New Green Building Standards, New Parking Penalties, Toxic Drug Alert, Grant Opportunities and More
Dear Neighbours,
The days have shortened, the weather has cooled, and the leaves have started changing colour - a time of year when I begin to take stock of what has been accomplished and what remains priority. It is a time when we collectively bring our attention to gathering with friends, loved ones, and families to celebrate and give thanks. Whether you do so in ceremony, ritual or quietly in solitude, I hope you are able to pause and reflect on what you are grateful for and what you can commit to doing better going forward.
You may have noticed this newsletter is arriving to you in a different format than usual - an email with a weblink. We are working out some technical kinks and have pivoted to this format for now. The aim is to re-establish an embedded format where you don’t have to link but simply open your email and begin reading the most recent issue of the newsletter.
There are many important updates from Council and Committee meetings, upcoming infrastructure projects impacting neighbourhoods in Ward 3, and great upcoming events and opportunities for you to be aware of.
As always, should you require any assistance with any municipal issues, my office team is here to help. You can email us at ward3@hamilton.ca.
Yours in community,
Councillor Nrinder Nann
A large butterfly sculpture stands amidst colorful flowers and tall grasses in a garden setting, with modern glass buildings across from City Hall and a cloudy sky in the background. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "Council & Committee Updates".
REDUCING HOMELESSNESS & MANAGING ENCAMPMENTS
It remains a priority of the City to balance the important needs of unsheltered people living in encampments, who deserve to be treated with empathy and respect, with the responsibility to ensure our communities are safe and vibrant places for all residents. The City and all our service partners continue to do what is possible with the level of resources currently available to manage the existing encampment sites.
Last month, I reported on the Council approved plan to increase the existing shelter system by 192 beds, a 56% increase, and to implement an 80-bed temporary outdoor shelter. Of the much needed 192 bed expansion to the shelter system, 138 beds will operate in Ward 3, of which 123 beds are within a four block area.
The sites for shelter expansion in Ward 3 are as follow:
50 beds operated by Good Shepherd at the former Cathedral Boys School on Main St E- for men and gender diverse individuals
8 beds operated by Mission Services Men’s Services on King St E - for men and gender diverse individuals
15 beds operated by Mission Services at Emma’s Place on Wentworth - for women and gender diverse individuals
20 beds at Wesley's Special Care Unit on Main St E - for all genders
45 beds at the Asylum Seekers Assistance Program for all genders provided operated by Wesley and Refuge Newcomer Health on Main St E
I have raised the concern about the concentration of the 123 additional shelter beds within a 4 block area and the existing encampments in adjacent parks. I requested staff to apply the same 1km radius that will be set around the Barton-Tiffany outdoor shelter to prevent over-concentration in areas of Ward 3. Details on which parks, parkettes and greenspaces this will include will be reported back by staff at the next General Issues Committee meeting in this month.
The dire need for increased supports and services is clear in the presence of encampments across the city, the number of emergency room visits, and the inadequate income support, and our ever-growing lists of individuals and households in need of affordable housing. And as I stated last newsletter, Hamilton Council is not sitting by and doing nothing. In fact, the City of Hamilton continues to invest disproportionately towards the spectrum of solutions needed to address the crisis. Below is a graph that illustrates the breakdown.
Infographic showing Hamilton's housing investments. Total of $185.9 million: $125 million from the city, $41 million from Ontario, $19.9 million from Canada. Areas: Affordable Housing $21.3M, Supports $23.5M, Housing $9.85M, Shelters $33M, Encampments $8.3M.
By way of a motion I seconded, Council has directed staff to itemize our expenses related to addressing the needs of those living unhoused to seek federal and provincial funding for cost recovery.
Ensuring our parks and neighbourhoods are vibrant and safe spaces for all requires more and more resourcing than it has even before. And it is infact more costly than investing in the upstream supports and services both the province and federal government can address through the various ministries responsible for housing and health.
A reminder to residents that if you have concerns of a specific site, please email unsheltered@hamilton.ca
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
Passing the new Green Building Standards for our city is a massive achievement. Staff have done an incredible job of putting together a suite of standards to improve the environmental performance of new industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential developments within the urban areas of our city.
The Green Building Standards will aid in evaluating development applications through the lens of sustainability, energy, and climate resilience, by providing performance requirements across a range of Impact Categories for buildings and site design.
The five overarching Green Building Standards Impact Categories are:
Energy & Carbon: Promotes energy-efficient buildings that lower operating costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve building resilience;
Ecology & Biodiversity: Preserves, restores, and enhances the natural environment within the development area;
Water: Reducing potable water use for indoor and outdoor water uses, water metering, and rainwater management;
Waste Management & Materials: Reducing waste generation during construction and the operational phases of development; and,
Community & Urban Design: Promotes a sense of place by preserving heritage and cultural features, local food production, healthy practices, and inclusion. This Impact Category includes educating residents on sustainability features in their community.
The development of the Green Building Standards was informed by City of Hamilton’s current sustainability initiatives and priorities, engagement with interested parties, and provincial and local policy and regulations. These standards are a critical path to advance our city in real and tangible ways towards sustainable city building.
During the Planning Committee, I supported moving away from a “pilot period” to provide better predictability and stronger messaging to the broader community that these standards are the new standard going forward, and any future changes will seek to strengthen the capacity of developments to help achieve the climate targets we have set to achieve by 2050. Committee also directed staff to work with the newly formed Climate Action Advisory Committee to review the standards and make any further changes for Council’s approval prior to them being implemented.
We have seen non-profit affordable housing providers like CityHousing Hamilton and Indwell leading in housing development that already meet and exceed green building standards. I look forward to seeing more of it in the private development sector as a way to meet the new standards ratified by Council
CHANGES TO PARKING PENALTIES & FEES
Last week, Planning Committee members approved recommendations to increase various parking penalties to better enable consistency and efficiencies with parking enforcement. Parking penalties are applied to enforcement of our parking by-laws and serves a number of important purposes, such as:
helping to maintain traffic flow,
ensuring safety for vulnerable road users,
and helping to manage on-street and off-street parking supply
It is important, to ensure, that parking penalty amounts are set at a rate that encourages compliance but are also reasonable and fair to residents.
Based on a review of current penalty amounts, as well as, a comparison to other jurisdictions, staff are recommending adjustments to certain on-street penalties which you can review in detail here.
Two areas I wanted to ensure neighbours are aware of have to do with parking in bike lanes and on sidewalks. If you are found to be parking while obstructing a bicycle lane or sidewalk, the fine is now set to $200. This change in fine has been established to ensure greater attention and to deter negative parking practices and to safeguard vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Any increase in penalty revenue collected from paid parking penalties will be incorporated into the operating budget as part of the 2025 budget process.
To report a parking violation please call (905)-540-6000 or email parking@hamilton.ca
A aerial photo of Ward 3 intersection at Cannon St E & Ottawa St N. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "Ward 3 Updates".
WILSON AND SHERMAN MEETING RECAP
Thank you to all the neighbours who attended the Community Info Session in-person and virtually about the upcoming Wilson St and final phase of the Sherman Ave roadworks.
We reviewed the detailed design, timeline and construction process information. The City staff team did a great job responding to each and every question posed. Rest assured the team aims to deliver a quality project with a commitment to being good neighbours during the construction phase.
If you live on Wilson, Sherman, Ashley or Wentworth in the construction zones and have questions, you will be receiving a letter in your mailbox that includes direct contact information of the project manager who can help address your concerns. Please hold onto that letter for future reference. I’ll also post an update both on social media and in future newsletters when construction gets underway.
Reminder this infrastructure project entails new water mains, complete road reconstruction, two way conversion, benches, trees, and better pedestrian realm.
To learn more about the project, check out the project details on the city’s website here.
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER FOR NATALIE RECAP
Over 200 neighbours from across Hamilton gathered in the Keith Neighbourhood last Saturday to participate in the community fundraiser for Natalie and exceeded the $10,000 goal!
Big thanks to Pure Energy Dance Studios, Mandy Lea, Diana Jacobs, Harvey’s, Bonnie Sneddon-Davies, Jennifer Boscher, Ticats & Tim Hortons Field Staff & Volunteers, and all the volunteers!
If you were unable to attend, you can still donate via a GoFundMe campaign launched by family members of Natalie.
BARTON ST FUNCTIONAL DESIGN STUDY & PUBLIC MEETING - OCT 17th
On October 17 at 6:30pm at the Westinghouse HQ, the City is holding a public information meeting for the Barton Street Functional Design Study. This is an opportunity for residents in Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4 to learn more about the project and provide feedback.
Your input will help shape the future of Barton St. Please let us know if you will be attending by filling out this form.
If you are unable to attend, you can still participate and offer your feedback through the online survey here.
WARD 3 COMPLETE STREETS PLAN - Oct 29th
Join the Ward 3 Team and City Staff for a hybrid Community Meeting on Tuesday October 29 from 6pm-8pm with the in-person portion taking place at the Morelli Recreation Centre.
The Ward 3 Complete Streets Study kicked off with resident input in October 2021 with an initial target of July 2022 for a final report. It was undertaken to review the traffic conditions in all the neighbourhoods in Ward 3 to create a plan to improve safety on the local and collector neighbourhood streets; not arterial roads. The project focused on traffic speeds, stop-sign compliance, accessibility issues and cut-through traffic to recommend specific improvements within Ward 3 Neighbourhoods. All of this occurred with robust and direct resident participation during the pandemic with over 800 residents engaging in the process.
As staff worked to finalize the 200+ recommendations, they had to coordinate these recommendations with both the Main Street Two-Way Conversion and LRT projects. We are now ready for a community meeting to highlight the short, medium, and long-term measures identified within the report after extensive assessment.
On October 29th, Staff will break down the implementation items by neighbourhoods in the ward to ensure investment lands equitably to address the deepest safety concerns as priority. This meeting will review the project, as well as address the works completed to date, and discuss timelines for the remainder of the work to be completed moving forward.
Please be sure to RSVP with the Ward 3 team by emailing ward3@hamilton.ca so we may best accommodate your participation. We look forward to seeing you there!
WARD 3 COMMUNITY RESILIENCE GRANTS - NOW OPEN
The Ward 3 Community & Resilience Grant program is managed by the Ward 3 Councillor’s Office. The goal of Ward 3 Community & Resilience Grant program is to support residents, community groups and organizations in Ward 3 - with a focus on programs and initiatives that promote equity, inclusion, resilience, and community-building work in our neighbourhoods. While organizations are welcome to apply, preference will be given to initiatives that are resident-led and can demonstrate outcomes which are community-focused and that will be delivered in Ward 3 neighbourhoods.
Grant funds come from the former Bell Cell Tower Funds (Non-Property Tax Revenue) allocated to Ward 3 and are replenished annually. Cell Tower revenues were deposited to City revenue and transferred to reserves that were established for Ward-Specific purposes. These funds are discretionary, meaning I need to put forward motions to direct staff on how to allocate the funds.
In an effort to help manage the intake and selection process, we have moved to an online application process. Successful applications will be approved through a motion passed at City Council. There are two annual application periods - one in the spring and one in the fall. Fall 2024 applications will be due by Nov 15, 2024.
If you need help filling out the application form, please reach out to the Ward 3 Team at ward3@hamilton.ca.
For more information about the criteria and application process, please visit: www.nrinder.ca/communityresiliencegrants
A person installs a smoke detector on a ceiling. The text "City Services Updates" is overlaid on the image.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK - CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS
Fire Prevention Week 2024, taking place from October 6 to 12, emphasizes the life-saving importance of working smoke alarms in every home. This year’s theme, "Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!" encourages residents to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of their homes, including the basement.
“Working smoke alarms provide the earliest warning of fire, giving you and your loved ones precious time to escape safely,” said Fire Chief David Cunliffe, Hamilton Fire Department. “This Fire Prevention Week, we’re reminding everyone to make sure their smoke alarms are installed correctly, properly maintained, and ready to save lives.” Learn more here.
COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT FUND - APPLICATIONS DUE NOV 15th
Applications for the City Enrichment Fund are now open with 7 funding areas: Agriculture, Arts, Communities, Culture & Heritage, Community Services, Digital, Environment and Sport & Active Lifestyles. Staff are hosting public Information sessions in all program areas to provide an overview of the CEF program, submission requirements, and application support.
Infographic for the City Enrichment Fund. Applications open, apply by November 15 at 4 pm. Seven funding areas: Agriculture, Arts, Communities, Culture & Heritage, Community Services, Digital, Environment, Sport & Active Lifestyles.
The deadline for all applications is Friday, November 15, 2024 at 4:00pm. Learn more: hamilton.ca/CityEnrichmentFund #HamOnt
CITY OF HAMILTON HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The city of Hamilton is currently undertaking a Housing Needs Assessment to explore current and future housing need, demand, supply, and affordability, and provide insight into the key drivers behind the housing markets within Hamilton communities. This Housing Needs Assessment will validate Hamilton's key housing gaps, and provide detailed ward-by-ward information to help guide implementation of the Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap (HSIR). For those who were not able to attend the recent pop-up events, there is an online survey that you can participate in here.
HAMILTON POLICE SERVICE OFFERING FARADAY BAGS
The faraday bag is a small pouch designed to store vehicle key fobs and block the electronic signals they emit. Auto thieves have devices and technology to detect and use the signals to start a vehicle parked in a driveway, without actually using the key fob. It is strongly recommended that in addition to placing the key fobs inside the faraday bag, vehicle owners store the bags as far away as possible from main level exterior doors and windows of the home.
The faraday bags can be picked up at the front reception area of Station 20, located at 2825 King Street East in Stoney Creek.
See the YouTube videos below which provide information about the bags and how auto thieves utilize electronic signals to steal vehicles.
Faraday Pouch - Do Car Key Signal Blockers Work? Keyless Entry Security
A healthcare professional in a blue uniform with a stethoscope holds a tablet. The words "Public Health Updates" are displayed on a transparent overlay. The background is blurred, showing other medical staff and patients.
HAMILTON DRUG ALERT: RISK ASSOCIATED WITH METH IN THE COMMUNITY
Hamilton Public Health Services wants the community to be aware that recent meth samples have tested positive for fentanyl and xylazine. This is a serious risk concern as it can lead to drug poisonings. Community reports have linked two drug poisonings occurring this week to meth containing fentanyl.
Here are some resources and info on how health and social service providers can help:
Alert individuals using street drugs and their families/ friends of the potential increased risk of drug poisoning. Encourage harm reduction strategies with clients and community members:
Avoid using alone or use at the Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site (70 James St. S). Drug checking services are also available at the CTS.
Call a friend, family member or the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 (NORS) for anonymous 24-hour support before and while using substances.
Use a smaller dose (low and slow).
Use new harm reduction supplies every time you use.
When injecting, boil your drugs an extra 30 seconds to reduce chance of infection.
Provide the following education to people who use drugs, their friends and family:
Recognize the signs of a drug poisoning.
Call 911 when drug poisoning is suspected.
Perform CPR as necessary.
Administer naloxone. With more potent drugs, there is a possibility that a person will require more than one dose.
Providers are encouraged to:
Visit www.hamilton.ca/naloxone for a FREE naloxone kit and training.
Refer clients to addiction treatment, consumption and treatment services, and drug withdrawal services.
Prescribing or managing opioids according to most recent guidelines.
For more information related to this alert, please email Harm.Reduction@hamilton.ca. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to a collaborative response to the drug poisoning crisis in Hamilton.
For additional resources please visit Hamilton Harm Reduction Services website
A diverse group of young people raising their hands together joyfully, with the text overlay "Community Events & Opportunities." The background is an outdoor setting with trees and sunlight.
WE’RE ALL NEIGHBOURS HERE: AN IMMERSIVE ART EXPERIENCE - OCT 17-19
Organized by Helping Hands Street Mission, this Immersive Art Experience will include art from many different disciplines and will highlight the nuances and experiences of those living unhoused or marginally. Be a part of an immersive art event that invites you into a space of curiosity and storytelling. Let’s listen, learn, and create change together in our city. This event will also include elements/stations with kids in mind and will aim to be physically accessible to as many as possible. Learn more about the event and ticket information here.
CHARGED UP FOR CHANGE YOUTH FORUM - OCT 19
Afro Canadian Caribbean Association of Hamilton presents Charged Up For Change, an exciting event focused on creating positive impact in the Hamilton community. Get ready to be inspired by engaging speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities to equip young leaders with tools, knowledge, and confidence to advocate for DEI and Anti-Racism in Hamilton and beyond. Learn more and register here.
2nd ANNUAL HAMONT YOUTH SUMMIT - OCT 22
High School aged students are invited to participate in the second annual HamOnt Youth Summit. In partnership with the HamOntYouth Steering Committee, the City of Hamilton is excited to engage young people from across Hamilton. The event is designed by youth for youth, to inform, engage, celebrate, and educate youth in our community. It’s an opportunity for young people to come together, share ideas and take action toward a better future for Hamilton.
Learn more and register here.
SWAP HAMILTON PHOTOVOICE PROJECT
Earlier this year the McMaster Office of Community Engagement Research Shop reviewed the experiences of sex workers in Canada. Their report, released in July, analyzes sex workers’ experiences during interaction with the police and when accessing health care. HamiltonSWAP has also been conducting a City of Hamilton photovoice needs assessment project in collaboration with the YWCA as part of the #Hamont’s Gender-Based Safety Audit to learn about the issues sex workers face around safety, violence and social exclusion by asking the question “What would make sex work safer?”. Learn more about the project here.