Investing in Ward 3 Roadways, Truck Routes Updates, 2022 Capital Budget & Community Events
Dear Ward 3 neighbours,
This week’s newsletter includes a number of updates, events and opportunities for neighbours in Ward 3. I’m also providing a roads-focused update on the various major reconstructions, two-way and reclassification processes that will get underway in the new year.
Reminder that this is the last week for curbside yard waste collection for the season. For more information on yard waste collection, please see here.
As different variants of COVID-19 proliferate it is important to stay vigilant by getting vaccinated as soon as possible, masking, hand washing, physical distancing and staying home when you are feeling unwell. COVID remains an airborne virus and it is essential we all continue to take precautions, especially as our youngest neighbours begin vaccination.
Yours in community,
Nrinder Nann
Truck Routes Sub Committee sends the report back for a ring road approach
On Monday, during the Truck Routes Sub Committee Meeting, I inquired about the number of schools and hospitals along with the proposed truck route network. Three hospitals were on the old network and remained on the proposed one. Ten schools across the City remained on the network, six of which are in the lower city and four in our Ward 3. By design, the proposed network was inequitable and could not be implemented as is, if schools and hospitals are considered to be the most sensitive land uses, and if our city’s Vision Zero action plan recognizes the hierarchy of need to be children to guide the designing and planning of safer roadways.
So, I moved to have the recommendations reviewed again by staff with priority given to the Terms of Reference passed by Council that somehow were deprioritized in the recommendations and that staff provide an analysis for a ring road approach for the new truck route network. The motion passed unanimously.
2022 Budget Updates
Today, December 2nd, General Issues Committee will meet to continue deliberations of the 2022 Capital Budget. The capital budget is the long-term plan for the construction, purchase, and financing of the City’s capital assets; infrastructure, land, building, machinery, and equipment. Committee will be reviewing staff presentations of the proposed priorities and investments for the tax-supported Capital Budget.
To stay up to date on where things are at with the upcoming budget, here’s a handy link to keep up with.
Reclassifying Ottawa St away from Major Arterial and reshaping the street to best suit community
Through the Truck Routes discussion this week, I flagged another major issue - Ottawa Street which remained on the proposed truck route. Ottawa Street is a vibrant social and commercial corridor in the east end with residential areas, an elementary school and community services that serve seniors, women, children and indigenous peoples. We have patios and many neighbours access businesses and services by walking there.
Ottawa Street has a historical classification of major arterial roads that does not match its contemporary context. The existing classification limits the kinds of changes and investments that can go into a complete, better and livable street and area. Due to its classification, it also could not be brought into the scope of the Complete Streets Review process that is underway for neighbourhood and collector roads across Ward 3.
Thanks to our neighbours in Crown Point West who continually raise concerns about safety both myself and Councillor Merulla will be moving for the reclassification of Ottawa Street away from major arterial. Once staff do the required community input and technical review, it will likely become a major collector road, similar to Locke Street, and better support its current use and future developments. This will require an amendment to the Official Plan and through the delayed Ottawa Street Master Plan, we can shape the streetscape to best suit our community.
Barton Street Reconstruction - Community Input Begins in 2022
Barton Street is slated for a multi-year, multi-phase complete reconstruction, similar to the revival Locke Street underwent last year. It is spanning across Wards 2, 3 & 4. Phase 1 will include much of the Ward 3 strip of our beloved Barton.
With Vision Zero principles, complete streets design options, and community input guiding the process, the goal for Barton Street will result in a complete transformation of the streetscape. This is an exciting and long-overdue development and is going to require deep investment to address the below surface infrastructure (water, wastewater, storm) as well.
I will be hosting an information meeting on the project with city staff in 2022 to begin the community input process. More to come!
Two-way Sherman Avenue in 2022
Converting Sherman Avenue to two-way has been in the Roads master plan for many years. Thanks to a one-time infusion of Federal Gas Tax investments, I’ve been able to prioritize it happening sooner than later.
In 2022, City Staff will begin a technical review of making Sherman Avenue become bi-directional from King St to Burlington St. This change will better facilitate the movement of vehicles, enable more pedestrian safety enhancements and will also provide better north-south connectivity. As with all major infrastructure investments and roadway redesigns, this process will include opportunities for community input starting in the new year.
Virtual Community Meeting – Cathedral Shelter - Monday, December 6 - 5:30pm
Hamilton Housing Services Division will be hosting a community meeting about the future of Cathedral Shelter located at 378 Main St E. City staff and community partners will provide an overview of plans for the site and answer your questions. I will be in attendance also.
You can submit your questions in advance by email at housing@hamilton.ca. Registration is required to attend. Please register here.
Woodlands Park Spray Pad Public Information Meeting - Tuesday, December 7th - 6:30 pm
The Woodlands Park Spray Pad virtual meeting is happening on December 7th from 6:30-8:30 PM. The purpose of this meeting is to review public feedback from the first online survey and present design options for the Spray Pad. Registration is required and can be completed here. More information about the project as a whole can be found here.
Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre Closure - Grey Cup Weekend
Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre will be closed Thursday, December 9 to Monday, December 13 until 1:30 pm for Grey Cup associated events. All drop in programs and user group rentals will be cancelled during this time.
Additionally, the Serafini Family Ice Pad is delayed in opening due to the Grey Cup. The planned date for the Ice Pad opening is Monday, December 20, 2021. Jimmy Thompson Memorial Pool will remain open for regularly scheduled programs.
Light the Night at the Cotton Factory - Saturday, December 4th - 5pm
An evening of illuminations, projections, art, and performance a the Cotton Factory will take place this Saturday, December 4, 2021, from 5pm - 10pm. Dress code: Glowing Attire. More information see here.
Telling Tales Celebrating Stories - EarlyON Storytime Event - Tuesday, December 15
Celebrate Stories with Telling Tales! Join Hamilton EarlyON Centres for a special virtual Story time for families with children ages 0-6. Space is limited - register here. For more programs check out this week's EarlyON virtual programming schedule.
Hamilton Arts Awards - Nominations Now Open
The public is invited to nominate their favourite artist or arts community champion for the 2022 City of Hamilton Arts Awards. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, January 14, 2022, via www.hamilton.ca/artsawards. For more information on the Arts Awards please see here.
Hamilton Summer Student Job Program - Applications now open
The City of Hamilton is accepting applications for summer student jobs from November 29, 2021 to January 28, 2022. Summer student jobs are open to students who are enrolled at a secondary or post-secondary institution or institution of higher learning, and high school students. For full application information and details on how to apply, please see here.
Vaccine Clinics in Ward 3
As of November 26th, 887,569 doses of vaccines have been administered with 86.2% of Hamiltonians having been vaccinated, and 83.1% of Hamilton residents having received two doses. The best way for community members to reduce and prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and by following public health measures, wear your mask, physical distance and stay home when unwell.
Please see below for vaccine clinics in Ward 3.
BOOKED APPOINTMENT CLINICS - AGES 5-11:
Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre - 192 Wentworth St N
Tuesdays, 10 am to 12 pm + 1 to 3 pm
Appointment required 1st & 2nd dose
Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre - 876 Cannon St. E.
Friday, December 3 only, 10 am to 12 pm + 1 to 3 pm
Appointment required 1st & 2nd dose
Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre - 192 Wentworth St N
Friday, December 10 only, 10 am to 12 pm + 1 to 3 pm
Appointment required 1st & 2nd dose
WALK-IN & BOOKED APPOINTMENTS:
Mass Clinic at Centre on Barton - 1211 Barton St. E. (between the Brick & Giant Tiger)
November 29 to December 5, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm + December 6 to 12, 1 to 7 pm
1st and 2nd doses 5+ years: walk-in
Barton Library - 571 Barton St. E.
Thursdays, 10 am to 12 pm + 1 to 3 pm
1st and 2nd doses 12+ years: walk-in
Mission Services - 196 Wentworth St. N. (use Good Food Centre/Community Services entrance)
December 1, 8 & 15, 11 am to 2 pm
Age 12+ only
St. Patrick’s Church - 440 King St. E. (in the vestibule)
December 3, 12 to 2 pm
Age 12+ only
Hamilton Public Library, Barton Branch - 571 Barton St E.
Saturday, December 4, 12 to 3 pm (operated by Refuge Newcomer Health, HCCI + partners)
Ages 5+, walk-in, no appt or health card required, interpretation, transportation + more supports available - email covidvaccine@newcomerhealth.ca or call 905-526-0000
Check the city’s website for a fulsome listing of other vaccine clinics.