As I reflect on 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this incredible community. The strength of Burlington is in its people, and I continue to be inspired by the energy, ideas, and passion I encounter in every part of our city.

This year, I had the privilege of attending 144 community events, hosting 37 drop-in sessions (including budget information sessions in every ward), and engaging directly with residents at 17 pre-application community meetings regarding new developments and participating in 20 flag-raising events.

I also brought forward a total of 20 motions to council to City and Regional council.

This year has been one of significant progress, growth, and resilience. Here are some of the key highlights and accomplishments we’ve achieved together:

1. Securing Housing Accelerator Funds (HAF) for Burlington

In January, Burlington was awarded $21 million in Housing Accelerator Funds (HAF), an investment that will help us create 2,724 new residential units by 2026. Of these funds, 43% will be allocated to affordable housing, which is vital for ensuring that all Burlingtonians have access to a safe, secure place to call home. This is a major step toward addressing our city's housing needs and supporting our community’s growth.

2. Launching the Pipeline to Permit Committee

To streamline and expedite our housing development processes, I launched the Pipeline to Permit Committee, a new initiative that brings together Council members and industry experts. This committee is focused on facilitating the development of 29,000 new housing units by 2031—an ambitious, but achievable goal to meet our growing population’s needs. We are collecting data on housing starts, permit turnaround times, and more, to streamline and get shovels in the ground faster. The Pipeline to Permit Committee brought forward eight advocacy resolutions and/or motions on everything from surety bonds to advocating for GST relief on purpose-built rentals.

3. Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

In August, Burlington became the center of attention as we experienced a rare solar eclipse. I asked our incredible RCC staff to organize a viewing event that attracted over 20,000 spectators. For 90 seconds, our city was plunged into total darkness, and it was a truly magical moment for us all. It was wonderful to see so many residents come together, and I’m proud we were able to offer this incredible experience to our community.

4. Welcoming CAO Hassaan Bassit

In April, we welcomed Hassaan Bassit as Burlington’s new Chief Administrative Officer. Hassaan brings with him a wealth of experience, including his time as CEO of Conservation Halton. Since joining us, he has built a strong leadership team and realigned the organization to better reflect the community’s priorities. In the new year, Hassaan will introduce a performance management system that sets clear goals, tracks progress transparently, and ensures accountability across all areas. His leadership is already making a positive difference, and I look forward to what we can achieve together in the years ahead.

5. HER Halton Statement & Pledge

In response to rising concerns about civility and respect in politics, I had the honour of leading a collective statement signed by 22 female politicians from Halton. This pledge calls for respect in democracy, and it was heartening to see it echoed by the Feminist Parliamentarians Association of Canada and featured in major media outlets like CBC Radio and The Hamilton Spectator. It’s a vital reminder that we must continue to foster respectful dialogue and collaboration in all levels of government. As we head into two expected elections in 2025 – municipal and federal – we will be asking all elected officials, and candidates, to commit to a healthy, respectful democracy.

6. Launching the Speaker Series

In May and November, we hosted the first two events of our new Speaker Series, attracting more than 900 participants. The series is designed to foster dialogue on critical issues. The first event, featuring urban planner Jennifer Keesmaat, sparked deep conversations about affordable housing and innovative planning. Our November session on Burlington’s growth plan also drew significant attention and participation, as we discussed how to ensure no one is left behind as our city grows. Following this successful launch, we are planning for two more events in 2025.

7. Honouring and Celebrating our Fantastic Residents

In June, the City of Burlington held it’s inaugural Civic Recognition initiative, honouring and celebrating some of the individual and group volunteers who help make Burlington a better place and community. This year’s spring honourees included Burlington Historical Society, Connie Price, Helga Cuddy, Jamie Fisher, Janet Lucas, Kimberly Calderbank, Peter Knoepfli, and Rural Ward 6 Advisory Committee. This ceremony also included our Keys to the City presentation, honouring individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to our community. This year, I was very excited to present Dan Lawrie and the Spoons with this honour!

8. July Flood

2024 also brought significant challenges to our community, including the July flood, that devastated many neighbourhoods. My heart goes out to all who experienced this traumatic event and the damage of homes and possessions. We are grateful that the city qualified for the provincial disaster relief fund, which provides up to $250k for eligible homeowners. We also continue to invest in flood mitigation in our budgets and will continue work to protect our neighbourhoods as we grapple with the impacts of climate change and warmer, wetter and wilder weather. It was heartwarming to see our community pull together to support each other during this difficult time.

9. Solve the Crisis Campaign

As Chair of the Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM), I launched theSolve the Crisis Campaign—a call for the provincial government to step up with more funding and support for those facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and addiction. The campaign has received support from hundreds of municipalities and organizations passing resolutions of support and has gotten the attention of all levels of government, contributing to recent announcements from federal and provincial governments of financial help and policy tools to provide supportive housing and transition those living in encampments to stable, safe housing.

10. A Cultural Exchange with Itabashi, Japan

In June, I had the honour of visiting Itabashi, our sister city in Japan, to mark the 35th anniversary of our twinning relationship. This trip provided valuable insights into best practices for municipal governance and infrastructure innovation, as well as the annual Citizen’s Festival Parade and tree planting ceremony. I look forward to deepening our relationship with Itabashi and fostering global peace and cultural understanding.

11. OLT Victory for Burlington’s Waterfront

Our city achieved an important ruling from the Ontario Land Tribunal, persuading the tribunal to turn down a large-scale development along Lakeshore Road that would have overwhelmed the beauty of our waterfront. This decision is a victory for all Burlingtonians who value our waterfront, and it reinforces my ongoing commitment to fighting overdevelopment and ensuring the right development, of the right scale in the right place.

12. A $16.9 Million Investment in Transit

Transportation infrastructure continues to be a priority, and in 2024, Burlington received a major boost with a $16.9 million investment from the Federal, Provincial and local governments to support our transit system. This funding will allow us to add 15 new hybrid and electric buses to our fleet, along with 4 new handi-vans for door-to-door service. This is a big step forward in improving mobility and ensuring that our transit system meets the needs of all residents.

13. New Mental Health Wing at Joseph Brant Hospital

Finally, a major milestone for healthcare in Burlington: a new mental health wing at Joseph Brant Hospital. This new facility, which was a major advocacy priority for council, will provide much-needed resources to those facing mental health challenges in our community. I am proud of the progress we’ve made and look forward to the impact this new facility will have on the lives of many Burlingtonians.

14. 2025 Burlington’s Beauty Calendar

We ended the year on a high note, with the launch of the Mayor’s calendar, celebrating Burlington’s Beauty. We received close to 400 photos - selecting 12 for the calendar was difficult. Our 2025 calendar showcases iconic places within Burlington – the Pier, winter roads in Mount Nemo, Itabashi bridge in Tansley Woods Park, the oldest church in Burlington – St. Luke’s Anglican Church and the Trumpeter Swan, our official bird! Thank you to all who submitted! Additional copies will be available at City Hall and Burlington Recreation Facilities in the new year.

As we move forward into 2025, I remain committed to the work of building a stronger, more connected Burlington. Thank you for your continued trust and support. Here’s to an even brighter year ahead!

With gratitude,Marianne Meed WardMayor of Burlington

A Year in Review: Reflections from the Mayor’s Office on 2024