Burlington: How do you want to be involved in city decisions?

Burlington, Ont.—Jan. 9, 2012– The City of Burlington is inviting members of the community to assist with the development of a community engagement charter. Five information sessions on how the community can assist in the development of the charter will be held in January.

“The City of Burlington is committed to public involvement”, said Kim Phillips, Acting City Manager. “We want to make sure the community has early input into city projects and that we use public friendly involvement methods in city decision-making. A community engagement charter that is developed with the assistance of the community is an important first step.”

Participation on the charter team is open to everyone in Burlington. A series of information sessions about the charter and the role you can play on the team will be held on:

Date and Time	Location
Thursday, Jan. 12 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.	Aldershot Arena – Community Room 494 Townsend Ave.
Tuesday, Jan. 17 7 to 8 p.m.	Mainway Recreation Centre – Laurie Branch Auditorium 4015 Mainway
Thursday, Jan. 19 2 to 3 p.m. - Room 247  7 to 8 p.m. - Council Chambers	City Hall 426 Brant St.
Thursday, Jan. 26 7 to 8 p.m.	Brant Hills Community Centre – Nelson Room 2255 Brant St.

The purpose of a community engagement charter is to ensure there is a meaningful approach to involving the community in city decision-making, and community building, as early as possible. The charter is an agreement between Burlington residents, City Council and staff on the ways the community will be involved and consulted.

Christine Iamonaco, the City of Burlington’s first public involvement coordinator, will guide the city’s public involvement efforts to ensure the community has a say in issues and projects that matter to them. Her role is to work with the public, members of council, and city staff to create and implement a community engagement charter.

To find out more about how you can get involved visit www.burlington.ca/getinvolved.

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Communications Contact:                                 
Helen Walihura
Communications Advisor
905-335-7600, ext. 7483
walihurah@burlington.ca

Media Contact:
Christine Iamonaco
Public Involvement Co-ordinator
905-335-7600, ext. 7885
iamonacoc@burlington.ca