Burlington looks to refresh relationship between citizens and politicians

Burlington is in the process of updating the formal relationship between residents and members of City council.

The Burlington Community Engagement Charter was established in 2013 but ten years on and with changing priorities, the agreement is being prepared to be refreshed.

Essentially the Charter outlines the relationship between citizens and local government. It is meant to support better citizen access to local government and outlines the City’s commitments for engaging with people.

“As part of a growing region, we’re not the same city we were 10 years ago, and it’s time to ensure the Charter is reflective of our community needs and trends,” explained Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns who also serves as a deputy mayor. “Being able to have a say in your city, neighbourhood or community is the backbone of democracy. It is important this Charter is reflective of that. This document will be reviewed and updated periodically and as needed.”

As the mission statement reads, the Charter provides Burlington citizens, members of City Council and City staff a plain language, living policy document that guides and promotes active and meaningful citizen engagement in the City of Burlington’s planning, policy-setting and decision-making processes.

There will be several opportunities to engage with City staff about the Burlington Community Engagement Charter. The first opportunity is the Food for Feedback event on Sept. 16 at Central Park from noon to 4 p.m.

Other opportunities are as follows:

• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 24
  Location: Appleby Arena, Community Room #1
  Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 25
  Location: Virtual via Zoom, link on the Get Involved page
  Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
• Date: Thursday, Oct. 26
  Location: Haber Community Centre, Community Room #2
  Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
• Date: Wednesday, Nov. 1
  Location: Mountainside Arena, Community Room #1
  Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
• Date: Thursday, Nov. 2
  Location: Burlington Seniors’ Centre
  Time: 7 to 9 p.m.

For those who cannot attend an in-person session, the materials will be posted online with questions to answer at getinvolvedburlington.ca/engagement-charter.