Shaping Burlington

It is with considerable sadness that Shaping Burlington has learned of the death of John Boich. Among his many accomplishments, John was the co-chair of the “Mayor’s Citizen Advisory Committee on Civic Engagement”, later changed to Shape Burlington, which prepared the Shape Burlington Report – Creating an Engaged Community. John’s excellent leadership, in partnership with co-chair Walter Mulkewich, led 35 community volunteers in preparing this concise, high quality, and well-considered document in a relatively short time frame utilizing a great deal of community involvement. John showed that he truly loves the Burlington community, both its physical aspects and its people, and openly expressed it. He was a great mentor, helping to create a cordial meeting atmosphere that encouraged everyone to express their ideas. He also showed a very open mind in listening respectfully to the wide range of ideas being expressed. He and Walter worked tirelessly to keep the volunteere engaged and it was no surprise that the report was well-received with the then Burlington City Council approving it in principle in July 2010.

To ensure that the recommendations and findings of the Shape Report were front and centre in the public eye during the campaigning for the October 2010 municipal election, some 14 members of the original Shape Burlington group got together as Shaping Burlington to promote consideration of the Shape Report in that campaign. Both John and Walter indicated a desire to take only an advisor role, given their many other interests and a desire to let others take a leadership role, but both continued to take an active role, hardly if ever missing a meeting. Shaping Burlington’s work during the campaign is considered to have had significant influence in the election results. The new Burlington Council, which includes two members of Shape Burlington who ran for office, is very supportive of the Shape Burlington recommendations and has now taken concrete steps towards implementation of these recommendations.

Shaping Burlington believes that the Shape Burlington Report will be the foundation stone on which is built a radical reconfiguration of Burlington City Council’s relationship with the people of this city. It is no exaggeration to say that John Boich’s work with both Shape Burlington and Shaping Burlington over the last year will touch the lives of every person in Burlington. John has truly made a difference. Burlington is becoming an even better place to live due to him.

Funeral arragements are as follows: