The voice of experience.
Results so far. Ready to deliver more.
Paul Sharman is asking Ward 5 for a fifth term as your City and Regional Councillor. With a deep financial background and sixteen years of experience, Paul remains focused on delivering practical results and long-term stability for every resident.
At Council: Fiscal Leadership
01
Strategic Budget Oversight
Oversight of the City’s vision and strategic plan, as well as the implementation of the multi-year budget framework that Burlington relies on. This includes ensuring budget transparency and long-term financial planning for Burlington Economic Development, Burlington Hydro, and the Halton Region boards.
02
Transparency & Accountability
Brought professional accounting discipline to the Burlington budget process, leading the development of better reporting and pushing for Key Performance Indicators so residents can see exactly what their taxes actually deliver across all service delivery areas.
03
Infrastructure & Planning
Pushed for honest conversations about unfunded infrastructure needs, including our roads, pipes, and trees, and the real long-term repair costs required to keep Burlington's foundations secure for future generations. Fought to cut highway traffic and ease congestion.
04
Process & Culture Change
Found and led practical improvements in how the City plans, reports, and delivers services, including work through committees, boards, and community organizations to ensure every dollar works harder for residents.
Why this matters
Burlington’s books are healthier when Council is honest about costs, plans ahead, and reports clearly to residents. My focus remains on multi-year planning and transparent oversight to protect the quality of life you rely on.
Highlights so far
Since the 2014 flood, my focus has been on infrastructure that protects our community and serves it well. I led $120M in sewer upgrades.
Secured $4.5M for Burloak Park with a new splash pad and permanent washrooms on the way, and in 2018 I stopped the New Street bike lanes.
That same commitment carried into building places where people come together. I championed two major community hubs: the Skyway Arena Community Centre, opening in 2025 at $39M, and the Robert Bateman Community Centre, opening in 2026 at $57M and home to the New Street Library.
I also helped bring Canada’s first PACE-style Community Wellness Hub to Burlington. What began as a single location has grown into three hubs in Burlington and five across Halton.
I also supported neighbourhood-building events including the Appleby Line Street Festival and Orchard Community Picnic, helping keep communities connected.
Housing and Seniors
Halton Community Housing
As President of Halton Community Housing Corporation, I am focused on increasing our portfolio with new affordable rentals and supportive housing units. We are championing community wellness hubs that provide better coordination between housing, transit, healthcare, and community services, ensuring Burlington remains a city where everyone can afford to live and thrive.
Supportive Housing & PACE
I am dedicated to bringing PACE-style options to Burlington, offering a dignified and humane, community-based alternative for our aging population. By establishing wellness hubs and improving the coordination between housing, transit, and healthcare, we make it possible for Ward 5 seniors to age comfortably in their homes with the support they deserve.
Growth, Planning and the Provincial File
Ward 5 is at a crossroads of growth and infrastructure. I have spent 16 years advocating for development that respects our character and pays its way. I am pushing for a sustainable future through work with the Sustainable Development Committee, ensuring a transparent review of major applications and meaningful engagement with residents before decisions are already made.
Respect for Neighbourhood Character
Member of the Burlington Sustainable Development Committee, pushing for community amenities when development happens while protecting neighbourhood character and meeting real housing needs.
Impact of Provincial Rules
Spoke publicly and at the Region on the impact of provincial planning rules on Burlington, including governance changes that affect how decisions get made.
In Ward 5
From the Lakeshore and Elizabeth Gardens to Pinedale, Sheldon Creek and The Orchard, Paul knows the streets, the schools, and the issues at every door.
Streets, Sidewalks & Traffic
Resurfacing, sidewalk links, school-zone safety, traffic calming, and day-to-day road maintenance matter because they shape how people move through the ward every day.
Parks, Trees & the Lakeshore
Ward 5’s parks, tree canopy, and lake access are part of why people choose to live here. I will continue to advocate for renewal, maintenance, tree replacement, and access to public spaces that serve residents well.
Development on the Corridors
As new development comes to our corridors, the focus must be on responsible planning, infrastructure, traffic, amenities, and community benefit — not growth without regard for what already exists.
Schools, Seniors & Community
From school drop-off safety to seniors’ services and local gathering places, Ward 5 residents need practical attention to the places and routines that shape daily life.