By Pepper Parr
October 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
An announcement that appeared on the Getting Involved website page said:
We are creating our next long-term vision and strategic plan – Horizon 2050 and we want to hear from you!
The Council in place now is working towards getting a budget in place for 2026.
Why are they starting a process that will outline a plan that takes the city forward to 2050? Will they be re-elected in 2026?
That is a job for the Council that will be elected in 2026
Their job at this point is to get themselves elected and then work with staff and the public to determine how the city should be built going forward.
What do the citizens of the city want to see for a future Burlington? What’s possible.
Horizon 2050 will guide the choices City leadership makes today and over the next 25 years. Help us plan for a Burlington that is future-ready, focused on connected communities and a thriving city for future generations.
What you share with us will help City staff and Council set the priorities that shape policies, programs and investments that impact our community for years to come.
The 2015 to 2018 Strategic Plan was a real staff and City Councillor initiative. The 2022 to 2026 was driven to a considerable degree by consultants brought in by then City Manager James Ridge.
How to Get Involved
Take the online survey from Oct. 1 to 31
Join us for a meeting in-person or online
Follow the project page for updates, reports and “What We Heard” summaries during the project.
Share your ideas with your neighbours and community groups and encourage them to share their ideas.
Why Horizon 2050 Matters
The decisions we make today will shape Burlington’s future. Horizon 2050 is about building a community where:
- Everyone feels included and connected,
- We protect and strengthen our natural environment,
- Housing, transportation and services meet the needs of all residents,
- Our city thrives socially, culturally and economically.
No point in protesting at this point. The city has already scheduled meetings for October (could this be to distract people from a budget that is going to have an increase in taxes of 5.8% over last year?)
October 14, 2025
Every thought, every idea made by anyone during the 2015 – 2018 Strategic Plan sessions got written down. Staff and council put in much more than a full week of work to produce a solid document. When it came to getting opions using dotology – Council and Staff were far apart.
Community Public Engagement Session #1
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Haber Recreation Centre, Room 1Tim Dobbie Dr., Burlington, Ont.
October 15, 2025 Community Public Engagement Session #2
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Mountainside Recreation CentreRoom 22205 Mt Forest Dr., Burlington, Ont.
Frank McKeough, on the left, talks with Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman during the Strategic Plan sessions. The discussions were wide open and boisterous.
October 15, 2025
Community Public Engagement Session #3
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Mountainside Recreation Centre Room 22205 Mt Forest Dr., Burlington, Ont.
October 21, 2025
There should be more emphasis on what we do not want going forward.
Burlington is close to being full.Leave it alone.