Gary Burroughs Town Council: Experience & Community Leadership
Gary’s experience spans local business, finance, municipal government, and volunteer service. He built and operated the Oban Inn, worked as a chartered accountant, and served as Lord Mayor and Niagara Region Chair. He currently serves as a Town Councilor.
His community roles include the Shaw Festival, Niagara Parks Commission, and local civic organizations. The timeline below traces his experience, responsibilities, and record of public service, including the municipal, business, and volunteer roles behind his current candidacy.
GARY AT A GLANCE:
MUNICIPAL AND REGIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Municipal Leadership
Gary Burroughs 2026 record includes service on Town Council and at Niagara Region. Explore the leadership record below, including his terms of office, responsibilities, and experience representing residents through periods of local growth and change.
Town Councillor
2018–Present
Gary has served residents through a period of significant growth and development. His council work has focused on reviewing proposals carefully, protecting heritage and agricultural lands, supporting local agriculture, and considering how decisions affect the character of the community.
Lord Mayor, Niagara-on-the-Lake
2000–2010
As Lord Mayor, Gary led the town through a decade of growth and change. His work involved balancing new opportunities with the preservation of the places and qualities that make Niagara-on-the-Lake distinctive.
Regional Councillor
2000–2010, 2014–2018
Gary represented local residents at Niagara Region and served on committees dealing with planning, taxation, public works, and financial oversight. The role connected town concerns with decisions made at the regional level.
Chair , Niagara Region
2010–2014
Gary led an organization of more than 3,000 employees and oversaw an annual budget of approximately $830 million serving more than 430,000 residents. The position involved regional services, financial oversight, and decisions affecting communities across Niagara.
Business & Financial Experience
Gary’s work in hospitality, accounting, and financial management forms an important part of his background alongside public service. This experience informs the Gary Burroughs Town Council approach to reviewing budgets, considering local business needs, and weighing the financial implications of municipal decisions.
Owner & Operator, Oban Inn
1975–1999
Gary built and operated the Oban Inn for nearly 25 years, gaining firsthand experience in running a hospitality business.
Chartered Professional Accountant
Gary is a retired Chartered Accountant who held the CPA designation for more than 30 years. He was awarded the CPA Fellow (FCPA) designation in recognition of his leadership, career achievements, and service to the profession and community.
Controller & Treasurer, Genaire Limited
2015–2018
Gary provided financial oversight and management for the aerospace manufacturer.
Community Leadership
Gary’s involvement extends beyond elected office. He has contributed to organizations working in the arts, education, heritage, tourism, and public safety. Gary Burroughs Town Council roles and affiliations include:
-
Chair, Shaw Festival
-
Chair, Niagara Parks Commission
-
Governor, Niagara College
-
Governor, Ridley College Foundation
-
President, Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce
-
Member, Niagara Regional Police Services Board
-
Member, Niagara Foundation
-
St. Saviour’s Church, Queenston
-
St. Mark’s Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Community Recognition
These honors recognize Gary’s contributions to public and community service throughout his career:
-
Niagara-on-the-Lake Citizen of the Year
-
Living Landmark Award, Niagara Foundation
-
Ridlean of Distinction, Ridley College
-
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
IN THE NEWS
As I walked by, the big yellow excavator took a bite from the side of the gaping hole it perched above. Moments later it disgorged yards of dirt and debris onto the ground.
.png)
Our community is at a crossroads. As we look toward the future, Niagara-on-the-Lake is facing crucial decisions about managing growth...
Ahead of this fall’s municipal election, Council. Gary Burroughs says Niagara-on-the-Lake’s next council needs to start by asking why some...