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Burlington, Ont.—Jan. 16, 2025— Residents are invited to review and share their feedback on seven options for the design of Burlington’s ward boundaries, starting Feb. 4. In-person and online public engagement opportunities for Phase Two of Burlington’s Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review will take place between Feb. 4 and Feb. 28.
Engagement opportunities for Phase Two of the Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review
Drop-in information sessions:
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 1:30 – 3 p.m., La Salle Pavillion (Main Ballroom), 50 North Shore Blvd.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Ella Foote Hall, 2175 Blessington St.
Thursday, Feb. 6, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Burlington Senior’s Centre (Community Room 3), 2285 New St.
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Mountainside Community Centre (Community Room 1), 2205 Mount Forest Dr.
Thursday, Feb. 13, 1:30 – 3 p.m., Haber Community Centre (Community Room 1), 3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.
Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Tansley Woods Community Centre (Community Room 2), 1996 Itabashi Way
Thursday, Feb. 20, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Appleby Ice Centre (Community Room 2), 1201 Appleby Line
Online virtual information session:
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7 – 8 p.m., Online Virtual Session, on Zoom
Online survey:
Tuesday, Feb. 4 – Friday, Feb. 28, Online Survey open
More details about the public engagement opportunities can be found at getinvolvedburlington.ca/boundaryreview.
Background
The City of Burlington is conducting a Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review. The review is being done to help plan for the future and ensure voters are represented equally in the local government decision-making process. The last ward boundary review for Burlington was completed 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.
Phase One of public engagement for the Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review, in October 2024, focused on the current size and structure of Burlington City Council. On Dec. 2, 2024, an interim report was presented to City Council. This report was informed by resident feedback shared in Phase One of the review. On Dec. 10, 2024, City Council directed the consultant team coordinating the review to bring back ward boundary options that maintain six wards in Burlington. This means Burlington Council will continue to have seven members, one mayor and six councillors, and each local councillor will continue to represent their ward in Burlington and be a regional councillor on Halton Regional Council, along with the mayor.
With this direction, Phase 2 of the Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review will focus on the design of Burlington’s six wards. A total of seven design options are proposed, with each taking four guiding principles into consideration to achieve effective representation:
- representation by population
- future population trends
- communities of interest
- geographic representation.
Next steps
Public engagements throughout the month of February provide opportunities for residents and businesses to review the proposed seven options and share their feedback. The feedback gathered will inform a report that goes to City Council in spring 2025. At this time, Council will determine whether to adjust or maintain the city’s existing ward boundaries. If changes are required, they will be implemented before the 2026 Municipal Election (Oct. 26, 2026).
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Quote
Blake Hurley, Commissioner, Legal and Legislative Services/City Solicitor
“The public engagements planned for Phase Two of the Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review provide residents with a valuable opportunity to help shape the design of Burlington’s ward boundaries. As the city grows, it’s important that our ward boundaries reflect the diverse needs and interests of every neighbourhood. The input we gather will inform a report to City Council that will help them determine if adjustments are needed to our current ward boundaries. I encourage residents to learn more and take part in the engagement to ensure their input is considered.”
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, is available on getinvolvedburlington.ca/boundaryreview.
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