Prime Minister Mark Carney to prioritize a list of projects including the proposed Highway 401 tunnel
Monday is calling for rain and thunderstorms
Stella Acquisto has the long-range forecast
Could we see another indefinite pause on postal service in the country
Negotiations are underway again as Canada Post and the workers’ union try to cut a deal to avoid a lockout or strike later this month
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HaltonNewsVehicle of interest sought after deadly shooting in Burlington restaurant parking lot By Codi WilsonOpens in new windowPublished: April 30, 2025 at 6:24AM EDT
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Toronto WatchPolice searching for vehicle following deadly Burlington parking lot shootingHalton police say the victim was eating at a restaurant before they were shot in the targeted attack.
The Art Gallery of Burlington is celebrating a 50th anniversary this month
The art gallery master plan and needs study draft report has not yet been presented to the gallery board
The Art Gallery of Burlington celebrates a 50th anniversary this month
A community block party on Saturday, May 10 and a gala fundraising dinner on May 8 mark five decades since the May 13, 1975 incorporation of Burlington Cultural Centre
a significant step toward the creation of today’s art gallery
Meanwhile, a long-planned facility master plan and future needs feasibility study
reviewing possible renovation or expansion of the existing art gallery
is almost ready for the gallery’s board of directors
yet to be presented to the board and city council,” said Emma Sankey
executive director of The Art Gallery of Burlington
“Once we’ve been through those critical next steps there will definitely be details to share
Sankey said the gallery needs to modernize its facilities to serve current and future audiences
“Limited space and aging infrastructure are significant drivers,” Sankey said
with $2-million in capital expenses likely in the next few years.”
Celebration is on the minds of gallery staff and supporters this month
Sankey said the May 8 gala is already sold out
A total of 176 guests are expected to raise at least $25,000
“Funds support the delivery of exhibitions and educational programs at the gallery,” Sankey said
The whole community has a chance to join the party when the art gallery hosts a public block party from 1 to 5 p.m
The event features the theme “We Dig Culture” with a variety of family art activities in the gallery
and across Lakeshore Road in Spencer Smith Park
The block party will also launch the gallery’s spring exhibitions
and food from several Burlington restaurants will also be featured
Registration in advance is recommended but not required. For more information on the block party and other events, visit the Art Gallery of Burlington website
May 13 will be declared Art Gallery of Burlington Day by the city
and it will feature a celebration including patron and funder recognition and a special cake cutting at the gallery
While the Art Gallery of Burlington physically opened to the public in June 1978
this year celebrates 50 years of the organization that created the gallery rather than the facility itself
Toronto WatchMan dead following targeted shooting in Burlington parking lotHalton Region’s second homicide of the year happened in a restaurant parking lot near Brant and Fairview streets.
Burlington 2025 federal election live results. Browse live results for all 343 ridings
267 of 267 polls are reporting as of 4:20 p.m. Follow our full coverage of the 2025 federal election
267 of 267 polls are reporting as of 4:20 p.m. Follow our full coverage of the 2025 federal election
is projected to be re-elected in Burlington
is in second place with 31,666 votes (40.54%) and Michael Beauchemin
Gould has represented the riding since 2015
31,868 voters cast ballots at advance polls
Looking for another riding? Here are the full results for the 2025 federal election.
The Liberals have 169 races called in their favour
They have 8,535,128 votes and 43.69 per cent of the popular vote
The Conservatives have 144 races called in their favour
They have 8,059,938 votes and 41.26 per cent of the popular vote
The Bloc Québécois have 22 races called in their favour
They have 1,232,095 votes and 6.31 per cent of the popular vote
The New Democrats have seven races called in their favour
They have 1,231,198 votes and 6.3 per cent of the popular vote
The Greens have one race called in their favour
They have 243,471 votes and 1.25 per cent of the popular vote
There were three independents and four vacancies in the 338-seat Commons
the Commons has grown by five ridings starting with this election
This article was automatically generated using data provided by Canadian Press and will update as riding results become available
Burlington North—Milton West 2025 federal election live results. Browse live results for all 343 ridings
208 of 208 polls are reporting as of 4:20 p.m. Follow our full coverage of the 2025 federal election
208 of 208 polls are reporting as of 4:20 p.m. Follow our full coverage of the 2025 federal election
is projected to be re-elected in Burlington North—Milton West
van Koeverden has 37,155 of 70,441 votes (52.75%)
is in second place with 31,172 votes (44.25%) and Naveed Ahmed
van Koeverden has represented the riding since 2019
Burlington North—Milton West used to be named Milton
The riding’s boundaries were updated for the 2025 federal election
29,576 voters cast ballots at advance polls
VideoHalton police investigating fatal Burlington shootingHalton police were called to a restaurant near Brant and Fairview on April 29. Police say the shooting was targeted and no arrests have been made yet.
55-year-old Oakville resident Craig McIlquham
was shot in the parking lot of the Mandarin Restaurant located at 1881 Fairview Street
Police continue to appeal to anyone who may have information about this homicide investigation
including anyone who may have dash cam footage of Fairview Street and Brant Street between the hours of 4 and 10 p.m.
Investigators also continue to seek the public’s assistance with identifying a vehicle of interest in the incident
newer-model Honda Civic with dark-tinted windows and black alloy rims
Officers responded to the parking lot of a Mandarin restaurant located at 1881 Fairview St
on April 29 after receiving reports of a man being shot
A man in his 50s is dead following a shooting outside of a Burlington restaurant on Tuesday night
Officers responded to the parking lot of a Mandarin restaurant located at 1881 Fairview St. around 8:30 p.m
Shooting Investigation in BurlingtonThe Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is investigating a shooting that occurred in Burlington.On April 29, 2025, at approximately 8:30 pm HRPS officers were called to the parking lot of the Mandarin Restaurant located at 1881 Fairview… pic.twitter.com/wp1IGnpjmt
The victim was taken to a hospital where he later died
that the shooting “was a targeted incident and there is no known risk to public safety.”
There have been no arrests and there are no descriptions of the suspects; however
investigators are looking to track down a vehicle and its occupants that were seen in the area at the time of the shooting
Anyone with information or who may have dashcam footage of Fairview Street and Brant Street between 4 and 10 p.m. is asked to call 905-825-4776
Burlington: 905-632-3333 Grimsby: 905-945-2755 Stoney Creek: 905-664-4222
info@smithsfh.com
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Karina Gould celebrates a fourth election victory in the federal riding of Burlington with friends
The Liberal incumbent held the lead from the first poll on
Liberal Karina Gould earned her fourth straight election victory in Burlington
ahead of Conservative challenger Emily Brown with 31,666 (40.5 per cent)
Updated results for all candidates available here (you’ll be prompted to input riding name)
The final unofficial results for the riding, like many others in Halton and Peel, awaited the results of a final poll for much of the day Tuesday. Read our story here to find out why
Gould arrived at the Port House on Lakeshore Road in Burlington shortly before midnight
because tomorrow morning it’s back to work,” Gould said
She said “we covered this city in five weeks
and it’s because of each and every one of you.”
“I am so honoured and privileged to be elected for a fourth time
We’re going to have a lot of work ahead of us when it comes to standing up for Canada.”
Gould said Burlington voters were paying attention to “what’s happening beyond our borders
“With President Trump threatening new tariffs
there’s a renewed urgency to protect Canadian jobs and stand up for our economic interests,” Gould said
“People here want leadership they can trust — leadership that reflects our values
She said she focused her campaign on “delivering real support for families
“Mark Carney has the experience and leadership to navigate this moment with strength and stability,” Gould said
experienced leadership that puts our community first
That’s the kind of leadership I’ve offered — and the kind I’ll continue to deliver.”
Brown said the Conservative party started assembling “an outstanding campaign team” early this year in anticipation of a spring election — with many volunteers who had been with her since before the 2021 election
“This dedicated group has worked tirelessly by my side: knocking on doors
listening to the concerns of Burlington riding residents
and helping to put up a record number of lawn signs,” Brown said
She said she heard “a clear and passionate call for change” from voters
and concerns about affordability of essentials
At least 35 per cent of eligible electors voted before election day in Burlington
with a preliminary count of 31,868 ballots cast in Burlington advance polls
and 3,847 had voted by mail-in or special ballot
Results from across Halton Region available here
EDITOR’S NOTE - April 29 (7:15 p.m.): this story has been updated with the final unofficial voting results
Liberal Karina Gould has been declared the winner
or 53.3%; Conservative Emily Brown with 6,9333
11:00 - Reporter Chris Arnold is live at Gould's post-election event
Reporter Calum O'Malley is reporting an uptake in those arriving at Brown's event
The polls are set to close in Ontario at 9:30 p.m
with the first polls closing in Newfoundland at 8:30 p.m. NDT (7 p.m
EDT) and the last polls closing in the west at 7:00 p.m. PDT (10 p.m
About one in four eligible voters cast their ballots before election day
According to preliminary figures from Elections Canada
7.3 million people voted in advance polls — a 25 per cent increase from 2021
Locally Burlington saw huge voter turnout in the advance polls
For those who've yet to cast their ballots
here’s a look at who’s running
Liberal Leader Mark Carney triggered the election on March 22 after serving as prime minister for just over a week
he has positioned himself as the best person to take on U.S
President Donald Trump and lead the country through an economic crisis
Carney said the question voters must answer is this: "Who's going to be negotiating with President Trump and who's going to be managing the finances of this country?"
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has run on a platform of change
asking voters to deny the Liberals four more years in power
change," he said in Hamilton last week
"Change so you can afford food and housing
Change so we can bring home our jobs and strength
Public polling shows that the Liberals opened up a lead over the Conservatives at the outset of the campaign
Those polls have not been kind to Jagmeet Singh's New Democratic Party
which has been polling in a distant third place
Singh has been urging voters to rally around NDP incumbents and send them back to Ottawa to hold what he expects to be a Liberal government accountable
The Green Party and its co-leaders, Jonathan Pedneault and Elizabeth May
are hoping to protect the party's incumbents
May in Saanich—Gulf Islands and Mike Morrice in Kitchener Centre
and re-elect former MP Paul Manly in Nanaimo—Ladysmith
The party has also singled out Pedneault's riding of Outremont
as well as Fredericton—Oromocto and Guelph
Meanwhile, Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet recently made headlines for riling up his sovereigntist base for calling Canada "an artificial country with very little meaning."
You can follow the results of the election as they come in here, and on our Canada Votes home page
The man fatally shot outside a restaurant in Burlington
was a longtime member of the Hells Angels biker group
Halton Regional Police say 55-year-old Craig McIlquham, also known as Craig Brown of Oakville, was gunned down by unknown assailants in the parking lot of the Mandarin Restaurant on Fairview Street late Tuesday night (April 29)
He had been in the restaurant dining with family members
having been linked to organized crime and arrested several times over the years on various charges
he was one of 30 people brought in during a police probe into illegal gambling and money laundering
Those charges were never proven in court and many were withdrawn
Police have said McIlquham was targeted by the shooters but have not indicated if they know of a motive for the crime
Investigators have since said they are looking for is a grey
newer model Honda Civic with dark-tinted windows and black alloy rims
They are appealing to the public to help identify the vehicle and those who may be connected to the car
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Major Crime Bureau at 905-825-4776
anyone with dash cam footage of Fairview Street and Brant Street between 4 and 10 p.m
With the dust settling on the 2025 federal election
Liberal Party incumbent Karina Gould has emerged victorious over the Conservative Party representative Emily Brown in Burlington as the Liberals hang onto the federal government with a minority share of the seats at 168 to the Conservative’s 144
The Burlington riding was called around 11 p.m
for Gould in a race that saw Brown remain around 1,000 votes behind for most of the night as the polls came in
but ended up losing 30,123 votes to 40,764
Brown arrived at the Burlington Holiday Inn after midnight once the riding had been called to meet with her supporters after a long night of waiting
“It doesn’t matter if there’s a win or a loss here in Burlington,” Brown said
We haven’t just built a campaign team here
we still need to fight for reasonable immigration
we live here with friends and families and co-workers
It’s our home and we’re going to fight for it regardless of the outcome.”
Michael Beauchemin received 1,474 votes for the NDP
Kyle Hutton claimed 553 for the Green Party and Michael Bator earned 500 votes for the People’s Party of Canada
Brown held her head high despite the Conservative Party losing out on both the Burlington riding and the overall national vote
“I’m so proud of my common sense Conservative colleagues,” Brown said
“I’m looking at some great wins
and there’s been some disappointing results as well but we’ve got enough seats in the house
We’re going to make this new government as accountable as we made the old Liberal government.”
More than 100 supporters and volunteers congratulated Brown on her second campaign
which saw her hold Gould to a close race for much of the night
The Conservative Party candidate took the time to speak with everyone who had voted for her or helped her in the buildup to the election
“This was a team effort,” Brown said
“I would not be here without the people around me that did everything they could to support this journey
our campaign office had become like a clubhouse of volunteers
Brown also lost out to Gould during the 2021 federal election by around six thousand votes
earning around 25,700 votes compared to the Liberal candidate’s 31,600
Related story: Karina Gould pledges to fight for jobs and sovereignty in new term
Burlington’s Brant Street pier and lighthouse
Burlington Village Square on Elizabeth Street
The red telephone box in Burlington’s village square is popular for tourists
Maybe I'm just being nostalgic for simpler times
and arrange for more tour guides to direct people around
downtown Burlington could get crowded and chaotic
Based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts
Emily Zarevich is a journalist from Burlington
I have lived in Burlington my whole life — 32 years — and I wear the blinkers of a lifelong native
though not entirely immune to the city’s charms
I walk along the downtown waterfront and enjoy the fresh air and the familiar view of Lake Ontario
but I have travelled and can opine that they’re not the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing
and it’s almost time for the city’s cherry blossom trees to bloom
which is a pleasant and familiar seasonal occurrence
I’m not overly infatuated with Burlington but rather enjoy it as something akin to a comfortable
Does everyone who’s lived in the same city for twenty-plus years feel this way
Burlington is becoming somewhat of a tourist hot spot
People I have never seen before are strolling along the waterfront
snapping photos and taking selfies in a way that clearly indicates the surroundings are new
and they are witnessing a view they’ve never seen before
The Burlington Village Square on Elizabeth Street has become crowded with such tourists
all vying for the same Instagram photo at the red telephone box
which has become Burlington’s nod to its British past
stroll right past the landmark without a glance
Our modest Brant Street pier and lighthouse attract attention too
and the Pearle Hotel and Spa — opened in 2021 — brings in enough business to stay happily afloat
Seeing all this fanfare does make me feel proud of my city
There is something quaint and charming that attracts people in for the day or for the weekend
It’s not that I take issue with all this out-of-towner attention. Of course, people are welcome here. But sometimes I feel protective of my hometown. I feel a little worried, or in a position where I’m being asked to open my hometown up to many. Burlington has become exceptional. I go on YouTube, type in Burlington, and I find a “Top Ten Things To Do in Burlington” video, as slick as anything that would be made for Toronto or Paris
In my parents’ generation — in the ‘70s and ‘80s — Burlington was a commuter town
attractive mainly for its proximity to the train and bus stations that carried locals to Toronto and Hamilton
people have started flowing in with fists full of cash to spend
This uptick has not gone unnoticed by city officials
Tourism Burlington says in the first two months of 2025
visitor spending — both international and domestic — hit $58.1 million
a thriving city that was borne as a small bedroom community
so does my concern about how the city will balance its appeal to satisfy the longtime residents with the visitors
and the competition for parking spots is fierce
When local residents start having to compete for space on their own roads
Matters will get even more complicated if local residents find themselves on waitlists
if line ups become the norm at favourite restaurants
or they can’t secure tickets to local event venues
I guess I am just not convinced Burlington can handle its rising stardom
Maybe I’m just being nostalgic for simpler times
Tourism Burlington already offers some walking tours of the downtown area. The city of Burlington’s 2024 “Live and Play Plan” outlines some plans for development
but will these changes accommodate and satisfy the growing tourism industry
Is it ready for what will happen if it reaches the point where there are busloads of visitors here for a full weekend of tours that include the Royal Botanical Gardens
but I also want the city to retain some of its original small-town appeal
That’s what seems to be attracting all the tourists
But if Burlington becomes overrun with visitors
it risks alienating both locals and tourists
Opinion articles are based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details
VideoPolice update on shooting at Mandarin parking lot in BurlingtonHalton Regional Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man in his 50s in the parking lot of a Mandarin restaurant in Burlington.