Ward 3 Community Update - January 28, 2025
Dear Neighbours,
It has already become a busy start to the year as we progress into February. From updates on the City’s budget process, including water rate increases and tax-supported budget deliberations, to changes in the encampment protocol and the City’s efforts toward housing solutions, there are many important developments I want to bring to your attention.
I’m also excited to invite you to the upcoming Annual Ward 3 Town Hall now scheduled for March 4th to provide you with an opportunity to connect, review what has been completed on behalf of Ward 3 residents in 2024, what’s anticipated in 2025, and to ask questions, and share your ideas.
Infrastructure improvements are underway, such as traffic signal enhancements at Cannon and Sanford and updates on the Wentworth Street reconstruction project. This newsletter also highlights a variety of community events and opportunities, from gardening workshops at Seedy Saturday to a research study on Digital Safety and Security led by McMaster University and SWAP Hamilton.
I encourage you to explore the full details in this month’s updates and join us in building a stronger, more connected Ward 3. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office by contacting ward3@hamilton.ca or 905-546-2702.
Yours in Community,
Nrinder Nann
PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET
Hamilton’s 2025 Budget process is underway.
Council ended 2024 with a review and confirmation of the 2025 water rate budget to continue to address the growth related and infrastructure needs related to water services. The multi-year plan sees an increase of just under 10% ($96 annually for the average household) to meet our current service and infrastructure needs city wide.
The preliminary projection for the 2025 Tax Supported Budget was 8.2%. It was then brought down to 6.9% prior to the holiday break. Since then, staff have found further efficiencies and offsets and are currently reporting a 5.7% increase in residential property taxes.
The proposed 2025 Tax Budget was prepared in alignment with the Mayoral Directive to Staff (MDI-2024-03), as well as Council’s priorities imperative:
Responsive to economic challenges that residents are facing, particularly the cost of living and the ongoing affordability crisis.
The 2025 budget aims to balance strategic investments in essential services, while maintaining affordability for tax and ratepayers.
How staff went about meeting the directive include measures that achieve the following:
New and expanded revenue streams and prudent utilization of debt and reserves.
Protect the City’s credit rating and long-term financial stability.
Balance demands with affordability challenges, while addressing multi-year investment plans.
Pursue provincial and federal investments to support housing-related initiatives.
Consider urgent pressures including improvements to transportation, infrastructure (roads & transit), cyber response and recovery investments, and climate response initiatives.
Thorough review of budget submissions.
New investment requests must demonstrate their capacity to advance Council-identified priorities
And, expanded public engagement by promoting online tools.
Council and staff take seriously our need to balance the economic challenges that residents are facing and protecting Hamilton’s long-term financial stability. This includes protecting the City’s AAA credit rating and ensuring we’re not passing on a bigger infrastructure deficit to future generations.
This month, my Council colleagues and I will work towards approval of the Tax Supported Operating and Capital Budget, with a goal to provide final approval by the February 12, 2025 Council meeting. With changes brought forward by the Provincial Government, the final approval for the budget rests with the Mayor.
Residents can have their input directly heard by the Budget Committee by participating in the interactive budget tool at https://engage.hamilton.ca/budget2025.
RESCINDING THE ENCAMPMENT PROTOCOL
Last week Council ratified the decision made on a motion brought forward by Councillor Spadafora to rescind the Encampment Protocol. This motion essentially fast tracks my motion from September 2024 to have staff report back on sunsetting the protocol in a manner that complies with all required human rights laws by the end of this quarter.
The details of the motion are as follows:
(a) That the City of Hamilton Encampment Protocol be rescinded as of March 6, 2025;
(b) That the General Managers of Healthy and Safe Communities, Planning & Economic Development, and Public Works, report back at the February 26, 2025 GIC meeting with the necessary resources and staffing needed to transition from the current Encampment Protocol to the City of Hamilton Parks Bylaw.
(c) That Housing Services staff be directed to continue working with local social agencies to find shelter space for those living in encampments;
(d) That Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) and Parks staff be directed to dismantle all encampments as well as clean and restore parks to the inviting, safe, and green recreational spaces they once were, to be enjoyed by City of Hamilton taxpayers and their families.
As I said in Council last week, according to the AMO paper released earlier this month, with housing and homelessness data from across the province, enforcement alone will not effectively stop encampments. It is only through investment in transitional and affordable housing, social services, and tenant and housing protections that prevent folks from losing their homes that we will see the easing of this crisis in Hamilton and across the province.
Enforcing encampments and our parks by-law is not a solution to homelessness and to folks who have not been able to find adequate shelter in Hamilton or access the health and social services they most desperately deserve. I have repeatedly called on both the federal and provincial governments to take their responsibilities for health and housing seriously and solve the crisis unfolding in our neighbourhoods. Unfortunately, it has only resulted in a few municipalities getting an inadequate amount of funding to offset some of the cost for existing efforts.
I voted in support of this motion because Council has approved historical investments to shelters and supportive housing to both right-size our shelter system with lower-barrier options and increase the number of supportive units available. For Ward 3, this includes 138 new shelter beds, 180 non-profit housing units already built and occupied, and an additional 230 new homes approved through the city’s Affordable Housing Project Stream which will include supportive and transitional housing as well.
My Council colleagues and I need to continue our work putting forward bonafide solutions to increase the number of housing units available in each Ward across the City to truly solve homelessness. And we will forever remain limited in achieving such a target without the provincial and federal government being aligned to a target that seeks to eradicate homelessness.
I await the staff's report back about how the parks by-law will be practically enforced and how previous directions declaring some areas as non-compliant based on proximity to both outdoor and indoor shelter services will be impacted. I will also share with residents what the service standards, revised reporting process, and the enforcement timelines will look like in a future e-newsletter.
MUNICIPAL LAND TRANSFER TAX
At GIC last week, we received a report back from staff on possible revenue streams following a motion last spring from Councillor Maureen Wilson seeking to help inform future decisions by Council on various ways other cities generate revenue to reduce the burden on property tax rates. Among options such as a municipal tax on alcohol or tobacco sales, and changes in parking, was information on a Municipal Land Transfer Tax.
We heard from many delegates on this issue and my office received a number of emails and calls as well. This was an information report only. There were no staff recommendations or proposed actions to pursue for Council at this time.
I understand it is being reported by some in the community that they effectively prevented Council from pursuing the Land Transfer Tax. This is not entirely accurate, as I stated, the report was simply to gather information about alternative revenue generation paths other cities have taken.
BARTON/TIFFANY SHELTER PURCHASE REVIEW
At Council last week, I supported Councillor JP Danko’s motion calling for a review of the details of the Barton Tiffany shelter structure provider and outdoor shelter operator single-source contracts including compliance with City purchasing policy and contract terms. The motion also called for a financial evaluation in terms of value for money.
I support this motion because the outdoor shelter ought to have been completed by November 2024 as part of the temporary solutions to the housing and humanitarian crisis unfolding in our neighbourhoods. We are now two months behind the target. I believe the motion outlines a path to get the information behind the procurement details into public view and provide Council members the opportunity to ask questions.
VACANT UNIT TAX
Since mail was delayed at the end of last year, Council has approved new timelines for the Vacant Unit Tax program. The new start date is February 10, 2025, and there is an extended submission deadline of April 30, 2025. Additionally the penalty will be waived for late declarations made after April 20, 2025 for the 2024 self-declaration year only.
For any residents who have a vacant unit, or who wish to see more information on this program, you can find it on the City’s website here.
JAMESVILLE REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE
An adjournment of the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearing scheduled for February 18, 2025, will be requested due to the ongoing settlement negotiations related to 405 James Street North (Jamesville) with CN Rail. While significant progress has been made, additional time is needed beyond the start of the February 18th hearing to reach agreements.
The adjournment means the hearing will not be rescheduled. The parties are also requesting a case management conference from the Ontario Land Tribunal as early as May or June 2025. This conference could be used to provide an update to the tribunal, request hearing dates, or be converted to a settlement hearing.
The partnership between CityHousing Hamilton, Indwell, and the Jamesville Redevelopment Limited Partnership, supported by the City of Hamilton, will replace the former 91 townhouses and create a diverse, inclusive, mixed-income urban community in Hamilton’s North End. The redevelopment aims to replace an ageing, outdated residential complex with a new mixed-income community that combines publicly owned social housing, non-profit affordable housing, and market units in an intensified site adjacent to the West Harbour GO station.
For more information, visit the CityHamilton Housing Jamesville Redevelopment webpage.
TOWN HALL: NEW & FINAL DATE, MAR 4
My team and I initially rescheduled the Annual Ward 3 Townhall due to a tragic death in my family. Then the Ontario Provincial Election was scheduled to take place on February 27, 2025, resulting in the date of the Ward 3 Townhall being changed to Thursday March 4, 2025 from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre, with the option to virtually participate.
This event will serve as an opportunity to provide a fulsome annual update to neighbours from across #OurWard3 and an opportunity for neighbours to ask questions and share your experiences and ideas. A full agenda and more details will be provided soon.
All are welcome and we encourage you to pre-register so we may best accommodate your participation. To register, please use this link, contact ward3@hamilton.ca, or call 905-546-2702.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL ENHANCEMENTS: CANNON ST. E & SANFORD AVE N
The City of Hamilton is beginning the process of enhancing the traffic signal at Cannon Street East and Sanford Avenue North.
The work involves the supply and installation of traffic signal infrastructure, and curb/sidewalk reconstruction. These improvements also include AODA enhancements.
AODA enhancements are improvements to the infrastructure in support of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This includes items such as Tactile Walking Surfaces Indicators which are proposed.
The contract has been awarded to Decew Construction. Construction is scheduled to commence in January 2024, and will be substantially completed in February 2024, weather permitting. Modifications to traffic signal infrastructure, operation, layout and pavement markings have been incorporated into the works.
As construction progresses, you may experience some inconveniences such as noise, dust, temporary roadway disruption and restricted traffic movements. Every effort will be made to complete the work in a timely manner and to keep any inconveniences to a minimum. We ask for your patience during this period. However, for the duration of the project, the City of Hamilton on-site inspector will be made available to explain the sequence of work and answer any construction-related questions.
Staff ask for your co-operation during this period and request that any questions regarding this project be directed to:
Bob Popovich
Project Manager, Traffic Design and Construction
Bob.Popovich@hamilton.ca
Nick Pongetti
Traffic Inspector, Traffic Design and Construction
Nick.Pongetti@hamilton.ca
WENTWORTH STREET RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE: KING ST. E TO WILSON ST
Construction updates are moving forward in Ward 3, with key projects impacting roads and transit in the coming months. The Wentworth Street project did experience some weather related impacts but is now on track to be fully paved and line-painted by mid-February 2025. Once this section reopens, work will shift to Wilson Street between Wentworth and Sanford.
The closure of Wilson Street is expected to begin around July or August 2025, with the initial section closed from Wentworth to Sherman Avenue. Future closures along Wilson will occur, but not for several months after this phase. During the closure, HSR transit services to the high school will be affected, so residents are encouraged to plan accordingly.
Delays along Wentworth may affect the completion timeline for related projects, including the Cannon and Sherman intersection. Staff will continue to aim to finish by the end of 2025 and will provide further updates should this change. Start dates for intersection work will depend on progress along Wilson and will be shared by Staff once confirmed.
Updates on the final paving and line-painting for Wentworth, as well as firm timelines for Wilson Street closures, will be provided within the next month. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our community’s infrastructure.
For any questions or concerns, residents can contact:
Dennis Perusin
Senior Project Manager Sub Surface LRT
dennis.perusin@hamilton.ca
WINTER RESPONSE STRATEGY
The City of Hamilton, along with community partners, have launched a comprehensive Winter Response Strategy to better address the needs of those experiencing homelessness during the winter months.
The program is effective from December 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025 and is not tied to the City’s Cold Alert system like it was previously. The offerings as part of the response will be available ongoing during this time period, regardless of the temperature outdoors.
This program represents an elevated standard of winter response service, surpassing the city's prior offerings, with the aim of providing a more effective response to the community's needs, specifically for the unhoused.
To offer protection for and safety throughout the winter season for unhoused individuals, these measures will be implemented:
Overnight Drop-In & Evening Warming Spaces
Daytime drop-in, overnight drop-in and overnight warming spaces within Hamilton will be made available.
To determine if there is available space at a specific location, please contact the number listed for that service.
Willow’s Place - 196 Wentworth St. N.
Call 905-528-5100 press 8; then 3
45 overnight warming spaces, all women, Two Spirit, trans- and non-binary people
24 hours/day 7 days/week
YWCA Carole Anne’s Place - 75 MacNab St. S.
Call 905-522-9922 ext 100
40 overnight drop-in spaces, all women, Two Spirit, trans- and non-binary people
6 pm to 1 pm, nightly (enhanced from 10 pm to 1 pm)
Mission Services: Night Link - 196 Wentworth St. N. Door 8
Call 905-528-4212
25 evening warming spaces, all genders
5:30 pm to 11 pm / 7 days a week
These services are specific to additional supports in place December 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 and hours are subject to change.
RENOVATION LICENSE & RELOCATION BY-LAW
Hamilton's Renovation Licence and Relocation By-law 24-055, also known in the community as the Anti-Renovictions By-law, is in effect as of January 1, 2025 to address bad faith evictions and protect tenants. This includes new requirements for landlords to comply with when they want to complete renovations where vacant possession of a unit is required. The By-law applies to all rental housing units anywhere in Hamilton.
Starting January 1, 2025, all landlords must apply for a renovation licence within seven days of serving an N13 notice to tenants to vacate their rental unit for extensive repairs or renovation.
For more information, on Ontario’s first ever Anti-Renoviction By-law and what is expected of landlords, please visit the City’s Renovation License & Relocation By-Law website.
WE REDUCE SINGLE-USE PROGRAM
Food establishments such as restaurants or coffee shops that receive waste collection services through the City of Hamilton, could be eligible for the City’s We Reduce Single-Use business recognition program. The recognition program will certify and recognize food establishments that fully participate in the City’s green bin and recycling diversion programs, and who already reduced, or are planning to reduce, disposable, single-use, and takeaway items.
Single-use Plastic or Takeaway Items
Food-related single-use plastic and takeaway items are generally disposed of after one use, such as plastic cutlery, fast food & take-out containers, and plastic bags. Thousands of these items are used across the City every day, and most cannot be recycled or composted and end up as litter, and eventually in the landfill.
Reducing Environmental Impact
Reducing the number of single-use plastic and takeaway items generated in Hamilton and properly using diversion programs such as the green bin, helps extend the life of our landfill, reduces costs to the City and minimizes pollution and litter, helping keep Hamilton clean and green.
Recognition from the City
All food establishments certified in Hamilton’s ‘We Reduce Single-Use’ program will be recognized and profiled by the City on public forums such as the website and social media channels. You will also receive a window decal to display for customers. This extra publicity may drive more environmentally conscious customers to your business.
Please visit the City’s We Reduce Single-Use business recognition program to submit an application.
CAMP KIDACA REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!!!
Registration for Camp Kidaca summer camps begins February 12 at 8am! Programs and fees will be available for review on Monday February 3 at http://hamilton.ca/campkidaca
YWCA’S NEWCOMER YOUTH CAREER LAUNCHPAD, JAN 30
YWCA Hamilton’s JOIN Immigration and Settlement Services is offering a FREE one-day certificate & employment preparation workshop for newcomer youth aged 15 – 29. You’ll gain skills, certifications like Point of Sale Digital Cashier Training certificate and Customer Service Training certificate, resume and cover letter help, job fair prep, and exclusive job fair access!
Event Details:
Thursday, January 30th, 2025 @ 9 AM to 4 PM
YWCA Hamilton, 75 MacNab Street South, Hamilton, ON
Open to girls, women and gender-diverse youth aged 15-29, Permanent Resident, Protected Person, Convention Refugee, Live-in Caregiver/Temporary Foreign Worker (valid work permit) and/or Ukrainian national and/or dependent.
Registration is available online here.
HAMILTON BLACK HISTORY MONTH LAUNCH, JAN 31
The Hamilton Black History Council, in partnership with Hamilton Black-led organizations, the City of Hamilton, and Hamilton Public Library, invites community members to the 2025 Black History Month Launch – The Art of Community on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 12:00pm-2:30pm at the Hamilton Public Library Central Branch.
This free event will feature the works of artists Roger and Kareem Ferreira and Dawn Grant Artistry, a marketplace showcasing local vendors and artists, and refreshments.
As part of this year’s We Are Hamilton – Black History Remembered initiative, two new honourees will be recognized for their remarkable contributions: Reverend George Edmund Fitzgerald Horton and Haydain Neale. Since the initiative launched in 2023, 19 Black Hamiltonians have been celebrated for their invaluable contributions to the history and cultural diversity of our city.
CELEBRATE ALL THINGS GARDENING AT HAMILTON'S 14TH ANNUAL SEEDY SATURDAY, FEB 1
It's back! Central Library is the place to be on Saturday, February 1st, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm for the return of Seedy Saturday in partnership with Green Venture. This FREE event brings together a wonderful community of garden-minded vendors, environmental groups, and local organizations. By donation - donations to Green Venture are welcome!
The Fourth Floor will be buzzing with gardening experts, seed swaps, vendors, workshops, kids' activities and more. It's the ‘go-to’ place to be if you're interested in gardening, edible gardening, pollinator gardens, sustainability, heirloom and organic seed supplies, and more! You can enjoy a wide range of vendors and exhibitors.
A community seed exchange, where you can take home what you want to grow this year!
Seed and garden supply vendors selling quality seeds with heritage and heirloom varieties
Free garden workshops and educational demonstrations throughout the day
Opportunities for meeting and networking with local gardeners, experts, community groups
Children’s Activities
For any inquiries, send an email to garden@greenventure.ca
BLACK VOICES AT THE MARKET, FEB 8
HARRC and the Market will celebrate Black History Month with an event that amplifies Black voices, shares the stories of Black-owned businesses, and creates space for reflection and connection. Experience the richness of the African diaspora through food, culture, and meaningful conversations.
Highlights:
Afrolicious Catering
Panel Discussion
Community Quilt Making
Resources and Support
Date: February 8th
Time: 10 AM - 3 PM
SWAP RESEARCH STUDY IN DIGITAL SAFETY & SECURITY IN SEXWORK
McMaster University researchers and SWAPHamilton asked my office to share with you that they are looking for volunteers 18 years of age and older of all gender identities who identify as current or former members of the sex work profession in the City of Hamilton and surrounding area to participate in 12 arts-based and zine-making workshops on digital security and safety.
Participants are welcome to attend some or all workshops. The workshops will take place at the YWCA Hamilton (5 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1) on Thursday evenings, each involving approximately 1.5 hours of your time. As compensation for your participation in the 1.5-hour workshop, you will receive a $40 grocery card at the end.
For more information, please visit: bit.ly/digital-safety-zines