Council & Committee discussions, City service and Reopening updates, Community events and engagement opportunities & more
Dear Neighbour,
We are in truly historical times with the Federal Government invoking the Emergencies Act in response to the occupation in Ottawa. This is the first time this Act is in use, you can read up on what it covers including democratic safeguards, impacts on individual rights, and what accountability looks like with its use. With so much becoming clear about the motivations behind the occupation and similar actions across the county, we have noticed an increase in some divisive actions here locally.
That’s why the Ward 3 office has community guidelines based on mutual respect, clear expectations, and care among our online communities. Please remember and consider these guidelines in your communications not only with the Ward 3 staff but amongst our community as a whole. May we continue to foster a community of mutual respect and care as we confront the truths of these demonstrations and forge our way toward a just recovery.
In this e-newsletter, you will find updates from Council & Committee discussions, city service and other reopening guidelines, vaccine clinics across the ward, and community events and engagement opportunities for you to be a part of.
Yours in Community,
Councillor Nrinder Nann
Advancing Living wage at the City of Hamilton
At the beginning of the term, I moved to help advance living wages for City employees. At that time Council wasn’t ready to make a full commitment but did advance a living wage for crossing guards and casual non-union employees. Most of Council remains uncertain about supporting living wages for summer student workers who currently make $15/hour, the same as any other minimum wage job. This has been adversely impacting application rates as young people are opting for other jobs instead.
During the last GIC Budget meeting, Council directed staff to report back on tuition increases, rent increases, and student financial relief (OSAP) over the last decade. A final decision remains on whether Council will maintain a commitment to a living wage by raising the old rate for crossing guards and part-time casual employees to the updated rate of $17.20/hr which covers the actual cost of basic living expenses in Hamilton.
New Hamilton Election Sign By-law
This week at General Issues Committee, I moved to strike out a clause in the draft Election Signs By-Law that would have restricted residents who live within 25 meters of voting locations from posting an election sign. Staff had recommended this restriction to deter last minute influence to would-be voters, however, it was arbitrary to suggest only those homes 25 meters away have more influencing power over homes 35 meters away. Fundamentally, I don’t believe in infringing upon people’s democratic rights to participate in the election process, and the rest of Council agree. Councillor Danko also amended the by-law to ensure front lawns that are adjacent to right-of-ways are also not restricted. The final by-law will be ratified at Council next week.
Board of Health
Given where we are at in Hamilton with spread, hospitalizations, and deaths due to COVID-19, Public Health expressed a commitment to “continue to exercise caution and work together to keep those most vulnerable, safe”. Should our stats continue in a downward trend, then it is highly likely that Hamilton will also adhere to the Provincial re-opening measures predicted for March 1st that will see a removal of proof of vaccination requirements.
Community transmission is low but the transmission rate of concern is in workplaces. By lifting the proof of vaccination measures the province will contribute to making workplaces less safe. This is putting the burden of community safety on individuals through having to personally assess your risk.
The good news is that our vaccination rates continue to rise in Hamilton, helping reduce the severity of illness associated with contracting Omicron:
90% of Hamiltonians have received their first vaccine dose
87.5% of Hamiltonians have received two doses
And 50.2% of Hamiltonians aged 5 to 11years old have had their first vaccine dose.
For more information on vaccine clinics in the ward, scroll down.
In alignment with Ontario government direction, effective this Friday, February 18, 2022 at 8 am, walk-in booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will be available for youth aged 12 to 17 in Hamilton.
Many recreation programs have also reopened. Visit www.hamilton.ca/recreation for more information. Stay up to date on all other City Services currently being offered.
Additionally, a number of changes to capacity limits in public spaces across the province were made, including the following:
Increasing social gathering limits to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors
Increasing organized public event limits to 50 people indoors, with no limit outdoors
Removing capacity limits in the following indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is required, i.e. restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments without dance facilities, non-spectator areas of sports and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms, cinemas, meeting and event spaces, including conference centres or convention centres, casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming establishments, indoor areas of settings that choose to opt-in to proof of vaccination requirements.
Allowing 50% of the usual seating capacity at sports arenas
Allowing 50% of the usual seating capacity for concert venues and theatres
Increasing indoor capacity limits to 25% in the remaining higher-risk settings where proof of vaccination is required such as nightclubs and restaurants where there is dancing
Increasing capacity limits for indoor weddings, funerals or religious services, rites, or ceremonies to the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance. Capacity limits are removed if the location opts-in to use proof of vaccination or if the service, rite, or ceremony is occurring outdoors
Capacity limits in other indoor public settings, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, retail and shopping malls, will be maintained at, or increased to, the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance
Vaccine Clinics in Ward 3
We are still working to ensure everyone in our communities has equitable access to receiving the COVID-19 vaccines. For those who have questions about the vaccines and where language has posed a barrier to access, consider reaching out to the City’s Vaccine Ambassadors program by emailing vaccineambassador@hamilton.ca. There are people who you can connect in any of the following languages:
Mandarin
Hindi
Swahili
Nuer
Urdu
Punjabi
Arabic
Vietnamese
Spanish
Please see below for clinic opportunities across Ward 3. For a full list of clinics across the City, please see here.
WALK-IN CLINICS (No Appointment Required)
Hamilton Public Library, Barton Branch - 571 Barton St. E.
(operated by Refuge Newcomer Health, DJNO, HCCI + partners).
Saturday, February 19th - 10 am to 3 pm
No appt or health card required, interpretation, transportation + more supports available - email covidvaccine@newcomerhealth.ca or call 905-526-0000 (Ages 5+)
Gage Park (Greenhouse parking lot) - 1000 Main St. E.
Saturday, February 19 - 9 am to 4:30 pm
GO-VAXX bus outdoor clinic, dress for the weather
Age 5+
Mission Services - 196 Wentworth St. N.
(use Good Food Centre/Community Services entrance)
Every Wednesday - 11 am to 2 pm
No appt or ID required, wheelchair accessible, support available in Spanish + booster shots to those eligible.
(Ages 12+)
COMBINED CLINICS
Eligible individuals can walk-in to receive a first, second dose, or third dose at these clinics.
Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre - 876 Cannon St. E.
Wednesdays - 9:30 to 11:30 am & 1 to 3:10 pm
Fridays - 9:30 to 11:30 am & 1 to 3:10 pm
February 22 only - 3 to 4:30 pm & 5:30 to 7 pm
APPOINTMENT ONLY CLINIC
De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre - 678 Main St E
Fridays (check DAHC website for all clinic dates and times)
For those age 12+, book appointment online at aboriginalhealthcentre.com/covid19info
For those age 5-11, book an appointment by emailing covid19vaccine@dahac.ca or calling 905-544-4320 Ext. 399.
PHARMACY CLINICS
There are a number of Ward 3 pharmacies participating in the vaccine clinics. Please use see here: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations and enter your postal code to find the pharmacy closest to you.
ACCA Black History Month Celebration - Winterfest - February 18 at 6-8 PM
Join ACCA and CoBALT Connects for the unveiling of the Black History Art Mural created by artist Israel Crooks. This event is taking place at Auchmar, 88 Fennell Avenue West with live performances from Mosa McNeilly, Aisha Nicholson, Klyde Broox. And Narrete Jamais.
Hot Chocolate in the Park & skating rink grand opening
Though technically in Ward 2, this Saturday, February 19 head down to Carter Park from 2-3 PM to join the Stinson Community Association for a community gathering in the park as a part of Winterfest. Coffee, tea, and hot apple cider to be provided. Reminder about physical distancing and mask-wearing when distancing isn’t possible.
Sister in Spirit Committee - Event rescheduled to Feb 24
Due to inclement weather concerns this program that was originally scheduled for last night was postponed until February 24.
"The issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Trans and Two-Spirit Individuals (#MMIWGT2S) is still underrecognized and in need of immediate action in this country. Speakers of Truth will gather together Indigenous and non-Indigenous ally voices from this region to reflect and share."
Please see here here to register to join the event and to read more about the speakers
Temporary Shelter Community Meeting - March 22, 2022 from 6:30-8:00 PM
The City of Hamilton Housing Services Division is hosting its second virtual community conversation about the Temporary Shelter (378 Main St East) located in the Stinson neighbourhood. Join us for a virtual community meeting where City staff and community partners will provide an overview of the transition and operations of this location as a gender-specific emergency shelter for women, trans-feminine, trans-masculine, and non-binary adults on a temporary basis. There will be opportunities for participants to ask questions. Please save the date for Tuesday, March 22, 2022 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration is required and phone-in options will be provided for this virtual event. To register or to submit questions in advance, please email housing@hamilton.ca
Stirton Tot Lot Team is looking for volunteers
The Stirton Tot Lot Team is looking for new members to help with project admin, community events, garbage cleanup, gardening, mural installation, message board installation, and some who values social justice, supports unhoused neighbours, supports harm reduction, supports inclusive public amenities and more. For more details on how to get involved email stirtontotlot@gmail.com and find them on Facebook @The Stirton Tot Lot
Hamilton Community Benefits Network - LRT Survey
The Hamilton Community Benefits network is seeking survey responses to their Hamilton Light Rail Transit - Community Benefits Survey. The purpose of the survey is to gather community responses to be used to determine a Community Benefits Agreement with Metrolinx and the City of Hamilton.
As Hamilton changes with the development of the Light Rail Transit system, HCBN is working to ensure community voices are heard. Please see here to participate in the survey and learn more about HCBN’s work.
Bird Friendly Hamilton Burlington - City Bird Poll
From our friends at Bird-Friendly Hamilton Burlington: Help us select a City Bird for both Hamilton and Burlington! It’s time to vote for the short-listed city bird nominations by Bird Friendly Hamilton Burlington. Please vote here to share who you think should be the City Bird for both Hamilton and for Burlington.
In the spirit of fair competition, please vote only once. Voting closes at midnight on Sunday, March 6, 2022.