Deputy mayors will take on more responsibilities at Burlington city council
Published November 29, 2022 at 3:00 pm
Much like a provincial or federal government with several ministries, the City of Burlington is adopting an enhanced deputy mayor program this term.
And like their counterparts, the deputy mayors will each have a specific portfolio where they will focus some of their energy.
According to a report from the office of the Mayor, “The Deputy Mayor with Portfolio is a new model of governance for this council. These assignments, which are similar to minister-level appointments at the federal and provincial level, will help make best use of the diverse experience and background of each member of council, to deliver on the Vision to Focus Strategic Plan and ongoing initiatives and priorities for this term of council.
“The roles will evolve as the term progresses, and each member is encouraged to make the role their own and build on it. The deputy mayor will lead on initiatives and work closely with the mayor and the mayor’s office on the areas of focus in their portfolio, and with other deputy mayors where their portfolios include complementary activities.”
All roles will include:
- being the point person for community liaison on these items
- leading on motions or resolutions to committee and council
- participating in intergovernmental meetings and delegations
Here are the appointments for the six city councillors as announced by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward as well as corresponding duties:
Videos
Ward 1 Kelvin Glabraith: Deputy Mayor for Business & Red Tape Reduction
- Reviewing progress from the Red Tape Red Carpet Task Force
- Co-sponsor on planning process improvements and legislative changes (with the Deputy Mayor for Housing), to get more housing, built faster at our strategic areas like aging retail plazas and GO stations
- Cutting red tape for all businesses, and rural area, to ensure a robust agricultural economy
- Participating in intergovernmental advocacy on planning and legislative changes related to housing, economic development and quarries
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns: Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement & Partnerships.
- Reviewing current community engagement models, including the advisory committee structure, with a view to community capacity building
- Liaising with partner agencies/boards/committees on governance, and ensuring strong connections with the city and council
- Co-sponsor with the Deputy Mayor for Recreation & Community Services on community funding opportunities at the City and Region and private sponsorship opportunities for city projects.
Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan: Deputy Mayor for the Environment
- Implementation of Climate Action Plans
- Implementation of Integrated Mobility Plans, including transit, cycling and walking
- Restarting discussions with the school boards on free transit for students, which was put on hold during COVID
- Participating in intergovernmental advocacy on transit and quarries.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte: Deputy Mayor for Housing
- Implementation of housing strategy which includes affordable and attainable housing
- Building on the work of the Burlington Lands Partnership to leverage new land acquisition for housing, where appropriate, including surplus school sites
- Liaison with Halton Region on assisted housing
- Co-sponsor on planning process improvements and legislative changes (with the Deputy Mayor for Business and Red Tape Reduction), to get more housing, built faster
Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman: Deputy Mayor for Strategy and Budgets
- Oversight of implementation of the Vision to Focus strategic plan
- Development of key performance indicators and progress reports
- Guidance on process improvements and culture change across departments
- Expert advice and assistance with multi-year budget preparation
Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna: Deputy Mayor for Recreation and Community Services
- Involvement in the review and implementation of the Recreation and Cultural Master Plan, which will occur this term. This review will determine park needs and community amenity needs going forward
- Liaising and support to the charitable sector, and connecting non-profit organizations with the City
- Promoting community pride and inclusion. This includes new ways to support all our diverse communities and cultures within our city and region
- Co-sponsor with the Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement and Partnerships on community funding opportunities at the City and Region and private sponsorship opportunities for city projects