Burlington, Ont.—April 11, 2016—Burlington City Council tonight approved Burlington’s Strategic Plan 2015-2040, the product of public engagement and a plan the city believes captures the priorities of the city’s residents and community leaders.
The city led more than a year of public engagement, gathering input from business groups, community groups, staff and residents. The city held workshops in late 2015 and early 2016 to test the draft with the community, making 176 changes to get to the final version.
“Building a great city requires thoughtful planning developed with strong community engagement,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “This plan takes Burlington, one of Canada’s best cities, into the next 25 years, creating the framework for how we can become even better.”
The strategic plan includes four strategic directions:
- A City that Grows
The City of Burlington attracts talent, good jobs and economic opportunity while having achieved intensification and a balanced, targeted population growth for youth, families, newcomers and seniors. - A City that Moves
People and goods move through the city more efficiently and safely. A variety of convenient, affordable and green forms of transportation that align with regional patterns are the norm. Walkability within new/transitioning neighbourhoods and the downtown are a reality. - A Healthy and Greener City
The City of Burlington is a leader in the stewardship of the environment while encouraging healthy lifestyles. - An Engaging City
Community members are engaged, empowered, welcomed and well-served by their city. Culture and community activities thrive, creating a positive sense of place, inclusivity and community.
“The new plan is a blueprint for city-building,” said City Manager James Ridge. “This is a bold, ambitious multi-year plan that we will deliver in partnership with the community.”
With the strategic plan now approved, the city will work with its leadership team to add detail to each strategic direction, including completing the city’s Official Plan and Transportation and Transit Master Plan.
“I look forward to working with council, staff, our residents and businesses to get started on initiatives across Burlington outlined in our strategic plan,” said Mayor Goldring. “Together, we can achieve greatness.”
The city will continue to report back to the community on the progress of the plan, including through issues of City Talk, online at www.burlington.ca/strategicplan, through advertising and social media and through updates to City Council.
Quotes from Burlington City Council about Burlington’s Strategic Plan 2015-2040
“Building a great city requires thoughtful planning developed with strong community engagement. I look forward to working with council, staff and our residents and businesses to get started on initiatives across Burlington outlined in our Strategic Plan. Together, we can achieve greatness.”—Mayor Rick Goldring
“The new strategic plan will help guide the city in a planned, deliberate way, ensuring that neighbourhoods are walkable and that growth takes place with the supporting transportation network.”—Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven
“Residents have told us that “a city that grows” doesn’t mean anything goes for development. Residents want to protect urban greenspace and neighbourhood character, and have meaningful input into how our city is developed for the future. Our strategic plan captures these aspirations and more. Our task now is to live up to them.” –Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward
“It is important that we protect our rural area, which represents 55 per cent of the city’s land mass. We also want to focus on the future of agriculture in Burlington as part of Halton Region. The new strategic plan captures those important ideas and provides a commitment to green space and agriculture today and into the future.”—Ward 3 Councillor John Taylor
“The City of Burlington is committed to encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle for residents. The new strategic plan looks at alternative ways of getting around the city, and focuses on walking and cycling both for health benefits and as a way to enhance our neighbourhoods.”—Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison
“It is a humbling moment to witness the huge strides made by this council, city employees and citizens, through their engagement in the process on behalf of Burlington. By creating a business-grade, competent, strategic plan that is focused on improving the quality of life for current and future Burlington residents over the next 25 years, the city has transcended the usual government practice of being focused entirely on the short term. Good planning should focus on the long-term needs of the organization and its customers, but be flexible enough to make short-term adjustments. I believe we have accomplished that.”—Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman
“Burlington is an inclusive city that weaves a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. The strategic plan embraces diversity and directs the city to encourage people from every culture to come to Burlington and to be involved with building a great city.”—Ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster
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