City Talk Spring 2026
City Talk is the City of Burlington's publication featuring City news and updates.
In this issue of City Talk
View an accessible PDF of the printed version sent to residents
Get Involved Burlington
Have your say! Give input on City initiatives. Help the City continue to improve City services and better your community.
Visit Get Involved Burlington for the latest City projects and initiatives that need community ideas and feedback. This online engagement portal is updated regularly. There is a calendar of upcoming engagement events too. Be sure to share your voice with the City.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
Committed to serving you
Over the past year, Burlington has continued to move important work forward, strengthening partnerships, supporting residents and businesses, and delivering on priorities that matter to our community. This progress reflects what makes Burlington strong: our talent, our sense of community, reliable business services, and stable, collaborative leadership.
What gives me confidence is Burlington’s strength and stability. Burlington is strong, not because we are immune to challenges, but because of how we face them together, with partnerships and collaboration among staff, council and the community.
The past year brought with it uncertainty and disruption. Our closest trading partner ignored trade agreements and levied tariffs that hit steel, manufacturing, auto and more. This has disrupted supply chains, increased costs of goods and created risk and uncertainty, affecting everything from the cost of bread to the cost of housing. This year may bring more of the same.
In the face of these challenges, we have acted to reduce costs for businesses and residents, with tax deferrals, advocacy for Buy Ontario policies, reductions in development fees, free transit, property tax grant, and more.
Our 2026 budget accounts for inflation, state of good repair and protecting core community services. With one of the lowest property tax increases in the region, we are investing in community services you count on, emergency response, flood protection, roads, parks, and community facilities, while confronting our infrastructure gap head-on. Planning ahead and investing early reduces risk, saves money, and keeps our city moving.
We are also strengthening community safety, expanding post-secondary partnerships, attracting new investment, and protecting the quality of life that makes people want to live, work, and build their futures here. We’re tackling challenges directly, including traffic congestion and safety. To that end I am forming a Traffic and Road Safety round table to bring together experts and residents with lived experience to develop an action plan together. If you are interested to serve, contact my office.
Collaborative, stable leadership and community partnerships will carry us forward.
Together we will continue to make this city strong, resilient and ready for whatever challenges and opportunities the future brings.
Office of the Mayor
426 Brant St., P.O. Box 5013
Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6
Tel: 905-335-7777
Email the Mayor
Mayor’s Executive Administrator
Tel: 905-335-7777
mayor@burlington.ca
Ward 1 – Councillor Kelvin Galbraith
Deputy Mayor for Business and Red Tape Reduction
Ward 1 update
Here’s what’s happening in Ward 1:
Spring is just around the corner and I, for one, am looking forward to a change of season. The City does a lot of work behind the scenes to prepare the boat launch at LaSalle Marina and opening Tyandaga Golf Course for spring and summer.
If you are a resident of Ward 1, mark your calendars and meet with me at my drop-in sessions at Mapleview Centre, 900 Maple Ave., food court, second level. Drop-in sessions give you an opportunity to connect with me one on one. You can ask questions, share concerns and offer feedback on City matters.
- Wednesday, April 29 - 10:30 a.m. to noon
- Wednesday, May 27 - 10:30 a.m. to noon
- Wednesday, June 24 - 10:30 a.m. to noon
I hope to see you there!
Ward 1 Office
426 Brant St., P.O. Box 5013
Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6
Tel: 905-335-7777, ext. 7587
Email Councillor
Councillor’s Assistant
Tel: 905-335-7777, ext. 7863
ward1@burlington.ca
Ward 2 - Councillor Lisa Kearns
Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement and Partnerships
Ward 2 update
Here’s what’s happening in Ward 2:
Upcoming Engagement Events
- April 1, 6:30 p.m., Community Traffic Forum, AGB - Addressing traffic, congestion and mobility concerns in the city with solution experts and agencies.
- April 22, 7 p.m., Ward 2 Update, City Hall
- April 26, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Walking Tour, City Hall
- May 19, 7 p.m., Ward 2 Update, City Hall
- Information: 905-335-7777, ext. 7368
June brings vibrant cultural activity to Burlington with must-attend music festivals. The Nashville Takeover: Burlington runs June 12 to 14, bringing original songwriting, storytelling, and community connection to venues across the city.
The City has also selected MRG Live Ltd. to produce a new, free music festival at Spencer Smith Park during Father’s Day weekend, featuring live music and community programming.
Development remains a priority for Ward 2 residents and businesses.
Ward 2 Office
426 Brant St., P.O. Box 5013
Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6
Tel: 289-962-2679
Email Councillor
Councillor’s Assistant
Tel: 905-335-7777, ext. 7368
ward2@burlington.ca
Ward 3 - Councillor Rory Nisan
Deputy Mayor for the Environment
Ward 3 update
Here’s what’s happening in Ward 3:
Brant Hills Energy Retrofit Project
The Brant Hills Community Centre is getting a new insulated roof, upgraded heating and cooling with heat pumps and heat recovery, and solar panels. These renos are good for the environment and save taxpayer money.
Upper Middle Road Renewal
The work starts this year and includes installation of a new watermain, new cycling infrastructure, asphalt replacement, stormwater drainage improvements, and streetlighting upgrades. The project also introduces a new and unique greenway.
Deputy Mayor Updates
Keep an eye out for our four new hybrid buses that are coming to the city. They operate quietly, are better for the environment and save on diesel costs. The bus is doing great. We had more than 3.7 million trips taken in 2025, a new record.
Ward 3 Office
426 Brant St., P.O. Box 5013
Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6
Tel: 905-335-7777, ext. 7459
Email Councillor
Councillor’s Assistant
Tel: 905-335-7777, ext. 7565
ward3@burlington.ca
Ward 4 - Councillor Shawna Stolte
Deputy Mayor for Housing
Ward 4 update
Here’s what’s happening in Ward 4:
The beautifully improved Port Nelson Park reopened for play late last year, and I’m excited about the re-opening celebration planned for the afternoon of Sunday, April 26. Please stay tuned to my newsletter and social media for updates!
Thanks to a very generous community family donation, north Ward 4 can look forward to a new leash-free dog park opening in Palmer Park this summer that will nicely complement the wonderful new park amenities at Lansdown Park.
Starting this spring, the City and Halton Region will be making improvements in the Spruce Avenue area, east of Walkers Line. Work includes streetlight improvements, road infrastructure, sewer repairs and watermain replacement.
I always appreciate opportunities to connect with the community at my monthly Coffee Chat events. Please feel free to drop by The Hub (entrance 1) in the Burlington Centre on the last Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. to noon. Everyone is welcome!
Ward 4 Office
426 Brant St., P.O. Box 5013
Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6
Tel: 905-335-7777, ext. 7531
Email Councillor
Councillor’s Assistant
Tel: 905-335-7777, ext. 7512
ward4@burlington.ca
Ward 5 - Councillor Paul Sharman
Deputy Mayor for Strategy and Budgets
Ward 5 update
Here’s what’s happening in Ward 5:
It was an exciting year for Ward 5 in 2025, with the opening of Skyway Community Centre and Park and Robert Bateman Community Centre.
Robert Bateman is a collaborative hub, housing the Appleby branch of Burlington Public Library, TechPlace, and programs for Brock University and Halton District School Board. Future phases will complete indoor spaces and enhance outdoor areas. Skyway features a full-sized ice pad, multi-use program rooms, and an indoor walking track - perfect for staying active year-round.
Looking ahead
Get Involved: Email my office to join the Appleby Line Street Festival or Orchard Community Picnic organizing committees. Sign up for my Ward 5 newsletter for upcoming Coffee with the Councillor events.
Lots of events are coming up, including an Art Walk in August, Orchard Community Picnic, and Appleby Line Street Festival in the fall. For a full list of one-time and weekly events, visit the events calendar.
Ward 5 Office
426 Brant St., P.O. Box 5013
Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6
Tel: 905-335-7777, ext. 7591
Email Councillor
Councillor’s Assistant
Tel: 905-335-7777, ext. 7454
ward5@burlington.ca
Ward 6 - Councillor Angelo Bentivegna
Deputy Mayor for Recreation and Community Services
Ward 6 update
Here’s what’s happening in Ward 6:
In 2026, Crime Stoppers of Halton will roll out a Community Watch program in Ward 6 to strengthen neighbourhood connections and support community safety through awareness, information-sharing, and prevention.
As part of the rollout, Crime Stoppers will coordinate a community information event, conduct door-to-door outreach to notify residents, and share practical resources and updates to help residents stay informed and engaged.
The program empowers neighbours to look out for one another and strengthens communication between residents and Crime Stoppers, without replacing emergency services.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for the Community Watch newsletter for program updates, safety tips, and information about upcoming events.
Learn more at Crime Stoppers of Halton.
Ward 6 Office
426 Brant St., P.O. Box 5013
Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6
Tel: 905-335-7777, ext. 7592
Email Councillor
Councillor’s Assistant
Tel: 905-335-7777, ext. 7480
ward6@burlington.ca
The City of Burlington is developing its next 25-year Vision and Strategic Plan — Horizon 2050 — to help guide the city’s future based on what matters most to the community.
Burlington’s 25-Year Vision and Community Strategic Plan: Horizon 2050
Horizon 2050 sets a long-term direction for how the City plans, prioritizes, and invests over the next 25 years. Shaped by community input, data, and long-term trend analysis, it supports decisions that strengthen how people experience life in Burlington — where neighbourhoods function well, daily needs are within reach, nature is part of everyday life, and people can easily access services, spend time together, and participate fully in community life at every stage of life.
Planning for the future starts by listening. As Burlington experiences population growth, changing community needs, economic shifts, and environmental pressures, the City engaged residents, community groups, and partners to understand what shapes their day-to-day experience of living in the city and what they want to protect for the future.
What we heard emphasized the importance of protecting and enhancing quality of life — how people experience living in Burlington, across all ages and stages. Residents spoke about well-being, belonging, access to services and community spaces, and the ability to live healthy, connected lives. These priorities were closely followed by the need to care for the natural environment, plan growth thoughtfully, create inclusive and welcoming communities, and ensure mobility and infrastructure support everyday life. Together, these insights are shaping a people-first approach to long-term planning.
As a 25-year Vision and Strategic Plan, Horizon 2050 helps align service delivery choices, support advocacy with other levels of government, and strengthen coordination with service partners around shared objectives and outcomes.
Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their perspectives.
Learn more about Horizon 2050 engagement input and next steps
April showers? Consider flood protection programs to keep your home safe
Heavy, isolated downpours are becoming more common, replacing the slow, steady rain we used to expect. While we can’t control the weather, the City is investing in key stormwater infrastructure upgrades and programs to protect homes and keep residents safe. In 2026, the City is investing $7.9 million in stormwater projects to protect homes and natural areas in Burlington, building on $90 million invested since 2015.
You can also take steps to reduce flood risk. Explore available programs to help prevent or limit damage to your home ahead of the spring and summer rainy season.
Home Flood Protection Program
The Home Flood Protection Program offers homeowners up to 50 per cent of the cost of flood protection assessments, which aim to find potential ways that water/sewage can enter your home and provide tips to reduce damage should your home flood.
Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program
Apply for the City’s Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program, which covers the building permit cost for installing a backwater valve, a sump pump, or repairing/replacing a sanitary line (with a backwater valve). Since 2014, $644,000 in fees have been waived.
Halton Region’s Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program
Halton Region’s Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program offers financial support for residents who make improvements to prevent stormwater from entering the wastewater system and reduce the risk of flooding from sewer backup.
Conservation Halton Programs
Conservation Halton offers programs such as the Rainwater Conservation Fund, which supports projects that divert and infiltrate rainwater, with grants available for eligible residents.
What the City is doing
Managing and monitoring:
93 km of creeks within Burlington
2,000 culverts
16,500 catch basins
Subsidies and investments:
$644,000 in waived plumbing permit fees since 2014
$7.9 million plus invested by the City in 2026
$90 million plus invested in stormwater infrastructure
since 2015
Apply to the Love My Neighbourhood funding program.
The Love My Neighbourhood program helps you form connections, strengthen relationships, and build support systems for your community.
Burlington residents can apply for a grant of up to $500 per household and/or event once a year. Applications are accepted year-round.
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, CO alarms must be installed on every level of your home.
These alarms are your first line of defence, providing early warning in case of fire or the presence of dangerous CO gas.
Ensuring that your alarms are properly installed and maintained can save your life.
Images are renderings only. Final product may be different.
Refreshing and revitalizing Civic Square
The City of Burlington will be refreshing the area surrounding City Hall. This includes Civic Square, City Hall’s front entrance and facade and the streetscapes of Brant Street and Elgin Street in the immediate area. Public art will also be featured to help bring the space to life.
The City received Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – Community, Culture and Recreation Stream funding for the renewal of Civic Square and Brant Streetscape.
The total estimated budget for this project is $7.6M, including design and construction. Approximately $3,638,817 has been received through a federal and provincial ICIP grant, and the remainder is funded through prior approved capital budget.
Funding to support the new Brant Street entrance was approved in the 2024 Capital Budget and Forecast.
Construction will begin this spring and is expected to be completed in early 2027.
The end result will be a public gathering space that enhances community connections, develops community identity through arts, culture and festivals and events and creates a warm, welcoming, inclusive and accessible space for everyone.
New: Manage your property tax account online
The City of Burlington has launched a secure, user-friendly online Property Tax Portal. The new portal gives property owners 24/7 access to their property tax information from anywhere.
Use the tool to view account balances, print tax statements and bills, change contact information, and more.
With the self-serve property tax tool, Burlington property owners can:
- View property tax information, account balance, and payment history (from June 1, 2024 onwards)
- Sign up, change or cancel pre-authorized payment plan(s)
- Print or download a statement of account or tax bill (2025 onwards)
- Go paperless and sign up for electronic billing to receive an email notification of tax bills
- Request changes to a mailing address and/or contact information
Learn more about property taxes that pay for City services and programs
Get involved in Burlington’s tree planting initiatives
Spring is a busy time for Burlington’s forestry team as we deliver on the action items in our Urban Forest Master Plan and Woodland Management Strategy. You may notice more forestry staff out in your neighbourhood pruning trees to keep them healthy and resistant to storms. Alongside our maintenance efforts, the City hosts and partners on community tree planting events and giveaways, offering opportunities for residents to help strengthen and grow our urban canopy.
Registration for the Spring Tree Giveaway is currently open with limited spots. If registration for the April 21 and 22 Tree Giveaway is full, you can still support Burlington’s tree-planting efforts by subscribing to our Get Involved page, where we’ll share upcoming planting events with community partners such as BurlingtonGreen and Conservation Halton.
Residents can also submit their interest for a 2026/2027 street-side tree. The City’s Street-Side Tree Planting program is a simple, guided process: contact the City, have a forestry investigator assess your property, and, if the site is suitable, staff will add your address to the annual planting list.
Stay up to date and get involved with City forestry initiatives
Lakeshore Music and Arts Festival
The City of Burlington is excited to support the launch of the Lakeshore Music and Arts Festival, a free, new signature summer event planned for June 20 and 21, 2026, at Spencer Smith Park and throughout the downtown waterfront.
This festival represents an exciting new chapter for Burlington’s waterfront, celebrating Canadian music, local arts, and community culture while strengthening the city’s reputation as a vibrant and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike. The City is particularly pleased that the festival vision emphasizes accessibility, family-friendly programming, and opportunities for local artists, as well as activation of the downtown core in support of local businesses.
The Lakeshore Music and Arts Festival is intended to establish a strong foundation for a renewed waterfront music event in Burlington, aligned with community feedback and City objectives. We look forward to welcoming the community to this new celebration of music, arts, and culture in June 2026.
Visit the Lakeshore Music and Art Festival website Upcoming festivals and events
Upcoming volunteer opportunities
The City of Burlington offers different ways for you to volunteer. Volunteers are an important part of our community and help make our city better. Volunteers support many City programs and activities. It’s a great way to gain experience, build skills and meet new people. When you volunteer, you make a real difference in your community.
Apply for upcoming volunteer opportunities:
- Animal Services
- Aquatics
- Camps
- Events
- Tyandaga Golf Course
If you are interested in applying to be a volunteer, email or call 905-335-7777, ext. 7978.
Community Trails Strategy Update – unlocking potential and connecting communities
The City of Burlington advanced its Community Trails Strategy Update through a second round of engagement held between September and December 2025. A mix of in‑person and online activities gave residents and interested parties multiple ways to share their insights. Engagement opportunities included an in‑person Public Open House, a virtual Open House, an online survey, an interactive mapping tool, and an in‑person workshop with community groups and agencies.
We continue to move forward with our trail focus areas and improvements, new trail classifications, and design considerations. Our priority is ensuring the strategy reflects community needs, enhances connectivity, and supports safe, accessible, year‑round trail use unique to the City of Burlington.
In the next few months, staff will be developing the strategy and including supporting recommendations and strategies. The final report will be ready in early 2027.
Get ready for Burlington’s 2026 municipal election
This October, eligible voters in Burlington will choose who they want to represent them on Burlington City Council in the 2026 municipal election.
What you need to know
- Election day: Monday, Oct. 26, 2026
- Internet voting: Oct. 14-23, 2026
- In-person advance voting: Saturday, Oct. 17, and Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026
Run as a candidate
Nominations to run as a candidate in Burlington’s municipal election open May 1, 2026.
Get on the voters list
Check, update or add your information to the voters list. Being registered makes in-person voting faster and ensures you receive a voter information letter, needed to vote online. The letter also tells you which candidates you can vote for and directs you to your in-person voting locations.
Burlington is an amazing city with a great quality of life. When you vote, you help make our city even better. For more information, visit our dedicated election website.
Register to vote Stay up to date on the 2026 municipal election
Join the Spring Telephone Town Hall, April 14
Residents are invited to participate in Burlington’s Spring Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday, April 14, at 7 p.m. This virtual gathering offers a convenient way to stay connected and informed about what’s happening in our community – directly from your phone.
Be part of the conversation
During the town hall, you’ll hear about local initiatives, upcoming projects, and the essential services you depend on every day. Mayor Meed Ward and members of Burlington City Council will be available to answer your questions about the community topics that matter the most to you.
Burlington phone numbers will be randomly selected for the telephone town hall. To add your number to the call list, or request not to be called, email engagement staff.
You can also dial 1-800-757-3578 on April 14 at 7 p.m. to participate.
Get engaged, share your voice and shape our city!
Create an account on Get Involved Burlington to share your voice. Your insights drive real decisions. Register today to make a difference.
94,000+ residents visited Get Involved Burlington in 2025
485 residents registered on the site in 2025
96,000+ surveys completed in 2025
Residents downloaded more than 27,000 documents to stay informed about community projects
6,800 residents subscribed to the Get Involved Burlington newsletter
Living with coyotes
Coyote Etiquette and Petiquette Pop-Ups
Throughout the year, Burlington Animal Services hosts a Coyote Etiquette and Petiquette Pop-Up at a different facility across the city. Residents are encouraged to stop by the pop-up table to ask questions and learn more about a variety of topics, including:
- How to haze coyotes and coyote-proof your property
- How to report off-leash dogs
- Bylaws related to stoop-and-scoop
- Leash-free areas around the city, and more!
Tips for living with coyotes
1. Report sightings
Your feedback helps us to monitor the location of coyotes in the community.
If you see a coyote, or observe a potential problem related to an overgrown building site, garbage or someone intentionally or accidentally feeding a coyote, you can assist the City by submitting an online report.
2. Drop by a Coyote Pop-up
Every other week, Animal Services hosts a Coyote Etiquette and Petiquette Pop-Up at Central Library (2331 New St).
Stop by our pop-up table to ask questions and learn more about a variety of topics, including how to haze coyotes and coyote-proof your property.
Burlington Transit is going green!
Burlington Transit is introducing new hybrid-electric buses to its fleet as part of a $17 million green investment announced in November 2024. Hybrid buses will reduce greenhouse gas emissions so the City is actively working to replace aging vehicles with cleaner hybrid models.
The new hybrid buses feature a small diesel engine and use regenerative braking to charge their batteries.
This year’s budget includes $4.2 million to replace aging transit vehicles with hybrid-electric models. By the end of 2026, there will be 10 new hybrid-electric buses operating in Burlington.
New hybrid buses are just one way that Burlington Transit is putting their commitment to sustainable growth and the environment into action.
The City continues to offer free transit for children and seniors. This, along with improved reliability and safety has seen ongoing increases in ridership. Last year, Burlington Transit saw 3.7 million riders!
Making transit more accessible with free fares, improving reliability and safety and soon, a more efficient ride with hybrid buses, Burlington Transit is driving into the future.”
Last year, Burlington Transit saw 3.7 million riders |
Housing continues to be a top priority in Burlington. The City offers practical tools and dedicated supports to help residents explore housing opportunities and find the right resources.
City continues to invest in housing in Burlington
The Housing Connections Centre is Burlington’s central housing resource hub where you can find the support, information and connections you need to make your housing ideas and goals a reality. Whether you’re a homeowner considering an Additional Residential Unit (ARU), a developer that wants to tap into available government programs, or a community partner seeking guidance, burlington.ca/housingconnections is your link to key housing resources and support. The Housing Connections Centre has practical guides, tools and contacts all in one place. This information is designed to help you better understand options and next steps when thinking about housing in Burlington.
If you’re a homeowner interested in exploring ARUs, the City has a set of online tools. The ARU Look-Up Tool lets you check to see if your property can have an ARU. The Garage Conversion Toolkit offers illustrations and guidance for converting an existing garage into a legal unit.
Together, these resources can help you make informed decisions and connect with housing support tailored to your needs.
ARUsAdditional Residential Units (ARUs) are self-contained living units with their own kitchen, bathroom and sleeping areas. They are on the same property as a primary home, including single detached homes, semi-detached homes and townhouses. They can be inside or attached to a primary home, or in a separate accessory building like a detached garage. |
Festivals and events
Canada Day
- Wednesday, July 1
- Spencer Smith Park
- Learn more about Canada Day
Canada-Netherlands Friendship Day
- Saturday, May 2
- LaSalle Park Pavilion
- Learn more about the Canada-Netherlands Friendship Day
Sakura Festival
- Saturday, May 9
- Burlington Performing Arts Centre
- Learn more about the Sakura Festival
Touch-A-Truck
- Saturday, May 23
- Nelson Park
- Learn more about the Touch-A-Truck event
Lakeshore Music and Arts Festival
- Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21
- Spencer Smith Park
- Visit the Lakeshore Music and Arts Festival website
- View our community events calendar
National Indigenous People’s Day
- Sunday, June 21
- Central Park
- Learn more about Indigenous Projects and Partnerships in Burlington
Subscribe to the City Festivals and Events News Visit the community events calendar
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