Ward 3 Community Update - February 18, 2025
Dear Neighbours,
This weekend was snow-joke!
Phew, after moving so many shovel loads on the sidewalk outside my home and repeatedly digging out from windrows, I am grateful to the city crews that worked day and night to clear roads and sidewalks based on service levels.
In December 2024, Public Works Committee reviewed an information report that indicated the price tag for windrow removal by plows at $24M to $27M annually for new equipment and operations. This cost would be reflected by a 2% tax levy increase.
That said, there are many bonafide complaints about this snow storm winter removal service. Please continue to send your photos and details to roadsnorth@hamilton.ca and copy my office at ward3@hamilton.ca. I also acknowledge there are some historical areas like narrow boulevards where snow removal has not met baseline clearing for years. It is my hope that through discussion at Public Works Committee we can get this resolved for the 2026 Winter Snow Removal standards.
There are other important updates in this enewsletter for you to check out below. As always, if you require assistance navigating city services or systems you can contact my office at ward3@hamilton.ca or 905-546-2702.
Yours in Community,
Nrinder Nann
BUDGET 2025 UPDATE
Last week, Council finalized amendments to the 2025 Tax Supported Budget. Under the new Provincial regulations for Strong Mayor Powers, the amended budget will be reviewed by Mayor Horwath to consider the use of any veto powers. Then, Council will either adopt or override the veto with a two-thirds majority by March 9, 2025. It is important to note, this is not a city-led change in the process but a provincial one. Subsequently, it has been a learning curve for everyone to adjust to this newer budget process.
Councillor Maureen Wilson served as Chair of the Budget Committee and brought an impeccable adherence to due process and fairness throughout it. Though there were some growing pains in determining which amending motions were in order, Council members did approve some adjustments that resulted in further tax savings.
At this point, we sit at 5.62% increase versus the 5.66% we started with at the end of January.
There are many challenges significantly impacting residents and businesses across the city. The added uncertainty from tariff threats by the US President are coming in so chaotically that it re-emphasizes the critical need for municipal governments to govern in manner that is balanced and informed.
I believe Council has done our best to set a budget to reflect the needs of the City system and the needs of our communities. A lot of the problems we face as a city aren’t ours to solve alone, they are beyond our scope, responsibility and capabilities, and yet we have chosen to respond to deter the situation getting even worse.
We are responsible for operating a City in 2025 and diligently building a better one for future generations to thrive in. City building must be upheld in an era where the status quo is no longer feasible as we face infrastructure reaching end-of-life and in dire need of investment.
A breakdown of cost savings and cost drivers
Efficiencies & Savings - The Mayor’s directive asked staff to look at everything and find efficiencies. Based on the presentations we received, about $55M was found through various means to reduce the tax impact - a reduction of about 4.2%.
Housing - Investments to address the housing crisis truly requires all levels of government working in a coordinated and aligned way. Yet, housing is approaching an annual $130M tax-supported expense that is a provincial responsibility. That’s roughly a 10% impact on our overall budget - a very significant impact. We’re making the decision to do so because it is what is right for our City.
Two percent of the 5.6% increase is the result of provincial and legislated services (0.5%) which Council has no ability to adjust. The Hamilton Police Services budget and 911 improvements (1.5%) represents a little over a third of the total overall City budget this year.
The capital budget started just over 2% and reductions brought it in at 1.6% of the increase. This increase is to address crumbling infrastructure - roads, infrastructure and facilities in an aging city.
The final large bucket is the various City services and boards, including library, coming in at 2.1%, but it was shaved a bit off in the last meeting, to roughly a 2% increase for operating the City.
It is important to acknowledge that running a city has gotten much more expensive. Especially an aging city that needs investment.
I supported reductions where money would be spent better, more wisely, and efficiently. I did not support unnecessary spending despite the rhetorical spin some are ascribing to the final rate as frivolous. I did not support amendments that would compromise long-term gains that have a tangible impact on keeping Hamiltonians affordably housed, like the Safe Apartments program and anti-renovictions by-law implementation, which after start-up costs end up being based in cost recovery, meaning reduced tax levy impact over the years. In my opinion, some of the motions were counter productive and did not support city building to ensure future generations can thrive here together.
All that to say, I believe we have landed on a rate that does a good job of balancing needs and investments.
CITY-WIDE GENDER BASED VIOLENCE COLLABORATION
At Emergency & Community Services Committee, we approved a $100,000 infusion into gender-based violence and intimate partner violence programming and services for survivors across the city. Rural women are facing rising levels of GBV, and along with other recommendations, Council is addressing the gaps. None of the investments this year have a tax levy impact and were funded through existing operating funds.
CHH NEW & REPAIRED AFFORDABLE HOMES
I had the pleasure of formally opening and cutting the ribbon on CityHousing Hamilton's newest affordable housing building delivering 55 homes at 106 Bay St N. It is a mix of family-size and single units with more than 80% being deeply affordable rent-geared-to-income and the other 20% set at half the market rate. This community-oriented building exemplifies inclusive, sustainable, and affordable urban living, right in the heart of downtown Hamilton. It is just one example of our ongoing commitment to tangibly address the housing crisis in our communities with excellence.
This building represents the best of what cities can do when we prioritize building affordable housing in sustainable ways. By leveraging existing lands, like the under-utlized municipal parking lot that used to be on this site, the city enabled CHH to demonstrate infill leadership. This high-performance building delivers on greener residential development standards as CHH’s baseline commitment to climate action to ensure future generations can thrive together longer. The extra thick walls cut energy costs, provide insulation, heat and cold retention, as well as noise dampening, which makes a big difference in terms of quality of life for urban living. With the addition of solar panels covering more than a quarter of the energy needs of the entire building as well.
CHH also lined up strategic partnerships with Communoatuo and Hamilton Bike Share to support diverse and affordable active transportation options for our neighbours living here, including connectivity with existing HSR routes.
As President of CHH and Chair of the Board, I get the privilege of cutting the ribbon, but truly the congrats go to every CHH staff team member who has dedicated excellence in delivering this great building. In talking with one of the tenants, he shared that while moving in he bought a brand new TV for the first time in his life. "I finally feel settled and secure in my housing enough to do this."
By the end of December, we completed the repair of 466 units in the CHH portfolio bringing us to a 98% completion rate and all repaired units are either occupied or have residents moving in soon. The remaining 10 units have asbestos related issues and will require more time to complete.
In addition to that, over the past six months, CHH has added 79 brand new homes in Hamilton, with the target of another 82 to be opened by summer 2026.
As President of CHH, I am proud of pushing for these priorities at the Board level. It is through joint leadership with CHH staff that we are able to deliver these results and continue our role as non-profit housing leaders in Hamilton.
TOWN HALL: NEW & FINAL DATE, MAR 4
My team and I initially had to reschedule the Annual Ward 3 Townhall due to a tragic and unexpected death in my family. Then the Ontario Provincial Election was scheduled to take place on February 27, 2025, resulting in a new date for the Ward 3 Townhall on Tuesday 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. Child-minding is available with pre-registration and light refreshments will be provided. To register, please use this link, contact ward3@hamilton.ca, or call 905-546-2702.
WARD 3 SPRING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE GRANTS INTAKE NOW OPEN
Applications opened on February 14th for the Ward 3 Community Resilience Grants!
Do you have an idea that could strengthen our community, foster resilience, or bring neighbors together in #OurWard3? Now’s your chance to bring it to life with support from the Community Resilience Grants program!
📅 Apply now to fund projects that focus on:
✨ Building community connections, engagement, and capacity
✊🏾 Empowering residents to engage in local initiatives
👥 Delivering lasting and positive impact to our local communities
This grant is designed to support projects that directly impact and uplift our Ward 3 neighborhoods. We can’t wait to see the creative and impactful ideas from our residents!
While organizations are welcome to apply, preference will be given to initiatives that are resident-led and can demonstrate outcomes which are community-focused and that will be delivered in Ward 3 neighbourhoods.
How to Apply:
Visit the link in bio or check out the application form at nrinder.ca/communityresiliencegrants.
Applications close on March 30, so don’t miss this chance to apply and make a difference!
LRT DEMOLITION NOTICE
There will be an upcoming demolition in Ward 3 as part of the Hamilton LRT project. Demolition is scheduled for late February at 1177, 945, and 949 King Street East. Approximately 55 nearby residences will be notified by Metrolinx about the planned work.
Additionally, three demolitions are planned for this spring (weather permitting) at 927 King Street East. To ensure these activities do not impact the structural condition of neighbouring properties, Metrolinx subcontractors, OZA Inspectors, will be conducting pre-condition visual inspections of nearby buildings. Notices will be delivered to affected residences, informing them that OZA will be reaching out to schedule inspections.
If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. If your office receives any related inquiries or concerns, we would appreciate it if you could direct them to hamilton@metrolinx.com.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The Black community has contributed significantly to the history and cultural diversity of the City of Hamilton. In 2023, the Black History Month Council, in partnership with Black-led organizations and the City of Hamilton came together to launch the first official Black History Month campaign “We Are Hamilton – Black History Remembered”. Through this collaborative initiative, images and biographies of 17 Black Hamiltonians have been profiled, with two more individuals - Reverend George Edmund Fitzgerald and Haydain Neale - added to the list of honourees in 2025.
The Black-led organizations who have made this initiative possible include: Afro Canadian Caribbean Association, Ghana Association of Hamilton, Haitian Association of Hamilton, Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre, Hamilton Black History Council, Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, Nigerian Canadian Association of Hamilton and District, Refuge Hamilton Centre for Newcomer Health, Jamaica Foundation Hamilton, Melanin Market and Sandbox Studios.
The City of Hamilton would like to thank the Black History Month Council and Black-led organizations in Hamilton for their ongoing contributions and efforts to profile, celebrate and raise awareness of Black Hamiltonians who have made significant contributions to our city. The images and biographies of the 19 Black Hamiltonians honoured through this work will be profiled during Black History Month in February in select City facilities, including Hamilton Public Library branches, recreation centres, and City Hall.
VACANT UNIT TAX DECLARATION NOW OPEN
The declaration period for Hamilton’s Vacant Unit Tax is now open. All residential property owners must submit their 2024 occupancy status - even if the property is a principal residence or exempt. Declarations can be made online at hamilton.ca/VacantUnitTax or by phone at 905-546-2573. The deadline to submit is Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
The Vacant Unit Tax is designed to increase Hamilton’s housing supply by encouraging property owners to keep residential units occupied. After covering administrative costs, tax revenues will be reinvested into affordable housing initiatives.
Properties that were vacant for more than 183 days in the previous calendar year will be charged a 1% tax on their current assessed value. This tax will be added to the final property tax bill, mailed in June 2025.
Exemptions
Certain properties are exempt from the Vacant Unit Tax, including:
Principal residences
Recent property sales
Major renovations (with a valid building permit)
Owner’s passing
Owner in hospital or long-term care
Properties under court order
Non-profit housing
Resources for property owners:
To assist with the declaration process, the City of Hamilton has created two videos:
A short explainer video outlining the Vacant Unit Tax program.
A step-by-step instructional video on submitting a declaration online
Both videos can be found at hamilton.ca/VacantUnitTax.
If a declaration is not submitted by April 30, 2025, the property will be deemed vacant, and the Vacant Unit Tax will apply.
For full details, including FAQs and instructional videos, visit hamilton.ca/VacantUnitTax or email vacantunittax@hamilton.ca with any questions.
HAMILTON HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATION & SOCIAL, FEB 22
Hamilton’s Civic Museums and the Hamilton Wentworth Heritage Association invite you to celebrate Hamilton’s rich history and heritage.
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Dundurn Castle, Coach House, 610 York Blvd.
This event is free to the public and will feature a series of short talks on heritage matters affecting Hamiltonians. The event will be informal, and we will be celebrating the dedicated citizen volunteers and staff who contribute to the heritage sector.
No RSVP or tickets are required to attend. For more information or to ask questions, please contact christopher.redford@hamilton.ca.
LET’S TALK TAXICABS: TAXICAB BY-LAW REVIEW
On December 5, 2023, Hamilton’s City Council approved a motion to review the taxicab industry given the industry’s evolution. No thorough review of Schedule 25 has occurred since the 2007 repeal and replacement of the City of Hamilton Licensing By-law. Residents can review the current taxicab by-law here.
The City of Hamilton is conducting a review of taxicab services to ensure that the taxi by-law meets the current and future needs of residents and groups. The Let’s Talk Taxicabs engagement initiative will help us to understand the needs and concerns of our community regarding taxicab services in Hamilton.
Engagement will focus on these areas:
Taxicab usage
Taxicab fare regulation
Opinions on safety and service satisfaction
Accessible taxicabs
Training requirements
Taxicab driver trends
We want your thoughts on current taxi services and areas of improvement that are important to you and other community members in Hamilton. To better engage with different stakeholders, two different online surveys are available:
Survey for the general public
Survey for taxicab drivers and plate owners
Your experiences and opinions will help determine the future of the City of Hamilton's taxicab regulations. Information gathered through these surveys will be used to guide our review and support possible revisions to Schedule 25 of the Licensing By-law 07-170.
For more information and to access the survey, please visit: https://engage.hamilton.ca/letstalktaxicabs
URBAN FOREST STRATEGY
The Urban Forest Strategy (UFS) is a plan to ensure the long-term health of Hamilton’s urban forest through preservation and planting. It is a community-developed vision with actions to guide us in maintaining and growing the urban forest.
Hamilton's urban forest includes all publicly and privately-owned trees and supporting vegetation in the urban area.
The urban forest includes more than Hamilton's natural areas. Individual trees and groups of trees along streets, in backyards, parks, and commercial areas within Hamilton's urban boundary are also part of the urban forest.
We all know that trees are important. Trees are often called “green infrastructure” because they provide many valuable ecosystem services. These services include improving air and water quality, mitigating and controlling flooding, beautifying neighbourhoods, reducing energy use, providing habitat for wildlife, and providing recreation opportunities.
However, pressures on trees are increasing, due to pests and diseases, drought and severe weather from climate change, development, and invasive species.
For more information about the Urban Forest Strategy and to take the survey, please visit: https://engage.hamilton.ca/urban-forest-strategy.
Photo of teenagers in Hamilton Children’s Choir. Photo Credit: Choral Nation
HAMILTON CHILDREN’S CHOIR 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FUNDRAISER, FEB 22
Hamilton Children’s Choir is excited to invite you to their 50th Birthday Party Fundraiser on February 22 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Bridgeworks! It’s going to be a day filled with fun, laughter, and music, and we’d love for you to join them in celebrating half a century of joyful singing.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Face Painting: Let imaginations run wild with colorful creations.
Music Bingo: Put your musical knowledge to the test!
Live Choir Performances: Enjoy the beautiful voices of our talented choristers.
Silent Auction: Bid on fantastic items and experiences to support HCC’s next 50 years.
Bake Sale & Cake: Indulge in delicious homemade treats and a slice of birthday cake!
Pizza: Grab a slice for lunch—no one will go hungry!
And More Surprises: Stay tuned for extra fun sprinkled throughout the day!
Kids 12 and under get in free, so bring the whole family! And yes, the event is licensed—parents can toast to 50 years of beautiful music. Your ticket and participation help ensure that Hamilton Children’s Choir can continue to inspire, educate, and empower young voices in our community. Invite your friends, make some memories, and help us make this 50th birthday celebration one for the books!
Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased here!
GREEN VENTURE’S LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT DESIGN CHARETTE, FEB 27
Want to design your own garden but don’t know where to start? Join our Low Impact Development Design Charette for a hands-on workshop! Using a real-life example, we’ll guide you through site analysis, key design considerations, and collaborative problem-solving with fellow community members.
Space is limited to ensure a personalized experience. The event takes place at Pinch Bakery & Plant Shop with refreshments available for purchase.
Bring your creativity and let’s talk design!
This is a FREE event. Sign up to attend this event on our website - RSVP to save your seat!
ALICE IN BLOOMLAND
Tumble down the rabbit hole into “Alice in Bloomland,” a wondrous botanical experience at Royal Botanical Gardens where reality bends and blossoms into a world of curiosity for all ages! Inspired by the pages of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, this floral showcase weaves together the magic of horticulture, the whimsy of floral design, and the marvel of visual arts to create an enchanting indoor wonderland straight out of a dream. On now until March 30th.
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