Burlington chief officer appointed as Ontario’s first Chief Conservation Executive

The Ford government has appointed Burlington’s Hassaan Basit to serve as the newly created role of Ontario’s Chief Conservation Executive.

Basit will take up the role effective Aug. 4, transitioning away from his role as Burlington’s Chief Administrative Officer.

Basit was the CEO and president of Conservation Halton, before becoming as the City of Burlington’s city manager last April.

The province said the new job will enhance the effectiveness of Ontario’s conservation authorities and support the government’s commitment to protect the economy, by speeding up critical infrastructure and housing development, while safeguarding the environment.

“Our government recognizes the vital role that Ontario’s conservation authorities play in watershed management and protecting communities from natural hazards,” said Todd McCarthy, minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “I am looking forward to leading our government’s efforts to bring common sense conservation principles to the role of conservation authorities and this newly created role under Hassaan’s leadership will support these efforts across the province.”

Basit has over two decades of experience in the conservation sector, and is a well-respected, non-partisan leader with deep experience with local conservation authorities.

“Over my 20 years in the conservation sector, I’ve learned that effective flood protection is not just about safeguarding the environment — it’s about enabling prosperous, sustainable communities,” said Basit in a statement. “Conservation authorities were created to strike that balance, and they have worked for decades to protect people and property while supporting economic prosperity.”

A statement from the Office of the City of Burlington’s Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, said that it fully supported the news, and wished Basit success in the “next chapter of an already distinguished career.”

“Under his leadership, we have seen important progress on key initiatives, improvements in organizational efficiency, and a deepened focus on transparency and engagement,” reads the statement. “His leadership has helped shape a stronger administration, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”

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