30 km/hr School Zone on Wentworth, Committee, Powell Park, Upcoming Events in Ward 3 & more
Dear Neighbour,
This e-newsletter features some major updates from the concentrated Council & Committee week, including a big win for our community for reducing speeding, as well as, updates to the City’s adaptation and transformation of services for people experiencing homelessness. You will also find some shoutouts to neighbours who have helped to foster a sense of belonging and community in #OurWard3.
There are two more Ward 3 Office Pop-Ups for the month of August. Please see the Ward 3 Updates section of this e-newsletter for the details - and save the dates to join us at either.
Finally, there are so many events across Ward 3 in the coming few weeks– we have listed a few for you to consider!
Yours in Community,
Councillor Nrinder Nann
Ongoing Safety Enhancements on Wentworth Street North at Cathy Wever Elementary School
Last week, Council approved my motion to have Wentworth Street reduced to 30 km/hr in alignment with School Zone speed limits and to implement further safety enhancements to the roadway. I brought this motion forward after speaking with the family of a young neighbour who was seriously injured when struck by the driver of a truck beside Cathy Wever Elementary School.
In the past, when trying to champion reduced speeds near schools sooner, it was determined that all major arterial roads had a provincial standard of traffic regulations that required a limit no lower than 40 km/hr. In Ward 3, we have five schools that are on major arterial roads. I had all those roads reduced to 40 km/hr. Since then, however, it has become clear that the classification of a road does not prevent safety enhancements. Therefore, the direction to staff in this motion was deemed in order. I look forward to the changes being implemented soon to help neighbours feel safer walking to and from school, the rec centre, and when attending community programs.
Updates to the City’s Adaptation and Transformation of Services for People Experiencing Homelessness
Before the pandemic, it was already clear that our shelter systems did not have the capacity to meet existing needs. And during the pandemic, the surge of people experiencing homelessness increased. Not only were there not enough beds, the need for additional health-focused supports was past the allocated funding. Especially so for women, non-binary, and trans folks, as well as families. The province dispersed funding to enable cities to set up emergency temporary shelters to help maintain physical distancing in shelters and add more beds. Like many cities, Hamilton relied on hotel rooms for a temporary emergency increase in capacity for the shelter system. The City also established a temporary shelter at the former Cathedral Boys School on Main Street. These measures helped ensure people were safe and cared for at a time when the direction for all of us was to stay home.
The City of Hamilton has been working with our shelter support system and not for profit social housing providers to put together a plan towards more permanent solutions. Getting to the ultimate goal of adequate housing for all requires multiple transitionary steps. Council approved a suite of staff recommendations. I wanted to ensure residents were aware of these two changes specific to Ward 3:
1. The Cathedral Temporary Shelter on Main has been extended to operate until March of 2023 based on needs. This aligns with the timeline for the new permanent women-focused shelter, housing and supports project headed by Good Shepherd at 35 Arkledun Avenue coming online. There is no plan to turn this temporary shelter permanent. To stay up to date on this, please visit here.
2. Increasing Men’s Shelter capacity - Mission Services plans to relocate from 325 James Street North to 400 King Street East. At this new location in Ward 3, still requiring to meet planning approvals, there will be a total of 108 beds. Council allocated funding to support the capital work in order to deliver more permanent shelter beds contingent on all planning approvals being met.
3. Housing Sustainability and Investment Plan - a long-term strategy that will be developed by Staff responding to the current housing crisis that builds on existing efforts and initiatives under way. It includes having all City Departments, community stakeholders from multiple sectors, private industry and other external partners including provincial and federal levels of government to work together to address the broad spectrum of housing and supports needs in Hamilton.
I raised concerns both at ECS Committee and at Council that as private development booms downtown we are witnessing the active displacement of people historically served by various social support agencies. It is creating a strain to social cohesion in some areas of Ward 3 where we have the highest number of shelters and residential care facilities than any other area in the city. This type of over concentration is poor integrative and sustainable planning.
That said, the City does not have the authority to stop an organization from setting up to offer shelter services. And they are desperately needed. I have requested Mission Services prepare and roll out a robust community engagement process this month to directly address local questions and concerns. They have committed to this. You can direct your questions to Mission Services at 905-528-4212 or at admin@mission-services.com.
Powell Park Refresh
During the pandemic, Powell Park became the site of violence, hate based graffiti and intimidation targeted against Indigenous, Black, Racialised, and 2SLGBTQIA+ neighbours. The park is slated for complete reconstruction in 2024. In the meantime, I’ve been working with residents to reinvigorate this beloved community park to be a place of positivity, belonging and to encourage all youth and families to enjoy it.
The changes began last fall thanks to resident leadership. Meghan Schuurman, Justin and Joanna Aitcheson, Sasha Reimer and Jonathan Woof were successful Placemaking Grant recipients bringing painted pathway games to encourage toddlers and younger kids alike to step, jump, twirl and stay active.
Brenda Duke, Emily Debenedictis, and Michelle Secord also received a Placemaking Grant that enabled Kyle Joedicke to create an incredible Indigenous mural this summer in the Woodland-art style. It is designed to be a teaching mural that connects viewers to better understand the clans that belong to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Sharifa Patrick, a resident of Ward 3, delivered a vibrant mural on the basketball court where my office also had a new backboard and rim installed. Her piece was informed in part by Vince Kuber and other neighbours who wanted to encourage youth to feel comfortable to continue playing, practicing and engaging in friendly competition after being subjected to threats that they don’t belong here. This is Sharifa’s first public mural, and I think she knocked it outta the park! ;)
Chris Perez led the mural to transform the clubhouse. He shared with me that the floral energy in his mural is meant to bring a sense of positivity and belonging to the park. The Jasmine flower is a source of connection for neighbours who descend from all over Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean and Pacific Islands. He painted the flowers in the path of a basketball being bounced celebrating the energy and spirit of game play.
Thank you to Leon and Scott of Concrete Canvas for working with my office, City staff and BIPOC residents to help transform the vibe with the basketball and clubhouse murals funded through the Ward 3 Office.
And finally, the playground structure with the blocked-off slide has been replaced! The new structure came from Hayward Park and was refurbished to be installed at Powell Park. I encourage neighbours and your families to come check out the love and hardwork that has been put into reclaiming Powell Park.
Ward 3 Office Pop-Ups – 2 More in August!
There are two more Ward 3 Office Pop-Ups this month. Please see below for the dates, times, and locations of both, and join the Ward 3 Team to connect one-on-one to address your needs around municipal services, and other issues.
• Wednesday, August 24 – 1-3 pm
Myrtle Park (13 Delaware Ave)
• Wednesday, August 31 – 1-3 pm
Powell Park (53 Birch Ave)
Reminder to neighbours that many issues require consultation with City Staff, so we may not be able to bring everything to immediate resolution. Where that is the case, we will be sure to follow up and keep you in the loop as we work toward getting you the answers and support you need.
In order to assist you best during our pop-ups, please be prepared to to follow these Terms of Engagement:
• Please wear a mask, respect distancing and COVID safety
• To receive support, be prepared to provide your name, address and contact information
• Read and follow our Community Standards and Guidelines
• Each appointment with Councillor Nann and/or staff is limited to 15 minutes
• In order to maintain privacy with residents, we will ask folks waiting to sign up on the sign-in sheet to be called upon when it is your turn.
The Pop-Up at Powell Park on August 31 will conclude the Ward 3 Office roaming casework initiative for this term. Please help spread the word about the schedule above. We look forward to connecting with you soon.
Safer Streets Now Update – Main Street Reconfiguration
As part of the Council approved motion Councillor Wilson and I brought forward to develop safety enhancements along Main Street and King Street, construction is underway to reduce Main Street from five lanes to four lanes. As of Monday, August 15, crews have begun overnight work to reduce the number of travel lanes on Main Street from five to four between Dundurn Street and Sherman Avenue.
As part of the lane reconfiguration, a pedestrian buffer will be added to the south lane of Main Street and bumpouts will be implemented at various locations along the street. This measure will help reduce the number of side swipe collisions throughout the corridor due to narrow lane widths. Additionally, a designated bus-only lane will be implemented in the south lane at Main Street and MacNab Street and a transit signal will be added at the intersection to give transit buses priority.
The restriping of lanes and associated works will take place during the overnight hours and is expected to take five nights to complete, wrapping up by August 20, 2022, weather permitting.
Motorists are reminded to pay close attention to the updated pavement markings, be aware of traffic conditions and anticipate delays. Motorists are also reminded to pay attention to other measures including the implementation of No Right Turn on Red restrictions and leading pedestrian signal intervals at intersections along Main Street and King Street.
The reduction of five lanes to four on Main Street means that it is now technically applicable for implementing the Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) technology we have. This motion was approved at Public Works Committee last week, which means that we will see the implementation of ASE on Main in the first quarter of 2023.
Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC)
Licensed child care operators that expressed an interest in proceeding with the CWELCC application will be undergoing a budget review process throughout the month of August. All providers must opt-in or opt-out no later than September 1, 2022.
Child Care Operators Opt-In - If a licensed child care operator chooses to opt-in to the CWELCC system, parents and families will receive a 25% child care fee rebate back-dated to April 1, 2022. This rebate must be received within 60 days of the licensed child care operator opting-in and child care rates will be reduced by 25% within 31 days of opting-in. By January 1, 2023, child care rates will be reduced by a further 25%for a total of 50% reduction.
Child Care Operators Opt-Out - If a child care operator chooses to opt-out of the CWELCC system, the provider must notify families in writing within 14 days of opting-out. For families, this means that child care rates will not be reduced by 25% and they will not receive a 25% rebate in fees. Families have the option to transfer their child(ren)to another child care provider with sufficient notice.
For updates regarding licensed child care operators status and information about the CWELCC system, please visit here. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Chase, Director Children's Services and Community Services Division at 905-546-2424 ext. 3590 or via email at jessica.chase@hamilton.ca.
Congratulations to Heather Bond on Kensington Avenue S in #OurWard3 for winning the 2022 Trillium Award for her absolutely gorgeous garden. This award is presented in recognition of excellence in landscape design, maintenance, and effort to beautify properties which encourage community pride. I’ve had the privilege of seeing Heather’s garden up close and personal. She has created a true oasis!
Children’s Garden Project – Garden Care Session – August 19, 5:30 - 6:15 pm
The Children’s Garden is holding another Garden Maintenance Session this coming Friday, August 19 from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm. This is a great opportunity for kids and families to learn how to take care of the garden and plants, and connect with nature.
Please make sure to bring: snacks, water bottles, hat, masks, sunscreen, garden attire/comfortable clothing.
Please note: parents/guardian/caregiver will need to be present for all activities and sign waivers and consent forms. To learn more, please visit here.
Trees & Air Quality Walks – August 23 & 25
Please join Environment Hamilton and Hamilton Naturalists' Club at either of the below 'Trees & Air Quality' walks.
• Windermere Basin Park
Tuesday August 23 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
• Pier & Copps Promenade
Thursday August 25 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
For more information, please visit here.
905 FEST – August 28, 11 am - 7 pm
Neighbours of all ages are welcome to join the annual 905 FEST at Woodlands Park on Sunday, August 28. It will run from 11 am to 7 pm, with local musical performances, vendors, and food. There will also be fundraising for non-perishable goods through this event, which will all go to the Living Rock Youth Services.
This festival is organized by Kevin Williamson, a hip hop artist in Hamilton, as well as the owner and operator of record label Freedom of Speech Entertainment. The artist grew up in this area, and created 905 Fest to give back to the community, as well as, to spread awareness towards at-risk youth in Hamilton.
Admission is free, and all are welcome. Check the event out here for more details.
Overdose Awareness Day – August 31, 11 am - 3 pm
All are encouraged to join HUCCHC for an event on August 31 from 11 am to 3 pm for Overdose Awareness Day. The event will include: truth hearing on the impacts of the opioid epidemic, naloxone training, community partner tables, giveaways and light refreshments.
It is an opportunity to learn about what you can do, and to learn about how you can support your neighbours, friends, family, and community.
For more information, please call 289-678-1367 or email ctsadministration@hucchc.com.
Monkeypox Virus & Vaccination
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease. It can cause fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes and tiredness. About 1 to 3 days after these symptoms a rash can develop. It is usually spread by very close contact with someone who has Monkeypox. Most people recover from Monkeypox on their own within 2 to 4 weeks. However, some people can get seriously sick.
Anyone can get Monkeypox. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) the risk of infection is low for the general population. Monkeypox typically does not spread easily between individuals. When spread does occur it is most often through contact with body fluids from an infected person. Most transmission of Monkeypox in Canada has occurred between close contacts like intimate partners or household members.
For information on vaccine eligibility, and upcoming Monkeypox vaccine clinics, please visit here. Please note that all Monkeypox vaccine clinics are appointment only.
COVID-19 Vaccination Availability
It is strongly recommended that immunocompromised individuals 18+ and other previously eligible and high-risk individuals, receive their fourth dose of vaccine if they have not already.
This includes:
• Individuals aged 60+;
• First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18+; and
• Residents of local long-term care homes, retirement homes, or an Elder Care Lodge and older adults living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services
COVID-19 vaccines are available for young children aged six months to under five years. Parents and caregivers of this population are able to book appointments for their young children as of this date.
You can book a vaccine appointment online if you:
• Have an Ontario health card (green photo health card OR red and white health card)
• Have an email address OR a cell phone that can receive SMS messages (texts)
If you do not have access to online booking, call the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 905-974-9848, option 7 to book an appointment. Translation services are available by phone.
Vaccine Access
For a full list of vaccine clinics across the City, please see here: https://www.hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine.
Additionally, residents are also encouraged to check with local pharmacies who are offering COVID-19 vaccinations.