City Talk Summer 2025

• Message from the Mayor
• Ward 1 update
• Ward 2 update
• Ward 3 update
• Ward 4 update
• Ward 5 update
• Ward 6 update
• Investing in community spaces 
• Investing in a flood-resistant Burlington 
• Standing up for Canadian businesses 
• City kickstarts e-scooter pilot 
• Living with coyotes 
• City offering 95K for each new Additional Residential Unit 

• City receives federal funding to support short-term rental enforcement
• Upcoming volunteer opportunities
• Join over 8,000 Burlington residents already shaping our City
• Volunteer your voice on one of our Community Panels
• New City ward structure approved
• 2026 Municipal Election
• Burlington’s Accessible Sport and Art Council
• Burlington Transit: Tap into free rides
• Budget 2026
• Festivals and events
• Subscribe for City news

In July, Council approved the 2026 Financial Forecast report, officially launching this year’s budget process with a focus on limiting tax impacts for residents. The current projected total tax increase is 4.49 per cent, which includes services provided by the City of Burlington, Halton Region (including Police Services), and the Boards of Education. Of this amount, the City portion of your total tax bill is projected to be 3 per cent. 

The budget will be prepared with four principles in mind: affordability, sustainability, liveability and transparency. My top priority is ensuring Burlington continues to deliver the high-quality services you rely on, while keeping our city affordable. Whether it’s maintaining our community centres, repairing roads, or enhancing our parks, together with staff, Council and the community, I’m focused on making smart, responsible investments that reflect the needs and values of our residents. Every dollar the City spends must work hard for you. 

I invite you to take part in the 2026 budget process by attending one of our budget town halls, taking place in each ward in the city. You can attend any session that’s most convenient to you. Your feedback helps guide Council’s decisions and ensures we continue building a city that works for everyone. 

I’ll be co-hosting these town halls with City staff and participating Ward Councillors. We answer every question and take back every piece of feedback - because your voice matters. 

Let’s work together to build a stronger more affordable Burlington. I look forward to seeing you this fall. 

Ward 1 update

Here’s what’s happening in Ward 1:

• Food for Feedback – Saturday, Sept. 13 from noon to 4 p.m. at Central Park Bandshell, 2299 New St. This annual community engagement event offers residents a free meal voucher in exchange for feedback on a variety of City initiatives. Stop by my table for a chat.
• Budget Townhall in Ward 1 – Monday, Sept. 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at LaSalle Pavilion, 50 North Shore Blvd. E. Mayor Meed Ward will host a pre-budget consultation meeting to seek your feedback on the 2026 budget. I will also be in attendance to hear the feedback and answer any questions.
• Ward 1 Drop-In Session – Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 1016 Waterdown Rd. Drop by the Aldershot Farmers’ Market and speak to me one-on-one about City and Regional matters. No appointment is needed.

Ward 2 update

Here’s what’s happening in Ward 2:

Two Budget Workshops with Councillor Kearns will take place at Burlington City Hall in Room 247 on Sept. 29 at noon and 6 p.m. These sessions provide an overview of the City’s budget process and an opportunity to share local priorities. 

Ward 2 Update Meetings continue on Oct. 22 and Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at City Hall in Room 247. 

Park Pop-Ups scheduled throughout September:

• Queensway Park - Sept. 13 from 10:30 to 11 :30 a.m.
• Optimist Park - Sept. 17 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Wellington Park - Sept. 18 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• Spencer Smith Park - Sept. 19 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• Brock Park - Sept. 24 from noon to 1 p.m.
• Thorpe Park - Sept. 27 from 10:30 to 11 :30 a.m.

Ward 3 update

Here’s what’s happening in Ward 3:

• Greening the Crosstown Trail - This pilot involves naturalizing the trail in the Mountainside community to improve flood resilience and support native species. Planning work will take place this fall. On-site trail work is expected to begin next year. 
• Third Annual Community Rural Forum - Rural Ward 3 residents are invited to attend the Third Annual Community Rural Forum, hosted by me, taking place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Kilbride Fire Station on Thursday, Sept. 11. Meet with many organizations that matter to rural residents. From 7:45 to 9 p.m., join me for a townhall-style discussion.
• Deputy Mayor Updates - The Youth Fare pilot will begin on Sept. 1, 2025, offering youth free monthly transit after paying for 20 rides ($38), and will run until June 30, 2026. Transit has initiated a new 5-Year Strategic Plan with Watt Consulting. Rider and resident engagement will start in September, learn more at getinvolvedburlington.ca. The new plan will be ready in 2026.

Also, stay tuned for the City’s updated Climate Action Plan.

Ward 4 update

Here’s what’s happening in Ward 4:

We’re make significant progress towards expanding our protected bike lane infrastructure along Prospect Street at Burlington Centre. This will enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety as we support street safety and active transportation initiatives in our community.

As we look towards future municipal elections in Burlington it is important to note that the geographic boundaries of many wards, including Ward 4, have been significantly altered. Visit the City website for updates and information.

As the Deputy Mayor of Housing, I am excited to support the newly approved Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan and Financial Incentive Program for residents looking to provide more affordable housing in our community. Visit the City website for more information.

The Ward 4 Budget Town Hall is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 29 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Tansley Woods Community Centre in Community Room One. I look forward to co-hosting a collaborative conversation with the Mayor and the community.

Ward 5 update

Here’s what’s happening in Ward 5:

Ward 5 is a vibrant, growing community with diverse amenities, green spaces, and events that bring people together. In 2024, 31 “Love My Neighbourhood” events were held across the ward. Interested in hosting your own gathering? You may qualify for up to $500 in funding per household or event, once per year. Contact my office to learn more.

Upcoming Events:

• Art Walk 2025 - Saturday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Burloak Waterfront Park
• Orchard Community Picnic - Saturday, Sept. 13, noon to 4 p.m., Orchard Community Park

• Appleby Line Street Festival - Sunday, Sept. 21, 1 to 5 p.m., Appleby Line (New to Fairview). Learn more at applebylinestreetfestival.ca.

• Orchard Parkrun - Saturdays at 9 a.m., free weekly 5k, Orchard Community Park
• 100 Seeds of Joy – free meditation workshops. Various dates, Orchard Community Hub, 2400 Sutton Dr. Learn more at 100.seedsofjoy.com.
• Orchard Community Garden, 5401 Redstone St. – email Orchard Community Garden to get involved

Ward 6 update

Here’s what’s happening in Ward 6:

Join me at these upcoming events and Drop-in Sessions I am hosting in September. I hope to see you there!

• Food for Feedback: Sept. 13 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Central Park Bandshell, 2299 New St. This annual community engagement event offers residents a free meal voucher in exchange for feedback on a variety of City initiatives. Learn more at getinvolvedburlington.ca/foodforfeedback
• Budget Townhall in Ward 6: Sept. 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Haber Recreation Centre, 3040 Tim Dobbie Dr. Your feedback on the 2026 budget is important. Join Mayor Meed Ward and me at a pre-budget consultation meeting to learn more and provide your input.

Ward 6 Drop-In Sessions:

• Aug. 29, 10:30 to Noon, Starbucks (Metro), 2010 Appleby Line
• Sept. 4, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Starbucks (Longo’s), 2900 Walker’s Line
• Sept. 12, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Fortinos Food Court, 2025 Guelph Line
• Sept. 19, Noon to 1:30 p.m., Farm Boy Food Court, 3061 Walker’s Line

Ward 6

• Thursday, Sept. 18, 7 – 8:30 p.m. 
• Haber Community Centre, 3040 Tim Dobbie Dr. - Community Room 1

Ward 1

• Monday, Sept. 22, 7 – 8:30 p.m. 
• LaSalle Park Pavilion, 50 North Shore Blvd. - Main Ballroom

Ward 2

• Tuesday, Sept. 23, 7 – 8:30 p.m.  
• Burlington Seniors’ Centre, 2285 New St. - Community Room 3

Overview of Proposed 2026 Budget 

• at Committee of the Whole
• Monday, Nov. 3, 9:30 a.m.
• City Hall, 426 Brant St. or watch a livestream available on the Council and Committee calendar

2026 Budget Telephone Town Hall

• Wednesday, Nov. 5, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Divisional Budget Presentations 

• at Budget Committee
• Thursday, Nov. 13, 9:30 a.m.
• City Hall, 426 Brant St. or watch a livestream available on the Council and Committee calendar

Ward 3

• Wednesday, Sept. 24, 7 – 8:30 p.m. 
• Brant Hills Community Centre, 2255 Brant St. - Community Room 1

Ward 4

• Monday, Sept. 29, 7 – 8:30 p.m. 
• Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way - Community Room 1

Ward 5

• Thursday, Oct. 2, 7 – 8:30 p.m. 
• Appleby Ice Centre, 1201 Appleby Line - Community Room 1

Review of the Proposed 2026 Budget 

• at Budget Committee
• Monday, Nov. 24, 9:30 a.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 25, 9:30 a.m.
• City Hall, 426 Brant St. or watch a livestream available on the Council and Committee calendar

Council review/approval of Proposed 2026 Budget

• at Special Council Meeting
• Tuesday, Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m.
• City Hall, 426 Brant St. or watch a livestream available on the Council and Committee calendar