Burlington s Strategic Plan

Transcription

1 Burlington s Strategic Plan A Workbook for Planning the Future of Burlington

2 The City of Burlington is committed to hearing from you. We can t be everywhere, so we want you to share your ideas with us when and where it is convenient for you. Your input will be used by council to help update its strategic plan. Things You Need to Know What is a Strategic Plan? To help set priorities for the future of the City of Burlington, each City Council creates a strategic plan to match with the four-year term of council and beyond. The Strategic Plan will: Map out our future Help us work together toward a vision we all share Guide the development of future city budgets, and Influence the decisions and actions of City Council. In 2011, the city undertook a comprehensive engagement with the community. We learned what was important to the people of Burlington today and into the future. We heard what you like about Burlington, what you want to protect and what you want to change. Together, we created a vision statement that said we want to be a place where people, nature and business thrive. It s about vibrant neighbourhoods, prosperity and excellence in government. With the new term of council, the city is updating its strategic plan, keeping the major elements while making adjustments based on new and emerging realities, demands and challenges. We are taking a close look at what strategic priorities have been finished, which need to be started and what we should add or change. To be successful, updating the strategic plan will involve many community members and their ideas. This Workbook for Planning the Future of Burlington is just one part of the involvement process. There will be other opportunities for your input to shape the plan and bring it to life. What is a Workbook for Planning the Future of Burlington? This workbook is a tool to support individual or group discussion on Burlington s future. To complete the questions individually, please read this workbook and follow the steps outlined on page three. To complete the questions as a group, gather members of your community groups (such as your book club, Rotary club or music group), associations you belong to, your co-workers, your class, your family or friends, or your neighbours for a casual discussion. Use the Five Simple Steps on page four of this workbook to help with your group discussion exercise. 1

3 City of Burlington We recognize that a wide range of services are important to you. It is important that your discussions about the city s strategic plan focus on what the city does and the services we provide. This list outlines what the city does and doesn t do. We do this Fire Protection Snow Removal Roads and Sidewalks (build and maintain) Leisure Programs Community Planning and Development Licensing (marriage, pets, businesses) Building Permits Storm Sewers and Drainage Tax Collection City Buses Libraries Park and Community Centre Maintenance We don t do this Education Health Care Garbage Collection and Recycling Wastewater/Sewage Water Purification Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Police Affordable Housing Ontario Works Halton Public Health Social Services 2

4 Burlington by the Numbers* The challenges that Burlington is facing are diverse. By working together, there are many opportunities to be explored. 175,779 Is Burlington s population in % Residents own their home 41.8 Years is the median age in Burlington 22% Residents are tenants in rental accommodation 6.7% Is the increase in low income families in Burlington 23% Of residents are employed in the sales and services sector 34% Of Burlington s residents are under the 35% Of Halton Region s residents live in age of 30 Burlington 1 in 4 Households in Burlington is occupied 44% Of Halton Region s seniors population live by one person in Burlington 1.6 Is the average number of vehicles/household 62% Of Burlington residents work outside of in Burlington Burlington 6.9% Is the population growth since % Of those filing taxes in Burlington made charitable donations, with a median contribution of $310 *All figures obtained from Community Development Halton s Social Profile of Burlington

5 How do I complete the questions if I m not part of a group? Completing the strategic planning questions is simple and rewarding. It s as easy as Read Begin by reading this workbook. 2. Answer Complete the questions in writing using a hard copy of this workbook or use the online version at 3. Submit Submit your answers before 4:30 p.m. on May 4, If you completed the workbook online, you have successfully completed this exercise. If you are not able to access the internet to complete the online survey, hard copies of this workbook can be submitted: By Mail to Strategic Plan, City of Burlington, 426 Brant St., P.O. Box 5013, L7R 3Z6 By Fax to to the attention of Burlington s Strategic Plan In person at the reception counter, City Hall, 426 Brant St., L7R 3Z6 How do I set up a Group Discussion Exercise? When getting ready to facilitate a Group Discussion Exercise, invite the participants to a meeting location, provide copies of this workbook (optional), and follow the Five Simple Steps to lead discussions about the city s strategic plan. Five Simple Steps 1. Review the question to be discussed to be sure that everyone understands what is being asked. 2. Write down your thoughts individually. 3. Discuss individual responses. Make connections between existing themes. Form group consensus on priorities. 4. Summarize your group s answers. 5. Submit your group s responses before 4:30 p.m. on May 4, You have a number of options to submit your group s responses: Online: Using the online version available at By Mail to Strategic Plan, City of Burlington, 426 Brant St., P.O. Box 5013, L7R 3Z6 By Fax to to the attention of Burlington s Strategic Plan In person at the reception counter, City Hall, 426 Brant St., L7R 3Z6 4

6 Let s get started First, tell us what is the best thing about living/doing business in Burlington? Now, describe the one thing City Council should do to make Burlington a better place to live or do business. Thinking about the quality of life in Burlington over the past four years, would you say it has: Improved Stayed the same Worsened I have not lived in Burlington for four years No opinion/don t know If you feel your quality of life has improved or worsened, please tell us why. 5

7 Strategic Priorities Strategic Priorities set the overall focus of the vision and strategic direction for Burlington for the next four years and beyond. Most municipalities have strategic priorities of focus. For your reference, our current priorities are: Vibrant Neighbourhoods, Prosperity and Excellence in Government. Should City Council focus on something else? We have provided a list of some additional strategic priorities for you to consider. But don t feel limited by the options that follow. There is space to add your own strategic priorities. What additional priorities should Burlington City Council focus on during the term? Please select three priorities from the options listed below. Well managed and sustainable growth Economic development, prosperity and opportunity (bringing more businesses and jobs to Burlington) Arts and culture Public transportation (buses both regular and specialized, specifically Burlington Transit not GO) Traffic specifically congestion, ease of getting into, out of and around town Diverse housing options rentals, affordable housing, smaller single family units Partnership and collaboration (between the city, residents, businesses, and other levels of government) Sound financial practices Commitment to infrastructure (renewal, maintenance and repair of assets such as roads, buildings, storm sewers and parks) Environmental stewardship/sustainability Healthy community health and well-being of residents Civic engagement and public feedback/involvement Community safety Transparent decision-making Active transportation cycling and walking Aging population City recreation and sports facilities (arenas, pools, community centres) Parks and community open/green spaces Other, please specify:

8 Questions about our current priorities Vibrant Neighbourhoods Neighbourhoods are at the heart of what makes a great city. They are where we live. Where children play. Where we return after a long day. Where we connect most closely with other citizens. Thinking about neigbourhoods throughout the city, which of the following should City Council make a top priority when allocating resources? What would your choice look like if it went forward? Ensure that neighbourhoods, commercial areas and the downtown are safe, accessible places to live and gather for activities Protect rural communities from urban development and the intrusion of new highways or quarries Increase the number of people who cycle, walk and use public transit for recreation and transportation. Is there anything regarding Vibrant Neighbourhoods that was missed or opportunities City Council should consider? How would you measure success? Prosperity Prosperity is more than the absence of poverty. Our vision of a prosperous city has sustainability built into it, so that we re not just planning for today or tomorrow, but for years to come. Creating a prosperous community that provides a future for all, including our children, is important to Burlington. Which of the following would you like to see the city make its top priority when allocating resources? Discuss why you feel your choice is important. Nurture and innovative business community and work with partners to create employment and lifestyle opportunities for people of all ages Promote and encourage reduced community energy consumption Increase the number of people living and working in Burlington. 7

9 Is there anything regarding Prosperity that was missed or opportunities City Council should consider? How would you measure success? Excellence in Government We want Burlington residents to be proud of their local government. To be confident that the city is well-managed, forward-looking and responsible. Which one of the following would you like to see the city make its top priority when allocating resources? Discuss your choice and share your thoughts with us. Achieve excellence in customer satisfaction and support a corporate culture that values an engaged and innovative workforce Forge strong community relationships, with open dialogue and citizen involvement in municipal issues Ensure we are financially sustainable Ensure we are environmentally sustainable. Is there anything regarding Excellence in Government that was missed or opportunities City Council should consider? How would you measure success? 8

10 About Your Exercise 1. How many people participated in your discussion?... 1 person 2 to 4 people 5 to 7 people More than 7 people 2. Was your discussion hosted by a particular group? Yes No If yes, please provide the name of the group: This information is collected by The Corporation of the City of Burlington under the Municipal Act, 2001, Ch.25 for the purposes of gaining feedback for the Strategic Plan Questions about the collection of this information can be addressed to the Michelle Dwyer, Coordinator, Strategic Initiatives, , ext 7378, 426 Brant Street, P.O. Box 5013, Burlington, L7R 3Z6. Our website, will highlight comments made by citizens. Please let us know your preference: Do not post comments from my feedback Post comments from my feedback with group name Post comments from my feedback anonymously Keep yourself up to date on Burlington s strategic plan by registering for updates on our website at Thank you for taking the time to complete this workbook and share your thoughts about the future of Burlington. Your input is important and will be shared with Burlington City Council as they update the city s strategic plan. 9

11