Dear Neighbours,

This week, we marked Lincoln Alexander Day, Martin Luther King Jr Day, witnessed a hopeful transition of power in the US, all while continuing to face how racism, hate and extremism attempt to dehumanize and threaten some of us right here in Hamilton.

Thank you to everyone who reached out to the Ward 3 office to check in and offer your solidarity. We are safe and we are okay. And we will not live in fear.

In the days ahead, please connect with our Black neighbours, support our community-based organizations doing the critical work of inclusion and belonging, and support black owned businesses. We must take care of each other as we do the work to end hate-based activity in our city.

This year, I take on a few new roles on Council: I am pleased to serve as the Chair of the Emergency & Community Services Committee, the Vice Chair of the Public Works Committee and I have also joined the Committee Against Racism as the Council Liaison.

And over the past two weeks, some truly hopeful work is underway, check out the short articles below to learn more.

Reminder we are still in a lockdown, please continue adhering to Public Health guidelines.

Yours in community,

Nrinder Nann
Ward 3 City Councillor

Budget 2021

Since being back from the holiday break, Council has had four budget meetings. At the end of 2020 we approved the Rate Budget and Capital Budget. We are now focused on the Operating Budget.

Staff have adjusted their projected tax rate increase from 4.0% down to 2.4% in order to maintain the current level of City services. Some among Council want to see an austerity budget and are proposing up to $4.5M cut in city services which would impact residents at a time when the need for services is rising. Meanwhile, top economists at the central bank are saying we must centre people and workers at the heart of economic policy making in order to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

This week we received budget proposals from Agencies and Boards like Conservation Areas, the Library and Police Services. Council set a 2% guideline which all but HPS was able to meet.

To see a complete list of past and upcoming budget meetings, click here.

A Just Recovery for #HamOnt
A group of Hamilton community organizations with expertise in crucial areas, including housing rights, disability justice, anti-racism, gender-based equity, and climate change have submitted a Just Recover For Hamilton report for a more equitable COVID-19 recovery in 2021. Council received the report on Wednesday and I moved to have senior staff review the report in detail to identify what the City can do to address the recommendations within it.

I encourage residents to read this excellent policy paper and the practical recommendations within it, available here.

Click here to keep informed on their next steps.

Complete Streets Guide
At last week’s Public Works meeting, City Staff presented the Complete, Liveable Streets Guide which takes an approach to designing our roadways that balance use of streets and how they serve our communities. These principles account for the needs of all users regardless of age, ability or mode of transportation more equitably. It represents a shift from traditional street design approaches which place a primary focus on moving vehicular traffic.

Staff will consult with the public on the core elements of the design in the guide, including classifications of streets and will develop a plan to implement the guide.

The website for public engagement will be launched late next week and opportunities for consultation will be shared through future Ward 3 newsletters.

Community Safety Series - Housing & Shelter Meeting
On Thursday January 28th at 6:30pm, my office will host our third Community Safety Meeting.
Join neighbours to discuss current challenges in residential care facilities, affordable housing, neighbouring encampments and to hear from City Staff and a representative from the Hamilton is Home coalition about solutions being implemented across our Ward and City.

Register to join us here.

Winterfest 2021

Though many things are different this winter, Winterfest will proceed. I am proud to sponsor this festival, with much needed and creative activities for everyone to enjoy--even during lockdown.

Visit their website to view a full list of events and activities.

Public Health Updates
Following the issue of the Province’s Stay-at-Home order, in effect until at least February 11th, the following changes have been made:

Residents are requested to wear masks or face coverings while using:

Outdoor skating rinks (City rinks and community rinks)
City playgrounds and play structures
City tobogganing hills
Escarpment stairs
Playgrounds

The City has cancelled Winter Golf, however the golf courses in Hamilton will remain open for the use of maintained trails and open fields.

Residents are also strongly encouraged to wear a mask or face covering in any situation where it is not possible to maintain 2m or 6ft of physical distance (such as walking on narrow trails). The mask or face covering should cover your nose, mouth and chin, without gapping.

To report a concern, residents can call the 905-546-CITY(2489).

During this time, Municipal Facilities, including City Hall and other municipal service centres remain closed in order to maximize the number of employees working remotely.

Please follow this link to read more information about restrictions and monitor the City of Hamilton’s website:
hamilton.ca/recreation
hamilton.ca/coronavirus
hamilton.ca/reopens

Our Ward 3 News - January 22nd 2021