City clarifies just what the closing date is for the Appeals Committee members the city wants to recruit

By Pepper Parr

September 23rd, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

So – we didn’t get it wrong:

There was some confusion over the application dates for the Appeals Committeee jobs.  These are paid positions: Chair earns $100 per meeting, mebers earn $80 per meeting.

Communications thought the method they used to announce the need for members of an important committee was one that would “resonate” best with the people they wanted to attract.

The information we came across on social media (have you any idea how much information the city and the mayor dump into social media channels?) said the closing date was September 2nd.

But the information on the city website said the closing date was September 24th.

A number of Gazette readers pointed this out to us, so I revised the story and asked the City Communications people why the information related to an important Advisory group was not sent out as a media release?

Here is the response we got:

The original closing date for applications for the Appeals Committee was Sept. 2, 2025. This opportunity was shared on City social media channels and on the city’s website: https://www.burlington.ca/en/council-and-city-administration/apply-to-a-board-or-committee.aspx

On Sept. 18, 2025, the deadline for applications was re-opened until Sept. 24, 2025. This information was also shared on City social media channels and the city’s website: https://www.burlington.ca/en/council-and-city-administration/apply-to-a-board-or-committee.aspx

We appreciate the interest in how we handle committee requirements.

In this case, we selected strategies that are most likely to resonate and engage with potential candidates.

There are enough people in the Communications department to pump out a media release – especially for an important sub-judicial committee.

There is a suggestion that the city has already decided who they want – putting a note out on social media just doesn’t cut it.

At best, this is sloppy work.

For those interested, the closing date for applications is tomorrow.