City Talk Summer 2024
City Talk is the City of Burlington's publication featuring City news and updates.
In this issue of City Talk
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.
Hassaan Basit
Chief Administrative Officer
Building a vibrant, thriving city for the future
As Burlington’s new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), I am privileged to be a part of the City of Burlington team. I began my role on April 22, 2024, and have quickly come to appreciate the dedication of City staff, Council, and community members, to ensure Burlington continues to be a great place to live, work, and visit.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out over the past few months with messages of congratulations, support and enthusiasm – it has been a warm welcome and a humbling experience. I would also like to thank the outgoing City Manager, Tim Commisso for a fantastic transition. It is clear to me Burlington is in good hands with a highly talented, capable, and motivated team. They are eager to innovate and rise to the challenges of managing a dynamic city, and I am honoured to help them succeed in everything they do.
What drew me to this role is Burlington’s commitment to a forward-thinking strategy. We have unique opportunities to foster sustainable growth while preserving the charm of our city and its diverse neighbourhoods. Burlington is remarkable. Its people are the reason we have been named Ontario’s top livable city. Our updated Community Engagement Charter will ensure community voices are heard in our decision-making.
As CAO, I bring my passion for innovation and transformational change to our greatest challenges. These attributes drove my work as CEO of Conservation Halton. There, I developed a high-performing team to deliver measurable service improvements. I am pleased to apply my expertise in helping us meet Burlington’s Housing Pledge of enabling 29,000 homes to be built by 2031. I will work across all levels of government to ensure Burlington’s voice, needs, and expectations are considered on the path to this goal.
I am here to do the important work that continues to improve the quality of life for current and future residents. Working with great collaborators towards an ambitious vision for the future is thrilling. I look forward to meeting community members and partners across the city.
Together, we will build a vibrant and thriving city for generations to come.
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer
426 Brant St., P.O. Box 5013
Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6
Tel: 905-335-7777
Email the CAO through Service Burlington
Mayor
Marianne Meed Ward
Committed to serving you
Your Mayor, Council and City staff, are committed to serving you and making our city the best it can be – and it’s working! Last year, Burlington was named the most-livable city in the province, and fifth in Canada, by the Globe and Mail. We also ranked as the top city for Gen Z by Point2Homes.
Our role is to ensure we continue to deliver services and quality of life while facing the challenges ahead – here’s how we’re doing that:
To help address the housing crisis, your Council unanimously approved a City Housing Strategy and accepted a housing pledge to enable 29,000 homes to be built. At Halton Region, we’re investing more in assisted housing, rent supplements, and help for those who are unhoused. I introduced a first-of-its-kind Pipeline to Permit City standing committee, with community experts, to get permits issued faster.
We’re investing in transit - including specialized service - and making it free for seniors, low-income families, youth (under 12) and students (evenings and weekends), so residents can participate in community life. Council also approved our first-ever Integrated Mobility Plan to provide many ways to get around the city.
We’re upgrading parks and playgrounds by replacing aging infrastructure and adding features everyone can enjoy, like accessible swings accommodating a mobility device.
We’re advocating to other levels of government through my role on the board of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors caucus. Together, with partners at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, we’ve successfully advocated for housing-enabling infrastructure funding.
As Mayor, I introduced a new Deputy Mayor with Portfolio governance model to build on the unique experiences of Council and foster greater collaboration. This innovative, made-in-Burlington model has drawn interest from other municipalities.
We also welcomed our new Chief Administrative Officer, Hassaan Basit, who brings a proven track record from his time at Conservation Halton of improving service delivery and building relationships.
We know there’s more work to do, and I’m committed to working with the community, Council, and staff to continue to deliver high-quality services for current and future generations.
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:
- Tyandaga Golf Course was approved to stay at 18 holes. A new parking lot and golf cart storage facility were added this year, with plans to improve cart paths and sprinklers in the next few years.
- A new leash free area has opened at Hidden Valley Park.
- Waterdown Road is being widened and partially straightened with improved safety features including a multi-use pathway on the west side. Work will take two years. Expect some traffic delays.
- Tyandaga Park Drive construction will continue this year.
- Havendale Boulevard will see reconstruction work this year.
- Beachway Park will be a hot spot for the summer. Visit burlington.ca/beachway for information about parking at the beach.
- Many developments are in the pipeline, especially around the Aldershot GO Major Transit Station Area. To see a list of Ward 1 developments, visit burlingon.ca and search Current Development Projects Ward 1.
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:
- Ward 2 Community Update Meeting: July 4
- Ward 2 Walking Tour: July 6
- Concerts in the Park: Every Sunday, June 16 – Aug. 25
- Movies in the Park: Aug. 1 and Aug. 22
- Canada Day Celebrations: July 1
- Movies by the Lake: Every Tuesday, July 9 – Aug. 29
- Lakeside A La Carte: Aug. 11
- Canada’s Largest Ribfest: Aug. 30 – Sept. 2
Ward 2 community updates
A permanent city-wide seasonal outdoor patio program has been approved by Council, securing Burlington’s place as the primary gathering place and dining destination in Halton. This summer, consider supporting local in our downtown community.
The City is refreshing the area surrounding City Hall focusing on creating a welcoming, accessible, comfortable, and safe space for all. A preferred concept report is coming in July 2024. Completion of the project is planned for 2026.
Stay up to date on news and events, subscribe to my monthly newsletter by emailing Ward 2.
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 and Mountainside Summer Fest 2024, June 28, 4 – 8 p.m., Brant Hills Park, 2300 Duncaster Dr. - Join this community-led event celebrating summer and bringing the community together. For details or to get involved, email Mending the Chasm.
Deputy Mayor update on the environment (including transportation)
- In 2023, Burlington Transit ridership was over 2.9 million, an increase of 21.4% vs. 2019.
- Free transit for seniors all day, every day continues, along with free connections when you combine your Burlington Transit trip with GO Transit services.
- New in 2023, riders can use a credit or debit card to pay their Burlington Transit fare.
- Later this year, the City will begin testing for Transit Signal Priority at several intersections. Along with Halton Region’s advanced traffic management system, these measures will get traffic flowing and move transit better.
- Work continues to implement Automated Speed Enforcement in community safety zones.
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: 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:
- Lansdown Park Renewal: Work includes the removal of the baseball diamond, new adult-size soccer field with irrigation, splash pad area with shade structures and accessible picnic tables, drinking fountain with bottle filler and pet bowl, asphalt pathways with park-loop and exercise equipment stations. New trees will be planted as well.
- Palmer Park Play Court Improvements: Work includes the installation of a new play surface that will reinstate one tennis court and the addition of four new pickleball courts.
- In celebration of the beautiful and diverse cultures in Burlington, Ward 4 will be hosting Burlington’s first ever Latino Festival. This two-day event will feature music, food and entertainment. It takes place Sept. 14 - 15 2024, at Nelson Park from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
- I will be hosting the next Ward 4 Coffee and Conversation Community Meeting focusing on Central Ward 4, on June 19 at Wellspring Church from 7-9 p.m.
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:
- Food Truck Festival: July 19-21- Burloak Waterfront Park.
- Burlington Veg Fest: Aug. 17, 12-7 p.m. - Burloak Waterfront Park.
- Art Walk 2024: Aug. 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. - Burloak Waterfront Park.
- Orchard Community Picnic: Sept. 14, 12-4 p.m. - Orchard Community Park.
- Appleby Line Street Festival: Sept. 22, 1-5 p.m. - Appleby Line between New and Fairview Street.
- Coffee with a Councillor: Join us for informal discussions and share your feedback. Visit the Ward 5 page.
Major achievements in the past year
Ward 5 has seen significant accomplishments in community infrastructure. The revitalization of Skyway Arena is a standout, transforming it into a modern facility for sports and events. The new Robert Bateman Community Centre will bring recreational opportunities and resources to residents. These projects reflect our commitment to enriching the quality of life in Ward 5.
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
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:
- Meet with me at an upcoming drop-in session. I welcome your feedback.
- June 17, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Ireland Park, 2315 Headon Forest Dr.
- June 26, 12 – 1:30 p.m., Farm Boy food court, 3061 Walkers Ln.
- July 2, 9 – 10:30 a.m., Millcroft Park, 4250 Millcroft Park Dr.
- July 15, 2 – 3:30 p.m., Longos Starbucks, 2900 Walkers Ln.
Not available to attend a drop-in?
Email Councillor Angelo Bentivegna.
Ward 6 development and construction
Construction is underway on several developments in Ward 6, approved by the City. These include 4853 Palladium Way, 4103 Palladium Way, 4721 Palladium Way, 3399 Appleby Ln., 2154 Walkers Ln., and 4375 Millcroft Pk Dr.
A list of current developments, including the status of all development applications in Ward 6, is available on the Current Development Projects Ward 6 webpage. For questions about construction in your neighbourhood, contact Service Burlington at 905-335-7777 or by email.
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
Council composition and ward boundary review: How you’re represented in local government
The review will assess how well the current Council structure and ward boundaries work for our community. With Burlington’s population expected to grow, the review will help ensure voters are represented equally in the decision-making process, no matter where they live in the city.
Ward boundary reviews are typically undertaken every three to four election cycles (12 – 16 years). Burlington’s last ward boundary review was in 2005. Since this time, the city’s population has grown to approximately 186,948, according to the 2021 Census.
Burlington has had a seven-member Council since 1997, when Burlington had a population of 139,000.
The goal of the review is to assess the current Council composition and establish a ward structure that will accommodate growth and population shifts for at least the next three municipal elections.
The Council composition and ward boundary review will entail extensive public consultations and engagement opportunities for all residents. We’ll be asking you to tell us about your community and provide feedback on the current ward boundaries. Factors such as geography, community history, community interests and minority representation are all considered in the division of wards.
Stay tuned to getinvolvedburlington.ca and the City’s social media accounts to learn more about opportunities to participate in the council composition and ward boundary review.
Community Engagement Charter
In 2023, the City of Burlington’s Engagement Charter turned 10. In order to reflect the Burlington of today and tomorrow, the Charter is undergoing an update.
Core to the Charter is the belief that engaging people on issues that affect their lives and their city is a key component of a democratic society. Public involvement encourages participation, actions and personal responsibility. The goal of community engagement is to lead to more informed and, therefore, better decision making.
The City has used public feedback to create an updated draft Community Engagement Charter. The draft Charter is now ready for a public review before being finalized. Special thanks to everyone who has provided feedback during the initial round of engagement. Community members are encouraged to visit the project page, review and provide feedback on the draft Community Engagement Charter and Framework.
Community survey
Since 1998, the City of Burlington has regularly conducted a community telephone survey to uncover resident satisfaction levels. The survey provides the opportunity for benchmarking and to monitor progress of community measures over time with the goal of continuous improvement.
Highlights from the 2023 survey include:
- 92% satisfaction with quality of services
- Road safety/traffic, affordable housing, over development and public transportation identified as the top issues that require attention from City Council
- Council decision making, transit and bylaw enforcement identified as top three service areas that require City’s focus
Public engagement
Sixty-four per cent of those surveyed said the City uses input from residents in decision making and 65 per cent feel the City would “welcome my opinion when making decisions about City projects” that impact them, a decline from 71 per cent and 75 per cent respectively in 2021. This sentiment is consistent with feedback received during the Community Engagement Charter review. We have work to do and commit to working with the community to make the best decisions for and with the community.
Engaging with the community is at the core of how the City of Burlington operates. We have been recognized multiple times by municipal partners and organizations for the level of engagement we do.
In the last 15 months, on the City’s online engagement portal, Get Involved Burlington, there have been:
- 76,000+ visitors
- 9,100+ documents downloaded, with the most downloads related to planning
- 8,200 users visiting multiple project pages, 50,000 users visiting at least one project page
- On-street parking permits, transit and Recreation Services Review had highest survey responses
- The top engagement projects visited: Robert Bateman Community Centre, city-wide parking permits, Tyandaga Golf Course, Recreation Services Review and forestry related projects
Customer Service
- Top customer inquiries: property taxes, parking tickets and forestry/trees
- 72 per cent of those who completed a customer experience feedback survey said their experience was either okay, good or great
Visit Get Involved Burlington for the latest City projects and initiatives that need community feedback.
Upcoming volunteer opportunities
The City of Burlington offers many volunteer opportunities. We believe volunteers are one of the greatest strengths of our community and a key factor to our success. Volunteers help with a variety of City activities. Volunteering with the City provides an opportunity to gain experience, enhance or build skills. By volunteering, you are making a positive impact in your community.
Apply for upcoming volunteer opportunities for summer positions in:
- Animal services
- Aquatics
- Community gardens
- Festivals and events
- Tyandaga Golf Course
- Youth programs
If you are interested in applying for a volunteer role, call 905-335-7777, ext. 7978 or email.
Robert Bateman Community Centre update
The Robert Bateman Community Centre is progressing on-time and on-budget. Brock University, Burlington Public Library, Tech Place and the Halton District School Board will begin operating in the fall of 2025. City of Burlington recreational and cultural programming and services will begin in 2027.
Public engagement on the outdoor greenspace is now complete. Thank you to all who participated online or in-person. The information collected will be reviewed by staff to help determine what can and cannot be done in the space and create concepts. Factors that will determine concepts will be popularity, cost, regulations and technical feasibility.
Park features that cannot go into the greenspace include skate park and splash pad. These exclusions are due to how close the location is to other pools and splash pads.
It is our goal to create a vibrant greenspace that will be used and cherished by all for recreation and general enjoyment and neighbourhood connectivity with a paved pathway.
The paved pathway throughout the greenspace and connecting to the Ascension Catholic Elementary School can be used by people wanting to run, walk or access the site from the adjacent neighbourhood.
This fall, residents will have an opportunity to vote on the concept they would like to see built in the greenspace.
The final stages of the indoor use planning will also be launched this fall. Staff will be using the feedback received from both residents and the business community, along with the feedback from Council, to present some indoor use themes for phase 2. Residents will have the opportunity to share some additional feedback on the themes.
Look for a notice in your mailbox on how to participate and influence the indoor uses and the outdoor concepts. A final report on both the indoor and outdoor uses is tentatively scheduled for late 2024.
Visit Get Involved Burlington to find information on how you can be involved and provide your feedback. Be sure to subscribe to the page to receive all important updates.
We saved you a seat!
City launches new permanent city-wide seasonal outdoor patio program
Patio season is in full swing in the City of Burlington so diners can take advantage of outdoor dining this summer.
The City has had a patio program for many years now. It started with the Pop-Up Patio Program in 2018 and was expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to help businesses operate outside. Earlier this year, Burlington City Council approved a new permanent city-wide seasonal outdoor patio program to continue to support local businesses. Many patios have already been installed and you will find sidewalk detours throughout downtown Burlington.
Sidewalk detours
Some patios are being installed on City sidewalks. These sections of the sidewalk are detoured onto the road with traffic barriers. These barriers help with pedestrian safety.
Additional detours will also be installed throughout patio season, as needed, for pedestrian safety up until Oct. 31, 2024.
Urban Forest Master Plan
In spring 2024, City Council approved the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) and Woodland Management Strategy. Both will serve as guiding documents to protect and improve Burlington’s tree canopy over the next 20 years.
The Urban Forest Master Plan and Woodland Management Strategy were developed using input from the Burlington community. People expressed their concerns about climate change, their hope for a greener future and their commitment to getting involved and growing our urban canopy.
Focus areas of the UFMP include maximizing the life expectancy of trees, increasing canopy cover on public land, private land and woodlots, managing invasive pests, and developing new and exciting ways for the community to get involved.
The City aims to maintain its current forest volume and increase its overall canopy cover to 35 per cent by 2060. That means planting 10,000 new trees and restoring four hectares of woodland each year.
Learn more about the Urban Forest Master Plan… Learn more about urban forestry…
Civic recognition: Nominate someone volunteering to make Burlington better
Do you know an outstanding person or group volunteering to make Burlington better? Nominate them for civic recognition this fall.
Civic recognition provides an opportunity for the Mayor and members of Council to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible contributions made by individuals and groups who volunteer their time to the City of Burlington.
Nominations are accepted twice each year, in the spring and fall. Successful recipients are recognized in person at an evening Council meeting where they are presented with a certificate.
Celebrate an exceptional individual and/or group in Burlington who has:
- Contributed significantly to the quality of life in the community through volunteer efforts
- Identified and addressed a priority need in the community and put a solution into action
- Achieved provincial, national, or international recognition
Fall civic recognition nominations will open in September.
Learn more about eligibility and how to submit a nomination…
Living with coyotes
Coyote sightings and encounters normally increase in the summer while coyotes protect their den and pups begin exploring. We are committed to making sure you have access to the right information so you can manage sightings and deter coyotes from your property.
Every Thursday throughout the summer you can drop by various City facilities where Animal Services staff will be available to teach you about coyote-proofing your property, and what to do if you see a coyote. Whistles used for hazing coyotes are also available for free.
Dates, locations and details regarding popups are available on our Coyotes page, along with tips on deterring coyotes, and a link to report coyote sightings.
The City of Burlington is enabling more homes
With 265,000 people expected to live in Burlington by 2051, the City is making key investments and commitments to make sure we continue to be a community with a high quality of life.
The Province has assigned Burlington with a target to enable the construction of 29,000 homes by 2031. While the City is not in the business of building homes, it is responsible for issuing planning approvals and building permits which enable the construction of housing. It is also responsible for implementing policies and best practices to make sure community growth is thoughtful. That means that communities are built with access to transit, jobs, green space, parks, and amenities for all age categories in mind.
Over the last year, the City has made meaningful strides towards building complete communities in Burlington, through hitting housing targets, securing funding, and more.
Here are some highlights:
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- 649 homes created in 2023
- 66% reduction in processing time for pre-building approvals
- Over 1017 housing units currently under construction*
- The City has approved 702 housing units via issued building permits in 2024, including apartments and single detached homes*
- $21M in federal funding secured for new homes
- 30% of pre-building approvals complete in 2 weeks
- Approximately 45,000 residential units funneling through the development planning pipeline
- 1500 attainable housing units coming through Housing Strategy
* As of mid-April 2024.
To stay up to date on the ways the City is making progress towards hitting our 29,000 home target by 2031, subscribe our Official Plan page.
Festivals and events
Canada Day, presented by Bunzl
- Monday, July 1
- Join us at Spencer Smith Park for a great day of events, entertainment and fireworks.
- Learn more about Canada Day
Movies Under the Stars, presented by Access Storage
- Thursdays in July and August, beginning at dusk.
- Bring a blanket or chair, snacks and watch a free movie on a big outdoor screen in a park near you.
- Learn more about Movies Under the Stars
Concerts in the Park
- Wednesdays and Sundays, June 16 to Aug. 25
- Come listen to live music at the Central Park bandshell. Bring your dancing shoes or sit back and enjoy.
- Learn more about Concerts in the Park
Free summer swimming, presented by Access Storage
- Various days and times in July and August
- Free swimming is available throughout the summer at select pools. Bring your friends and jump in!
- Learn more about free swimming
Heritage Week
- Aug. 3 to 10
- Celebrate the many aspects of Burlington’s heritage with free events for all ages. Explore Burlington’s architecture, culture, diversity, genealogy, and preservation.
- Learn more about Heritage Week
Food for Feedback
- Saturday, Sept. 14
- Come to Central Park and give us your feedback on City projects and we’ll give you a free lunch. It’s that easy.
- Learn more about Food for Feedback
Subscribe to the City Festivals and Events News Visit the community events calendar…