Ward 3 Community Update - March 7, 2025
Dear Neighbours,
Happy International Women’s Day!
This week our office hosted the annual Ward 3 Townhall at the Morelli Centre. Thank you to everyone who attended in person and virtually. We will be posting a summary video and Q&A to my website and issuing a special e-newsletter to share it the week of March 17th.
We also co-hosted a How to Delegate workshop for neighbours in Ward 3 & 4 who are experiencing negative impacts of a black, sticky, soot-like substance outside their homes, on their vehicles, outdoor toys, gardens and city playgrounds. See the article below to learn more about the motion coming to Public Health Sub Committee on March 17th.
There are other important updates in this e-newsletter 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.
Have a great spring break!
Yours in Community,
Nrinder Nann
ENCAMPMENTS & CITY PARKS BY-LAW
The City’s Encampment Protocol, which permitted individuals to camp overnight in compliant public spaces has come to an end. The municipality remains committed to proceeding in a manner that upholds human rights and supporting those living unhoused across our city. The Housing Focused Outreach team will continue their work connecting with folks living encamped with alternative shelter options and support services. The hours of Outreach will resort back to 9am-5pm for these services in an effort to redirect resources that were used to enact the Encampment Protocol towards reinstating the Parks By-law. This by-law prohibits camping on City-owned properties, including parks.
The Housing Focused Outreach team will no longer be the lead team responding to complaints and concerns sent to the City about encampment sites. Residents are advised to stop using the unsheltered@hamilton.ca email for this purpose. Instead, with Council’s ratification of staff’s report Coordinated Encampment Response Post-Protocol on Wednesday this week, Municipal Law Enforcement will be the lead. You can submit your emails to encampments@hamilton.ca or call 905-546-2782 going forward.
What to Expect
During General Issues Committee, I asked a number of clarifying questions to ensure residents are aware of what this new coordinated approach will look like. In a nutshell, it is important to know there will be no “raid-like” nor an excessive force approach rolling out this week for mass removal of each and every person and their belongings in City parks.
Here is how it will roll out:
A complaint or concern about an encampment site can be emailed to encampments@hamilton.ca or by calling 905-546-2782. The email and phone number are monitored Monday to Friday during regular business hours (8:30am-4:30pm).
MLE will intake complaints within 48 hours, notify relevant teams, and connect individuals with available supports such as shelter beds, outdoor shelter units, reunification services, or other appropriate supports.
HPS will assess the urgency of each case, prioritizing enforcement based on health and safety risks. They will continue to fulfill their core policing standards as each case dictates.
HPS will issue an order, and both HPS and MLE will work together to seek compliance.
The plan for clean up and restoration will also be assessed on a site by site basis. When staff have that clarity, I anticipate we will receive those updates and will be able to share information at that time.
While complaints will be addressed promptly, residents should expect up to a 5-day window between filing a complaint and enforcement action being taken.
Broader Service Impacts
In terms of service adjustments, JC Beemer Park will no longer have 24/7 bathroom access, reverting to seasonal hours. The 1km radius rule around shelter service areas will remain, with MLE proactively monitoring Ward 3 locations closest to those facilities with expanded shelter capacity on a weekly basis.
As Municipal Law Enforcement Officers focus on enforcing the Parks By-law, response times for other by-law matters will be affected.
Access to showers and hygiene facilities at recreation centres will remain accessible to those living unhoused moving forward.
Again, there will be no immediate mass removals this week. The transition will take time and requires careful coordination between enforcement teams, outreach services, and other City departments. The City appreciates residents’ patience and understanding as enforcement efforts ramp up. The City staff have been very clear about remaining committed to acting promptly while ensuring a thoughtful and compassionate approach.
We all need to continue to balance community needs of public safety, preserving green space for outdoor recreation, and providing support and accessible options to individuals seeking shelter. This approach is the City’s best approach to achieve this going forward.
Reporting Encampments
To report an encampment in a City park, please contact the Coordinated Encampment Response Team at encampments@hamilton.ca or call 905-546-2782. The email and phone number are monitored Monday to Friday during regular business hours (8:30am-4:30pm).
Quick Facts or Addressing the Crisis:
• The City’s 2025 tax budget includes a $192 million investment in housing and homelessness programs. These investments will increase access to affordable and social housing, shelters and encampment supports, and much needed tenant support programs to keep people housed.
• As part of a broader emergency response, the City has added 192 temporary shelter beds as well as an 80-bed temporary outdoor shelter site, representing an 80% increase in Hamilton’s shelter system.
• The City’s Whole of Hamilton Housing Approach aligns with Ontario's Big City Mayors (OBCM) 'Solve the Crisis' campaign, urging all levels of government to take immediate action on homelessness, mental health and addictions.
SNOW REMOVAL DEFICIENCIES & OPPORTUNITIES MOTION
As reported last e-newsletter, I tabled a motion at Public Works Committee last week seeking staff to report back on snow removal improvements and addressing service levels on narrow roadways.
Councillor M. Wilson collaborated to add an amendment to the motion at Council to look at contract service delivery as well.
The final motion directed staff to:
Provide recommendations on how to address snow removal deficiencies and opportunities on narrow roadways. Including, but not limited to boulevards, within existing resources to be in place by the 2026 Snow Removal program, and;
A temporary and time sensitive solution be deployed in the 2025 winter season to address snow removal service levels within current operating costs.
Review existing snow removal contracts to assess optimal operational outcomes during a snow event to be included in upcoming contracts;
The motion was approved at Council. We anticipate a report back from staff and will share details of their findings when it is posted to Public Works Committee later this year.
MOTION ON SOOT COMING TO PUBLIC HEALTH SUB-COMMITTEE - MARCH 17, 2025
On Thursday March 6th we co-hosted a micro workshop with our Ward 4 colleagues. Along with some of our most engaged neighbours, we rallied together to talk about a soot-related motion that will go to Public Health Committee on March 17th.
Our goal was to encourage affected residents to bring forward their lived experiences to delegate to the Committee. If you would like to read the motion, learn more about delegating or watch a recording of the workshop please email kerry.leclair@hamilton.ca.
WENTWORTH ST RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE
With the weather warming, construction along Wentworth Street is progressing and staff anticipate reopening the roadway on Monday, March 17, 2025 (barring any unforeseen weather events that could delay work). This milestone marks a significant step forward in the revitalization of this key corridor and fulfilling LRT enabling works while investing in much needed upgrades as a city.
Updated Access Information
As we approach the reopening, here is what you need to know about accessing key parking areas:
Cathedral High School Parking Lot: Access will remain off of King Street, just east of Wentworth.
Wilson & Wentworth Parking Lot:
Accessible from Wilson Street by turning south onto Wentworth.
Accessible from Wentworth Street proper, via King Street.
While Monday, March 17, may require some adjustment as drivers and pedestrians navigate the new routes, we anticipate that by Tuesday, March 18, all access points will be functioning smoothly.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation throughout this project. We appreciate your support as we work towards improving our community’s infrastructure. Stay tuned for further updates, and please continue to follow all posted signage and detours as final touches are completed.
For more details on the Wentworth reconstruction project, visit the interactive story map: Wentworth Street Revitalization.
PROUD TO SUPPORT EXCEL IN STYLE AT BERNIE CUSTIS SECONDARY SCHOOL
I am thrilled to support Excel in Style, an incredible event by Lohifa Pogson Acker that celebrates textured hair styling, education, and community connections for Hamilton’s youth.
This event is all about ensuring young people (ages 5-19) have access to hairstyles, haircuts, and hair care education, while also connecting with textured hair specialists in our community. How great is that?!
While the event is currently sold out, there is a waitlist for those still hoping to attend.
If you or someone you know could benefit, reach out to @lodidthat to learn more or join the waitlist here.
I’m proud to continue to support initiatives that meet our youth where they are at while also empowering and uplifting our community here in #OurWard3!
VACANT UNIT TAX UPDATE
Many residents have successfully submitted their VUT declaration forms and more continue to on a daily basis. That said, we’ve also heard from many of you still experiencing some challenges. Here are some key updates to assist you:
Delayed Notices & Tax Bills: Some VUT declarations and property tax bills have been delayed due to Canada Post issues. The City is monitoring the situation and will update on potential penalty waivers at the March 5th Council meeting.
Phone Line Backlog: High call volumes (VUT, tax bills, snow clearing) are causing delays. New option: Leave your VUT declaration on voicemail with your roll number & access code, and staff will confirm.
Online Portal Issues: If you’re facing errors, try accessing during off-peak hours. A fix is in progress! Hard copy forms are also available at MSCs & Libraries and will soon be online.
Primary Residences Must Declare: Many didn’t realize ALL property owners must declare, even for primary residences. The City is working to improve clarity in future notices.
Fees & Penalties Clarification: The $10K fine applies only to fraudulent submissions, not late filings. A late fee waiver for 2025 was not well communicated, and this will be corrected.
Purpose of VUT: VUT aims to increase housing supply, not directly address affordability. Future messaging will reflect this more accurately.
The City is actively working on solutions and appreciates your patience!
The Ward 3 Team will also be hosting two Vacant Unit Tax support sessions to assist residents who may not have access to internet, or require additional help in filling out their declaration. You can join us at the following locations and dates:
📍 Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre Cafe
Tuesday April 15 from 10:00am-12:30pm
Thursday April 24 from 6pm-8pm
More info: www.hamilton.ca/vut
ATTENTION EMERGING ARTISTS: 2025 SHIRLEY ELFORD EMERGING ARTIST COMMISSION PRIZE
The call for submissions to the 2025 Shirley Elford Emerging Artist Commission Prize is now open and you are invited to apply! This opportunity for emerging artists to create new work is presented and supported by the Hamilton Community Foundations’ Shirley M. Elford's Artist Fund.
Hamilton artists practicing professionally for less than 5 years can submit for a $2000 commission to create work that explores contemporary themes related to Hamilton’s evolving identity, which will be presented at the 2026 City of Hamilton Arts Awards. This call is open to artists in any discipline who are 18 years or older and have lived in Hamilton for the past 2 years or more.
For details and the application visit contact artsawards@hamilton.ca or 905.546.2424 ext 7612. Deadline is March 14, 2025.
HAMILTON COMMUNITY SAFETY SURVEY LAUNCHES: HAVE YOUR SAY!
Hamilton Police Service, in partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University, is launching a community safety survey to better understand residents’ concerns and help shape future safety initiatives.
“This survey is an important opportunity for residents to share their experiences and help shape a safer Hamilton for everyone,” said Chief Frank Bergen. “Your input will guide evidence-based strategies to improve safety and quality of life in our community.”
Who Can Participate?
📍 All Hamilton residents are encouraged to take part.
How to Access the Survey?
💻 Online: Visit the survey link.
🚪 In-Person: Laurier students will be conducting surveys door-to-door and throughout the community.
Key Details:
✅ Confidential & Anonymous – Your responses are private.
⏳ Open Until March 31 – Don’t miss your chance to participate!
Developed by researchers at Wilfrid Laurier University, the survey explores neighborhood safety, experiences with crime, and confidence in community resources. The findings will help identify safety gaps, inform policies, and strengthen collaboration between the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Police Service, and community partners.
“We are committed to ensuring every voice is heard,” said Dr. Tarah Hodgkinson. “The diverse perspectives of Hamilton residents will help us better understand safety concerns and develop meaningful solutions together.”
Get Involved – Your Voice Matters!
💬 Complete the survey online or with Laurier students going door-to-door.
📩 Need assistance? Contact Dr. Tarah Hodgkinson at thodgkinson@wlu.ca or 1-548-889-4323.
Join us in shaping a safer Hamilton—your input makes a difference!
CITY OF HAMILTON OFFERING TAX BILL SUPPORT TO IMPACTED PROPERTY OWNERS
Due to ongoing postal delivery issues, some property owners have not yet received their tax bill or may have received it close to the February 28, 2025, due date. The City of Hamilton recognizes this inconvenience and is taking steps to assist property owners.
New Deadline: March 31, 2025
To allow more time for payment, the City is extending the deadline for the February 28, 2025, installment to March 31, 2025, without the usual 1.25% late penalty charge.
Important: The second installment of the 2025 Interim Property Tax Bill is still due on April 30, 2025. Payments made after this date will incur penalty charges.
How to Avoid Delays & Late Fees:
💳 Pre-Authorized Payments
✔️ Choose from flexible payment plans
✔️ Avoid late fees and penalties
✔️ Spread payments into smaller, manageable amounts
✔️ Free to enroll!
Learn more & sign up to Pay your Property Tax:
📧 eBilling – Get Your Tax Bill Faster!
✔️ Receive your property tax bill electronically
✔️ Secure & convenient
📌 Register today: www.hamilton.ca/tax
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Our goal is to make property tax payments as smooth and stress-free as possible.
2025/2026 WASTE GUIDE & BLUE TRASH TAGS
Starting March 3, 2025, residents will begin receiving the 2025/2026 Waste Guide along with 12 blue trash tags in the mail. Delivery will take place over two weeks. If you hear of mailing issues in your ward, please contact Jacquie Colangelo, Project Manager of Community Outreach at jacquie.colangelo@hamilton.ca, and she will work with Canada Post to resolve them.
Trash Tag Transition:
Green trash tags expire on March 28, 2025.
Blue trash tags take effect on March 31, 2025.
Waste collectors will continue accepting green tags throughout April, though this is not publicly advertised. Residents should be encouraged to switch to blue tags by the expiry date.
What's Inside the 2025/2026 Waste Guide?
This year’s guide includes essential updates, such as:
✔️ Blue Box Program changes (effective April 1, 2025)
✔️ What Goes Where sorting information
✔️ Seasonal yard waste collection: March 3 – December 5, 2025 (Yard waste can also be taken to a Community Recycling Centre year-round for free.)
✔️ Solid Waste Management Master Plan update
✔️ Holiday collection calendar
Additional Waste Guides & Trash Tags:
A supply of Waste Guides and blue trash tags will be delivered to your City Hall office between March 10–14, 2025. If you need additional copies, contact Jacquie.Colangelo@hamilton.ca.
Residents can request 14 additional trash tags for use between April 2025 and March 2026 by:
📍 Visiting a Municipal Service Centre or City Hall
📞 Calling 905-546-CITY (2489)
Thank you for helping keep Hamilton clean and informed!
BLUE BOX PROGRAM CHANGES COMING APRIL 1, 2025
Residential Blue Box programs in Ontario are moving to a new collection system that is fully funded and operated by producers of recycling materials. The new collection system will make recycling easier by standardizing what can be recycled across Ontario. This will be a big change for residents regular practices and it is important for everyone to be informed of what to expect in the weeks to come.
Starting April 1, 2025, Hamilton’s Blue Box program will be operated by Circular Materials Ontario. This includes the collection and processing of blue box materials in Hamilton.
More information about this transition can be found here.
Photo of a variety of spring flowers.
SPRING TIDE BULB SHOW: MARCH 7-16
🌸✨ Spring is in the air!✨🌸
The City of Hamilton’s Annual Spring Tide Bulb Show: Cherry Blossom Festival is taking place here in #OurWard3 at the Gage Park Greenhouse from March 7–16, 2025!
Wander through hundreds of blooming spring bulbs, shop the Flower Market & Café, and take part in fun DIY workshops & family activities.
📍 Gage Park Greenhouse
🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
🎟 Free admission & parking
🙏 Donations to Hamilton Food Share appreciated
Don’t miss the first sights, sounds, and scents of spring! See you there!
LIVE STORY READINGS WITH THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN PROJECT & PANDAMONIUM PUBLISHING HOUSE, MAR 8-9 & MAR 15-16
Join Pandamonium Publishing House and their talented team of authors over the weekends of March 8-9 & 15-16 to enjoy live book readings as part of our Children’s Activation Centre at this year’s Spring Tide Bulb Show!
Pandamonium Publishing House specializes in turning your literary dreams into reality with ease and expertise. From stunning cover designs to effective marketing strategies, their dedicated team handles every detail, ensuring your book gets the attention it deserves!
Please visit our event page to RSVP. We can’t wait to see you there!
🌸 Let’s grow together!
MARCH BREAK FUN AT HAMILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY BARTON BRANCH! MARCH 7-16
Looking for exciting activities to keep the kids engaged this March Break? The Barton Branch has a fantastic lineup of free in-branch programs designed to spark creativity, imagination, and learning! Check out these great events happening throughout the week:
LEGO Club
Saturday, March 9 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday, March 16 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Build, imagine, and play with LEGO! Let your creativity run wild with endless building possibilities.(Ages 4-12)
Craft Cart
Monday, March 11 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday, March 15 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Unleash your artistic side with a variety of fun and engaging crafts.(Ages 4-12)
Imagination Stations
Tuesday, March 12 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Create with our STREAM kits and educational toys for a hands-on, learning-filled experience.(Ages 4-12)
Family Storytime: Get Ready to Read
Wednesday, March 13 | 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Bring the whole family and enjoy a lively storytime to help little ones develop early literacy skills.(Ages 0-4
Family Stay and Play
Wednesday, March 13 | 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
After storytime, stay for social and playtime with other families.(Ages 0-4)
Nature's Ninjas
Thursday, March 14 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PMA captivating, interactive, live animal exhibit!
Come and learn about nature’s stealthiest creatures.(Ages 4-12)
Board Games and Puzzles
Saturday, March 16 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Drop in for some friendly competition and puzzle-solving fun.(Ages 4-12)
Join us for a week filled with creativity, learning, and fun at Barton Branch! No registration required—just drop in and enjoy. We can’t wait to see you there, and for more information about the entire line-up of Hamilton Public Library’s March Break events, please visit https://events.hpl.ca!
FREE BUTTON MAKING & ART HANG, MAR 22
Join REcreate Studio and Roots to Justice in a free button making workshop and art hang! 🎨
📍 486 Barton St. E
🕘 March 22 from 3pm-5pm
Participants will get to design and make their own buttons using a button-making machine. They'll pick or design images, cut them to the right size, and put everything together with the essential parts like a plastic shell, backing, and graphic. You'll walk away with a cool wearable piece of art.
We also invite participants to bring their own projects for a chill art hang.
Come socialize and learn more about our plans for the Roots to Justice garden this season! Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.
GREEN VENTURE’S LAIDLAW GARDEN CELEBRATION, APRIL 27
The Laidlaw Garden Celebration will teach attendees how to design a rain garden, collect rainwater, and deepen our connection with local Indigenous knowledge. This is an exciting day led by Green Venture featuring community engagement, learning, and celebration!
Join us for:
🌿 Indigenous speakers sharing knowledge about environmental stewardship, traditional teachings, and the significance of water.
💧 Low Impact Development in action! Learn about stormwater reduction, rain gardens, permeable surfaces, rain tanks, and eco-friendly gardening practices.
🌻 Activities for kids!
Donations for plant replacements at the Laidlaw community garden are welcome!
RSVP here.