Hassaan Basit named next City Manager for the City of Burlington

Burlington, Ont. – Feb. 16, 2024—Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, along with Burlington City Council, is pleased to announce Hassaan Basit will be joining the City of Burlington team as its next City Manager. Mr. Basit will begin his role on April 22, 2024. 

Hassaan Basit has a proven track record of transforming organizations to deliver results. As CEO of Conservation Halton, he built a high performing team with an outstanding culture, reduced permit times, improved processes, brought in performance metrics and turned around relationships with the development industry, experience which will all be essential to meeting our housing pledge of enabling 29,000 homes to be built by 2031.  

Additionally, he and his team are responsible for managing critical flood water infrastructure, approving development permits under the Conservation Authorities Act, carrying out environmental restoration and forest management, delivering programming to 1.5 million annual customers, and running parks, while focusing on sustainability, climate change adaptation and mitigation - key priorities outlined in the City’s recently approved four-year work plan, Vision to Focus. 

He has also developed extensive relationships with all levels of government and Halton Region, including being selected by the provincial government as the chair of the Province’s Conservation Authority Working Group. 

Mr. Basit has also consistently delivered a budget at or below the regional guidelines, which are tied to inflation. This experience will help the Mayor and Council balance community needs and the pressures of growth.  

The extensive search for the new City Manager began in October 2023, with the participation of City Council, City staff and led by an external search firm. This process began with the current City Manager announcing his intention to not seek a renewal of his contract.   

Mr. Basit will work with current City Manager, Tim Commisso, for a seamless transition of duties. The City is grateful to Mr. Commisso for his leadership and service as Burlington City Manager since 2019. During his tenure, Mr. Commisso ushered in a period of stability while also seeing the city through the Covid-19 emergency. 

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.

Quotes

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward 

“Please join me in welcoming Hassaan Basit as our new City Manager. We are in a time of change and transition at the City of Burlington as we face the challenges of growth and plan for our future. I know that Mr. Basit will hit the ground running to serve our residents and businesses and ensure Burlington remains the destination of choice for people to live, visit and do business. We strive to deliver services in the most compassionate and effective way, and Mr. Basit will help get us there.” 

Hassaan Basit, Incoming City Manager 

“What drew me to this opportunity is Burlington’s commitment to a forward-thinking strategy, dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and preserving the intrinsic charm of our city and its diverse neighbourhoods. I'm thrilled to join the dedicated team at the City of Burlington and to work with so many great collaborators towards an ambitious and exciting vision for the future.” 

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