King Street Corridor, Community Events & Reopening - September 18th
Neighbours,
The past two weeks have been overshadowed by feelings of loss for many residents in our Ward 3. Tony Perri, HWCDSB Trustee for Ward 3 passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Sept 11th, 2020. Mr. Perri was an educator, musician, an entrepreneur, and beloved community member for many across Ward 3. Please consider sharing your memories with Tony’s family and friends here.
I also want to thank the many Ward 3 residents who aided in the search for Holly Clark. Like many of you, I remain heavyhearted as we held hope for so long for her safe return and now live with unanswered questions. Holly’s dear friends will host a Candlelit Vigil in Woodlands Park next Saturday, September 26th at 7:00pm.
Grief is a powerful emotion. Know that you are not alone. If you need some support contact CHMA Hamilton. Please also take time for rest, reflection and care.
Yours in community,
Nrinder Nann
Ward 3 Councillor
King Street Corridor Update
Last Friday, Metrolinx announced they would be demolishing 21 properties - all of which are located in Ward 3 between the Delta and Wellington Street.
I had an informative and productive meeting with Metrolinx this week to inquire about their plans for vacant buildings slated for demolition due to safety concerns.
Beginning September 21st, Metrolinx’s Contractors will begin inspecting select properties adjacent to demolition sites, document the existing condition of properties located in the close vicinity of upcoming demolitions.
This flyer has been delivered to properties requiring inspection, door-to-door. Oza Inspection LTD inspectors will supply this letter upon their visit as well as identification.
A clear picture of timelines and impacts of demolitions, building by building, will be shared with my office as soon as Metrolinx has confirmed all associated work.
On Wednesday, Council passed the motion I moved to direct staff to initiate discussions with Metrolinx to explore affordable housing, place-making initiatives and community benefits along the King Street corridor regardless of future plans. I am committed to finding highest and best use to restore the feeling of safety, pride and community on King Street - an artery of possibility in our ward.
We have also confirmed that Little Albert Park at Dunsmure and King Streets will not be impacted, though the north side of King Street will have construction activity related to demolition. Should you have any questions on the demolition, please email Hamilton@Metrolinx.com and cc’ Ward3@Hamilton.ca
Demolition at 86 Sherman Ave. S.
A fire devastated a home on 86 Sherman Ave in 2019. Unfortunately, the burned out structure was fenced and remained untouched since then, raising a number of safety concerns in the community.
This week, Council ratified my motion to approve the demolition of the structure. My office will share updates on timeline once the building department has confirmed.
Traffic Studies
I believe our ward deserves a holistic, system wide review and assessment of our entire roadways to ensure safety and flow. As such, I will be moving a motion at Public Works Committee in October to pursue a fulsome study to inform future road redesign with the standards of Vision Zero and Complete Streets guiding the process.
Many traffic studies and assessments Transportation Operations would regularly undertake have been impacted by COVID-19. Traffic volumes are much lower when compared to pre-Covid 19 traffic, as many residents continue to work from home and other commutes and driving patterns have been significantly impacted.
Since data is critical to decisions the City makes, conducting studies and assessments when traffic volumes are not reflective of pre-COVID-19 conditions is problematic. The department has essentially suspended studies and assessments until traffic volumes return to what might be called a new ‘normal’. This is important to ensure that true data is reflected in decision-making.
Community Safety & Wellbeing
This year has proven to be a challenging one on so many fronts. I know many residents are growing weary and tired. It has also been a year of profound compassion in action. Now, more than ever, we need to resource our collective capacity to continue to tend to each other and our neighbourhoods, to build resilience and to respond together.
Since it is not safe for us to gather in person to connect, the Ward 3 office is hosting a series of 4 community virtual meetings to address issues of community safety and wellbeing this Fall.
It is my hope that through these meetings, we will facilitate stronger relationships in our communities, build capacity and resilience in our neighbourhoods to address issues, while also getting crystal clear about what to expect from City services.
The first meeting will take place on October 15th with full details on how to participate on October 2nd.
HSRnow: Mobile App for Trip Planning
As HSR increases hours and frequency, customers can use the app to: Plan trips from A-to-B, get real-time next bus information for close-by stops and sign up to receive stop and route notifications, and text or email alerts. Riders using other mobile apps or services to find their HSR bus information (e.g.: Google Transit, Transit App, MonTransit) may continue to use these apps, as they will continue to function.
Re-opening Announcements
Recreation Registration - As of this week, the City has restarted more swimming programming, including open swims for families and seniors as well as gym programming.
For updates on other City service, please visit Hamilton.ca/Reopens
Community Events & Opportunities to Participate
Gage Park Wheelchair Swing Ribbon Cutting - Tomorrow we cut the ribbon on Hamilton’s first wheelchair swing, located in Gage Park. The City’s official ribbon cutting protocol recommends virtual events wherever possible, and a limited number of attendees in person. Everyone is encouraged to attend via my live Facebook and Instagram feeds.
Beautiful Alleys Fall Clean Up - On October 3rd, Beautiful Alleys will host it’s first clean up of the year and they are excited to be back. Team up with your neighbours or friends in an alley, park or greenspace that could use some love. Please email hamiltonalleys@gmail.com to register.
Ottawa St. Farmers Market - Volunteers Needed - Market manager Denise and many volunteers have been working to ensure that the residents can have access to farm fresh goods close to home. On Saturdays between 7am & 2pm, volunteers are needed for any time slot, to set up and to greet shoppers safely. If you are interested or have questions, please email info@ottawastreetfarmers.com or call 905-544-5822.
What the #Ward3?
Dog Poop - We’ve received an incredible number of complaints about this over the summer, bags along the trail, in alleys, on front lawns! Please pick it up. You can avoid fines and keep your neighbours happy.