Dear Neighbour,

Happy Lunar New Year and Happy Black History month! A huge congratulations to the Hamilton Black History Council for an amazing lunch hour event this past Tuesday, which highlighted the vibrant history of Black Hamiltonians. In case you missed it, you can catch the recording of “A Walk Through Time” here.

As we tackle more snowfall in the City, a reminder, as per the City’s Snow and Ice By-law No. 03-296, property owners and/or occupants have within 24 hours after the end of the snowfall to clear the sidewalks adjacent to their property.

If you have a snow removal complaint for private property, please file the complaint with by-law directly online here, by email to mle@hamilton.ca, or by phone at 905-546-2782.

If the snow complaint is for road clearing, sidewalks adjacent to municipal property, bike lanes, crosswalks, or other surfaces cleared by the City, please file the complaint by email to roadsnorth@hamilton.ca or by phone at 905-546-2489.

And finally, during next week’s Coffee with Your Councillor on Instagram/Facebook Livestream, I will be joined by members of the City’s Parking services team to talk about City parking and to answer your parking questions: what are your questions regarding municipal parking by-laws? Permit parking? Please reply to this email with your questions and I will be sure to ask them live on Tuesday, February 8th at 9:30 AM.

This newsletter will provide you with updates on City services, Committee updates, vaccine clinics in Ward 3, Municipal Centre reopening, and more.

Yours in community,

Councillor Nrinder Nann

General Issues Committee (GIC) - Vacant Home Tax Update

At GIC on Wednesday, Council members approved moving to the next step in implementing a Vacant Homes Tax (VHT) in a vote of 10 to 2. The VHT is one municipal lever cities in Ontario can implement as a housing tax policy tool to help address the affordable housing crisis by ensuring empty homes are occupied. The next step is seeking Ministerial approval and once we get that, Hamilton will move to the next stage of implementation.

Staff prepared a comprehensive report on Vacant Homes Tax (VHT) which can be found here.

Public Works - HSR moving away from diesel and towards more natural gas buses

Public Works Committee this week approved HSR to proceed with the fleet replacement of buses from diesel-operated to natural gas buses. This is a step while acknowledging that natural gas isn't the end goal for zero emissions but rather a transition step with some positive impacts. For more information, please see the report here.

Emergency & Community Services (ECS) Committee - HATS

Yesterday, at ECS committee, members received a delegation from the Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters (HATS) who is looking for City support for a community-led temporary, transitional initiative to move folks from tents into community of support and tiny shelters. HATS is aiming to build an organization that provides shelter options for those made to be homeless, with better protection from weather elements, a community of support for health, facilities for meals, and other wrap-around services. HATS has received approval from the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board to use a portion of the former Sir John A MacDonald site temporarily.

One of the delegates was Jeff Wilmer from the Waterloo Region where the A Better Tent City model help inform best practices for the HATS group to work with. One of the keys to making this initiative successful is to work with the first available site to begin the important work of tending to houseless residents' needs and fostering a safer community model.

I was pleased to move for the City to support the initiative, which passed unanimously. Thank you to all supporting the Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters initiative and to those who delegated at ECS Committee.

Public Delegations to 2022 City Budget next week - Feb 7th

The next public delegation day is set for next week on Monday, February 7th. Residents interested in the City’s 2022 budget process can watch the budget-focused GIC meetings, which have been held over the course of this month and can be rewatched here.

Residents interested in speaking on public delegation day can submit a delegation request here.

Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre pool closure

Unfortunately, the pool closure at Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre has been extended due to a sewer main break. The scope of work is currently being looked into by City services and once exposed they can determine if the damage is isolated to one spot or if more work is needed in other areas. At this time, the repair is estimated at 6 weeks.

Municipal Centres reopening Timeline

Please see below for a timeline summary of reopenings for City arenas, recreation facilities, seniors centres, museums, municipal service centres, greenhouse, and the provincial offences administration offices.

Arenas reopen to permit holders, public programming reopening in phased approach on January 31st
Recreation centres will open for drop in aquatic and gym programming on February 7th
Water Fit programming will resume on February 21st
Seniors Centres and clubs reopening February 7th
Museums (Dundurn, Hamilton Military, and Museum of Steam and Technology reopen today February 1st with all other museums remaining closed at this time to adhere to current Public Health measures
Municipal Service Centres to reopen February 16th
Marriage licenses are available on walk-in basis beginning February 16th
Gage Park Greenhouse will reopen today, February 4th

Roads & Water Services Review - Engage Hamilton - Survey closes Feb 18

The City is currently seeking resident input on roads and water services via completion of the surveys and the map your comment tools on Engage Hamilton (https://engage.hamilton.ca/roadswaterservices).

This is the first survey related to engaging users of City services on asset management of core infrastructure. Stay tuned to see regularly scheduled survey opportunities for you to provide your valuable feedback on City services.

2022 Neighbourhood Sidewalk Audit

Help us identify the sidewalks across the ward that need improvement!
You can fill out this form with up to two locations per form with as much detail as possible within the fields and our office will connect with the staff necessary to respond to the issue to ensure that our streetscapes are better, safer, walkable and accessible.

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 5th - 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+)

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 (Walk-in Eligibility or Appointment as specified)

Eligible individuals can walk-in to receive a first, second dose, or third dose at these clinics.

Centre on Barton - 1211 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8H 2V4 (between the Brick & Giant Tiger)

Daily - 8:00 am to 8:30 pm

(Age 5+)

Walk-in Age 5 to 11 first or second dose, Age 12+ for first or second dose, Age 18+ third/booster dose, Pregnant individuals & their families

Eligible individuals who wish to make appointments may still do so

Please note this clinic is right outside Ward 3 but is extremely close.

Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre - 192 Wentworth St N.

February 8th only - 9:30 to 11:30 am & 1 to 3:10 pm

Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre - 876 Cannon St. E.

Fridays - 9:30 to 11:30 am & 1 to 3:10 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 an appointment online at aboriginalhealthcentre.com/covid19info

For those aged 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.

SCHOOL-BASED CLINICS

Bernie Custis Secondary School - 1055 King St E, Hamilton

February 5 - 9:30 to 11:30 am and 1 to 3:30 pm

Students from all elementary and secondary schools can attend this clinic.

Cathy Wever Elementary School - 160 Wentworth St N

February 8 - 4 to 7:30 pm

Available to students at these schools:

Dr. J.E. Davey Elementary School
Cathy Wever Elementary School
Queen Victoria Elementary School
Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School
AM Cunningham Junior Public School
Memorial Elementary School
Prince of Wales Elementary School

Dr. J.E. Davey Elementary School - 99 Ferguson Ave N (in Ward 2 but close by)

February 9 - 4 to 7:30 pm

Available to students at these schools:

Dr. J.E. Davey Elementary School
Cathy Wever Elementary School
Queen Victoria Elementary School
Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School
AM Cunningham Junior Public School
Memorial Elementary School
Prince of Wales Elementary School

Join the Sisters in Spirit Committee in Honouring Helen Gillings

Please join the Sisters in Spirit Committee on February 14th to remember and honour Helen Gillings, by placing a red heart on the lamp post located at the King and Emerald alley. More information on the Sisters in Spirit Committee and this memorial can be found here.

Call to join SACHA’s Management Committee

Please see this call for new members from SACHA:

Help support our mission to build a world free of violence and oppression.

The Sexual Assault Centre of Hamilton and Area is looking Management Committee (Board) Members with an eye for strategic thinking, fundraising, and supporting our services and advocacy. We know feminism has its own history of excluding marginalized voices and we at SACHA want to work against this grain to build a stronger collective that truly represents our communities. As such, we would like to encourage trans and cis women and non-binary persons who are Indigenous, Black, racialized, immigrant, refugee, two-spirit, trans, queer, working-class, disabled, or experiencing other forms of oppression to apply.

*Previous board experience or background in social services is not necessary.*

Here are some of the skills we are looking for:

Commitment to SACHA's vision and mission
An understanding of why ending all forms of oppression is necessary to end sexual violence
Experience or interest in leadership, strategic planning, facilitation, governance and/or policy
A sense of humour and enjoyment of potlucks and dance parties (some of SACHA's favourite pastimes)!
Strong community involvement or awareness

Applicants with the following skills are also encouraged to apply:

Experience with budgets, fundraising, and/or a business background
Legal expertise, particularly in the not-for-profit sector
Experience with grassroots and community-based organizing

Ending sexual violence is tough and challenging, but being part of SACHA is a way to break our isolation and find joyfulness doing the work together.

Find out more at www.sacha.ca/volunteer or complete this application and submit to mc@sacha.ca. Applicants must be 18 years+. There is no deadline to apply, and we'll do our best to get back to you in a timely manner as applications come in. Please feel free to contact SACHA with any questions or concerns. We look forward to hearing from you!

Do you have any photos you are proud of from across the ward?

Share your favourite #OurWard3 photos with me by either sending them to ward3@hamilton.ca or by using the hashtag #OurWard3 on social media!

Public Budget Delegations, 2022 Sidewalk Audit, Vacant Homes Tax Update, HATS Support & More