Horizon 2050 was created with input from our community members, local businesses, community partners, Council and staff. The result is a shared direction to shape Burlington's future through intentional, long-term decision-making.
Horizon 2050 continues our work established by Vision 2040. Our ongoing strategies guide how the City plans, invests and delivers services while balancing growth, environmental stewardship, economic vitality and community wellbeing.
It refines our focus from managing growth to enhancing everyday experiences, well-being and quality of life for every Burlington community member.
This 25-year strategic plan is built on four foundational elements to guide priorities, investments and decisions:
- People First - Decisions are shaped by the everyday experiences, well-being and quality of life of our community members.
- Vibrant Communities - Neighbourhoods are inclusive, connected and designed for people to thrive at every stage of life.
- Shared Responsibility - Burlington's future is created by community members, businesses, Council, staff, community partners and solid relationships with other levels of government.
- Purposeful Growth - Growth is intentional to balance community needs, environmental responsibility, economic prosperity and long-term sustainability. Burlington will protect its natural environment to maintain its rare balance of urban and rural landscapes.
This is the foundation to build our shared vision for Burlington's future: Burlington is a community where nature is protected, growth is purposeful and everyone thrives. This is how we will gauge our success.
Horizon 2050 - the City of Burlington's vision and 25-year plan
Vision
Burlington is a community where nature is protected, growth is purposeful and everyone thrives.
Mission
Burlington stands together; staying connected, caring for one another, and strengthening community well-being for generations to come.
Strategic directions
There are four key strategic directions for Burlington in our Strategic Plan.
Quality services for all people and communities
- Meet or exceed service levels and quality standards
- Foster meaningful civic engagement and participation
- Ensure transparency and accountability in governance
- Enhance customer experience through a customer-first approach
- Foster an ethical and collaborative organizational culture
Neighbourhoods that support well-being
- Strengthen social connectivity and community spirit
- Foster equity and inclusion across all services
- Advance creative and adaptive city planning and development
- Enable safe and inclusive neighbourhoods
- Promote health and wellness for all community members
Preserve the environment and promote the natural legacy
- Advance net-zero commitments for municipal operations and the broader community
- Create vibrant, accessible green spaces that invite exploration, learning and generational connection
- Preserve natural areas to maintain biodiversity and ecological resilience
- Expand and innovate urban green spaces to support climate adaptation and improve community well-being
- Enhance municipal resilience to climate-related risk
Enabled and purposeful growth
- Create an integrated mobility network with accessible and low emission options
- Enhance connectivity and reduce car dependency through transit and active transportation
- Drive sustainable economic growth in priority sectors to create quality jobs and long-term prosperity
- Deliver purposeful housing development to support diverse and changing needs
Guiding Principles
Horizon 2050 is guided by a clear set of principles that anchor decision making across the organization.
- Financially responsible
- Communities fostering respect and belonging
- Innovative, transparent and data-driven
- Sustainable and future-ready
- Economic vitality
These define:
- how priorities are set,
- how trade-offs are made and
- how resources are invested.
As conditions change, they provide a consistent reference point to keep decisions focused on long-term sustainability, community well-being and responsible growth.
Putting the Plan into Action
Horizon 2050 will help us remain aligned and focused on long-term outcomes. But it’s not a static plan. We must watch for and respond to shifts happening locally, plus economic and environmental factors. This will allow us to change plans to address any emerging priorities.
Our Strategic Plan is supported by other City plans, including:
- The City’s 5-Year Corporate Workplan
- Annual budgets and long-term financial planning
- The Official Plan and supporting master plans
- Departmental strategies and business plans
- Partnerships with community organizations, businesses and other levels of government
By working together, we can continue to build a Burlington that is vibrant, inclusive and sustainable for the future.
Measuring Success
Horizon 2050’s progress will be measured using indicators that align with its four Strategic Directions. This will help the City track and monitor if we are reaching our goals.
We will produce an Annual Report Card* to share Burlington's key community indicators and long-term outcomes. The report will help residents, Council and staff understand progress to date, emerging trends and help with future decisions.
*While the Report Card will be published annually, some indicators may be updated semi-annually or based on available data from City reporting and external data sources.