Ward 3 Community Update - August 12
Dear Neighbours,
Mid summer is here and there are still so many great ways to enjoy our beloved city and take in all that it has to offer!
In this edition of the e-newsletter, you’ll read about important updates from jam-packed Council, Standing Committees and the Board of Health agendas where we made key decisions on critical issues facing our city and communities. It also includes major updates from staff on the City’s cybersecurity recovery, climate action priorities, new procurement policies that prioritize Canadian jobs and industries, and new protocols to assess green energy projects seeking municipal support.
Amidst this, we continue to stand firm against the rise of hate-based incidents and extremist organizations in our city. I am working with community partners, City staff and HPS to address the concerns and needs many neighbours have reached out to my office with. Together, we will continue to support affected communities and to ensure Hamilton is a place beaming with belonging, love and respect for all.
You’ll also find news on community pop-ups (including a pool party at Birge Park!), Hamilton Stadium’s 10th Anniversary event, job opportunities with the City and other opportunities to connect, celebrate, and get involved.
As always, should you have any local, municipal issues you’d like some support with, please contact my office at ward3@hamilton.ca, by phone at 905-547-2702, or by joining us at one of our upcoming pop-up events listed below. Thank you for your continued engagement and care for our community.
Yours in community,
Nrinder Nann
RESPONDING TO HATE & EXTREMISM
Historically, we know that in times of economic insecurity, white supremacy and violent extremism increases. People become susceptible to “othering” based on identity instead of critically examining the systemic root cause of economic insecurity.
Hate-based incidents and criminal offenses increased by 35% in 2024, specifically, Hamilton Police Services reported 106 hate-based criminal offenses, and 191 hate/bias incidents that occurred in 2024. With recent incidents on Canada Day targeting racialized businesses in Ward 3, the CBC investigative journalism piece exposing the rise of clubs using city parks to train for race wars, as well as an anti-trans billboard and white supremacist graffiti, many Hamiltonians worry these rates will continue to rise.
As such, two motions I moved at Council last Wednesday to advance what we can do as a municipality passed unanimously.
One motion focused on the City of Hamilton’s responsibility to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of all residents, visitors, and staff on City property and public spaces. The motion directed staff to provide an update on staff training, protocols and procedures for responding to hate incidents occurring on City property, parks and in public spaces, including HSR buses and transit-related infrastructure. This update will also include an outline of what residents can expect in terms of resources and/or support from the City when hate incidents occur on City property.
The other motion calls on our provincial and federal municipal associations to work with those levels of government to do their part. The provincially mandated Community Safety & Wellbeing Plans every city in Ontario are required to put together don’t have the adequate funding needed to address the plans. Cities cannot be expected to fund this work through property taxes, and we need the Province to stop abdicating their duty to fund the plans they mandated.
The motion also calls on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to ensure the federal government includes hate mitigation and response through direct funding to municipalities through the Building Safer Communities Fund during the upcoming federal advocacy days later this fall. As I serve on the Board of FCM, I know that these rising incidents of hate are a concern across the country, and I will report back on our efforts to secure this much needed federal fund for Hamilton.
TESTING BLACK SOOT UPDATE
Earlier this year, my colleagues from Wards 2 and 4 joined my office in advancing a motion at the Board of Health to address the ongoing presence of black soot in our lower-city neighbourhoods. The motion directed Public Health Services to work with a third-party vendor on a feasibility study that would explore options for particulate matter (black soot) testing in Wards 2, 3, and 4. It also called for the development of a community engagement strategy to ensure that the lived experiences of residents help shape a local response plan.
This study will be funded equally by the capital discretionary accounts of all three Wards involved, with an upset limit of $15,000.
At the most recent Board of Health meeting on July 28, I voiced concerns when staff reported a delay in reporting back through the Outstanding Business List from Q2 to Q4 2025, pushing the work into 2026. I sought to separate the technical analysis from the community engagement strategy so as to get the work moving more quickly, rather than bundling them together under one contract, which was posing to be a challenge to find an appropriate vendor. This will also ensure the community engagement component is completed in a manner that enables residents to be heard, their lived experiences to be part of the data, and recognizes their participation is key to accountable redress of the situation.
Board of Health members agreed, and we moved to split the work so the components could proceed concurrently with a more nimble strategy. I will report back further when staff provide an update on the overall implementation strategy.
COLLABORATING FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY WITH ST ANTHONY CHURCH
Earlier this year, I met with the Church community and the Mayor’s office to hear their concerns related to safety and security in the surrounding area of their property on Barton Street E. This area of Ward 3 has unfortunately been experiencing cases of extreme violence and crime for some time.
Sadly, the laneway and parking lot have been the scene of reckless driving, shootings and violent crime. I saw the video footage they shared with Hamilton Police Services and it is truly concerning.
Improving community safety and well-being is a priority for the City of Hamilton and working collaboratively with residents and community partners is key in advancing it. So, I worked with the Church community, City Staff and my office on a strategy to close the laneway and secure the site. The Church site owners have purchased the alley from the city, and have met with the adjoining neighbours to ensure access to their own property would not be deterred.
I moved to allocate up to $50K of Ward 3 Discretionary funds to install a fence to deter any further breaches and to send a clear signal to criminal elements that their activity is not welcome here. Hamilton Police are working to address the pattern of activity in the area, however, as we all know, prevention is key. And in some cases, like this one, crime prevention, increased safety and security comes in the form of a fence.
ANNUAL UPDATE ON THE CITY’S CLIMATE ACTION STRATEGY
Hamilton’s Climate Action Strategy Annual Update presents where our city stands in the fight against climate change and what it will take to meet our goals to mitigate the impacts.
This year’s report recommends that Hamilton accelerate its current Net Zero by 2050 target to 2040, citing new modelling that confirms this shift is both feasible and advisable. The change would bring significant financial, health, and climate benefits to Hamilton sooner, as well as better align with the most recent global climate science. That means, it is more economical to advance climate solutions that also provide health benefits.
To support this next phase of work, staff recommended the use of up to $100,000 from the City’s Climate Change Reserve to update Hamilton’s “Low Carbon Scenario” modelling and refresh our community’s mitigation and adaptation plans. This would include updated emissions data, public and stakeholder consultation, and revised pathways for achieving real reductions.
At the same time, it’s clear that we need to have serious conversations about where barriers to action still exist, and how City Council can help clear the way.
The City cannot mandate that community partners like private businesses and industry accelerate their climate efforts, but we can work in partnership to enable their action. This means looking at how to eliminate municipal-level barriers, to facilitate expedited approvals for climate-related actions, and to explore the potential for municipal policy enhancements to support climate action.
We need more clarity from staff on what those barriers are and what policy enhancements might be possible. This could include identifying zoning or permitting challenges, outdated standards, or missed opportunities for City-wide incentives. These are areas where Council can, and should, give clear direction.
The update also confirms that overall greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise in Hamilton, with the largest increases coming from the industrial, transportation, and commercial building sectors. Once again, ArcelorMittal Dofasco (AMD) is the largest individual emitter by a wide margin, being responsible for 78% of total emissions from major industrial sources in the city. That’s nearly ten times higher than the next-highest emitter.
We need to ask: Is it time for a new municipal strategy to directly and transparently confront AMD’s polluting legacy?
The company is part of federally and provincially funded decarbonization plans with nearly $2 billion pledged in 2021 to cut emissions by 60%, but the City’s current approach to AMD often stops at abstract conversations about decarbonization timelines or trade issues. While I deeply understand the current impact of the US tariffs on Canadian steel manufacturing and the direct impact on Hamilton workers losing their job, residents also continue to live with the health and environmental consequences of this pollution every day.
If we’re willing to have honest conversations about other polluters, we must rise to this collective leadership moment to ask how a triple bottom line that integrates real solutions that serve workers, the environment, human health and AMD’s economic sustainability can be achieved. This includes examining solutions together like a community benefit agreement, relief funding, or a compassionate investment strategy.
This report potentially opens the door to those conversations, but it’s up to us to walk through it.
The Ward 3 Office will continue pushing for stronger, community-first action on climate that reflects the lived reality of Hamiltonians, especially in the industrial core. We’ll also continue to support staff through clear motions, collaborative partnerships, and community consultation to make sure the city’s strategy delivers outcomes.
CYBER SECURITY ACTION PLAN: REBUILDING WITH TRANSPARENCY
At the July 30th General Issues Committee meeting (GIC), Council received a comprehensive update from staff on the February 2024 cybersecurity attack, one of the most significant of its kind in Canada. This ransomware event disrupted nearly 80% of the City’s systems, with attackers demanding $18.5 million to unlock the data, which we refused to pay.
The update made clear what many residents suspected: this was a crisis made worse by long-standing underinvestment and outdated digital infrastructure. The City’s own insurer has denied a $5 million claim, citing non-compliance with basic cybersecurity protocols, specifically, the incomplete rollout of multi-factor authentication (MFA) across departments. Though a pilot began in 2023, with the hope of full implementation by early 2024, the pilot was not yet implemented by the time of the attack.
The failure to prioritize cybersecurity over many years has cost residents dearly, not only in terms of financial impact, but in public trust.
As a result of the incident, and Council’s commitment to rebuilding, the City has adopted an Enterprise Governance Model (EGM), which is a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to digital initiatives, aiming to align all government departments and agencies with a shared vision and strategic outcomes. The goal of this model is to bring all departments under one unified digital oversight framework, ensuring stronger alignment, better cost control, and more agile risk management across all technology projects moving forward.
There are now 21 priority projects underway to rebuild and improve City systems. These range from restoring unrecoverable applications to replacing end-of-life platforms. Two of these projects have already been completed, and 81% are beyond the initial planning phase. While some delays are being experienced due to vendor and staffing challenges, overall progress is on track.
Of the $30.4 million approved for this critical work in 2025, just $41,000 has been spent to date, and is consistent with expectations for this early phase. Spending is expected to ramp up significantly in 2026, with projections of $14.5 million.
While I’m encouraged to see tangible progress and a more accountable governance structure in place, I remain focused on ensuring full transparency, rigorous oversight, and continuous public communication as this rebuild unfolds. Residents deserve nothing less.
STRENGTHENING LOCAL PROCUREMENT AMID U.S. TARIFFS
Council approved significant updates to the City of Hamilton’s Procurement Policy that will strengthen our local economy, increase resilience, and help safeguard city services from the volatility of international trade politics.
As the U.S. government continues to impose tariffs, particularly on Canadian steel and aluminum, Hamilton is taking proactive steps to ensure our infrastructure projects and city services remain protected and cost-effective.
These new policy amendments will prioritize buying local and Canadian, while still ensuring fiscal responsibility and quality. Here’s what’s changing:
Preference will now be given to Canadian and non-U.S. businesses when awarding contracts.
U.S.-based companies will only be considered under specific, limited conditions—such as for health and safety, operational necessity, or when it’s demonstrably in the City’s best interest.
A new “Schedule C – Provisions in Response to Tariffs” has been added to our Procurement Policy, creating a clear framework for how Hamilton will respond to future trade disruptions.
The City Manager has been given limited delegated authority to respond quickly to new or changing tariff conditions, while still maintaining public oversight through Council reports.
This policy shift is not just about protecting Hamilton’s budget. It’s also about standing up for our workers, our industries, and the values of fair, sustainable trade. Staff will report back to Council in late 2025 with updates on how tariffs are impacting the cost of city services, along with strategies to mitigate future risks.
I’m especially encouraged by the City's plan to develop a local sourcing strategy for Canadian steel and aluminum, in collaboration with our construction sector, engineers, and architects. This is another key step toward building a more resilient and just local economy.
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS REQUESTING MUNICIPAL SUPPORT
As a result of a motion I tabled, City staff reported back on recommendations for municipal due diligence in reviewing proposals by energy storage companies seeking the City’s endorsement of their bid submissions to the Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).
Energy Storage Systems improve grid reliability, support renewable energy projects, provide back up power, and can provide significant climate action benefits. Some key considerations from a land-use and location perspective include: noise, potential natural heritage and agricultural impacts, thermal runway, set backs, facility lifecycle, and more.
I appreciated staff’s recommendations that stressed the importance placed on community awareness and engagement, as well as, consideration of community benefits to secure local benefits and/or share in project revenues so they can be reinvested into the community.
Such a Community Benefit Agreement would be contingent on the project proponent being successful in their bid into the IESO procurement process. As an example, Haldimand County requires that a proponent commit to providing an annual monetary contribution, of $1,100 per megawatt of Project Contract Capacity, over the life of the project, up to a maximum amount of $300,000 per year per project.
Where we landed is to empower staff to implement an interim protocol to balance the need for due diligence while also ensuring our city benefits from much needed green energy solutions.
🌊☀️ POOL PARTY AT BIRGE PARK! ☀️🌊
Join us this Thursday, August 14 from 2pm-4pm at Birge Park Pool for a splashin’ good time!
We’ll have games, popsicles, snacks, face paint and some fun in the sun! We’ve also invited the Barton Village and Ottawa Street BIA’s to join in on the fun. You’ll have a chance to win gift cards/prizes to spots in each community area, so be sure to swing by and join in on the good times!
It’s also a chance to ask any questions about local, municipal issues like all of our Ward 3 Councillor Office Pop Ups!
📍Birge Park Pool
📅 Thursday, August 14
⏰ 2pm–4pm
Let’s make a splash, Ward 3! 💦
WARD 3 COUNCILLOR POP-UP OFFICE HOURS
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:
August
💦 August 14, 2PM–4PM - Birge Park Pool Party!
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!
CURRENT ROADWORKS IN WARD 3
As many of you have likely seen, multiple roadworks are underway in #OurWard3. I am proud to confirm that the current works, those completed, and those slated for 2026 are the largest investment in Ward 3 roadways in decades.
Wilson St Reconstruction - Steady progress underway addressing all the subsurface infrastructure replacement and bump out construction where subsurface work is not needed. Once these works are complete, the next phase will commence with road resurfacing, two way conversion, cross walks, tree plantings and bench placements.
Wentworth St - Final paving is anticipated to take place once the Wilson St works are complete, in coordination with Cathedral Secondary School administration.
Sherman Ave - Sidewalk repairs and bump-outs are well underway. The intersection at Cannon and Sherman is anticipated to go through a closure to address subsurface infrastructure needs. We will provide an update when we have a confirmed date of closure.
Springer Ave - Resurfacing and sidewalk repairs have been completed. Traffic calming solutions will be discussed with the adjacent residents and Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School community in the fall.
BERNIE MORELLI RECREATION CENTRE TEMPORARY CLOSURE FOR MAINTENANCE
The Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre will be closed from Monday September 8 to Sunday September 28, 2025 to allow for scheduled facility maintenance and improvements.
During this closure, work will include:
Draining, cleaning, and regrouting of the pool
Minor tile repairs in the changerooms
Paint touch-ups and enhancements throughout the facility
Stripping and waxing of floors across the building
The City will update the Recreation Centre’s website and post on-site signage this week to inform patrons of the closure.
These upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to ensure the Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre remains a safe, well-maintained, and welcoming space for all community members.
HAMILTON POLICE SERVICES HATE BASED GROUPS & ACTIVITIES UPDATE
You may have seen the recent CBC article about “active clubs” — white nationalist groups that are growing across parts of Canada, including here in Hamilton. If you haven’t read it yet, you can find it here: CBC Article – White Nationalist 'Active Clubs'
Like many of you, we’re deeply concerned. These groups promote hate, racism, and violence — things that have no place in our communities. We know this kind of news can feel upsetting and even frightening, especially for those who are already targeted by hate and discrimination.
We want to assure you: we see you, we hear your concerns, and we stand with you.
Now more than ever, it’s important we look out for one another and continue to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. If you witness or experience any hate or bias-related incidents — big or small — please report them. Every report matters. It helps us respond, support those impacted, and hold people accountable.
How to Report a Hate or Bias Incident:
Call 911 in emergencies or if you feel unsafe.
Report online: https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/report-crime/online-reporting/report-hate-crime-online
Non-emergency line: 905-546-4925
Let’s continue to work together to ensure our city is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for everyone. We thank you for your ongoing strength, unity, and commitment to standing against hate in all forms.
2025 HAMILTON LITERARY AWARD SUBMISSIONS
Hamilton Public Library, gritLIT: Hamilton’s Readers and Writers Festival and Hamilton Arts Council are thrilled to announce that submissions are now open for the 32nd annual Hamilton Literary Awards! We’re seeking submissions of books published in the calendar year of 2024 📖
How to Submit:
📖 Firstly, check to see if your book qualifies! Visit the link in our bio or https://www.hamiltonartscouncil.ca/literaryawards to read the eligibility criteria.
📖 Authors in the Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry and Children's Literature categories must create a profile on The Arty Crowd: https://www.theartycrowd.ca . For assistance with creating your profile, please contact community@hamiltonartscouncil.ca
📖 Then, submit a .PDF of your book along with your $20 entry fee. The deadline to apply is August 24th, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.
We want to ensure the entry fee doesn't prevent anyone from participating in the Literary Awards program. If the entry fee is a barrier for you, please contact programs@hamiltonartscouncil.ca for assistance.
Ready to submit? Visit https://www.hamiltonartscouncil.ca/literaryawards for all the details you need to submit your application.
CLOSURE OF WADING POOLS DURING HEAT WARNINGS
The Recreation Division closes all wading pools due to Extended Heat Warnings issued by the Medical Officer of Health due to the health and safety of staff and residents. Extended Heat Warnings are issued when there are three or more consecutive days observed with daytime highs greater than or equal to 31°C or three or more consecutive days with a Humidex of 40°C or greater.
Health and safety concerns include:
Wading pools operate during peak, mid-day sun exposure
Wading pools lack shade infrastructure to provide heat relief for staff supervising
Staff do not have access to climate controlled spaces or the ability to cool off during breaks
Greater difficulty balancing chemicals in ranges required to operate
We understand that heat relief is important to residents during heat events and encourage visiting amenities which remain open to cool down, including spray pads, free swims at all outdoor and indoor pools, or other community cool down spaces.
For more information, please visit:
HAMILTON STADIUM 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Join us for Step Onto the Field: Celebrating 10 Years of Hamilton Stadium — a free, family-friendly event with music, entertainment, mascots, cheerleaders, and a chance to walk the same turf where legends have played. Whether you’ve been cheering from the stands or just love what this space means to our city, this is your moment to step onto the field!
What to Expect:
• One-hour time slots with free tickets (book in advance!)
• On-field activities for all ages
• Appearances by mascots and cheerleaders
• Music, entertainment, and video features on the stadium’s big screen
🕛 Sessions:
Session 1: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Session 2: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Session 3: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Session 4: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
🎟 Reserve Your Free Ticket Now at the Hamilton Stadium Anniversary Event page — Entry is free, but a ticket is required for your one-hour visit. Tickets are limited, so don’t miss your chance to get yours!
📍 All sessions: Enter via Gate 3 (Melrose Ave) / Exit via Gate 5 (Balsam & Beechwood)
Let’s come together and celebrate 10 incredible years of community spirit at the heart of Hamilton!
PUT YOUR SKILLS TO WORK AT THE CITY OF HAMILTON!
The City of Hamilton is hiring!
There are current job postings for a variety of roles to help make our community the best place to raise a child and age successfully. From keeping our streets and parks in top shape, to supporting recreation programs, to working behind the scenes in administration, there’s a role for every skill set. If you’re looking for work that makes a difference where you live, explore openings at: https://cityofhamilton.bamboohr.com/careers.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT MASTER PLAN
The City is in the process of developing the 2025 SWMMP. This comprehensive plan covers key areas of the municipal waste system, including:
Waste collection and processing
Recycling and disposal infrastructure
Optimization of landfill use
Encouragement of waste minimization practices (reduce, reuse, recycle)
The plan is guided by principles such as taking responsibility for residual waste, promoting environmental protection, improving economic efficiency, and supporting public health and safety.
Public feedback is key to defining our way forward in this work. The City is actively seeking community feedback on:
Current waste management practices and how they can be improved
Community priorities around recycling, composting, and waste reduction
Potential new programs, policies, or technologies
Barriers residents face in participating in waste diversion efforts
Engagement from this project will help shape a more effective, inclusive, and community-centered waste management strategy. To have your say, please visit: https://engage.hamilton.ca/solidwastemp.
STREET TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
The City of Hamilton plants street trees on the publicly owned portions of roads in front of homes, businesses, institutions, etc. The City is always looking for locations to plant trees to achieve our target of 40% canopy coverage and you can help by requesting a City tree in front of your home.
Getting your tree is as easy as 1-2-3!
Submit the online request form below or call 905-546-2489
A Forestry Investigator will visit the site to select an appropriate tree species and schedule the tree for planting
For more information, please visit: City of Hamilton Tree Planting Program.
MCMASTER DISCOVERY PROGRAM
A free, non-credit course for adults in the Hamilton area who want to experience university in a supportive and welcoming learning community!
This year’s course is called: The Past, Present, and Future of Working in Hamilton with 11 classes taking place on Saturdays from September - November at 10:30am - 2:15pm in-person on campus.
For more information and to apply, please visit: https://artsci.mcmaster.ca/discovery-program/
CHILDREN’S GARDEN FALL FESTIVAL, SEPT 13
Mark your calendars for our second annual Children's Fall Harvest Festival! As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, we come together to celebrate the season's bounty and the joy of harvest. It’s a time to enjoy nature’s gifts, connect with others, and discover the wonders of autumn.
Be sure to check out the Children’s Garden Project website for more info at: www.childrensgardenproject.com.
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!
