Dear Neighbours,

As we welcome the season of renewal, I’m excited to share important updates and opportunities in our first of the Spring editions of our e-newsletter. The warmer weather enables more outdoor works, a buzz of energy, and my personal favourite, the sound of birds chirping. These positive vibes are welcome in otherwise stressful times.

In the face of national economic attacks impacting Hamilton disproportionately and threats by the US President on sovereignty, we also have the opportunity to flex our value-based priorities in the federal election on April 28th. A trade war with our closest neighbour makes it clear that more than just reacting to today’s crises, we must focus on Canada’s future prosperity. Get to know your candidates and be sure to vote!

Another thing Hamiltonians continue to do is rally for our local businesses! Hats off to everyone who helped out Nanny & Bull’s, the beautiful new hangout at 627 Barton St. E who endured a break & enter and theft within weeks of opening. If you’re looking for a new experience, go show them some love.

You’ll find important updates on initiatives aimed at enhancing safety and well-being in our city, including the endorsement of Gender-Based Safety Audits and the ongoing work to address critical infrastructure improvements in our ward. There’s also exciting news about Hamilton’s involvement in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and upcoming events and opportunities for you to get involved in.

As always, I appreciate your continued engagement. Should you require assistance navigating city services or systems you can contact my office at ward3@hamilton.ca or 905-546-2702.

Together, we can continue to build a strong, vibrant, and inclusive community.

Yours in Community,

Nrinder Nann

PRIORITIZING SAFETY & WELL-BEING: GENDER BASED SAFETY AUDITS IN HAMILTON

Thank you to YWCA Hamilton, community partners, and City of Hamilton staff for their dedication and collaboration in engaging residents to deliver this foundational work on gender based safety. The city-wide Gender Based Safety Audit marks a critical step toward building a safer and more inclusive city, where everyone feels more secure and has better opportunities to thrive. It also speaks to how our city can continue to forge forward as a place of belonging for all.

As part of the report, Council has officially endorsed a definition of community safety and well-being that adopts the Ministry of the Solicitor General:

“The ideal state of a sustainable community where everyone is safe, has a sense of belonging, opportunities to participate, and where individuals and families are able to meet their needs for education, health care, food, housing, income, and social and cultural expression.”

The United Nations report, “Cities Alive: Designing Cities That Work for Women,” highlighted the importance of gender-responsive urban planning. Without it, cities often reinforce inequalities that limit women’s social and economic opportunities, health, safety, and access to justice.

Locally, statistics have painted a concerning picture. In Hamilton, only 34% of women reported feeling safe walking alone after dark, compared to 63% of men. Additionally, 34% of women experienced unwanted sexual behavior in public, compared to 15% of men.

While the report outlined immediate actions the City can take, the real opportunity for public excellence lies in implementing the mid-term and longer-term recommendations. This work will be aligned with Hamilton’s broader Community Safety and Well-Being Plan to ensure that gender-based safety concerns are considered at every stage of policy, planning, and service delivery.

As we move forward, I remain committed to ensuring that these recommendations lead to innovation and substantive progress, making Hamilton a city where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered.

STRENGTHENING HAMILTON’S VOICE AT THE FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES

I’m honoured to share that Council endorsed my candidacy to stand for re-election to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) 2025 and 2026 Board of Directors term. This is an exciting opportunity to continue to bring Hamilton’s perspectives to the national table, ensuring that the voices of our communities are heard and reflected in decisions and federal advocacy that impact municipalities across Canada.

I’m also pleased to share that Hamilton will be well-represented at the FCM Annual Conference and Trade Show in Ottawa from May 29 to June 1, 2025. Council has approved Councillors Hwang, Tadeson, Kroetsch, and myself to attend this event. The conference provides a vital platform for municipal leaders to advocate for local priorities, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions that address the challenges facing cities across the country.

Mayor Horwath will also be in attendance to fulfil her role at the national Big City Mayor’s Caucus, where Mayors discuss national priorities for all municipalities. The timing of the FCM Annual Conference in Ottawa is opportune as a new federal government will be in place then. And FCM’s voice has been instrumental in shaping the national housing strategy, infrastructure investment priorities, and informing the federal government in the past. It is critical that we use this opportunity to ensure the Prime Minister, Ministers, and MPs commit to building a strong and resilient country starting in our local communities, our engines of economic prosperity.

By participating in these forums, I’m committed to continuing Hamilton’s leadership in advancing policies that foster equity, sustainability, and innovation in our communities. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to these critical conversations and ensure that Hamilton’s priorities remain front and centre on the national stage.

BRIGHTSIDE PARK UPDATE

The future home of Brightside Park is the former location of a glass manufacturing factory and has seen heavy industrial use for over 100 years. To build a park on former industrial lands, the City of Hamilton is required to undertake an environmental reporting process to obtain approvals from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP). This reporting and approvals process takes many years.

In September 2024 the MECP completed a review of environmental reports submitted for the Brightside Park project. To address the feedback received from this review, more soil sampling and testing will need to be undertaken on the site in 2025 and the environmental reporting and approvals process will continue until 2027.

The park construction project is planned to go to tender in 2027 pending funding and MECP approvals. The construction timeframe is two years so it’s anticipated Brightside Park will be open to the public in 2029.

I’m so disappointed this provincial process for approvals is taking so long and that the project continues to see delays. This park ought to be a priority project for the province and a demonstration of how two orders of government can align to deliver a much needed uplift to our community. It ought to be viewed as a generational project transforming polluted and industrial lands into an active green space and that delivers net climate positive impacts.

City Staff continue to work diligently through all new environmental testing requirements received by the Ministry and will update the timeline on the website periodically.

For more detailed information on Brightside Park, please visit: www.hamilton.ca/brightsidepark.

WILSON ST & SHERMAN AVE N RECONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY

Construction work has begun from Wentworth to Sanford as part of the City of Hamilton’s Transportation Master Plan. Wilson Street will be converted from one-way to two-way traffic, with streetscaping improvements, new traffic signals, intersection enhancements, and upgraded pedestrian infrastructure, including bump-outs and enhanced bus pads. These changes aim to improve safety and accessibility for all road users.

For Ashley Street, between Wilson Street and Century Street, work will include sewer replacement, road resurfacing, and minor sidewalk replacements.

For more information, visit the Wilson and Sherman Improvements StoryMap.

WARD 3 OFFICE VACANT UNIT TAX & POP-UP OFFICE HOURS

To ensure Ward 3 residents are well supported in completing your Vacant Unit Declarations with accuracy, the Ward 3 office team is hosting two VUT clinics combined with our Pop-Up Office Hour events! We will be ready to assist you at the Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre on the following two dates:

April 15 from 10am to 12:30pm and
April 24 from 6pm to 8pm

My team and I will be on hand to help with completing your Vacant Unit Tax submission and to provide support with any municipal issues you may be having trouble navigating. Whether you have questions about city services, concerns about your neighborhood, or need help connecting with resources, we’ll be available in person to listen and assist.

This is also a great opportunity to get the support you need and connect directly with my team. We look forward to connecting with you there!

BISHOP’S PARK LIGHTING UPDATE

Residents have recently shared their concerns regarding a light pole in Bishop’s Park not being in working order. Parks Staff have confirmed with me that the light in question was damaged due to a fire that occurred in the park, and as a result, an entirely new light pole needed to be ordered. This usually takes a 6 to 8 week period to receive the needed parts and to do the install.

I can confirm that the necessary parts have been ordered, and staff have confirmed that the new light pole is expected to be installed within the next 2-4 weeks (by mid-April).

Thank you for your patience as Parks Staff work to restore the light pole in Bishop’s Park and for continuing to care so much about your community and working with the city to ensure such issues are addressed.

AROUND THE BAY ROAD RACE & HSR DETOURS - MARCH 30

On Sunday, March 30, 2025 many HSR routes will be on Detour due to the Around the Bay Road Race. For more information about the Around the Bay Race, please visit: www.bayrace.com.

Road Closure Overview (Detour times are approximate)

James Street - Barton Street to Burlington Street from 7:30 am to approximately 3:30 pm.
Bay Street - Stuart Street to Strachan Street from 7:30 am to approximately 3:30 pm.
Strachan Street - James Street to May Street from 5 am to approximately 3:30 pm.
Burlington Street - James Street to Kenilworth Avenue from 8 am to approximately 11:30 am. *Buses can operate eastbound along Burlington Street from Sherman Avenue easterly.
Woodward Avenue - the northbound lanes (between Nikola Tesla Blvd. and Eastport Drive) will be closed from 9 am to approximately 11:30 am.
Beach Boulevard - Woodward Avenue to Eastport Drive from 9 am to approximately 12 pm.
Eastport Drive - Beach Boulevard and North Shore Boulevard from 9 am to approximately 12:30 pm.
North Shore Boulevard - Eastport Drive to Plains Road from 9 am until approximately 1 pm.
York Boulevard - Plains Road to Locke Street from 8 am until approximately 2 pm.
Dundurn Street - at York Boulevard - will be closed to all traffic from 8 am until approximately 2 pm.

For a full list of details, please visit www.hamilton.ca/aroundthebaydetours.

CHANGES TO HAMILTON’S BLUE BOX PROGRAM STARTED APRIL 1

As of April 1, 2025, the City of Hamilton will no longer manage the Blue Box Program. Circular Materials, a not-for-profit organization, will take over, with GFL Environmental Inc. collecting curbside recycling.

The Transition Period will be between April 1 – Dec 31, 2025. There will be no changes to collection days, methods, or accepted materials during this time. Neighbours are reminded to continue to use:

One blue box or clear bag for containers
One blue box or clear bag for paper and cardboard

Starting January 1, 2026: The Common Collection System will launch across Ontario, and changes to collection days or methods may occur. Updates will be shared as they become available.

💡 Questions or Concerns?

🔗 Email: HamiltonRecycling@gflenv.com

📞 Call: 1-844-415-4351

For more info on blue box collection, visit hamilton.ca/blueboxtransition

TEAM UP TO CLEAN UP - SPRING EDITION

Team Up to Clean Up is a year-round city-wide community cleanup program that helps keep public places in your neighbourhood clean and safe for everyone. This program provides all the tools you need to run a community cleanup including gloves, and specially marked recycling and garbage bags. You can host a clean up event on City property including parks, trails, alleyways, streets and parking lots.

For more information, please visit www.hamilton.ca/teamuptocleanup.

BIODIVERSITY IN HAMILTON VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE, APRIL 2

All Hamiltonians are welcome to join online to learn how individuals, communities, local government agencies, and non-profits can take action to protect biodiversity, better understand our natural areas, and support long-term protection of our watershed. Experts and landowners are invited to join a conversation to discuss successes and opportunities to address global climate change and biodiversity loss at a local level, together.

Information will be available about Hamilton’s Biodiversity Action Plan, Watershed Action Plan, and the Natural Areas Inventory project. Each event will have a brief presentation about these initiatives, with time for comments and discussion.

This event is being presented in collaboration with the Hamilton Conservation Authority, City of Hamilton, and Hamilton Naturalists’ Club.

For more information, or questions about event, contact:

Kasia Zgurzynski, Natural Areas Inventory Coordinator at the Hamilton Conservation Authority by email: kzgurzynski@conservationhamilton.ca

CHILDREN’S GARDEN PROJECT: LET’S GET GROWING WORKSHOP SERIES

The Children’s Garden Project is so excited to share our 2025 Event Calendar with you!

Let’s Get Growing - Saturday April 5
Family Planting Day - Saturday May 17
Children’s Garden Party - Saturday June 21
Fall Harvest Festival - Saturday September 13
Garden Bedtime Bash - Saturday October 18
Garden Keepers’ Sessions - Every Thursday from May 22 - October 16

Make sure you’re following usThe Children’s Garden Project on Instagram and their website for more event-specific information and announcements in the near future.

🌸 Let’s grow together!

LABOUR IN THE BODY: A MOVEMENT WORKSHOP, APRIL 5

Join facilitators Heidi McKenzie and Alex Morgan on Saturday April 5, from 1:00pm-2:30pm at the Workers Arts & Heritage Council to explore a movement workshop on labour in the body.

How does the work you do sit inside your body, shaping the movements, postures, and pains you may feel? How does your work affect you? In this workshop, explore how the work we do impacts us.

Heidi McKenzie invites you to develop greater self-awareness in order to release holding patterns that develop in how our work shapes us. Alex Morgan facilitates movements in which participants explore how their bodies hold the traces of our work. Under guidance of the facilitators, participants build movement experiences they can use in their own self-care routines.

More information and tickets are available here.

MOBILE CANCER SCREENING COACH, APRIL 7

The Mobile Cancer Screening Coach brings breast, cervical and colon cancer screening programs to residents who experience barriers to screening.

The mobile screening coach will be at The Centre on Barton on Monday April 7 from 8am-4pm.

Anyone who is unable to access screening elsewhere, such as their family doctor’s office, can come to the Mobile Coach. All that is needed is a health card or Interim Federal Health Benefits. To book an appointment, call 905-975-4467 or toll-free at 1-855-338-3131 to speak with the receptionist or leave a message and we will return your call.

ACCA’s STRESS-FREE & CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT THROUGH YOGA WITH HEATHER GREAVES, APRIL 14

Find your balance with the amazing Heather Greaves who is hosting a 6-week program designed starting on April 14th to help participants build resilience, manage chronic pain, and develop a deeper awareness of how unrecognized stress affects their well-being. Through yoga, somatic movement, breathing techniques, and mindfulness, participants will learn practical tools to enhance self-care and support long-term wellness.

Click here for more details and registration.

GREEN CLEANING WORKSHOP, APRIL 10

Discover eco-friendly cleaning solutions for a healthier home!

Date: April 10
Time: 1 PM - 3 PM
Location: Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, 24 Smith Ave - Parent Education Room

What’s Included:

Hands-on experience with natural cleaning products
Tips for a toxin-free home
Take-home kit** of your own eco-friendly cleaners!

Join us and make a positive change for you and the planet!

Register Now! Contact (905) 549-4884 ext. 3 .Spaces are limited! Let’s clean green and keep our homes sparkling! ✨🌍

ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES GALA, APRIL 12

Roll Up Your Sleeves, Workers Arts & Heritage Council’s third annual spring un-gala, is back and it’s shaping up to be quite the evening.

Get your Canadian tuxedos ready because Roll Up Your Sleeves is not just a fundraiser supporting WAHC’s year round operations—it’s an opportunity to celebrate working people’s art, culture and history!

There will be raffle prizes, a peek into our permanent collection, music from Hamilton’s own EYE.SHA, the opportunity to try your hand at pulling your very own letterpress print designed by Greg Smith of Blind Pig Press, and beverages courtesy of Clifford Brewing Company

It’s also the last chance to catch WAHC’s current exhibitions: What We Inherit in the CUPE/SCFP Gallery and Steelworker Legacies in the Community Gallery.

Get your tickets now! You’re not going to want to miss it.

ESSENTIAL OIL BRACELET MAKING WORKSHOP, APRIL 14

Embrace relaxation and create your own aromatic bracelet!

Date: Monday, April 14
Time: 1 PM - 3 PM
Location: Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, 24 Smith Avenue - Parent Education Room

What You’ll Experience:

Discover the soothing benefits of essential oils
Craft a personalized bracelet infused with your favorite scents
Enjoy a serene atmosphere while connecting with others

Perfect for stress relief and mindfulness!

Take home a beautiful bracelet that not only looks good but also promotes well-being.

Register Today!
Contact Jackie at (905) 549-4884 ext. 3
Limited spaces available!

COLLECTIVE ARTS - CALL FOR ART: WINTER 2025

Collective Arts Call For Art is closing soon to emerging artists worldwide for their chance to submit art and appear on Collective Arts products such as beer, spirit bottles, non-alcoholic beer and cocktails, merchandise, and more. Selected art will be featured and released on our products available anywhere and everywhere you can buy Collective Arts.

2025 SUBMISSION SCHEDULE

WINTER: January - March
SPRING: April - June
SUMMER: July - September
FALL: October - December

Ward 3 Community Update - March 28, 2025