Moving Burlington Forward

As we head toward Burlington’s municipal election on October 26, I want to thank the many residents who have taken the time to speak with me, share their concerns and offer ideas about the future of our city. I am seeking re-election as your Ward 5 City and Regional Councillor because I believe the next four years will be particularly important for Burlington.

This election will bring significant change to City Council, with at least three of seven members being new. Change brings new ideas and energy, but it also makes experience, continuity and steady leadership around the Council table especially important. New councillors will need to find their footing quickly, while Council must continue making

important decisions about growth, infrastructure, transportation, public safety, taxes and the services residents depend upon every day.

After four terms on Council, combined with my many years of business and financial

management experience, I believe I can help provide that continuity—while continuing to

challenge the status quo when better solutions are available. And there are areas where I believe we must do things differently.

We need to rethink Burlington Transit. We need practical solutions to growing highway cut- through traffic. We must protect our parks and green spaces, ensure infrastructure keeps pace with development, support community safety, and manage City finances so taxes remain fair and spending is disciplined.

Most importantly, we need to look beyond the next budget or the next election. Decisions we make today will shape Burlington for decades.

I love Burlington. I have been proud to represent Ward 5 since 2010 and proud of what we have accomplished together. But there is much more to do.

My commitment remains straightforward: experienced leadership, responsible financial

management, practical solutions and results for Ward 5 and Burlington.

Six Priorities for Burlington’s Next Four Years

Modernize Burlington Transit

Introduce smaller, on-demand electric buses that go where and when people need them. More convenient service can attract substantially more seniors, young people, commuters and other residents to transit, reduce costly empty seats and work toward eliminating Burlington Transit’s $26.6 million annual funding deficit.

Reduce Traffic Congestion

Address the growing impact of highway cut-through traffic on Burlington streets and

neighbourhoods. Smarter local transit, better traffic management and practical measures to discourage neighbourhood shortcuts can help keep traffic moving while making residential streets safer and more livable.

Protect and Expand Parks & Green Space

Protect, improve and expand Burlington’s parks, trees and green spaces as our city grows.

These are essential community assets that support recreation, healthy living and the quality of life that makes Burlington such a desirable place to live.

Make Growth Pay Its Way

Ensure infrastructure and public services keep pace with new development. Roads, transit,

parks, community facilities and other essential services must have the capacity to serve existing residents as well as those who will call Burlington home in the future.

Control Spending and Keep Taxes Fair

Continue focusing on strategy, process, performance and value for taxpayers. We need to

challenge how services are delivered, improve productivity and control costs—including

pursuing the opportunity to eliminate the Transit funding deficit—so Burlington remains

affordable and financially sustainable.

Plan for the Next 25 Years — Not Just the Next Election

We need to make decisions today with a clear understanding of the Burlington we want decades from now. That means long-term thinking about infrastructure, services, technology, regulations, demographics and growth—not simply getting through the next four-year Council term.

Experience Matters — When It Produces Results

Serving as Ward 5 Councillor means much more than representing a neighbourhood. Your

Councillor serves on both Burlington City Council and Halton Regional Council, making

decisions affecting taxes, infrastructure, transportation, development, housing, policing, water and wastewater, social services, community housing and many other essential services.

Over four terms, I have learned how to get things done in that environment. I have worked

through difficult budgets, major infrastructure decisions and complex community issues, while helping deliver significant investments and improvements for Ward 5 and Burlington. I welcome new ideas and different perspectives. Experience matters when it produces results.

Want to Know More?

This newsletter provides a brief overview of the priorities I believe Burlington needs to address over the next four years. You can learn more about my record, my priorities for Ward 5 and Burlington, and the ideas I am putting forward at PaulSharman.ca.

I will continue adding information to the website throughout the campaign as we take a closer look at the issues that matter to Burlington residents. Over the coming weeks, I will also use this newsletter to examine these issues in more detail, explain what I believe we can do differently, report on what I have delivered and, most importantly, listen to what you believe Burlington needs for the future. What is the issue you most want Burlington

City Council to address over the next four years?

Reply to this newsletter and let me know. I read your comments, and they help me understand what matters most to Ward 5 residents. If you would like to have a sign on your lawn, or make a donation you can register at PaulSharman.ca

Paul Sharman

Ward 5 City & Regional Councillor

Candidate for Re-election — October 26, 2026

Experienced. Qualified. Delivers.

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