65,000 more people expected. Can Burlington handle the growth?

The future of Burlington and how it will accommodate growth is a question on the minds of many residents.

Some answers may be found at an upcoming community forum.

As part of the Mayor’s Speaker Series, Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward will host a panel discussion featuring experts who will tackle the question of future growth.

Panellists include Jesse Helmer, Senior Research Associate at the Smart Prosperity Institute (a research network and policy think tank); Jeff Neven, CEO of Indwell (an Ontario charity focused on supportive housing); and Terri Johns, President & Founder of Landwise (an urban planning company).

The session takes place Nov. 12 at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.

Entitled Growth Is Coming: What’s In It For You? the discussion will focus on how growth should be managed while maintaining the quality of life that we are used to.

With a current population of around 200,000, Burlington is anticipating an influx of new residents within the next 30 years that will see that number jump to 265,000. With a commitment to build 29,000 more housing units within the next seven years, Burlington is already well on its way to reaching that mark.

But will the city be able to keep up with the amenities and infrastructure that come with a population explosion? Will our roads be able to handle the increased traffic? Will there be enough doctors and health services? What will people do to relax and have fun? Where are the children going to go to school? And, who is going to pay for all of these services?

These are just a few of the issues the panel members are likely to address.

The panel members will also be available to field questions from the audience.

“Join myself and industry experts for an insightful panel discussion and Q&A on how we can meet the challenges of growth and build a better future for everyone,” says the mayor.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the discussion begins at 7 p.m.

The event is free to attend but registration is required. You can do that by following this link.