Ward 3 Community Update - May 30
Dear Neighbours,
Summer is just around the corner, and our neighbourhoods are beginning to bloom with life, like garden beds being planted, sidewalks buzzing, and community events returning to our local parks and public spaces. I hope you’ll take a moment to check out our upcoming calendar of Ward 3 Pop-Ups and explore the many ways we’re showing up across the ward this season. These events are a great way to connect with your neighbours and raise local concerns directly with my team and I.
We’re also on the cusp of summer recreation program registration, and I encourage you to take advantage of the wide variety of programs available to residents of all ages. Advanced viewing of program listings is already live, with registration opening June 11th at 8AM. Visit hamilton.ca/recreation to learn more.
While the sun is starting to shine, our work at City Hall remains focused on the concerns I continue to hear from many of you—ensuring our streets are safer and smoother, holding problem property owners and bad-faith players to account, and expanding access to public space.
At the Council table, I recently brought forward a motion to improve road conditions on several streets that residents have long flagged, and called for changes to the Demolition Control By-law to better address public safety issues posed by vacant, derelict buildings, especially those near schools.
We also continue to make progress on our city’s housing and shelter strategy. I remain committed to transparency and accountability, including around the Barton Tiffany Shelter’s funding and operations. These investments are vital to supporting some of our most vulnerable neighbours with dignity and care.
And finally, I’m incredibly proud to share that we’ve secured a $900,000 investment into the future New Vision Music Hall—a community space that will support local arts, culture, and creativity for years to come.
There’s a lot ahead this summer, and as always, I welcome your feedback, questions, and ideas. You can reach my office by email at ward3@hamilton.ca, by phone at 905-547-2702, or join us at one of our upcoming pop-up events.
Yours in Community,
Nrinder Nann
DEMOLITION CONTROL BY-LAW CHANGES
At GIC last week, we received a report back on the motion the Mayor and I moved in the fall about how the City can better deal with derelict, neglected buildings across Hamilton.
I recognize there is a difference between vacant heritage and non-heritage buildings and that the authority to enforce the work overall has gaps. It is also clear that discretionarily seeking compliance has been part of the problem leading to some of the negative experiences we are having in our city.
I appreciate the Acting Director of Municipal Licensing & Enforcement identifying the need for consistent application of enforcement standards of maintenance and safety of properties. It is the unreasonable timeline of achieving compliance and enforcement that residents have told me they are utterly frustrated with and it erodes public trust and confidence.
This staff report was specific to the buildings near Gore, however, the systemic and policy issues span city-wide, leading to serious public safety concerns. In Ward 3, we have a number of examples of this gap, including the buildings at the corner of King St E and Emerald and the vacant buildings on Ottawa St, adjacent to Memorial School.
A report on the King St E buildings will be coming to Planning Committee over the summer. The Ottawa St buildings have been deemed in poor state of repair but are not deemed to be at the state requiring demolition. It only takes one look at them, the proximity to Memorial Elementary School fence, and hearing from neighbours about other negative aspects. City staff in MLE and the Building Division are in touch with the owner of the three properties who has yet to apply for a demolition permit.
In an effort to help get structural movement on vacant, derelict buildings that are beyond repair, I was able to successfully move an amendment to the staff report to include the following:
That staff report back on suggested revisions to the Demolition Control By-law to enhance the city's ability to address public safety concerns of vacant, derelict residential and commercial buildings that are known to attract criminal activity, pests and vermin, and pose greater safety risks, including but not limited to, being adjacent to schools as a sensitive land-use area.
As part of this work, staff will also be engaging with Fire, Police and local Schools as key stakeholders to help inform a go forward plan.
It is my expectation, when staff report back with recommendations in Q4 this year we will have a clear path on how the City can more proactively address states of disrepair and neglect that attract criminal and negative behaviour, public safety, and neighbourhood pride concerns.
ROAD REHABILITATION PUBLIC WORKS MOTION
At the Public Works Committee on May 20th, I tabled a motion that would bring much-needed investment to several neighbourhood streets in Ward 3. Residents have long flagged deteriorating road conditions on these streets, and Engineering Services through their asset assessment process has now confirmed that many are in poor or very poor condition.
Through this motion, I’m seeking approval for a comprehensive resurfacing plan that covers design and construction for the following streets:
Cheever Street (Shaw to Mars)
Connaught Avenue South (Main to King)
Douglas Avenue (Shaw to Mars)
East Avenue North (King to Robert & Barton to Birge)
Keith Street (Emerald to Wentworth)
Niagara Street (Munroe to Burlington)
St. Matthews Avenue (Barton to Birge)
We’ve identified $2.6 million in available funds through a mix of Ward 3 resources: the 2018 Surplus for Neighbourhood Roads, the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCB), the Minor Maintenance Fund, and the Discretionary Ward 3 Capital Re-Investment Reserve. If approved, design work would begin in 2025, with construction anticipated in 2026.
These investments are critical to improving everyday service levels, reducing long-term maintenance costs, and making our neighbourhoods safer to walk, bike, drive, or roll through.
I’ve also heard from many of you asking whether Cheever Street between Burton and Keith could be fully paved. I’ve flagged this to Transportation Staff and will report back once I have an update.
Thank you to all of the residents who continue to raise these local priorities. Your voices have helped shape this motion. I’ll keep you posted on the next steps after it comes to Council for final approval.
FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025
This term, Council appointed me as the rep to FCM. I have had the immense privilege of serving on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) board over the past year and several committees over the past three years.
Municipalities are at the forefront of some of the biggest issues we face across the country at this time. With the addition of the tariff threats coming from the United States, it has never been more important for municipalities to work together and be involved in a Team Canada approach to these most important issues of our time.
I am in Ottawa from May 28 to June 1 along with Councilors Tadeson, Hwang and Kroetsch for the Annual Meeting. I have already had the opportunity to meet with many colleagues across the country and have participated in some very important sessions, like combatting disinformation, delivering accessibility in transit, met with Hamilton MPs at Parliament Hill, and heard directly from Prime Minister Carney what we can expect to tackle the housing crisis, stimulate growth, tend to infrastructure and thriving communities. I look forward to bringing much back to the City of Hamilton.
I am also running for re-election as a board member to FCM for a two-year term. Hamilton has already seen much benefit from having a consistent voice at this table and I hope to be able to continue.
WARD 8 COUNCIL SEAT VACANCY
Earlier this month, Councillor John-Paul Danko was elected as the new Member of Parliament for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas.
Under Ontario’s Municipal Act, this makes him ineligible to continue serving on City Council. As required by law, Council has now officially declared the Ward 8 seat vacant.
A report outlining the available options of either appointing a replacement or holding a by-election, will be presented at the June 11 General Issues Committee meeting. A final decision will be made by Council on June 18, 2025.
I want to be transparent with residents that I will be voting in support of a by-election to fill the Ward 8 seat. I believe it’s vital for residents in every ward to choose their own representative through a democratic process.
I’ll continue to keep you updated as this process unfolds.
NEW VISION MUSIC HALL
A motion I brought forward last term identified a clear and persistent gap city-wide: the lack of multi-use community space, particularly for arts-based programming and accessible meeting spaces.
I’m proud to share that Council has now approved a $900,000 investment toward the New Vision Music Hall, building on work across two terms to bring much-needed, creative community space to our neighbourhood. This investment is embedded in a formal agreement for City use of the space, much like the successful model used at the Braley Centre.
This is part of a multi-year strategy that aligns with our broader economic development goals, community engagement priorities, and the Downtown Hamilton Revitalization & Night Time Economy Strategy. It supports the Chamber of Commerce’s vision while delivering on long-standing community-identified needs.
The New Vision Music Hall will be open to residents from across Hamilton and will help us diversify the kinds of programming we can offer, from arts and cultural events to meetings and gatherings. By leveraging an existing neighbourhood asset, we’re closing a critical gap and building a stronger, more connected Hamilton.
TEMPORARY BARTON TIFFANY SHELTER UPDATE
As Hamilton continues to confront the housing and homelessness crisis, Council remains committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to safe, dignified shelter, especially those who have been historically underserved by the traditional emergency shelter system.
At the May 21st General Issues Committee meeting, staff presented a detailed breakdown of capital and operational expenses for the Temporary Barton Tiffany Shelter. This report was requested by Council to ensure full financial transparency around the project and its implementation.
Capital Investment: $7.9 Million
The total capital cost of the project increased from the originally approved $2.8 million to approximately $7.9 million. This increase reflects the complexity of the site and the scope of work required, including environmental remediation, infrastructure servicing, site preparation, and compliance with building codes and safety standards. The work also included significant upgrades such as electrical rewiring of shelter units to meet CSA standards.
Expanding Access to Shelter
The Barton Tiffany site provides 80 of the 272 new beds added through the City’s Temporary Emergency Shelter Expansion initiative. This location is especially important because it fills a critical service gap by offering shelter to couples and individuals with pets, which are populations often excluded from traditional shelters.
Fully Funded Through Existing Resources
Although project costs increased, staff were able to fully fund the shelter through a strategic reallocation of previously approved municipal funds, alongside successful applications for federal and provincial support. Federal funding of $5.2 million and provincial funding of $586,000 has been applied to cover costs, with no need for additional taxpayer investment beyond what was already approved in 2024.
Operational Costs: $4.05 Million for 2025
The shelter’s operational model was designed to respond to the specific needs of those experiencing homelessness in encampments. With 24/7 staffing and intensive wraparound support, services include case management, harm reduction, food provision, and site maintenance. These supports are aimed at helping residents remain sheltered and move toward permanent housing solutions.
Accountability and Impact
Public dollars must be used responsibly and with care. This report affirms that City staff are managing this project with financial diligence while advancing the goals of Hamilton’s housing strategy. Investments in sites like Barton Tiffany are critical to reducing the harms of homelessness and ensuring our community has the capacity to support people in crisis.
UNLICENSED CANNABIS RETAILER UPDATE
For the past 3 weeks, I have been working with city staff and services to address the unlicensed cannabis store that opened up at 1111 Main St E.
The City of Hamilton Licensing By-law does not have a Schedule associated with Cannabis Retailers as this is within the jurisdiction of the Province and specifically the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
In other words, the cannabis retail sector is granted a license to operate only at the authority of the provincial government.
When bad faith cannabis retailers open up shop without a license, as is the case at 1111 Main St E, it is Hamilton Police Services that can act to shut them down.
I encourage neighbours to continue to report this unlicensed cannabis business at the AGCO website here: https://www.iagco.agco.ca/prod/pub/# and to HPS by calling 905-546-4925.
As for municipal by-law violations, this property has many that the City has acted on:
Building without permits
Security cameras pointed at sidewalk
Parking on sidewalk
Let’s work together in keeping the community pressure up on this bad-faith “business” by reporting them each day they are in operation.
Also consider joining me in contacting our elected provincial government representatives to urge the AGCO to expeditiously enforce violations of their licensing criteria and process.
JIMMY THOMPSPON POOL REPAIRS UPDATE
Thank you for your continued patience while preliminary work was underway to address the sewage drain line issue at the Jimmy Thompson Pool.
Following a site visit last Friday by a pipelining specialist, it was confirmed that the affected drain could be repaired using a relining method, thus avoiding further excavation or full pipe replacement. Given the pipe’s age (over 95 years old), crews took proactive steps to re-line the section running from the women’s change room to the southeast side of the building.
I’m happy to share that repairs were completed ahead of the original June 2nd timeline, with approximately 100 feet of 6” clay and cast-iron pipe successfully re-lined and tested. While some backfilling remains, it will not impact programming or site operations.
Recreation staff have been notified that cleaning can now be scheduled, and the facility will reopen once this final step is complete.
Thank you again for your understanding and support as we work to keep this community hub safe and accessible.
VACANT UNIT TAX REMINDER
As of May 23, 2025, over 96% of residential properties citywide have submitted their Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declarations, including many here in Ward 3. Thank you to everyone who has already completed their declaration.
In Ward 3, 10% of properties still need to declare. If you haven’t submitted your declaration yet, there’s still time — Council approved the deadline be extended to May 30, 2025 (today), giving residents a final opportunity to avoid being automatically deemed vacant and charged the 1% VUT. A reminder that all revenue generated from collecting the VUT will go towards municipal efforts to address more affordable housing solutions.
Submitting your declaration is quick and easy:
1. Online at hamilton.ca/vacantunittax
2. By phone at 905-546-2573
3. In person at City Hall and any Municipal Service Centre
Final notices were sent out on April 23rd, and an additional courtesy reminder was mailed during the week of May 12th.
Need help? The VUT team continues to provide phone and in-person support to assist residents with their declarations.
Let’s get Ward 3 to 100%! Your declaration helps ensure a fair and accurate tax process for everyone.
CHIMNEY SWIFT ROOSTING AND/OR NESTING SITES IN WARD 3
In the spring and summer, you may hear high-pitched chattering calls and look up to see what looks like a bat-like looking bird flying erratically above you. Those are Chimney Swifts, who spend almost their entire time airborne. At night, they roost or nest in chimneys.
Chimney Swifts can't perch; they cling to the vertical walls within chimneys. Historically, Chimney Swifts used large, hollow trees for nesting and roosting, but these habitats are becoming more and more scarce. They now depend on chimneys for habitat.
Since the 1970s, the Canadian population of Chimney Swifts has declined by almost 90%. One of those reasons is due to more and more chimneys being capped, steel-lined, or torn down. We can help. To learn how to be a good Chimney Swift host, visit: Birds Canada - Chimney Swift Host_national_2023 - Page 1
WOODLANDS PARK SPRAY PAD OPENING!
Join us for the official opening of the Woodlands Park Spray Pad at the Barton Village Festival on Saturday, June 14th! We will have some form of cake to officially kick-off the spray pad at 10AM.
The festival starts at 11AM and will take place at Woodlands Park and along Barton Street East (between Wentworth & Sanford) transforming the adjacent street into a vibrant pedestrian zone full of local flavour, music, art, and connection!
What’s in store:
🎶 Live music & street performances
🎨 Art battles & busker pods
👧🏽 Kids Zone with fun activities
🍔 Tasty eats from Barton’s best
🛍️ A curated vendor market
🌱 Community outreach & resources
We will be set up for a Ward 3 Councillor Office Pop-Up from 11AM–1PM in Woodlands Park, as well. My team and I will be there to help you navigate local issues, connect with City Services, and chat about what matters most to you.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
CATCH US IN COMMUNITY AT ONE OF OUR WARD 3 OFFICE POP-UPS!
We’re hitting the parks, neighbourhoods, and local events all summer and fall long. Drop by a Ward 3 Office Pop-Up to chat about local issues, get updates, or just say hello! Here’s where you can find us:
June
🛴 June 22, 10AM–12PM – Open Streets
🌳 June 24, 4–6PM – Hayward Park
July
🌿 July 15, 3–5PM – Powell Park
August
🎉 August 16, 12–4PM – Hamilton Stadium 10th Anniversary Celebration (free ticketed event; ticket information to come)
September
🌱 September 16, 11AM–1PM – Depave at Barton & Emerald
🚲 September 28 – Open Streets (Time TBC)
October
🍂 October 7, 2–4PM – Bishop’s Park (Wesley location in case of bad weather)
🏘️ October 30, 3–5PM – 430 Cumberland
December
⛸️ December 31 – Community Skate (Time TBC)
We’re looking forward to connecting with neighbours across Ward 3 — see you out there!
CITY INVESTS IN 1200 NEW AFFORDABLE & SUPPORTIVE HOUSING UNITS
The City of Hamilton is taking action to further address the housing crisis. Over the next three years, the City will invest in the development of approximately 1,200 new affordable and supportive housing units, providing safe and affordable homes for Hamiltonians.
The City will invest $17.8 million in 2025, combining surplus funds from 2024 with the 2025 budget. The funding for these eight projects will support 147 affordable and 25 supportive units.
Hamilton City Council committed $4 million annually for affordable housing and $10.3 million annually for supportive housing over three years, as part of the 2024 tax budget.
In January 2025, $8.2 million from this commitment was allocated to fund 11 projects that will help deliver 440 affordable housing units and 435 supportive housing units. These projects were chosen for their financial viability, community impact, and construction readiness, ensuring a timely boost to Hamilton’s housing supply.
Looking ahead, the City estimates an additional $15 million investment in 2026 to support two new projects that will add 105 affordable and 51 supportive units.
These investments are part of the City’s long-term vision for housing security and community well-being. The Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap (HSIR) guides these efforts, ensuring a research-to-action approach. Under this plan, a total of 21 housing projects are expected to create approximately 692 affordable and 511supportive additional housing units by 2027.
Projects receiving funding are at various stages of development, from pre-construction, construction and post-construction phases. Funding will be strategically allocated to support each stage to ensure timely delivery of these much-needed housing solutions.
Investment Highlights:
Over the next three years, approximately 1,200 new housing units will be built to support singles, families, Indigenous people, women, and women-led Households.
21 total projects
692 affordable units added
511 supportive units added
In 2025, funding will accelerate the construction of supportive housing units for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Expansion of affordable housing options, with tenants selected from the Access to Housing waitlist and By-Name list to prioritize those in greatest need.
261 rental units set to begin construction in 2025 will receive funding to enhance affordability.
10 affordable ownership units will be funded, helping more residents achieve homeownership.
For more information, visit the City of Hamilton Housing Secretariat Division webpage.
CITY SPRAY PADS NOW OPEN
As the weather warms up, spray pads across Hamilton are now open, offering families and neighbours a fun and free way to cool off outdoors.
Located in many local parks and playgrounds, these unsupervised water play areas feature upright sprayers and ground jets activated by motion sensors, helping to conserve water while keeping the fun going.
Hours of Operation
Spray pads operate daily from 10AM - 8PM during the warmer months, typically from May through September. The water systems are on timers and only run during operational hours when activated by users on-site.
Supervision Reminder
While spray pads are designed for kids, they’re not supervised by City staff, so caregivers are reminded to stay close and keep an eye on children while enjoying the space.
Check Before You Go
Want to know if your local spray pad is open? Use the City’s interactive map to see a spray pad’s status here.
SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 11th
Looking to keep the kids active, try something new, or make the most of summer in the city? The City of Hamilton’s summer recreation program registration is just around the corner!
Registration Dates:
June 11–13, 2025
Registration opens daily at 8:00 AM
From swim lessons to sports, arts programs to fitness classes, there’s something for everyone.
To help make your registration experience smoother, you can browse all available programs in advance by visiting: www.hamilton.ca/recreation
Mark your calendar, explore your options, and get ready to dive into summer programming across the city!
SUMMER READING CLUB TURNS 55 AT HPL!
Join Hamilton Public Library’s (HPL) Summer Reading Club (SRC), which runs from June 28 to September 2. Complete fun activities, earn stickers, and great prizes!
Celebrate with free family-friendly kickoff events on Saturday, June 28. Pick up an SRC Boarding Pass and register in person or online to get started. Visit www.hpl.ca/src-launch for a listing of summer programs, including cute animals and exciting performers!
BOOKMOBILE HAMILTON WATERFRONT VISITS
HPL's Bookmobile will visit Hamilton's waterfront (77 Harbourside Way) every Saturday throughout the summer. HPL Staff will lead games, activities, programs, and recommend library materials every Saturday from 1 pm to 3:30 pm. See you there! Visit www.hpl.ca/bookmobile for a list of Bookmobile sites across Hamilton.
SUPPORT A GREENER FUTURE & WIN BIG!
The Children’s Garden Project Canada is holding its first-ever fundraiser, and you could win big while supporting free gardening programs for local kids at Gage Park!
Grand Prize: 2 tickets to see Shania Twain LIVE, plus a meet & greet with the Queen of Country-Pop!
50/50 Raffle: Win cash while helping grow free, hands-on garden education for children and families.
Ticket sales end June 22nd — with all prize draws taking place on June 23rd!
Learn more and grab your tickets: https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/tcgpc. Thank you for helping Hamilton’s young gardeners bloom! 🌻
SUMMER READING & STEAM BUDDIES VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT
Looking to volunteer this summer? Summer Reading and STEAM Buddies Volunteers help children who have finished Grades one through six to continue reading throughout the summer. The program runs from July 7th until August 18th and encourages reluctant readers to enjoy reading through educational board games and activities.
If you are interested in volunteering for the 2025 Summer Reading and STEAM Buddies program, please complete the online volunteer application form before or on June 4th, 2025.
31ST ANNUAL POWER OF THE PEN WRITING CONTEST
Get writing this summer! The annual contest is open to writers ages 12-18 who can submit their original poetry and short stories in English, French, or both languages. Cash prizes are awarded to the 1st- and 2nd-place winners. Each entry also qualifies for the Hamilton Association for the Advancement of Literature, Science and Art Maitland Banting Silver Quill and Young Poet awards. The winner in each category receives $250.
Digital submissions are due on or before September 30th, 2025, at www.hpl.ca/power-pen by completing the contest entry form. For more information, rules, and prizes, visit the Power of the Pen webpage.
If you have events or volunteer opportunities you would like the Ward 3 office to get the word out on, please email ward3@hamilton.ca.
Do you have any photos you are proud of from across the ward?
Share your favourite #OurWard3 photos with me by either sending them to ward3@hamilton.ca or by using the hashtag #OurWard3 on social media!
