About Marianne
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
16
Years serving Burlington
91%
Unanimous council votes
#1
Canada’s Mayor of the Year
29
Peers elected her OBCM Chair
Why She is Running Again
Marianne Meed Ward is seeking a third term to provide steady, experienced leadership through an uncertain time—protecting Burlington’s finances, its waterfront and greenbelt, safe neighbourhoods, and the city’s voice at every level of government. After 16 years in public service, she brings a proven record and the relationships built over years with the provincial and federal governments.
Continuity through a changing Council
This election brings significant change to City Council with at least 3 out of 7 new members. That makes steady, experienced leadership at the head of the table more important than ever—a mayor who can provide continuity, help new councillors find their footing quickly, and keep the city moving forward through the transition.
A Record of Results
Responsible
Finances
Reserves rebuilt to their highest levels ever. The most budget amendments to reduce tax increases of any council member. One of the lowest overall tax burdens in the region.
The Right
Growth
Relocated the Urban Growth Centre to the GO station—the only city in Ontario to do so—and won at the Ontario Land Tribunal to protect the waterfront from 30- and 35-storey towers.
Safe
Communities
Halton remains the safest large community in Canada, with auto theft down and sustained investment in policing and prevention.
Protecting What
We Love
Our Greenbelt and rural areas are protected, our heritage is preserved, and Burlington’s waterfront and greenspace is defended.
Responsible
Finances
Reserves rebuilt to their highest levels ever. The most budget amendments to reduce tax increases of any council member. One of the lowest overall tax burdens in the region.
The Right
Growth
Relocated the Urban Growth Centre to the GO station—the only city in Ontario to do so—and won at the Ontario Land Tribunal to protect the waterfront from 30- and 35-storey towers.
Safe
Communities
Halton remains the safest large community in Canada, with auto theft down and sustained investment in policing and prevention.
Protecting What
We Love
Our Greenbelt and rural areas are protected, our heritage is preserved, and Burlington’s waterfront and greenspace is defended.
How She Leads
Collaborative by Design
Created the Deputy Mayor with portfolio model—a made-in-Burlington innovation giving every councillor a defined leadership role. The result: 91% of council votes unanimous over two terms.
Restraint with Strong Mayors Powers
Marianne has never used the Strong Mayor veto, or the power to pass by-laws with only one-third of council—the powers that have raised the most concern. She has delegated nearly all Strong Mayor administrative powers back to council and staff, keeping only CAO hiring authority—and even there, she sought council’s collaboration and support.
Willing to Use the Office for What Matters
When leadership can make a difference, she uses it—becoming the first mayor in Canada to formally support Kiera’s Law, protecting women and children from intimate partner violence.
Innovative in Getting Things Done
Launched the Pipeline to Permit committee, bringing residents, builders, agencies, and non-profits to one table to speed housing approvals and bring decisions into public view.
Recognized by Her Peers
Canada's Mayor of the Year, 2025
Unanimously selected by the Municipal World editorial board.
Chair, Ontario's Big City Mayors
Elected by 29 fellow mayors, peers voted to extend her term.
Board Member,
AMO
Elected by Association of Municipalities of Ontario peers.
King Charles III Coronation Medal
For her work on intimate partner violence prevention.
Founder of
Elect Respect
A national movement for civility in public life.
Canada's Mayor of the Year, 2025
Unanimously selected by the Municipal World editorial board.
Chair, Ontario's Big City Mayors
Elected by 29 fellow mayors, peers voted to extend her term.
Board Member,
AMO
Elected by Association of Municipalities of Ontario peers.
King Charles III Coronation Medal
For her work on intimate partner violence prevention.
Founder of
Elect Respect
A national movement for civility in public life.
Common Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who is Marianne Meed Ward? | Mayor of Burlington since 2018, re-elected 2022, with 16 years in municipal government. Chair of Ontario's Big City Mayors and Canada's 2025 Mayor of the Year. |
| Why is she running again? | To provide steady, experienced leadership through an uncertain time — protecting Burlington's finances, waterfront and greenbelt, safe neighbourhoods, and its voice at every level of government. |
| What has she accomplished as Mayor? | Rebuilt reserves to record levels, relocated the Urban Growth Centre to the GO station (an Ontario first), opened Skyway and Bateman community centres, and delivered 91% unanimous council votes. |
| What is her approach to development? | Right development, in the right place, at the right scale — protecting the waterfront and greenbelt while addressing the housing crisis through partnerships. |
| How has she used Strong Mayor powers? | She has never used the veto or the power to pass by-laws with one-third of council. She delegated nearly all Strong Mayor powers back to council and staff, keeping only CAO hiring — and sought council's support even there. She favours collaboration: 91% of council votes have been unanimous. |
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