Re-Elect Marianne Meed Ward
FOR Burlington Mayor 2026
Steady Hands
in Unsteady Times 🍁
Burlington has built something worth protecting. Steady hands for what comes next. Forward Together.
Join us—and move Burlington forward together!
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91%
Unanimous Council Votes
16
Years Serving Burlington
#1
Canada’s Mayor of the Year
Safest
large Community in Canada
record
What We Built Together
Defended Waterfront
Only city in Ontario to successfully relocate an Urban Growth Centre out of downtown, through advocacy and trusted provincial relationships. That persuaded the Ontario Land Tribunal to refuse two 30- & 35-storey towers at the Waterfront Hotel. The right development in the right place, protecting waterfront, greenspace—a commitment that carries forward.
Fiscally Strong
A long-term plan to fund critical repairs and upkeep, rather than defer at higher costs. Reserves at their highest levels—rebuilt from historic underfunding. Added funding for police and safety. Your dollars fund needs not wants: infrastructure, community services you depend on. Affordability measures include property tax rebates, reduced program fees and free transit for seniors, youth, and low-income families.
Community Spaces Opened
Skyway Community Centre—new NHL-sized rink, indoor walking track and pickleball, with geothermal to reduce operating costs. Robert Bateman Community Centre—Burlington’s largest—gym and pool retained in public hands. Paying partner tenants—Brock, TechPlace, District Halton School Board, create learning hub and keep costs down for taxpayers.
Safe Communities
Halton maintains its standing as the safest large community in Canada for close to 20 years—earned through community partnerships, focus on prevention and significant investment (over 30% in the last three years) to put more officers on the street. Results: Auto theft down 22%; break and enter down 8.5%; crime down 2.3% in Burlington.
Protected Greenbelt & Heritage
Unwavering protection of Burlington’s Greenbelt and rural areas. Fought to protect urban greenspace in Millcroft, and Mount Nemo rural area from expanded quarry. Dozens of heritage buildings preserved. Freeman Station saved. Burlington’s first heritage district established downtown.
National Recognition
Canada’s Mayor of the Year 2025—recognised for fearless leadership and fostering respect in democracy. Chair, Ontario’s Big City Mayors with term extended term in recognition of steady, trusted leadership. King Charles III Coronation Medal for combatting intimate partner violence. Founder, Elect Respect—a national movement for civility in public life.
Platform
What Burlington Needs Now
Dear Burlington neighbour,
My husband and I chose Burlington 26 years ago to raise our three children—drawn by our waterfront, urban parks and rural trails, friendly neighbours, community centres, and clean, safe streets. Our residents and businesses show up for each other with compassion and grit.
I’ve devoted 16 years of public service to protect what makes Burlington the city we all love. Our work continues and my commitment to you is steadfast through the challenges we now face.
We live in uncertain times—tariffs, global conflict, housing affordability, rising costs. This moment calls for steady hands, proven track record and the relationships built over years with other levels of government, business and community, to move our progress forward.
Together we’ve built a strong foundation to face what comes next: responsible finances, public waterfront and protected Greenbelt, safe neighbourhoods, new amenities for a growing and changing community, and collaborative leadership: 91% of council votes have been unanimous.
This is what experience delivers. Candidates can make promises, but the best predictor of future behaviour is the past record. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved—and what we have left to do. Forward Together, Burlington.
Sincerely,
Re-Elect Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor, City of Burlington
01
Straight Talk on Tax, and Value for Your Dollar
You deserve honesty, transparency and value for the dollars you entrust to us – not vague promises of savings without naming cuts. The city’s financial foundation is strong, the envy of our neighbours while delivering one of the lowest overall tax burdens.
Our budgets will continue to be focused on your priorities and needs not wants, including:
- state of good repair with a dedicated 2% infrastructure levy that ensures roads and community centres stay open and safe, without deferring repairs which cost up to 10 times more later
- inflation, so services are maintained at current levels without requiring cuts
- efficiency review every budget – saving up to $1 million each year, along with targeted reductions – each year I have brought more than any other member of council
- public safety – police budgets are expected to continue to rise by up to 9%
- advocacy – we’ll continue to advocate for our share of provincial and federal dollars, and an end to provincial downloading of costs that should not be borne by taxpayers. So far, we’ve achieved record investments through trusted relationships. Let’s not lose that momentum.
✓ Most budget amendments to reduce increases. Reserves at highest levels ever. Budgets focused on your priorities: infrastructure, safety, community amenities. Two terms of disciplined stewardship.
02
Right Development, Right Scale, Right Place
I’ve always run on a philosophy of development that remains consistent: the right development, right scale and right place, that protects waterfront and greenspace and respects Burlington’s character. We’re also in a housing affordability crisis that demands action from all levels of government. I have built the relationships and the track record of innovation and partnerships to deliver:
- High density growth directed to GO stations, coupled with jobs, community amenities, and parks, achieved through consultation with community and in partnership with landowners.
- Innovative collaboration through the Pipeline to Permit committee which brings together residents, agencies, non-profits, builders, and council members to speed permits, cut costs, and improve service to deliver the right housing in the right place.
- Continued partnerships with non-profits like Indwell, Habitat for Humanity and Wesley, along with other levels of government to deliver supportive and affordable housing
- Implementation of the Community Improvement Plan using federal Housing Accelerator Fund dollars to deliver missing middle, affordable, and supportive housing in our community.
✓ Official Plan updated to direct growth where it belongs, growth centre moved to GO station—the only time in Ontario-which delivered historic victory at land tribunal to protect waterfront from 30- and 35-storey towers; innovative Pipeline to Permit committee delivers action on housing; federal funding secured for affordable, supportive and missing middle housing.
03
Safe Communities—Sustained
Residents deserve to feel safe in their homes and on their streets—and when we don’t feel safe, it demands immediate response.
Halton remains the safest large community in Canada almost 20 years in a row. Crime is down due to sustained investment in smart policing, community action, partnerships and upstream prevention. Results: Auto theft down 22%; break and enter down 8.5%; violent crime down 2.3% in Burlington.
But safety is never finished, and recent break ins and home invasions have created understandable fear and concern. You deserve action and answers from the city on what is within our jurisdiction, and from others on what is within theirs.
That’s why I’ve brought together community members, police, Crime Stoppers and other levels of government, for multiple community sessions—town halls, a Speakers Series dedicated to Community Safety and Wellbeing—to provide answers and accountability. I will continue to rely on those trusted partnerships to get action for you and meet these challenges together.
When local tools are not enough, I am at every table bringing your voice and priorities. Through advocacy by Halton Region, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, where I serve as a board member, and Ontario’s Big City Mayors, which I chair, we’ve helped move action on bail reform, a new courthouse for Halton, funding for housing and mental health, and more. That advocacy relies on trusted relationships built over time, and will continue to be necessary through the next term.
✓ Significant investments in safety have delivered results: Auto theft down 22%; break and enter down 8.5%; violent crime down 2.3% in Burlington. Halton remains the safest large community in Canada almost 20 years in a row, due to sustained investment in smart policing, community action, partnerships and upstream prevention.
04
Infrastructure That Keeps Pace
Across Ontario, communities that deferred infrastructure investment for years are now facing the consequences—crumbling roads, closed facilities, and repair bills that dwarf what maintenance would have cost. Burlington chose a different path. The long-term infrastructure funding plan is in place to close the infrastructure gap between needs and funding available. Reserves are protected—and at their highest levels.
Through our existing dedicated and transparent levy we’ll continue to invest in infrastructure state of good repair—with the right repair at the right time, to keep roads, parks, community centres open and safe, without saddling future generations and facing a bill 10 times greater down the road.
I will also continue to champion investments in flood mitigation to address the impacts of increasingly severe and unpredictable weather.
✓ Long-term infrastructure plan in place. Investments in flood mitigation. Reserves protected. Burlington choosing the responsible path.
05
Protecting What We Love About Burlington
Burlington’s waterfront, heritage buildings, Greenbelt, urban greenspace, and neighbourhood character are what draw residents, like our family, to Burlington. Protecting these special attributes requires someone willing to stand firm on the right scale of development, fight for what matters at the Ontario Land Tribunal, and win. Over 16 years, I’ve delivered and not wavered in my commitment.
Burlington is half rural, and our rural hamlets and homesteads are more than beautiful landscapes—they are working farms, vibrant businesses and essential ecosystems. We’ve protected them with a firm commitment to preserving our urban boundary, opposing greenbelt expansion at the Region through a motion I co-sponsored, working with community to fight the Nelson Quarry expansion at the Ontario Land Tribunal, and working with residents through our Agricultural and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee on actions to support our rural areas. That commitment carries forward.
✓ Greenbelt protected. Rural farms and hamlets supported. Rural residents voices heard and respected with action plan.
06
Bringing Your Voice To Every Table—Inside City Hall and Beyond
The Mayor’s responsibilities extend well beyond City Hall. In this moment of national and international uncertainty—tariffs, trade disruption, global conflicts, rising cost of living—Burlington needs a Mayor who has developed trusted relationships and credibility over many years to protect the city’s interests at every level of government, and through partner organizations. Housing funding, transit investment, infrastructure dollars, homelessness, bail reform—these decisions are made at Queen’s Park and in Ottawa. Getting Burlington’s fair share requires someone who respects the value of advocacy and is willing to go to bat bringing your priorities to these tables. I chair the Ontario’s Big City Mayors caucus—elected by 29 fellow mayors who extended my term to keep stability and momentum in a time of global instability; I’m a board member of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and advocate directly to provincial ministers every year on behalf of the city at the AMO and Rural Ontario Municipal Association conferences—an unbroken track record no other member of council can claim.
Relationships that deliver results are built over years—let’s not put our progress and momentum at risk.
✓ OBCM Chair—elected by 29 peers, term extended. Record federal and provincial investments in Burlington. Advocacy delivered action: homelessness, bail reform, justice, auto theft, mental health.
WHY MARIANNE
Steady Hands in Unsteady Times
Why Experience Matters Now
01
Getting Burlington building again—in the right place at the right scale
Addressing the housing crisis and getting shovels in the ground requires deep knowledge of every available tool, and a commitment to partnerships—with all levels of government, industry, and community. I launched the innovative Pipeline to Permit committee giving agencies, residents, non-profit organizations and builders a seat at the table to speed action and bring conversations that used to be behind closed doors into full public view and accountability. I led the city in securing Federal Housing Accelerator dollars for affordable, missing middle and supportive housing; I led council to pivot toward a Community Improvement Plan model to provide grants and incentives to enable affordable housing.
This knowledge and leadership is built across two terms as Mayor. We are making progress and have momentum—let’s keep that going together. The same two terms established the philosophy that ensures growth serves Burlington: the Official Plan updated to reflect appropriate downtown scale, the Urban Growth Centre relocated to the GO station—the only time any Ontario city achieved this—and beloved spots like Village Square protected. Council opposed development on the Millcroft Golf Course and fought alongside residents at the Ontario Land Tribunal.
02
A proven record of fiscal stewardship
I remain committed to budgets focused on needs and community priorities: infrastructure, accounting for inflation and community services you rely on. And I continually look for savings: I brought the most amendments to reduce tax increases of any member of council. Reserves have been rebuilt to their highest levels ever—from a starting point of historic underfunding—while infrastructure investment has been protected through a long-term plan and dedicated funding. Burlington has deliberately avoided the approach taken elsewhere of raiding reserves to hold down annual tax increases—a choice that produces lower bills today and a fiscal crisis tomorrow. Robert Bateman Community Centre was delivered through land swaps and paying tenants, significantly reducing the tax impact. Burlington’s fiscal house is in order. Keeping it that way is the commitment.
03
Regional governance is changing—Burlington needs experience at the table
The province has restructured Halton’s regional leadership—appointing rather than electing the Regional Chair, with significant new powers over how the Region is governed and funded. Burlington’s interests in that transition depend on a Mayor with deep regional experience, established relationships across all four Halton communities, and trusted connections at Queen’s Park. Sixteen years on Halton Regional Council—twice the regional experience of any other candidate, plus two terms as Mayor—have built exactly that foundation.
04
Burlington's fair share depends on who is at the table
Housing funding, transit investment, infrastructure dollars, homelessness, public safety—many of the decisions that shape Burlington’s future are made at Queen’s Park and in Ottawa. As Chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors’ Caucus, elected by 29 fellow Mayors with my term subsequently extended, I helped drive change on the issues residents care about most. With stable governments at the provincial and federal level into the next term of council, the relationships that I’ve already built with federal and provincial leaders matter more than ever. By returning stable leadership at Burlington we have our best opportunity to build on those relationships, fostered over years, to deliver results. Let’s not lose that momentum.
05
Safety requires action and advocacy at all levels of government
Offenders back on the streets, organized crime networks, mental health and addictions crises that spill into neighbourhoods—these require action at the federal and provincial level. Through our advocacy at Ontario’s Big City Mayors, we’ve been pushing for bail reform, mental health funding, and the tools that actually keep communities safe. Our advocacy—added in partnership to the voices of many others—has delivered results.
06
The world outside Burlington is uncertain—Burlington's leadership should not be
Trade disruption, cost of living pressure, and political instability beyond our borders are affecting Burlington residents in real ways. This is not the moment to hand the keys to someone learning on the job and lose momentum on the progress we have made. Burlington needs a Mayor who has navigated complexity before—with Queen’s Park, with Ottawa, with neighbouring municipalities and through a global pandemic. I have built the relationships to protect Burlington’s interests when it matters most.
I’ve earned the trust of the majority of council as a collaborative leader—with 91% of votes unanimous, and legitimate debate on the rest. I launched the unique and innovative Deputy Mayor with portfolio model for each councillor. I’ve earned the trust of my peers at Ontario’s Big City Mayors serving as chair for an extended term. I’ve been honoured nationally as Canada’s Mayor of the Year for leadership with other women in Halton on civility in public life through Elect Respect movement.
Unsteady times call for steady leadership. Experience is what makes steady hands possible—and that experience is proven in a consistent 16 year track record, not vague new promises you’ll hear from other candidates months before an election to try to win your support. I’ve delivered to move us forward together.
the choice
Your Questions Answered
Burlington voters are asking the right questions, about development, fiscal responsibility, safety, mayoral leadership.
Here is where I stand—with the track record that backs it up.
| What Burlington voters are asking | Marianne's record |
|---|---|
| How should Burlington balance growth with fiscal responsibility? | Brought the most amendments to reduce tax increases of any member of council. Reserves rebuilt to their highest levels ever — from historic underfunding — while infrastructure investment has been protected, not deferred. Bateman Community Centre delivered through land swaps and paying tenants — significantly reduced tax impact. Cutting infrastructure spending is a cost passed to future residents with interest. |
| What is the right approach to development? | Right development in the right place at the right scale — a consistent philosophy, proven across four terms, as a councillor and Mayor. Official Plan updated to reflect appropriate downtown scale. Urban Growth Centre relocated to the GO station, the only city in Ontario to achieve this, protecting beloved spots like Village Square. Pipeline to Permit committee established to bring community voices, industry, agencies, other levels of government together in partnership to respond to the crisis of affordable housing and implement a community-led vision of growth for our city's future. |
| How do we keep Burlington safe? | Halton is one of the safest large communities in Canada — the result of years of sustained investment in smart policing and upstream prevention, built year over year. Auto theft down 22%. At the same time, concerns about break-ins and property crime in our neighbourhoods are real and heard. I will continue to listen, bring partners together for action, and invest resources needed for police in the approach that is working. |
| How have Strong Mayor powers been used? | I have never - and would never - use the veto powers, or ability to introduce bylaws with one-third support, the powers that have caused the most concern in community. The Mayor is now required by legislation to either present a budget or direct staff to do so, and in fulfilling this legal responsibility, I've gone above and beyond the legislation to include a council voice and vote in budgets. The rest of the powers are administrative, and the majority of these have been delegated back to staff or council, with the exception of hiring the CAO. But even with that, I still sought council collaboration and support with the recent CAO hirings. I also worked with council colleagues to develop principles of collaboration for Mayors that go beyond the basic legal requirements. All Mayoral decisions are publicly posted online for transparency and accountability, and the record shows that the vast majority of decisions have been to approve the bylaws passed by the majority of council. The powers have been exercised responsibly, in accordance with the legislation, in the spirit of collaborative governance that goes above and beyond the legal requirements. |
| How do we engage residents and get things done? | Created the Deputy Mayor with portfolio model — a made-in-Burlington innovation giving every councillor a defined community leadership role. Launched Pipeline to Permit, bringing residents, businesses, non-profits and agencies together to shape how Burlington grows. Town halls, ward meetings, drop-ins and direct engagement sustained across two full terms as Mayor. 91% of council votes unanimous over two terms. |
| How does Burlington punch above its weight — locally and beyond? | Elected Chair of Ontario's Big City Mayors by 29 peers — term extended by fellow mayors. Record federal and provincial investments in Burlington secured. Advocacy delivered on homelessness, bail reform, auto theft, and mental health funding. Founder of Elect Respect — a national movement for civility adopted across Canada at a moment when civility in public life matters more than ever. Burlington's values and interests represented at every table where decisions are made. |
MILESTONES
16 Years of Results
A record built one decision at a time—in partnership with Burlington residents, businesses, council, and staff.
2010
Elected Ward 2 City and Regional Councillor
Even before being elected the first time, I was a community advocate, as a founding member of Burlington Green, a member of Burlington’s Transit Advisory Committee, founder of Save Our Waterfront, and an active a volunteer at church, school, and community organizations in Aldershot. I brought that experience into my services over two consecutive terms, building deep knowledge of every Regional file alongside her councillor responsibilities.
2018
Elected Mayor of Burlington
Elected on a mandate of the right development in the right place at the right scale – with a community-led vision for protecting what we love about Burlington while we accommodate growth and housing. Delivered lowest tax increase in a decade, reset city finances to invest in what matters, increased infrastructure contributions from historic underfunding to stability and a strong financial foundation.
2019
Key to the City launched
A new way to honour Burlington’s outstanding community contributors. Designed and handcrafted by Burlington stained glass artist Teresa Seaton. More than 20 recipients awarded since 2019, spanning sport, arts and culture, environmental advocacy, diversity and inclusion, business, and community service.
2020
Urban Growth Centre relocated—a first and only in Ontario
First and only city in Ontario to successfully move a UGC—from downtown to the GO station, directing the highest density where it belongs, easing pressure of congestion and parking downtown.
2020-22
Led Burlington through COVID—Standing Together with Community
Burlington showed up for each other when it mattered most, demonstrating the compassion, care and resilience of our community. Through courageous decisions, advocacy, collaboration with community, other levels of governments and fellow mayors, kept our city safe.
2022
Re-elected Mayor, Elected Chair of OBCM by peers
Reelected by the largest percentage, earning 78% support; Trusted by 29 fellow Ontario mayors to chair Ontario’s Big City Mayors. Term subsequently extended by peers.
2022-25
Indigenous Reconciliation—Built into Burlington's Civic Fabric
With the leadership of Urban Indigenous residents, established the Indigenous Advisory Circle to the Mayor. Members have been regularly consulted by staff in city initiatives, and were integral to establishing the Sweetgrass Park ceremonial fire space, a dedicated community room at Mountainside Community Centre, Moccasin Identifier installations in public spaces, and supporting numerous community events honouring indigenous history and calling for action on truth and reconciliation. These are meaningful steps toward truth and reconciliation, taken in partnership with and leadership from urban Indigenous residents.
2024
Waterfront Hotel highrises refused at OLT
Highrises 30- and 35-storeys refused—the direct result of the work done to relocate the Urban Growth Centre. Though we don’t always win at the tribunal, my commitment to supporting appropriate development in the right location will not waver.
2025
Canada's Mayor of the Year. Skyway and Bateman open
Named Canada’s Mayor of the Year by an independent panel of editors at Municipal World, Canada’s leading publication on local government since 1891. Skyway Community Centre and Robert Bateman Community Centre—Burlington’s largest—both open.
ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITION
A Leader Among Peers
Recognition conferred by peers. Initiatives launched in Burlington. A record of service built over nearly 16 years.
Canada's Mayor of the Year 2025
Named by the editors of Municipal World Magazine, Canada’s leading publication on local government since 1891—for fearless leadership launching Elect Respect, a now national movement started by Halton elected women for civility in public life.
Chair, Ontario's Big City Mayors
Elected by fellow mayors of the 29 largest cities in Ontario representing over 70% of Ontario’s population and one third of Canada’s population. Term extended by peers. Advocacy has delivered action on homelessness, bail reform, auto theft, housing affordability and more.
King Charles III Coronation Medal — Kiera's Law
First mayor in Canada to formally support Bill C-233, protecting women and children from intimate partner violence.
Founder, Elect Respect
A movement for civility in public life, now endorsed by city councils, business organizations, and boards across Canada. Democracy works best when we honestly debate ideas and focus on policy and track record not personal attacks.
Finlay's Law — Halton Leads
Led Burlington and Halton Regional Council’s unanimous commitment to press for maximum ER wait times for children, following the death of Burlington youth Finlay. Emergency beds added at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. The advocacy continues for national and provincial standards so no one else loses a child.
16 Years Standing Together with Burlington
Nearly 16 years of showing up tirelessly in public service—for residents, for businesses, for council, for community. Through COVID. Through the hard decisions. Through the moments that defined Burlington’s future. A commitment built on respect, relationships, civility, and doing what is right for the city we love.
Steady Hands in Unsteady Times
Forward together, Burlington.
Email: marianne4mayor@gmail.com · Phone: (289) 204-1848
Authorized by the campaign to Re-elect Mayor Marianne Meed Ward · Burlington, Ontario · 2026