Ward 3 Community Update - May 9, 2025
Dear Neighbours,
I hope you enjoy some special moments acknowledging and honouring those who have nurtured and supported you and all the special kiddos in your lives this Mother’s Day.
In this e-newsletter, I’m sharing several updates from Committee and Council deliberations as well as updates on key initiatives and events in #OurWard3!
One event I especially want to highlight is the joint Ward 3 & Ward 4 Housing Fair happening on Wednesday May 14 from 6pm-8pm at Bernie Morelli Rec Centre. Whether you live in Ward 3 or 4, this is your chance to connect directly with the Housing Secretariat, other City staff, local housing providers, and us, your Councillors about upcoming affordable and supportive housing projects underway in your neighbourhoods.
I also want to take a moment to thank Hamilton Fire Services, Eva Rothwell Centre, and Inner City Outreach Ministry for coordinating a community fire safety effort in the Keith Neighbourhood. A big thank you to the 40 volunteers who went door-to-door to check smoke detectors, share fire safety tips, and connect residents with helpful resources. Special shout out to the volunteer base from the Hamilton Family Health Team, CareGo, Bryans, PMI, and ArcelorMittal Dofasco.
As always, if you need any support navigating a municipal issue, my team and I are just an email away at ward3@hamilton.ca or by phone at 905-546-2702
Yours in Community,
Nrinder Nann
TAILGATING & HAMILTON’S ALCOHOL POLICY
Last week at Public Health Sub-Committee, we received a report from staff with recommendations to update the 2011 Municipal Alcohol Policy (MAP).
Alcohol is often present in our community for celebration, sporting events, and other social gatherings — traditions I know many Hamiltonians cherish. At the same time, new and compelling evidence is prompting cities across Canada, including ours, to re-examine how alcohol is accessed and consumed in public spaces.
We now know that even low-to-moderate alcohol consumption is linked to serious health risks, including heart disease, stroke, and seven types of cancer. As our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Richardson pointed out, in Hamilton, the local impact is stark: each year, alcohol contributes to an estimated 208 deaths, 1,073 hospitalizations, and over 9,000 emergency department visits.
Importantly, alcohol use isn’t just a personal health issue — it’s a public safety issue. Increased access to alcohol is consistently associated with higher rates of accidents, injuries, chronic health conditions, and violence. And the presence of alcohol in our community traditions also influences a new generation of drinkers. For many households, it is not associated with good times and instead, it is a precursor to harm.
The connection between alcohol and gender-based violence (GBV) is staggering, especially for us in Hamilton where rates have reached an epidemic level. Irrefutable research and evidence shows a 47% increase in GBV and harassment linked to early and prolonged alcohol use at sporting events. While the recent staff report referenced violence generally, it did not speak specifically to GBV — something I believe must be addressed more directly in future reports.
The purpose of updating the MAP is not to end social gatherings, ban fun, or much enjoyed traditions like tailgating. It’s to ensure that alcohol use aligns with the best available public health data — helping reduce harms while still allowing for safe and joyous community events.
There’s been some confusion around tailgate parties, so let me clarify:
Yes, tailgating can still happen in Hamilton. Technically, tailgating events involving alcohol require a permit from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). If hosted on City property, organizers must also consult with our Special Events Advisory Team (SEAT). City by-laws currently don’t prohibit drinking in parking lots as they are not covered under the 2011 version of the MAP.
I recognize the broader ways diverse members of our Hamilton community celebrate and there is importance of preserving public spaces for celebration. I also respect the need to update our policies to ensure our city is full of safer spaces for everyone to be. However, the staff report and recommendations did not provide enough clear options to hold tailgate events safely and legally, while still upholding our duty to minimize harm. So, I was among the Council members who voted to oppose the Public Health report.
We owe it to our residents to get this right, and until then, the status quo remains.
UPDATE ON GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
At the most recent Planning Committee meeting, we reviewed the recommended Green Building Standards (GBS) aimed at supporting more sustainable development in Hamilton’s urban areas.
These recommendations are the result of meaningful, in-depth engagement with many local stakeholders including local industry professionals, the development community and the Climate Action Advisory Committee. The consultation was thorough, and the recommendations reflect a strong consensus built through collaboration. The final list of standards were also informed by best practices other municipalities in Ontario have already implemented. I want to acknowledge and thank everyone who contributed their time and expertise to this process — the standards reflect a thoughtful and practical approach to climate-forward development.
During the General Issues Committee (GIC) meeting last week, majority of my colleagues landed on the side of referring a report specific to implementing the GBS to a future meeting in early Q4 2025 with direction to include cost impact analysis. This stems primarily from an assessment in the development community who state that projects are delayed due to a cooling in the private housing market and the impact of supply chain in the context of the US tariffs, reducing preferred profit margins.
At Council this week, my colleagues agreed with me that the standards themselves do not need further amendment and thus the report from Planning Committee will simply be tabled to this fall to be deliberated with the revised Implementation Report.
On the basis that it’s a matter of timing and alignment, not a re-evaluation of the standards, I supported the referrals. Honouring the work done through consultation is an important part of maintaining trust and momentum on climate action. I look forward to seeing this item return in the fall so we may move forward in building a more sustainable Hamilton together.
INVESTING IN MORE COMPLETE STREETS & SAFER PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
During Public Works Committee last week, I tabled two motions to further discretionary investments on road safety improvements that matter to residents in Keith, Stinson and those who live along neighbourhood roads across our ward.
In 2021, my office worked with Transportation staff to launch a Complete Streets Review across key Ward 3 neighbourhoods. The goal: make our streets safer for everyone — whether you're walking, biking, rolling, or driving. The final report was completed in 2024 with over 325 recommendations.
I have already invested in implementing the short-term improvements and we are ready to move into more medium-term ones. I allocated an additional $200,000 investment from the Ward 3 Capital Re-Investment Reserve — bringing the total budget for this work to $650,000. These funds will support the next phase of traffic calming and safety improvements recommended in the Complete Streets plan.
In the Keith neighbourhood, students walking to Bennetto Elementary School currently have no nearby controlled crossings at Victoria Ave N or Wellington St N — despite needing to cross both to get to school safely. Complicating factors include an active railway. That’s why I moved a motion to fund the technical design work, at an upset limit of $20,000, for new signalized pedestrian crossings at both locations, with plans for construction to be funded in the 2026 Capital Budget.
In Stinson, while there is already an all-way stop at East Ave S & Hunter St E, near Bishop’s Park, there are no other safety measures in place for kids and residents walking or biking to the park. Staff will be adding ladder markings to the intersection and will continue assessing where else more speed humps can go in.
Thank you to everyone who provided direct input on these roadway safety improvements and have helped shape this work. Safer streets don’t just happen — we build them together!
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY ON BARTON-TIFFANY TEMPORARY SHELTER
Both at General Issues Committee and at Council, we had robust discussions about the cost overruns and the need for public accountability on the implementation of the innovated temporary shelter and community service hub at the Barton-Tiffany site Council approved to save lives and provide a all season option for the unhoused from living encamped.
We learned that majority of the overages had to do with site preparation and some additional electrical and heating upgrades required on each unit to bring them to Canadian standards. However, the unit price of each temporary and foldable unit was actually less expensive than Canadian made ones used in Nova Scotia. The spent $7.5 million for 200 Pallet shelters across the province, bringing the per unit price to $37,500. The units we have in Hamilton came in around $32,000.
The primary reason for the cost overrun was that the land was not shovel-ready, and the scale of the required environmental work introduced a delay to the initial project schedule. Nonetheless, the City prioritized this due diligence to ensure the highest standard of health and safety for future residents and staff.
Given the urgency, staff had limited time to conduct formal site visits, prepare detailed environmental design plans in advance, or develop full technical specifications before procurement. These limitations contributed to higher costs as additional design, safety, and compliance needs were uncovered during implementation. In the future, a more structured planning and procurement phase would help reduce unknowns and avoid mid-stream modifications.
A procurement review is now underway based on City policy that requires a detailed review once the deliverables of the contract are in place.
A key learning staff have shared is that validating vendor capacity and reviewing technical documentation early — especially with new providers — is essential to managing risk. Future initiatives would benefit from a formal prequalification process, including early assessment of vendor readiness. Having partners who were flexible and solution-oriented during the project was key to overcoming challenges and staying on track.
The silver lining in this is that the City received federal and provincial funding specifically allocated to municipal initiatives that support residents to move from encampments. For this, I am proud of the work I was able to do with my colleagues across Canada through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for the fund. The City applied to the federal Encampment Response Plan fund in November. It has been confirmed that we have received $5.26M that will be applied to this project. An additional $586,970 was received from the provincial Encampment Response Initiative funding that is also being applied to this initiative and will help offset the city’s initial contributions coming from the Housing Sustainability Investment Reserve account.
As a final step of public accounting, Council unanimously requested a report with the cost estimates, overages and funding sources applied to this initiative. Both staff and Council remain committed to transparency and accountability throughout every stage of project delivery.
I will update Ward 3 residents on this final line by line accounting when it is received by Council.
TEMPORARY CLOSURES ON ESCARPMENT RAIL TRAIL FOR CLEAN-UP WORK
My team and I have been actively flagging resident concerns and requests to staff to support a comprehensive clean-up along the Rail Trail here in Ward 3, and I want to inform residents that sections of the Escarpment Rail Trail — beginning at the base of the Wentworth Stairs and continuing up to the escarpment lookout near the Kenilworth Stairs — will experience temporary closures and delays to support encampment cleanup efforts.
Trail Impact Schedule (from 7am-3pm each day):
Friday, May 9
Saturday, May 10
Monday, May 12
During this time, crews and vehicles will be active on the trail. For the safety of all users, through access may be paused at times, and minor delays are expected for both pedestrians and cyclists passing through the work zone.
I’m pleased to see this work moving forward and appreciate your patience as it is carried out with care and safety top of mind.
JIMMY THOMPSON POOL: TEMPORARY CLOSURE
I’m writing to provide an important update regarding the ongoing closure of Jimmy Thompson Pool (JTP).
The Facilities Team continues to work diligently with plumbing specialists to resolve a complex issue affecting the building’s original drain infrastructure. After exposing a section of the pipe, plumbers identified that a clay pipe—lined with cast iron—is delaminating, causing persistent blockages. This combined storm and sanitary drain line runs from the women’s changeroom, through the crawl space behind the reception desk, to the men’s changeroom and ultimately to the catch basin at Balsam Street.
Due to its combined nature, this pipe poses a flood risk to the changerooms during heavy rain events. To mitigate immediate concerns, the affected section has been isolated. Further investigation is needed to determine a long-term solution.
A Pipe Lining Specialist will be on site this Friday to assess whether their product can effectively address the issue. We will provide a further update following this assessment on Friday afternoon.
In the meantime, JTP will remain closed. Staff are currently working to relocate or cancel scheduled swim lessons, drop-in programs, school board bookings, and swim club rentals from this evening through early next week.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we prioritize the safety and integrity of the facility.
WOODLANDS PARK WASHROOM UPDATE
I’m pleased to share an update on the restoration of the Woodlands Park washroom facility following the fire that occurred on January 2, 2024.
Immediately after the fire, the site was secured and assessed for safety. Over the past several months, the City has been working through the necessary steps to restore the washroom structure, which has served the community for over 50 years.
A full structural assessment has been completed, damaged debris was safely removed, and the City engaged in public consultation to help guide next steps. Coordination also took place with the City’s insurance adjustor. A building permit was issued on April 4, 2025, and construction crews began mobilizing on-site the week of April 28, setting up fencing and preparing for the build.
Roof trusses were delivered this week, and construction is expected to be completed in approximately two and a half months. I went by earlier today, and you can see the new wooden trusses going up!
Throughout construction, all other park amenities—including the playground, splash pad, soccer field, pathways, and multi-use court—remain open and accessible.
A 24-hour mobile security team continues to monitor the site, with signage posted for residents to report any concerns. The public artwork “Woodlands Park: Ghost Landscape”, previously installed on the washroom building, has been safely removed and is being stored. The City is working closely with the artist to ensure the artwork is preserved and properly reinstalled in the future.
Portable washrooms will be available as needed during the construction period. Thank you for your continued patience as we work to restore this important community facility and ensure Woodlands Park remains a vibrant, welcoming space for all.
45-47 OTTAWA ST. N BUILDINGS IN DISREPAIR
Earlier this year, the Mayor and I moved direction for staff to report back how the City may more proactively address problem, vacant properties that have either endured damage through fire or other circumstances that leave them in states of disrepair to be more expediently brought into compliance due to the public safety risk they pose. This report is scheduled to come back to Committee later this month.
I am working with local residents to address two properties at 45 and 47 Ottawa St North that are posing safety concerns in proximity to Memorial Elementary School.
I can confirm the following has taken place on this file:
Contractors attended and cleaned up the properties - April 25, 2025.
Order to Comply for Open to Trespass under the Vacant Building By-law, service April 23, 2025
The City’s Building Division has assessed the buildings as in poor condition though not in imminent threat of collapse. My office has flagged the public safety concerns regarding proximity to the school and access to the site by children. As well as the site attracting pests, undesirable activity, etc.
Confirmed the properties on the Vacant Building Registry, last renewed March 21, 2025
Next steps:
MLE staff to attend for Property Standards inspection for reassessment.
I will also be moving a motion for a staff report on this property and for staff to assess whether demolition would be the best course of action. I will provide another update on these properties in the next e-newsletter.
CPKC UPDATE
Our team recently met with André Hannoush, Director of Government Affairs & Communications at CPKC Rail, to discuss important resources and information for residents living near their rail corridors in Hamilton.
Highlights from our meeting include:
🔹Emergency preparedness training
🔹CPKC’s sustainability and vegetation management plans
🔹Community investment updates
🔹Guidelines for development near railways
Got questions about rail operations? Contact CPKC Community Connect at communityconnect@cpkcr.com or 1-800-766-7912.
For emergencies, residents can call CPKC Police Dispatch: 1-800-716-9132.
You can find all the links and resources on CPKC’s community page at: https://www.cpkcr.com/en/community?target=community-faq.
Many residents will be interested in the 2025 vegetation plan and pesticide spraying details which can be found at: https://www.cpkcr.com/content/dam/cpkc/documents/english/pdfs/community/Ontario-spray-schedule.pdf.
Pesticide spraying along the Hamilton CPKC line starts on May 20th.
WARD 3 & WARD 4 HOUSING INFORMATION FAIR, MAY 14
Join us for a free drop-in event to learn more about each affordable and supportive housing project slated for Ward 3 & 4 in Hamilton.
As part of the City’s housing strategy, staff from a range of City departments and housing providers will be on hand to share how we’re working together to expand affordable and supportive housing options locally and to continue to build inclusive, thriving neighbourhoods.
Whether you live in Ward 3 or 4, this is a chance to connect directly with City staff, local housing providers, and your Ward Councillors. Bring your questions, your ideas, and your love for your neighbourhood.
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre (876 Cannon St E)
✨ What to Expect:
✅ Chat with City staff and non-profit housing providers
✅ Explore housing programs and upcoming developments
✅ Meet your Ward 3 & 4 Councillors
✅ Share what makes your neighbourhood special
✅ Learn about supports that help build a stronger, more connected Hamilton
No registration needed — just drop by! Let’s keep the conversation going and shape a Hamilton where everyone has a place to call home.
WARD 3 OFFICE POP-UP: 30 SANFORD AVE N, MAY 27
We’re continuing the Ward 3 Office Pop-Ups this year and bringing our office hours directly into the community! ✨
Join me and my team for a Ward 3 Office Pop-Up to help you navigate local issues, City Services, and what matters most to you!
Over the past two terms, residents have told me that they really value these in-person pop-ups as a way to connect and have their concerns addressed directly.
🗓️ Monday, May 27
🕑 2PM – 4PM
📍 City Housing Hamilton - 30 Sanford Ave N
Whether you’ve got a question, concern, or just want to say hello — we’re here for it. Let’s keep building a connected and thriving Ward 3, together.
VACANT UNIT TAX UPDATE
As of May 2, 2025, over 93% of residential properties citywide have submitted their Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declarations, including many here in Ward 3. Thank you to everyone who has already completed their declaration.
In Ward 3, 990 properties still need to declare. If you haven’t submitted your declaration yet, there’s still time — Council approved the deadline be extended to May 30, 2025, giving residents a final opportunity to avoid being automatically deemed vacant and charged the 1% VUT.
Submitting your declaration is quick and easy:
Online at hamilton.ca/VUT
By phone or in person at Municipal Service Centres
Final notices were sent out on April 23, and an additional courtesy reminder will be mailed during the week of May 12.
Need help? The VUT team continues to provide phone and in-person support to assist residents with their declarations.
Let’s get Ward 3 to 100%! Your declaration helps ensure a fair and accurate tax process for everyone.
SENIOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS - NOMINATE A SENIOR TODAY
Do you know a senior in Hamilton who goes above and beyond to make our city a better place? Nominations are now open for Hamilton’s 30th Annual Senior of the Year Awards, celebrating older adults who generously volunteer their time and talents to enrich our community’s social, cultural, or civic life.
Nominate a deserving senior between now and June 30, 2025, at 4pm.
You can access and submit a nomination package online at Hamilton.ca/SeniorsAwards.
Recognizing that not everyone may be able to submit online, printed nomination packages are also available at all Municipal Service Centres, Hamilton Public Library branches, and Recreation or Senior Centre locations.
Award recipients will be honoured at the official Senior of the Year Awards ceremony in October 2025.
Let’s shine a light on the seniors who inspire us—submit your nomination today!
NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK: MAY 18-24
Join us as we celebrate National Public Works Week from May 18 to 24, 2025, and recognize the essential services that keep Hamilton running smoothly every day.
To mark the occasion, the City’s Public Works team is excited to host a free community event, Touch-a-Truck, on Saturday, May 24 from 9am to 1pm at the Pier 8 parking lot and Discovery Centre lot—rain or shine!
This hands-on event will feature:
A showcase of public works vehicles, equipment, and project displays
The chance to paint a snow plow blade
Children’s activities and giveaways
A live DJ spinning tunes throughout the morning
A complimentary HSR shuttle from the Bayfront Park parking lot to Pier 8 for easy access
Bring the whole family and get up close with the vehicles and teams that help make our city safe, vibrant, and connected. We can’t wait to see you there!
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT MASTER PLAN
The City of Hamilton is developing the 2025 Solid Waste Management Master Plan (SWMMP)—a long-term strategy to guide how we manage household garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulky items. Aligned with City Council’s environmental goals, the plan aims to reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and enhance the performance of our waste system over the next 25 years.
As we shape this plan, your input matters. We want to hear your thoughts on:
Improving current waste practices
Recycling, composting, and waste reduction priorities
Barriers to waste diversion
Ideas for new programs, policies, or technologies
Your feedback will help build a more sustainable and community-focused approach to waste management in Hamilton.
Get involved today by visiting the Engage Hamilton website here: https://engage.hamilton.ca/solidwastemp
THE CITY IS HIRING!
The City of Hamilton is hiring! Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values, align with our strategic priorities, and feel empowered to make a positive difference in our community. View the postings here: www.hamilton.ca/careers.
Photo Credit: CBC Hamilton
SEW HUNGRY RETURNS TO OTTAWA STREET N, MAY 10!
Get ready, Hamilton! Sew Hungry, the city’s most delicious street festival, is back on Saturday, May 10, 2025, and it’s bringing an unforgettable lineup of food trucks, local restaurants, live music, and retail fun to Ottawa Street North.
From Barton to Main, Ottawa Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6:00am to 11:00pm to make way for this beloved all-day food and shopping rally.
Bring your appetite and your crew, and spend the day:
🍔 Sampling eats from a huge variety of food trucks
🍽️ Visiting local restaurants and cafés
🛍️ Exploring unique shops and boutiques
🎶 Enjoying live music and entertainment
Whether you're a foodie, a music lover, or just looking for a fun way to spend a spring day, Sew Hungry has something for everyone.
👉 For the latest updates and vendor lineup, visit www.sewhungry.com.
Don’t miss out—come hungry, leave happy!
GET RAIN READY WITH GREEN VENTURE!
Looking to manage stormwater on your property, support pollinators, and help fight climate change? The Rain Ready Rebate Program, funded by the City of Hamilton and delivered by Green Venture, is here to help!
You could receive up to $5,000 to build features like:
A rain garden
A permeable driveway
A rainwater harvesting system
And more!
Eligible expenses include native plants, consulting fees, landscape materials, and permeable pavement—making it easier than ever to green your property and support sustainability.
Applications close on June 1, 2025.
👉 Apply today or learn more at www.greenventure.ca
Don’t miss your chance to make your home more climate-resilient and beautiful—get Rain Ready!
STAC SUMMER SPORTS CAMP: HIGH ENERGY FUN FOR AGES 10-14!
Looking for a dynamic, active summer experience for your child? The STAC Summer Sports Camp is a high-energy, multi-sport program designed for youth aged 10–14. Campers will rotate through a variety of sports and activities while building confidence, teamwork, and fitness in a fun, inclusive environment.
📍 Location: 243 Queen St N, Hamilton
💲 Admission: $250 per session
👥 Limited to 15 youth per session—register early!
This camp blends fun, fitness, and mentorship in a safe space where kids can thrive.
🔗 Register now at: STAC Summer Camp
Give your child a summer to remember—active, inspiring, and full of movement!