Dear Neighbours,
Thank you to everyone taking extra precautions as we navigate the red category restrictions to prioritize our public health and limit the spread of COVID19. We have all had to make sacrifices and it truly has been incredible how much #OurWard3 neighbours continue to support each other through it. I also acknowledge the prolonged nature of this pandemic has been stressful. If you or anyone you know is struggling, I encourage you to consult or share this list of resources put together by Public Health Services.
Last night I hosted our second session in the Ward 3 Community Safety & Wellbeing series with Public Health & Emergency Services. Thank you to everyone who attended and those who submitted their questions in advance. To view the video recording, please visit the events section on my website.
Our office is preparing for our year end and planning for 2021 engagement, events and initiatives. I have been proud of the heavy lifting the Ward 3 office team has done the past eight months of the pandemic pivoting to online events and virtual community engagement, supporting emerging needs, all while continuing to respond to service requests from our neighbours with kindness and compassion.
In order to support the health and wellbeing of the Ward 3 Office Team, the office will be closed from December 18th, 2020 to January 8th, 2021. Should you require urgent service during our winter break, please email askcity@hamilton.ca or call 905-546-2489. In addition, this will be our last blogpost / e-newsletter until the new year.
During the week of December 14th, you will receive the annual Ward 3 Community Impact Report in your mailbox. My staff and I are proud of what we have been able to accomplish with you all during this challenging year and we look forward to serving our neighbours and address our ward investment needs in 2021.
Scroll down for detailed updates.
Yours in Community,
Nrinder Nann,
Ward 3 City Councillor
Council Updates
At Council this week, Council ratified my motion from Emergency and Community Services Committee to report back with a plan to address the need for year round publicly available hygiene facilities, a universal need everyone has regardless of housing status.
At Monday’s General Issues Committee on the Rate Budget, I proudly seconded Ward 8 Councillor Danko’s motion to identify existing gaps, immediate needs, risks, Climate Change vulnerabilities & financing options for all City storm water programs. As a Council we need to be transparent about what we need and how to fund storm water management.
Today, during the General Issues Committee on the Capital Budget, staff shared the projection for the 2021 municipal tax rate has already been adjusted to 3.3%. To follow along in the budget process, see the budget cycle schedule. I will continue to provide budget updates during Coffee with your Councillor live sessions every Tuesday at 9:30am on Instagram or Facebook.
Not one more winter - Housing is a human right
Throughout the Fall, I have received many emails and calls from residents concerned about the fate of our neighbours who are currently experiencing homelessness this winter. This week, a group of empathetic and peaceful demonstrators have set up on the forecourt of City Hall calling for urgent action. Click here to see my response to the demands.
The reality is, without a three-level emergency strategy of funding, we will see another winter with people left out in the cold. I will continue to push on this front until we end homelessness.
Century St. Parkette Public Art Project: Call for Artists
“Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it” - Bertolt Brecht.
As our City remains in the red zone and we search for uplifting and meaningful activities to do outdoors, public spaces and art provide a safe refuge.
As you can see in the image above, the new Century St Parkette is designed with community use and flow in mind. And now, it is ready for some art!
The City of Hamilton is seeking Artists and Artist-Led Teams to submit proposals for a permanent Public Art installation in Century Street Parkette (Corner of Wentworth, Century and Wilson Streets).
Artists will be selected by a citizen Jury through a two-stage process:
1. Concept and design proposal,
2. Public consultation on selected Artists’ detailed proposals.
Award: $120,000. Shortlisted Artists will receive a $1200 honorarium.
Submission Deadline January 28, 2021 at 3 pm (EDT)
Artist are invited to attend an optional virtual information meeting to view a presentation on the process/submission requirements and to ask questions.
Date: December 10, 2020, 7 PM
To RSVP, email meredith.plant@hamilton.ca on or before December 9, 2020
ROADS
Curious about the state of Ward 3 roads? Check out this interactive map so you can see how the city classifies each roadway as we plan for investments to roads for 2021.
Victoria Ave N now open to two-way traffic from Burlington to Ferrie Streets
Minor modifications are currently being undertaken at the intersection of Burlington Street East and Victoria Avenue N to allow westbound traffic on Burlington Street E to turn left onto Victoria Avenue N. In order to complete this work, left turns onto Victoria Avenue N from Burlington Street E will be prohibited for approximately two weeks.
Victoria Avenue N between Ferrie Street E and King Street E will remain one-way northbound. The two-way project includes cycling lane improvements and enhancements to the existing railway crossing.
TRANSIT
Beginning Sunday, December 27th 2020, schedule updates will be implemented by HSR to ensure there is a reliable and sustainable plan for bus service to continue. Click here for more details.
ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Community Safety & Wellbeing Plan
The invitation for resident input on The Community Safety & Wellbeing Plan has been extended through December. I encourage you to share your perspective on community safety and wellbeing. This feedback increases the City’s ability to find creative, meaningful and appropriate solutions to the complex issues we face.
To participate, visit Engage Hamilton’s website.
Cycle Hamilton Survey
Cycle Hamilton is seeking input on what they should focus on in the next year, or few years, in order to increase safety where people of all ages and abilities can get around by bike. In order to be better advocates and further foster the cycling community, we need to understand its current needs, habits and experiences of cyclists in Hamilton.
There are some great draw prizes for those who fill out the survey, courtesy of Hamilton Bike Share, Downtown Bike Hounds and Bike Locke!
WINTER & HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
The Province of Ontario and Hamilton Public Health advise that the safest way to spend the holidays this year is by only celebrating in person with your household and celebrating virtually with everyone else. For those who live alone, it is suggested that you exclusively celebrate with one additional household. Click here for more details.
Community Ice Rinks
The Community Outdoor Ice Rink Program provides equipment and infrastructure to Volunteer Neighbourhood Ice Rink Committees to create and maintain outdoor ice surfaces within designated parks during the winter months. Park operations staff deliver the equipment and activate the infrastructure at the site after volunteers have committed to providing an outdoor ice surface for use by the neighbourhood children and adults.
In Ward 3, Woodlands, Belview, Myrtle and Gage Parks can accommodate outdoor ice rinks.
The application deadline for the 2020/2021 season is December 15th. Groups interested in applying to the Community Outdoor Ice Rink Program should contact outdoor.rinks@hamilton.ca.
Ward 3 Advent Windows
Through the month of December, Ward 3 residents are lighting up their front windows on an assigned night with winter holiday images. The community art initiative is called an ‘advent calendar’ because it’s a festive countdown but all holiday traditions are welcomed.
Residents can walk, ride or drive by to view window displays on the assigned night.
Please respect physical distancing and other public health guidelines while participating.
You can follow @ward3advent to view the displays virtually.
Public Health Updates
Hamilton Remains in the red - control category. Indoor gathering limits have changed and are now set at 5 people maximum. This means, if there are 5 or more members in your household, no additional people are permitted inside under the regulation. Those who live alone, are encouraged to stick to one additional household.
The outdoor gathering limit remains to be 25 people at maximum.
No changes to establishments.
For more information:
Hamilton.ca/Coronavirus
Hamilton.ca/Reopens
Public Health Services COVID-19 Hotline: 905-974-9848 or phscovid19@hamilton.ca