Dear Neighbour,

As you know, Hamilton, and the rest of the Province of Ontario is under Lockdown and soon it will be province-wide. We must continue to take precautions in our own lives to slow the spread of COVID-19. Find out if you are eligible and register for your vaccine here.

Back by popular demand, we have 100 more backyard trees to give away! You can order yours, and send sidewalk locations in need of repair, plus order neighbourhood bike racks at this link.

Please be advised that the Ward 3 Office, and all City of Hamilton Administrative offices are closed from Friday, April 2nd to Monday, April 5th. For emergencies involving roads, watermains, sewer systems, public health and safety, please call 905-546-2489 (CITY).

For more information on closures, please consult the City’s website.

I wish you and your loved ones a safe and enjoyable holiday long weekend.

Yours in Community,

Nrinder Nann
Ward 3 City Councillor

The Future of King George School

Yesterday, Council ratified unanimous support for my motion to work in partnership with The Hamilton Regional Indian Centre and Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services to transform the former, vacant King George School into a first-of-its-kind urban Indigenous housing & friendship hub in Hamilton, Ontario.

The motion directs staff from across each Division of the City to work with Indigenous partners to review the site and to determine how we may bring new life and purpose to it.

The goal is to transfer the land back to Indigenous communities, which aligns wholly with Hamilton’s Urban Indigenous Strategy.

The aim last term of Council to see the building become a community hub focused on education, arts and youth was no longer viable without capital investment and anchor tenants confirmed to the site. Since then, the growing needs for affordable and culturally appropriate housing and service for our urban Indigenous neighbours continues to grow and HRIC is outgrowing their Ottawa St. location.

I look forward to walking this path together with Indigenous communities and updating you along the way.

Hamilton’s Growth and Development Plan

At Monday’s Special GIC meeting, Council voted to defer a decision on the City’s growth and development plan to enable further resident input. Over 60 delegates rightly expressed concern about expanding out into Class 1 soil farmland, food security, climate change, incomplete communities that advantage sprawl when the City has not met density targets within the existing urban boundary yet.

This important process deserves a pause and an opportunity for residents to learn more about a decision that will lock in the City’s growth until 2051. For more information and ongoing discussion, see this community campaign page. My office will continue to share information as we receive it.

Budget Ratification

Council also ratified the 2021 City Budget. This net budget represents a 2.1% or $89 average residential tax increase on an average assessed value of $381,000 and is 0.4% lower than the preliminary budget presented to Council in January.

The budget will address this term of Council’s priorities, including: climate change, multi-modal transportation, homelessness and affordable housing, and aims to deliver important equity, diversity and inclusion priorities.

For more information, click here.

Thursday, April 8th - 6:30pm: Parks, Play & EarlyON Community Information Session

Join us for a virtual community information session on changes to EarlyOn programming locations, enhanced playgrounds and children’s spaces - and some for adults to enjoy in our Ward 3 as well.

City Staff will share a presentation about locations, design, timeline and opportunities to share your input. They will also be available to answer any questions.

Tuesday, April 20th - 6:30pm: Victoria Cycle Track Design Input Session

The Victoria Cycle track is a long awaited north-south connector for cyclists. Join the Ward 3 Office along with City Staff in Cycling & Transportation Planning to learn more about the future cycle track, share your input on design and to ask questions.

To attend either or both sessions, please RSVP to Ward3@Hamilton.ca

Let's Get Growing in Ward 3 seed initiative is back!

During the month of April, the Ward 3 Office will be partnering with Environment Hamilton to offer FREE seeds to Ward 3 residents.

There are vegetables, herbs, pollinators and tree seeds available on a first come, first serve basis. Pick up will be within the ward and contactless.

Click here for the link to request seeds. For any questions about the program, email Juby Lee, here.

The City's Community Safety & Wellbeing Plan will focus on 6 areas:

mental health and stigma
housing and homelessness
hate incidents
Violence
substance use; and,
access to income.

I want to encourage all community members to provide input on the development of this plan.

Until April 30, 2021, residents can provide feedback by visiting the EngageHamilton Project Page or, by calling: (905) 546-2424 ext. 3526 to answer survey questions.

Rain Barrels

Rain Barrels are a great way to capture water to be used in gardens. They minimize impact on your household water bill and help to reduce overwhelm on the sewer systems during a heavy rainfall.
Until May 15th, rain barrels can be ordered online through the City, for $55 delivered. All rain barrel deliveries will take place between April 30, 2021 and May 31, 2021. Residents interested can click here to order.

Requesting Bulk Waste Pick-up

As many of us begin spring cleaning, a reminder that the City will collect 4 items of bulk waste on your regular garbage day. Due to high demand in this season, your items may not be picked up for two weeks. To request a bulk pick-up, click here.

Spring Engagement Opportunities & Updates from Council