City seeking input for council composition and ward boundary review

Burlington, Ont.—Sept. 23, 2024— Work to review the composition of Burlington City Council and the city’s ward boundaries is set to begin this fall. The review will assess how well the current council size and structure, and ward boundaries work for our community. 

All residents and Burlington business owners are invited to share their input through a series of upcoming public engagements. Information about the review and opportunities to be involved are available on getinvolvedburlington.ca/boundaryreview. 

What is a council composition and ward boundary review?

A council composition and ward boundary review helps plan for the future. The reviews ensure voters are represented equally in the local government decision-making process.

The last ward boundary review for Burlington was done in 2005, when the city’s population was 139,000. Since this time, the city’s population has grown to approximately 186,948 (2021 Census). Over the next 25 years, the city will continue to grow. Approximately 265,000 people are expected to call Burlington home by 2051. 

• Council composition reviews look at the size and structure of City Council. They determine if the current number of councillors and the coverage they provide are adequate for our community.
  
• Ward boundary reviews are typically undertaken every three to four election cycles (12 – 16 years) to look at the boundaries of a city’s wards. Factors, such as population, future growth, geography, community history, community interests, and minority representation, are also considered in the division of wards.  

Public engagement and Council decisions

Public engagement and Council decisions will happen in two phases for the review. In phase one, residents will be asked for their input on council composition. Input gathered from the community will be used to help inform a report that will go to City Council for their consideration in December 2024.

In phase two, public engagement will focus on ward boundaries. This phase is anticipated to start early in 2025. More information will be shared on getinvolvedburlington.ca/boundaryreview later this year.

Council composition public engagement opportunities

• Monday, Oct. 7 – 9:30 a.m., presentation at Committee of the Whole, Council Chambers, 426 Brant St.
• Monday, Oct. 7 - 7 to 8:30 p.m., Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way
• Wednesday, Oct. 9 - 7 to 8:30 p.m., Central Arena, 519 Drury Ln
• Thursday, Oct. 10 - 1:30 to 3 p.m., Mountainside Recreation Centre, 2205 Mt. Forest Dr.
• Tuesday, Oct. 15 – 7 to 8:30 p.m., virtual public meeting
• Wednesday, Oct. 23 – 7 to 8:30 p.m., Haber Community Centre, 3040 Tim Dobbie Dr. 

Residents and business owners can also share their feedback through the council composition and ward boundary survey, available on getinvolvedburlington.ca/boundaryreview starting Oct.7.

Burlington is a city where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.

Quote

Samantha Yew, City Clerk

“With Burlington’s population expected to grow, the council composition and ward boundary review will help ensure voters are represented equally in the decision-making process, no matter where they live in the city. We want to hear from residents and businesses throughout the city to help us get to know their needs and communities better. Tell us what makes your neighbourhood unique and how well the current council size and structure work for you.”

Quick Facts

• Burlington’s current City Council is made up of seven members – the mayor and six councillors. The City of Burlington is divided into six wards.
• In June 2023, Council directed City staff to prepare a report on a City of Burlington ward boundary review for their consideration.
• In March 2024, Council voted to proceed (report CL-03-24) with a council composition and ward boundary review, conducted by an independent consultant.

Links and Resources

• Information about the council composition and ward boundary review, including opportunities to be involved, are available on getinvolvedburlington.ca/boundaryreview.

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