SHAHEEN BUTT B-
Councillor Shaheen Butt has been a member of Pickering Council representing Ward 3 since 2016. He brings over three decades of corporate experience to his role and is known for his commitment to community service, particularly his involvement with youth, seniors, and local charities. While he is an active participant in community life, his role in ongoing council conflicts and the controversial manner of his initial appointment to council have been a source of public scrutiny and have impacted his overall effectiveness.
Subject Grades
- Community Engagement & Service: B+
Performance: Councillor Butt is highly engaged in his community, known for organizing an annual community celebration and being actively involved in fundraising for local causes, such as the St. Paul’s on-the-Hill Food Bank. He is dedicated to working with less fortunate families, youth, and seniors. His efforts have been recognized with a Civic Award from the City of Pickering in 2014.
Evidence: His website and community newsletters regularly highlight his involvement in events and charitable initiatives. He is also a visible figure in his ward, visiting residents door-to-door.
Room for Improvement: Continued visibility and direct engagement with constituents are crucial for maintaining this strong connection.
- Governance & Council Relations: D
Performance: This is the most significant area of concern for Councillor Butt. He has been a prominent figure in the ongoing and highly public conflict within Pickering City Council. He, along with other councillors, has been part of a majority that has taken a strong stance against a fellow councillor. This conflict has led to disruptions and a perceived lack of democratic accountability, with council meetings being moved online.
Evidence: Councillor Butt was one of five councillors who co-signed a statement denouncing a fellow councillor for their appearance on a podcast, which they deemed “irresponsible, unethical, and dangerous.” He has supported the decision to hold virtual council meetings to ensure the safety of staff and council members.
Room for Improvement: The ongoing friction at City Hall is a serious detriment to effective governance. A higher grade in this area would require a return to a more collaborative and less contentious working relationship with all members of council.
- Urban Planning & Economic Development: C
Performance: Councillor Butt has expressed a clear vision for attracting more small businesses and corporations to Pickering to create jobs and expand the city’s tax base. He has also stated his commitment to building affordable and accessible facilities while protecting the city’s natural heritage. However, the details of his specific actions and voting record on major planning and economic decisions are not as readily available or prominent in public records as his community-focused initiatives.
Evidence: He has advocated for the city to have a lower tax increase. His vision for growth is aligned with the city’s overall goals.
Room for Improvement: To improve his grade, he would need to be more vocal and transparent about his positions and actions on major planning and development projects, as these will define the city’s future.
Notes
Councillor Butt is a dedicated community member with a long history of public service and charitable work. He is clearly passionate about the well-being of his residents and has made a tangible impact through his volunteer efforts. However, his performance as a city official is significantly impacted by his involvement in the fractious and highly publicized council conflicts. His support for the mayor and the majority of council against the dissenting councillor, and his role in the decision to move council meetings online, have raised questions about his commitment to open and transparent governance. To improve his grade, Councillor Butt must work to mend the divisions at City Hall and demonstrate a renewed commitment to a more collaborative, democratic process.
