No, we are not The Burlingtonian, and we do recognize that our Mayor is Andrea Horwath, but it is nice to be neighbourly. Enjoy our chat with Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. You’ve often been described as both collaborative and assertive. How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved since you first became mayor?
Collaborative and assertive aren’t at odds—they’re both essential qualities of an effective elected representative. To me, assertiveness means being transparent and truthful with residents about where I stand on issues and why. That’s why I started the "My Take" section in our newsletters, where I explain my votes and perspectives on major issues. Residents often tell me how rare that kind of honesty is in politics—and how much they value it.
Being collaborative means building strong partnerships. I introduced the Deputy Mayor with Portfolio model, a unique model in the municipal sector that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country. This model taps into each councillor’s strengths for the benefit of the whole community. I’ve consistently worked with our council members, often issuing joint statements with Ward Councillors to amplify their voices on key issues.
My collaborative approach also extends to the community. For example, I convene a bimonthly Indigenous Advisory Circle to the Mayor with Indigenous leaders living in Burlington. We’ve made meaningful progress on numerous initiatives including recently opening Sweetgrass Park together, a space for sacred fire, reflection, and learning.
Over the years, my leadership has evolved to deepen those partnerships. I focus on building trust, increasing transparency, and creating space for more voices around the table.
What bold measures is Burlington exploring to address affordability—beyond the provincial mandates—and how do you ensure those solutions reflect Burlington’s unique needs?
Affordability is one of the most pressing challenges facing Burlington, and we're going well beyond provincial mandates to address it with innovative and locally driven solutions that reflect our community’s unique needs.
One example is our $95,000 grant program for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), designed to unlock gentle density and help homeowners create secondary suites that can provide rental housing or support multi-generational living.
Additionally, we’ve implemented a suite of free and reduced-cost transit options including free transit for seniors, children under 12, and low-income residents. Transit is also free for youth evenings and weekends transit for youth, year-round, with a cap on ride fees at $38 per month for the remainder of the time.
Beyond transit, we’ve made it easier to access community supports, with reduced programming fees for qualifying residents, waived facility fees for community meetings and events, and a property tax grant and deferral program for seniors. We also provide $1,000 grants to help residents cover the cost of basement flooding damage—something we know is increasing with climate change.
Every one of these measures was developed with Burlington’s local context in mind, through direct collaboration with residents, Council, and staff. Our approach is about making meaningful, lasting affordability improvements for people who live here, keeping more money in the pockets of residents.
Burlington often sits in the shadow of Toronto and Hamilton. What do you think truly defines Burlington, and how do you want people to see the city a decade from now?
What truly defines Burlington is our people. Our city’s motto, “Stand By,” speaks volumes. It reflects how we stand with one another in good times and tough times, and how we stand ready to act when our community needs us. That spirit shows up in countless ways: from neighbours helping neighbours, to our youth hockey clubs leading Canada’s largest youth-led food bank drive—the Gift of Giving Back. That’s the kind of city we are: compassionate, engaged, and community-minded.
Our geography also makes us unique. Nestled between the shores of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Burlington is half rural by land mass. We offer the best of both worlds: vibrant urban amenities and festivals, community centres (including two new ones opening this year, Robert Bateman Community Centre and Skyway Arena), all alongside a thriving agricultural economy and miles of trails and natural parkland. It’s a rare balance of city living and small-town charm.
A decade from now, I want people to see Burlington as a leader. A city that found a way to grow while protecting what makes it special. A place where community, nature, and innovation thrive together. A place where everyone, no matter their income or background, can feel at home and see a future for themselves.
Can you share an example of a decision you’ve made as mayor that wasn’t politically popular in the short term, but that you felt was the right call for Burlington’s future?
One example that stands out is a proposal for a semi-detached home in a low-density neighbourhood. Over 300 residents signed a petition opposing the project. I took those concerns seriously, particularly around tree preservation and neighbourhood fit. We worked with the applicant to revise the design, ensuring the tree could be saved and other key concerns were addressed.
Despite those changes, many residents still wanted the application turned down. But I ultimately voted in favour because I believe that when issues like scale, design, and environmental impact can be properly mitigated, semi-detached homes are an appropriate form of gentle density in low-density neighbourhoods.
It wasn’t a popular vote at the time, but it was the right decision for Burlington’s long-term housing goals. We need to make room for more housing options while still protecting what makes our neighbourhoods special and this was a balanced, thoughtful way to do that.
Are there untapped opportunities for collaboration between Hamilton and Burlington? If so, what specific projects or initiatives do you believe could bring the most benefit to both communities?
Absolutely. There are strong foundations in place and plenty of untapped potential for even deeper collaboration between Burlington and Hamilton.
We already partner on key initiatives like tourism and economic development, including the Bay Area Economic Summit, which brings together leaders from both cities to focus on shared growth opportunities. I have a great working relationship with Hamilton’s mayor—we’re able to pick up the phone any time to discuss common challenges and priorities.
One of the best examples of ongoing collaboration is LaSalle Park. Though it's owned by Hamilton, it’s maintained and operated by Burlington through a long-standing partnership. We also share responsibility for Hamilton Harbour and the Bay and have worked together on natural asset mapping for stormwater management—a critical piece of sustainable infrastructure.
We’re proud partners on the Bay Area Climate Change Council, which brings both cities together to advance regional climate action. And as waterfront communities on Lake Ontario, we’re united through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, working with U.S. counterparts on water protection, including participating in Washington Advocacy Days to address shared concerns like tariffs and environmental policy.
Looking ahead, there's great potential to expand joint efforts in transit integration, housing affordability strategies, regional infrastructure planning, and climate resilience. When we work together, both cities benefit—and so do our residents.
What are the most challenging issues Burlington is facing, and what is being done to address them?
Much like the rest of the province, the three of the biggest challenges we’re tackling head-on are growth, traffic, and affordability.
First, managing growth is a major issue. Burlington is a highly desirable place to live, but we have limited land left to develop and housing targets to meet. That’s why we’re focusing new growth in our Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs), where higher-density, mixed-use development makes sense and supports our vision of a complete, walkable city. This approach helps protect established neighbourhoods and our rural lands while still welcoming new residents.
Second, traffic congestion continues to be a concern as the city grows. We’re investing in transit, expanding bike lanes, and introducing more smart traffic technology to improve traffic flow and reduce gridlock. Our goal is to give people real transportation choices so they’re not forced to rely on a car for every trip.
And third, affordability, which is a challenge in cities across the country. We’ve launched a wide range of initiatives to help, from a $95,000 grant for accessory dwelling units, to cutting development charges, to offering free and reduced-cost transit, property tax grants for seniors, and discounted recreation programs for residents who need them. We're doing everything we can to keep more money in the pockets of those who need it most.
None of these issues have quick fixes, but we’re taking action across the board with a focus on thoughtful planning, community collaboration, and long-term sustainability.
Thank-you Mayor Meed Ward for engaging with Hamiltonians and Burlingtonians via The Hamiltonian!
