Our Team
Jon Burnside
City Councillor, Ward 16
Jon Burnside was elected in 2022 as City Councillor for Ward 16 (Don Valley East) where he has been a resident for nearly two decades. Constituents in Wynford-Concorde and Flemingdon Park already know Jon as he was City Councillor for the previous Ward 26 (Don Valley West) from 2014 to 2018.
After graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Jon served for 10 years as a Toronto Police Officer, working in diverse communities, including Flemingdon Park. Jon has also been an entrepreneur - starting his own healthy food delivery service which he successfully operated in the GTA for 14 years until his election to City Council.
Since his early 20’s, Jon has been a tireless community leader and builder – he is especially passionate about helping underserved communities.
Jon’s other passion is rescuing dogs from across North America. Over the years he has welcomed 10 rescue dogs to his home. Current residents are Moonshine and Indy.
Paula Goncalves
Administrative Assistant
Paula brings years of government experience to the City of Toronto working with elected officials. Paula would love to share her skills and strengths to assist Ward 16 residents.
Mary Campbell
Senior Policy Advisor, Planning
Mary has extensive experience on all city matters with a focus on city planning/development. This is her third term. Mary's interest in local issues evolved over 20 years as the President/Director of a local ratepayer group.
Lynda Bowerman
Constituency Assistant
Lynda brings many years of experience as a Constituency Assistant both at the municipal and provincial levels. She has worked for the City of Scarborough, City of Toronto and eight years with a Provincial MPP/Cabinet Minister. Lynda enjoys meeting, speaking and working with the residents of Ward 16.
Robert Miclat
Constituency Assistant
Robert is a new graduate from York University, specializing in Political Science and Public Policy. Robert is also experienced in supporting those around him as he held several elected positions at York while also working in community service and retail. As a resident of the Ward, he is glad to assist his neighbors and see the area improve for Don Valley residents.
Ashton Nicholas
Constituency Assistant; Outreach & Events
Ashton is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto. He completed an undergraduate majoring in Political Science, Public Policy and minoring in City Studies. He loves speaking to constituents and looks forward to meeting more residents of Ward 16.
Ahmed Patel
Constituency & Outreach Advisor
Ahmed Patel is a lifelong resident of Don Valley East, where he grew up and attended Don Mills Collegiate Institute. He is a committed community advocate with a focus on housing, public services, and neighbourhood well-being. Ahmed is deeply rooted in the community and is passionate about building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.
In his spare time, he enjoys reading, discovering new food spots across the city, and running/ Walking in the Don Valley trails.
Connor Hopkins
Policy Advisor & Constituency
Connor is a recent graduate from the University of Guelph. With previous experience working for a non-profit and with a passion for policy and politics, he brings an energy and enthusiasm he is excited to share with the residents of Ward 16.