Mayor of Burlington

09/04/2026

We know there are a lot of questions and concerns about the proposed data centre at 3110 South Service Road here in Burlington, and residents deserve the opportunity to hear directly from the people behind the project.

Following conversations with the Ownership Group, the owners/developers have agreed to organize and voluntarily host an open house where residents can ask questions, learn more about the proposal, and hear directly from the project team.

We understand this is short notice, but the proponent faced challenges in securing an appropriate venue.

No decisions have been made. This is about listening, asking questions, and making sure residents have the information they need.

If you can’t make it but have questions, please reach out to [email protected].

08/14/2026

Yesterday, the provincial government announced a playbook to regulate data centres. This responds to advocacy calls from many municipalities including Burlington for coordinated regulations that will balance data sovereignty and investment, with protections for residents.

Highlights include ensuring data centres pay the full cost of electricity and protect data security, while ensuring meaningful benefits for host communities. A new tax class will be introduced for any facility over 1 megawatt to pay a higher rate than other large industrial electricity users. Projects will be required to meet environmental standards around water consumption and noise, and priority will be given to projects with closed loop systems that use virtually no water during operation.

But gaps remain. Municipal planning authority is unclear—with the Minister of Energy and Mines having final authority over connection of large-load facilities. Community benefits are referenced, but without a requirement for a formal agreement with municipalities. There is no coordination with federal regulations, yet.

This is a step in the right direction to balance data sovereignty with community protections and benefits, but I will continue advocate that gaps be addressed, in alignment with the unanimously-approved motion I brought to council in July.

Burlington is doing our part prioritizing regulations for data centres in our Official Plan review in 2027, with an interim update in December of this year.

The province is seeking public input on the proposed Playbook, with a 30-day consultation period ending September 12. Given the complexity of the issue, 30 days may not be enough time for municipalities and residents to meaningfully review and respond. I will be advocating for the Province to extend the consultation period to 60 days.

Have your say: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/026-0853

Read the provincial announcement: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007871/ontario-launches-data-centre-playbook

Read my advocacy motion here: https://burlingtonpublishing.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=98345

07/22/2026

City Council convened the longest meeting of the term on July 21, with all items after debate on amendments approved unanimously.

Below are some highlights of the work I’ve been doing on your behalf. Council approved the following directions for staff:

• Report back with options for a long-term sustainable operation for Freeman Station

• Report back with a traffic congestion plan arising from the Mayor's Roundtable report on traffic; council endorsed strategies to work with other levels of government and agencies on a coordinated plan

• Review municipal regulations for data centres as part of our Official Plan review, and advocate to federal and provincial governments for standard regulations that protect our communities

• Develop a public input plan on options to manage construction noise

Thank you to the 16 delegations who spoke to us about data centres. We heard from those in support of data centres subject to appropriate regulations, and from those who expressed concerns around noise, air quality, location and power consumption, asking for more regulation, oversight and public transparency. The discussion was informed, respectful and extremely helpful as we all navigate this issue together. The top priority for all of council, and our staff, is protecting our quality of life, and the public health and wellbeing of our entire community. We have heard your questions and feedback, and it informed our decision to review our own regulations, and advocate for standards across the province and country.

To read the full summary of council decisions, please visit: tinyurl.com/July-Council-Highlights

Council reconvenes the week of September 14 for Committee of the Whole, followed council September 29, the last council meeting of the term.

07/14/2026

The Spencer Smith Park cherry tree pathway renewal project is moving ahead and is currently in the project tender and award process.

Once the project is complete, the park will feature a new, accessible pedestrian pathway extension bordered by cherry trees, preserving this beloved park feature for future generations.

Learn more about the project:
https://bit.ly/44kLCco

07/08/2026

Some people shape a community. Others shape a country. Robert Bateman has done both.

For more than seven decades, Robert Bateman has inspired Canadians through his extraordinary wildlife art, encouraging generations to see the natural world with greater appreciation and care. Internationally celebrated for his realistic paintings, he has also been a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and wildlife preservation, using his art to raise awareness, support, and funding for these important causes. His work has become an enduring part of Canada's cultural and environmental legacy.

Burlington is proud to be part of his story. Before he became one of Canada's most renowned artists, Robert Bateman taught art and geography at Nelson High School, where he inspired countless students—including many who still fondly remember "Mr. Bateman." Today, the former Bateman High School continues that legacy as the Robert Bateman Community Centre, ensuring his connection to our city will be celebrated for generations to come.

Too often, artists receive the recognition they deserve only after they are gone. At 96 years old, Robert Bateman continues to paint every day. This is an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable Canadian while he can still experience that honour.

A non-partisan House of Commons e-petition, initiated by former Burlington resident Susan Stern and sponsored by MP Elizabeth May, is calling on the National Gallery of Canada to present an exhibition of Robert Bateman's work. If you would like to support this effort, I encourage you to add your name and share the petition with others. Anyone who is a Canadian citizen can sign the petition, regardless of age, including children.

Sign the petition here: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Sign/e-7456

Lean more about Mr. Bateman, his works, and his legacy here: www.robertbateman.ca

07/06/2026

07/06/2026

What do you think? We're looking at ways to improve how you can find and pay for parking. This is your 'sign' to take our survey!

Tell us what you think as we look for ways to make it easier to find and pay for parking in Downtown
https://www.getinvolvedburlington.ca/paidparking

07/06/2026

07/06/2026

The countdown to Canada Celebrates is on!

The free, family-friendly fan experience takes place on July 9 at 1 p.m.

Join us at Spencer Smith Park to watch a live FIFA World Cup 2026TM match, music, cultural programming, guest appearances and more.

⚽ burlington.ca/fifa

Discover Burlington

06/30/2026

Congratulations to the Halton Regional Police Service on the grand opening of the new 1 District Police Station in Halton Hills!

This investment will help support Halton Region’s growing communities by providing modern facilities and resources, ensuring police can continue delivering excellent service and keeping residents safe.