Ward 3 Community Update - July 18
Dear Neighbours,
I hope you have been able to find consistent and enjoyable ways to stay cool during these heatwave and heat warning days. On that note, it has been a blast connecting with and seeing so many young #OurWard3 neighbours enjoying the new Woodlands Park Splashpad to cool off.
It is important to note that during official heat warnings, our beloved Supie program experiences a pause due to worker health and safety requirements. During the Ward 3 Pop Up at Powell Park this week, it is clear how many young people and families take advantage of the additional recreation services. Luckily, we had a mega Connect Four, a bubble machine, chalk and cold popsicles to offer residents as they cooled off under the shade of trees and talked with my team and I about city matters. Be sure to check here to stay informed of what supports you can rely on during heatwaves and warnings.
In an effort to share information and awareness, I want to inform neighbours that a number of hate-based incidents have occurred in Ward 3 since July 1st. To provide more context, local businesses were tagged with racist, white supremacist and extremist hate symbols. As well, reports have been filed expressing concern about Active Clubs using Myrtle Park and Gage Park. In fact, CBC has now released a story after a month-long investigation into the emboldened presence of Active Clubs in Hamilton and the nearby region.
Active Clubs are part of a decentralized white supremacist and neo-Nazi network that has grown globally in recent years, increasingly moving from online forums to real-world training groups and anti-immigration protests. Active clubs bill themselves as defenders of Canada’s European roots offering a path to community and fitness. But some experts regard them as the fastest-growing extremist threat in Canada.
To report any hate-based activity you may witness please do so through the following two links:
I have informed Hamilton Police Services Hate Unit and all the appropriate City divisions about this activity to help inform a coordinated approach. I’ve also reached out to Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) and Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI) to discuss how to best support our communities looking for support at this time. I will share more information, tips and tools over the summer to support community safety and wellbeing in the face of these hate-based incidents.
As always, should you have any local, municipal issues you’d like some support with, please contact my office at ward3@hamilton.ca, by phone at 905-547-2702, or by joining us at one of our upcoming pop-up events listed below.
Yours in Community,
Nrinder Nann
CITYHOUSING HAMILTON DELIVERS 82 NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES AT 55 QUEENSTON RD & 1620 MAIN ST. E
On Monday July 14, I was proud to officially open 82 brand new affordable homes as President of the CityHousing Hamilton Board of Directors at 55 Queenston Rd and 1620 Main St E in Ward 4.
Alongside community members, funders, service partners, and fellow Board Members Vice President Harris, Secretary Treasurer Councillor Hwang, and Citizen Board Members Plug-Buist and Andrus, we celebrated the transformation of this site into new homes rooted in accessibility, sustainability, and belonging.
These two buildings are among CHH’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis and needs in our city in real and tangible ways. And it was made possible because Former Ward 4 Councillor Merulla moved to acquire the property with City funds that fell into a hotbed of criminal activity and seeded this transformation story.
With 161 new deeply affordable units added across four sites in the past year alone, I’m grateful to CHH staff who worked diligently to make this possible.
We also marked the upcoming opening of a childcare centre on site, thanks to our partners at YWCA Hamilton. This centre will add 26 licensed toddler and preschool spaces, turning this development into a true hub for community growth.
Built to Passive House standards, these homes are not only energy efficient but are also designed to offer greater comfort, sustainability, and long-term livability for residents.
All residents will also have access to CommunoAuto, SoBi bike memberships, and of course access to HSR and DARTS to support active transportation options including proximity to a future LRT stop.
We are not just building housing, we are building community.
ALTERNATIVE VOTING METHODS & VOTE TABULATION TECHNOLOGY FOR CITY ELECTIONS & BY-ELECTIONS
This past week at Council, I supported staff’s initial recommendation to authorize online voting as an additional accessibility option in our local elections. Unfortunately, the majority of Council voted against moving forward with this measure expressing concerns it wasn’t secure enough due to a significant amount of misinformation circulating about the process.
The truth is staff recommended an online voting portal with several embedded safeguards in place that require advanced validation prior to voting. It’s important for residents to know that Hamilton already successfully piloted online voting in the 2025 Ward 4 School Board Trustee by-election. Despite a low voter turnout overall, over 45% of those who cast a ballot in that race chose to do so online. The system requires multi-factor authentication, account verification, and vote confirmation protocols. It was also subject to rigorous security and accessibility standards.
Councillor Hwang shared some critical facts about the Neuvote System that are important for our neighbours to know about:
Data is housed on Neuvote servers and not shared or hosted on City of Hamilton infrastructure, which means it would not be subject to a breach if the City were to experience a cyber security incident again.
Neuvote uses the most advanced cryptographic protocols available for online voting.
An example of excellence guiding Neuvote is The Estonian Protocol - Estonia has been using online voting since 2003, and has withstood cyber attacks from Russia since its inception without a single data breach or failure.
Neuvote is unique as it reinforces each digitally cast ballot with a printed cryptographic paper ballot.
Neuvote is also the first company to support the development of standards for online voting in Ontario, and the system is fully compliant with the Digital Governance Standards Institute.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) did a post 2022 elections wrap up, sharing that 217 municipalities out of 417 had online voting during the 2022 Municipal Election, which showed a 24% increase in online voting across Ontario.
Markham received a Municipal Innovation award for leadership and its approach to online voting in the 2022 Municipal Election.
In Council, I also raised questions about the equity implications of voting access. For many residents, including people with mobility issues, parents with young children, shift workers, and those without access to convenient polling locations, online voting can be a more accessible and empowering way to exercise their democratic rights. Neuvote is currently fully compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and also fully supports translating materials into multiple languages to reach diverse populations.
While the City Clerk confirmed that online voting does not necessarily increase overall voter turnout, it was notable to learn that voters between the ages of 50 and 60 were most likely to use the online option during the pilot. That tells us that it’s not just “young people” calling for digital voting. It’s also residents across age groups seeking convenience, flexibility, and accessibility.
I remain committed to supporting innovations that improve accessibility and preserve the integrity of our democratic process. Our work to modernize civic participation must be rooted in facts, not fear or misinformation.
STADIUM FIELD USE & ACCESS FOR BERNIE CUSTIS SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Over the past three years, I have been pushing to ensure the City is facilitating improved access for Bernie Custis Secondary School students to the Hamilton Stadium and field. And though the number of hours has been going up every year, it still hasn’t met the mark of enabling Physical Education classes to be able to do so.
Unfortunately, due to the existing agreements with the TiCats and Forge FC, there are finite weeks when field availability is significantly impacted. That said, during the last HWDSB Liaison Committee meeting, when this issue was raised and discussed, staff committed to identifying ways to make further improvements.
In meeting with City Facilities staff this week, Public Works staff committed they will work with BCSS staff, administration and teachers to review the Physical Education class schedules and to look at the bye-weeks when the TiCats and Forge FC are not playing in town to identify even more alignment for student access.
Thank you to all the Ward 3 high school students, their families and teachers, and Trustee Miller who have reached out to my office requesting support in delivering tangible solutions on this matter. I look forward to providing further updates in the Fall.
INAUGURAL AUTONOMOUS BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
On July 7, the newly established semi-autonomous Board of Health held its first official meeting, marking a historic shift in how public health decisions are made in our city.
As mover of the initial motion last term that helped get us here, it has been a long and informed process of structural change for greater inclusivity and connection with community voice for public health in Hamilton.
This change means that Public Health governance in Hamilton is no longer being done exclusively by elected members of Council. It also means it is no longer a Sub-Committee functioning as a recommending body, but instead has become the decision maker of items under the Health Promotions Act.
Ontario Public Health Standards: Requirements for Programs, Services and Accountability (2021) also requires the following:
Every Board of Health is to comply with Public Health Standards for mandatory program / services
Board of Health accountable for good governance practices to ensure effective functioning
Requires by-laws and policies on variety of health related matters
The current composition of the board is six members of Council, six members of the public, plus one education representative. Councillor Kroetsch was appointed Chair by the BoH members and Dr. Ameil Joseph was appointed Vice-Chair.
At its first meeting, the Board advanced two key priorities:
Embedding Health Equity Methods and Analysis across all Public Health reporting
Exploring the feasibility of implementing Wastewater Surveillance across Hamilton
These are the kinds of evidence-based, equity-driven conversations we’ve long needed, and now they’re happening with community voices at the table.
WOODLANDS PARK IS BLOOMING - HAVE YOUR SAY ON WHAT COMES NEXT!
It’s been a joy to see Woodlands Park come alive this summer with the sound of kids laughing, families gathering, and neighbours cooling off in the brand new, beautiful, accessible, and vibrant spray pad completed in 2024. The new spray pad is already a community favourite, and seeing it so well loved has been a huge win for our neighbourhood and a proud moment for me as your Councillor.
But we’re not stopping there!
Woodlands Park is one of the oldest parks in the city, and it remains a vital, well-used space in #OurWard3. The City is now looking ahead to the next phase of enhancements, and your voice is needed to help shape that future.
We want to hear what you think should come next. Are shade and seating a priority? Would more trees or walkway upgrades make the space more welcoming? What about improvements to the soccer field, fitness equipment, or traffic buffering along Barton Street?
Here are just a few of the things we’re asking for your input on:
Walkways and circulation
Safety and comfort features
Tree canopy and green infrastructure
Fitness and recreation options
Parking and traffic buffering
Take the Community Survey and tell us what matters most to you. Your feedback will directly influence how we prioritize the next steps in the park’s renewal.
Have your say here: https://engage.hamilton.ca/woodlandspark
Let’s keep building a Woodlands Park that reflects the energy, creativity, and care of the people who use it every day.
CANADIAN LIQUIDS PROCESSORS (15 BIGGAR AVE) UPDATE
Thank you to all the residents, businesses, and community stakeholders who attended the recent meeting regarding the operations at Canadian Liquids Processors (CLP) at 15 Biggar Avenue.
As shared, CLP is now operating as a waste transfer station under Ontario’s new producer-responsibility model for recycling, which shifted management of the Blue Box program to Circular Materials on April 1, 2025. This change means the City of Hamilton is no longer responsible for curbside collection or the supply of blue boxes.
While this shift was anticipated, my office received no advance notice about the changes at this particular site, including months of construction related to CLP’s expanded operations. Because the site is zoned for industrial use and already licensed, no public notification was legally required, which is a frustrating reality that we continue to challenge.
At the meeting, residents raised serious concerns about odours, noise, site maintenance, and traffic impacts. As a direct result of my office’s research and recommendations, CLP has now created a community webpage to share updates, outline steps being taken to address concerns, and improve transparency moving forward. Please be sure to check out the site at goodneighbourclp.com.
If you missed the meeting, you can view the recording here.
If you have ongoing concerns, here are a list of ways you can report them:
Air, Odour, or Noise Complaints (MECP):
moe.tips@ene.gov.on.ca
905-521-7650 (Mon–Fri) | 1-800-268-6060 (after hours)
Be sure to request a reference number for follow-up.
Site Maintenance Issues (City of Hamilton):
mle@hamilton.ca
905-546-2782 (business hours) | 905-546-CITY (after hours)
Submit a complaint online
Company Feedback:
info@emterra.ca
When submitting any complaint, include your contact info, the location of concern, and relevant details including date and time. Please also cc Kerry Le Clair, Ward 3 Community Climate Action Coordinator, at kerry.leclair@hamilton.ca so our office can help follow up.
Thank you to everyone who continues to raise these issues. Your voices are helping shape real accountability and a better path forward.
WENTWORTH ST. N ROAD PILOT RESULTS
Wentworth Street N is one of Hamilton’s first arterial road pilots that reduces the posted speed limit to 30 km/h on such a roadway. This was a result of a motion I brought forward in 2022 after speaking with the family of a young neighbour who was seriously injured when struck by the driver of a truck beside Cathy Wever Elementary School.
When trying to champion reduced speeds near schools, it was determined that all major arterial roads had a provincial standard of traffic regulations that required a limit no lower than 40 km/hr. In Ward 3, we have five schools that are on major arterial roads. I had all those roads reduced to 40 km/hr, and since then, staff have been working to help improve safety enhancements for all road classifications.
The results of the pilot are now in - 30km/hr will remain in place! Despite changes to posted speed, full-time protected parking, the addition of a pedestrian crosswalk, and physical changes to the road, driver speeds remained high with an average speed of 44 km/h. While no collisions involved pedestrians or cyclists, and no injuries were reported during the pilot period, the data shows how challenging it is to shift driver behaviour, even with posted speed limit reductions.
This is not a unique challenge to Hamilton. Cities across the country are struggling to lower speeds on arterial roads. That’s why City staff are now working with the Transportation Association of Canada on national guidance for safer road design in lower-speed zones to help inform stronger policies and interventions.
A full update to Transportation’s Traffic Calming and Speed Limit Policies is expected by the end of 2025, with new tools and stronger measures to help create safer streets.
As a #VisionZero city, we must prioritize child safety and community wellbeing not just in words, but through urgent and meaningful infrastructure changes. My ongoing focus is to ensure that the Ward 3 Complete Streets Study and other roadway recommendations are implemented as a priority, and our neighbourhoods become a model for safe, equitable mobility across Hamilton for all road users, of all ages and abilities.
🌊☀️ POOL PARTY AT BIRGE PARK! ☀️🌊
Join us on Thursday, August 14 from 2pm-4pm at Birge Park Pool for a splashin’ good time! We’ll have games, popsicles, snacks, face paint and some fun in the sun!
It’s also a chance to ask any questions about local, municipal issues like all of our Ward 3 Councillor Office Pop Ups!
📍Birge Park Pool
📅 Thursday, August 14
⏰ 2pm–4pm
Let’s make a splash, Ward 3! 💦
CATCH US IN COMMUNITY AT ONE OF OUR WARD 3 OFFICE POP-UPS!
We’re hitting the parks, neighbourhoods, and local events all summer and fall long. Drop by a Ward 3 Office Pop-Up to chat about local issues, get updates, or just say hello! Here’s where you can find us:
July
🌳 July 24, 4–6PM – Hayward Park
August
🎉 August 16, 12–4PM – Hamilton Stadium 10th Anniversary Celebration (free ticketed event; ticket information to come)
September
🌱 September 16, 11AM–1PM – Depave at Barton & Emerald
🚲 September 28 – Open Streets (Time TBC)
October
🍂 October 7, 2–4PM – Bishop’s Park (Wesley location in case of bad weather)
🏘️ October 30, 3–5PM – 430 Cumberland
December
⛸️ December 31 – Community Skate (Time TBC)
We’re looking forward to connecting with neighbours across Ward 3 — see you out there!
HAMILTON POLICE LAUNCH BALANCED APPROACH TO OPEN DRUG-USE UNDER BILL C-5
In response to growing community concerns and in alignment with federal legislation, the Hamilton Police Service (HPS), supported by St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton - Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic, has launched a new initiative targeting open illicit drug use in public spaces. This approach, rooted in both public safety and compassion, aims to address substance use as a health issue, not just a criminal one.
Click here to learn more about what we are doing to address open drug use in Hamilton.
Effective January 2025, officers have begun implementing a balanced response under the framework of Bill C-5. While public drug use remains an offence under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA 4(1)), HPS is committed to a response that upholds public safety while also offering pathways to support through voluntary referrals, education, and de-escalation where appropriate.
Key elements of the approach include:
Voluntary Referrals to the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton for confidential, low-barrier treatment.
No Criminal Consequences for those who decline treatment referrals.
Escalating Enforcement in cases involving threats to public safety, children, or other aggravating factors.
All drugs encountered are seized, and officers follow strict protocols including background checks, documentation, and, where appropriate, involvement of support teams such as Social Navigator.
In the first 100 days:
287 arrests were made for simple possession;
65 individuals were referred to the RAAM clinic;
14 trafficking charges were laid, alongside recovery of multiple weapons.
This is about finding the right balance between enforcement and empathy. We’re protecting our community while offering real support to those ready to seek help.
HAMILTON PUBLIC HEALTH INVESTIGATING TWO CONFIRMED CASES OF MEASLES
Hamilton Public Health is currently investigating two confirmed, travel-related cases of measles in Hamilton residents in an adult and infant from the same household.
While Public Health is directly contacting individuals who may have been exposed, they’ve also issued a public notice for several locations where other community members may have come into contact with the measles virus:
Potential Exposure Locations:
Service Ontario – 50 Dundurn St. S
July 7, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pmCostco Ancaster – 100 Legend Ct
July 7, 3:00 pm – 8:00 pmUpper Gage Clinic & Gage Pharmacy – 1050 Upper Gage Ave
July 9, 11:30 am – 2:30 pmEllen Fairclough Building – Service Ontario (main lobby, elevators, 4th floor)
July 9, 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm
If you were at any of these locations during the dates and times listed, please take a moment to review the following information.
What to Watch For:
Even if you’re vaccinated, please monitor for measles symptoms for 21 days after potential exposure. Symptoms can start 7–21 days after infection and include:
High fever (38.8°C/101°F or higher)
Cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes
Fatigue, drowsiness, irritability
Red, blotchy rash that appears a few days after the fever
White spots inside the mouth (called Koplik’s spots)
What You Should Do:
Check your vaccination status. You need two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV) if you were born in or after 1970. Most people born before 1970 are considered protected. If you’re unsure, contact your health care provider or call Hamilton Public Health at 905-546-2424 ext. 7970.
Avoid contact with high-risk individuals (infants, pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals) and high-risk settings (schools, childcare, healthcare settings) if you haven’t had two doses.
If you develop symptoms, stay home and call your doctor or Public Health before visiting any clinic or hospital, so precautions can be taken.
If your child attends school or childcare and only has one dose of the measles vaccine, they may need a second dose and could be temporarily excluded until that’s received. Contact your healthcare provider and inform them your child may have been exposed to measles. To check or update your child’s immunization records, you can visit: hamilton.ca/reportingvaccines.
If you have any concerns about your exposure, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Public Health at publichealth@hamilton.ca.
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION STRATEGY - HAVE YOUR SAY!
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the City’s 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy engagement so far. The feedback collected from residents, businesses, and community stakeholders has been vital in identifying the key challenges, opportunities, and aspirations for Hamilton’s downtown.
On July 9, 2025, City staff and project consultants presented an interim report to the General Issues Committee summarizing the engagement activities to date. The report outlines major themes heard from the community and provides insight into the emerging vision, guiding principles, and next steps for the strategy. The report is available under Item PED24163(c) on the Meetings, Agendas & Video page (under the July 9 GIC agenda).
Later this month, a more detailed “What We Heard” summary will be shared publicly to reflect the full scope of community input.
What’s next?
Phase 2 of the project will begin shortly, focusing on developing the strategy’s priority actions based on the feedback received. We invite you to participate and share your feedback on the future of Hamilton’s Downtown Revitalization Strategy. Ideas, stories, questions, and feedback can all be submitted at https://engage.hamilton.ca/ourfuturedowntown.
Additional engagement opportunities will begin in September 2025, where the public will be invited to review and comment on the draft actions.
This strategy will help shape a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable downtown over the next decade, reflecting the needs of residents, visitors, businesses, and community partners alike.
Stay tuned for updates and future engagement opportunities.
SAFE APARTMENTS BY-LAW
Hamilton’s new Safe Apartment Buildings By-law No. 24‑054 takes effect January 1, 2026. It will:
Require annual registration of all rental buildings (2+ storeys, 6+ units)
Evaluate shared areas (grounds, lobbies, parking, elevators, gyms, garbage rooms) and publish a maintenance score
Mandate Tenant Service Request (TSR) processes with set response timelines
This by-law aims to boost safety, cleanliness, and accountability, and give tenants and landlords clear tools to report and resolve issues. (It does not apply to condos, care homes, co‑ops, or lodging homes.)
We need your input!
Help us define fair, meaningful evaluation criteria and scoring levels that reflect real resident and owner experiences.
Take the survey by visiting: engage.hamilton.ca/safeapartments
YARD MAINTENANCE BY-LAW REVIEW
The City of Hamilton is updating the Yard Maintenance By-law to better support naturalized yards like pollinator gardens, native plantings, and rewilded spaces while maintaining community standards and safety.
We’re looking at:
Defining what counts as a “naturalized area”
Setting turfgrass height limits
Expanding the list of nuisance weeds
This review is part of Hamilton’s Biodiversity Action Plan and aims to support residents making greener choices in their yards.
We want your input!
Tell us how you define naturalized gardens, your experiences with native planting, and your thoughts on grass height and weeds.
Take the survey at: engage.hamilton.ca/yard-maintenance-by-law-review
Photo Credit: CBC Hamilton
OTTAWA STREET NORTH’S CRAFT CRAWL SERIES!
Join us EVERY Saturday in July from 1pm–7pm for a sidewalk showcase and street stroll of some of Hamilton’s best small biz magic!
🛍️ Crafters, makers, and small business owners are invited to set up along the sidewalks of Ottawa Street North. It’s first come, first served—just make sure the storefront you’re in front of isn’t already being used by that business.
✅ No fee to participate
❌ No tents allowed
♿ Keep the sidewalk accessible at all time
We ♥️ the businesses that call Ottawa Street home. Pop in and visit your favourites and find new ones too!
📣 Spread the word and support local!
Questions? Email info@shopottawastreet.com
BARTON VILLAGE SUNDAY MARKET
This Sunday July 20 from 9am-1pm, the Barton Village Sunday Market is back and it’s your chance to snack, shop, and soak up summer right here in #OurWard3! 🍓🌻
Come enjoy:
🛍️ Local produce, plants & flowers, handmade goods, and tasty treats
🎨 Artisanal vendors + good vibes
You can find the market at Powell Park (53 Birch Ave), with both street parking and a nearby lot to make your visit easy.
Can’t make this one? The good news is the market runs every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month until October!
Whether you’re on the hunt for your next favourite jam (edible or musical), or just want to connect with your neighbours, we hope you head out to enjoy your Sunday at the park! ☀️
GREEN VENTURE’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY, JULY 23
Check out our magical activities! Tickets are now available for The Magic of Nature: Green Venture’s 30 Year Anniversary Party.
Make and take home your own tantalizing tea or salubrious salve! Curate your own beautiful blend inspired by nature in partnership with the wonderful @bothsidesstudio.
RSVP at www.greenventure.ca/the_magic_of_nature.
Come enjoy a cozy evening with games, interactive stations (including our iconic smoothie bike 🥛🚲), and more, all on the magically decorated EcoHouse grounds!
This event supports future community greening initiatives. Stay tuned to learn more about prizes, food, and community building at this very special event.
FESTIVAL OF FRIENDS, AUG 1-3
Mark your calendars! The 2025 Festival of Friends is bringing the party to Gage Park from August 1–3 and the lineup is stacked! Get ready to dance to Sister Sledge, rock out with The Trews, sing along to Brett Kissel and Dan Mangan, and throw it way back with The Sugarhill Gang.
With live music, food vendors, artisans, and family-friendly fun all weekend long, it’s one of the best ways to soak up summer in the city. See you at the park!
For more information and a full list of details, please visit: https://festivaloffriends.ca/