Public engagement opportunities to shape Burlington’s ward boundaries start Feb. 4

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

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 each local councillor will continue to represent their ward in Burlington. They will also continue to be regional councillors 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 for the 2026 Municipal Election (Oct. 26, 2026).

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