Adding more politicians an option as Burlington reviews political landscape

Burlington is about to begin a process which could see if more city politicians are needed and whether ward boundaries should be changed.

Currently, Burlington council is comprised of an elected mayor and six councillors. Each councillor represents one ward in Burlington and also sits on Halton Region council.

A city report indicates a boundary review helps plan for the future and ensures voters are represented equally in the local government decision-making process.

The last ward boundary review for Burlington was done in 2005, when the city’s population was 139,000. Since then, 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.

The review of the current political landscape will determine if the current number of councillors and the coverage they provide are adequate for our community. The result could lead to additional wards and more councillors.

Phase one of the review process will have residents consulted for their input on council composition. Input gathered from the community will be used to help inform a report that will go to city council for their consideration in December 2024.

In phase two, public engagement will focus on ward boundaries. This phase is anticipated to start early in 2025. More information will be shared on getinvolvedburlington.ca/boundaryreview later this year.

Public engagement opportunities

• Monday, Oct. 7 – 9:30 a.m., presentation at Committee of the Whole, council chambers, 426 Brant Street
• Monday, Oct. 7 – 7 to 8:30 p.m., Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way
• Wednesday, Oct. 9 – 7 to 8:30 p.m., Central Arena, 519 Drury Lane
• Thursday, Oct. 10 – 1:30 to 3 p.m., Mountainside Recreation Centre, 2205 Mt. Forest Drive
• Tuesday, Oct. 15 – 7 to 8:30 p.m., virtual public meeting
• Wednesday, Oct. 23 – 7 to 8:30 p.m., Haber Community Centre, 3040 Tim Dobbie Drive

Residents and business owners can also share their feedback through the council composition and ward boundary survey, available on getinvolvedburlington.ca/boundaryreview starting Oct.7.