Good morning Burlington. Happy Wednesday!

Here is what to expect in today’s issue:

  • 🛒 Grocer Arrives, Pub says goodbye, & Festive Lights

  • 🇨🇦 Terry Fox in 1980’s Burlington & Pet Spotlight

  • 📅 Some events to keep you busy!

Thanks for being part of our growing community, let’s dive in!

~ Nick

We’re Burlington’s largest newsletter with over 9,000 readers.
Let’s work together.

🛒 Huge New Grocer Coming Next Year

Ethnic Supermarket in Milton. Source ethnicsupermarket.ca

The former Staples at 1881 Fairview St. is set to become a 41,000-square-foot Ethnic Supermarket, bringing a wide mix of global groceries to Burlington by September 2026. The locally owned chain already draws loyal shoppers in Milton and Guelph with products spanning Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and more.

Plans include fresh produce, meat and halal options, seafood, bakery, and a food court many praise for affordable hot meals. Hiring for 50 to 80 full-time roles is expected to begin next summer.

🍻 Last Call at the Slye Fox

After 26 years, the Slye Fox poured its final pint last week as the longtime pub prepares for a full renovation and rebrand. Open since 1999, it was a familiar home for live music, weekend soccer crowds, and generations of regulars who treated it like a second living room.

The space is set to reopen in early January under a new brand, with a different menu and updated concept. With the change coming, many locals are taking a moment to appreciate what the Fox meant to the neighbourhood.

🎄 One House, Thousands of Lights

For more than a decade, Mike Madole’s home on Devlin Drive has been a holiday destination. What began as a tech hobby has grown into a 14,000-light display, carefully programmed to sync with music and light up the neighbourhood night after night.

Locals know it as the “Rusty Griswold House,” a stop that’s become part of many families’ December routines. This year, the display is also raising funds for Halton Women’s Place, spreading joy and doing good is a yearly occurrence for Mike.

🇨🇦 Terry Fox in Burlington, 1980

r/BurlingtonON user Evening-Wallaby-2711

A Burlington reddit user came across this photo while sorting through old family pictures, he was very surprised to find pictures of Terry Fox coming through town back in 1980.

In the comments, people are trying to identify the exact street, with one person suggesting it’s on King Road and Greenwood Drive. What an incredible piece of Canadian history.

If you or someone you know has cool photos from Burlington’s past, reach out to us. We’d love to share them.

⚡️ Pet Spotlight: Meet Thunder Pants!
Together with Burlington Humane Society

Thunderpants has always been a gentle and careful soul, keeping her world small and quiet as she observed everything with thoughtful golden eyes. Even before arriving at the shelter, she preferred safe corners and calm spaces. When her kittens arrived, her bravery grew just enough to give them all the love and protection they needed, and she watched proudly as each one went off to a loving home.

Now Thunderpants is ready for a home of her own. She is looking for a calm and patient person who will let her settle in at her own pace. Once she feels safe, her affection runs deep, and her soft purrs are a quiet reward for kindness and trust.

Wednesday, December 17
🌧️ Cloudy with light rain / showers
High: 3°C | Low: -3°C

Thursday, December 18
☔ Rain likely, overcast
High: 7°C | Low: -1°C

Friday, December 19
☁️ Mostly cloudy / light snow possible
High: 1°C | Low: -4°C

🎤 WomenUp: Power Up Your 2026
Thu 12/18 @ 12PM-1:30PM
WorkWell Spaces

🎄 Downtown St. Catharines Holiday Trail
Thu 12/18 @ 4:30PM
Downtown St. Catharines

📚 BPL Reading Challenge Meet-up
Thu 12/18 @ 7PM-8PM
Centennial Hall

🎭 A Niagara Christmas Carol – Foster Festival
Thu 12/18 @ 7PM-9PM
Burlington Performing Arts Centre

🎤 Burlington Toastmasters Meeting
Thu 12/18 @ 7:30PM-9:30PM
1996 Itabashi Way

🎅 Santa Is Coming to Burlington Towers
Fri 12/19 @ 4PM
1285 Ontario St

🎨 Paint Nite at Boston Pizza
Fri 12/19 @ 7PM-9PM
Boston Pizza Burlington South

🎶 Sultans of String: Christmas Caravan
Fri 12/19 @ 7:30PM-9:30PM
Burlington Performing Arts Centre

🧘 Yoga with Bunnies
Sat 12/20 @ 10AM-11AM
Blue Dot Acres

Holly Jolly Tea w/ Live Performance
Sat 12/20 @ 11AM-2PM
Burlington Lions Club Hall

🎄 Burlington Christmas Bazaar
Sat 12/20 @ 11AM-4PM
Burlington Lions Club

🎶 Welcome Christmas – Carols & Song
Sat 12/20 @ 7:30PM-9:30PM
North Burlington Baptist Church

🎄 The Holiday Market
Sat-Sun 12/20-12/21
West Coast Kids Corridor

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Sip & Stride 5K
Sun 12/21 @ 10AM-12PM
396 Martha St

🌸 Flower Arrangement Workshop at QBs
Sun 12/21 @ 11AM-1PM
QB Sports Bar Grill Games

🎨 Paint Nite at Boston Pizza
Sun 12/21 @ 12PM-2PM
Boston Pizza Burlington South

🎧 Jingle Beats Silent Disco
Sun 12/21 @ 6PM
Burlington Lions Club

🎸 Live Music

Thursday

BlkSwan (Palladium Way) | Andrew Irving | 5PM
Nickel Brook | Line Dance Night | 6:45PM
Gator Teds | The Killin’ Time Band | 7PM
BlkSwan (Brant St) | Mike Stevenson and Guest | 7:30PM

Friday

Nickel Brook | Line Dance Night | 7PM
Squires | Stone House Road Band | 7PM
BlkSwan (Palladium Way) | Rocket 88 | 8PM
BlkSwan (Brant St) | Pop Machine | 10PM
The Dickens | Real Kevin | 10PM

Saturday

Carrigan Arms | Midlife Crisis | 3PM
BlkSwan (Brant St) | Jammer’s Waffle House | 10PM
The Dickens | Sunday Noise | 10PM
Squires | Midlife Chaos | 11PM

❓ Trivia

Thank You!

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NICK POLLOCK
Editor / The Burlington Digest
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