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.
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
Office: 1440 Grahams Lane, Unit 3, off Brant Street, just south of Fairview Street.
Authorized by the campaign to Re-elect Mayor Marianne Meed Ward · Burlington, Ontario · 2026