Ward 3 Newsletter - November 15, 2024
Dear Neighbours,
My office has received many inquiries about the unjust death of Erixon Kabera. At this time, there is no further information than that which was reported in the media. It was inspiring to see hundreds gathered outside City Hall yesterday in honour of his life and to collectively call for answers to the circumstances surrounding his death. For residents wanting to show up at this time, you can contribute to the GoFundMe campaign his family has started.
My office also received reports of Lifesaver Park being used as a site to gather for those who participated in the Jackson Square demonstration calling for Mass Deportation Now this past weekend. According to an investigative journalist from the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, this demonstration mimicked white supremacist tactics seen in other parts of the world like those by Australian white supremacist networks who also dressed in all black, hiding their faces behind ski masks, while holding up a banner that read “Mass Deportations Now”.
I was proud to join Hamilton based organizations and elected leaders in condemning the action as fascist rhetoric that is rooted in anti-immigrant beliefs and aiming to intimidate Hamiltonians based on hate. There is no place for hate in our city and I am grateful for so many of our neighbours who actively foster a sense of belonging in our communities.
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
Street view with modern buildings and a skywalk. The text “Council & Committee Updates” is overlaid on the image in bold letters.
SOLVING THE CRISIS VS USING THE NOTWITHSTANDING CLAUSE
I believe it is the role of every level of government to not only uphold human rights but to tend to the conditions that advance them.
The only solution to homelessness is housing.
There has been a lot of regrettable rhetoric spoken to “justify” stripping unhoused folks of Charter protected human rights, including blaming human rights defenders for the state of encampments in cities across Ontario.
Let’s be crystal clear, defending human rights has not created the humanitarian crisis we see unfolding in our communities and parks. It is the result of provincial policy failures and the lack of federal investment into affordable housing over the past 30 years.
It is my opinion that it is both a proof of character and a lack of capacity to lead on complex issues that a small number of Mayors in Ontario have fallen for baiting by Premier Ford to ask him to use the Charter of Rights and Freedom’s notwithstanding clause to bypass the court system and allow them to evict encampments — even when there is nowhere else for people to go.
This is all in reference to the same 2023 ruling in Waterloo I have been informing residents of in various issues of this e-newsletter. The Court ruled that clearing the Waterloo encampment would be unconstitutional: the city couldn’t remove the encampment without providing adequate shelter beds, and to do so would be a violation of homeless people’s Section 7 Charter-protected right to life, liberty, and security of the person.
Suggesting its use is also a distraction tactic by the province to embroil city councils in this debate with our residents rather than focus on well-thought out solutions to the crises we are facing, and tangible pathways to regain balance in the use of our public spaces.
If the province or members of this or other council want a list of tools to actually solve the crisis, you know, to tend to the conditions that advance human rights, then allow me to point out what the consensus based Big Cities Mayor Caucus put forward in the Solve The Crisis Campaign:
Appoint a responsible ministry and Minister with the appropriate funding and powers as a single point of contact to address the full spectrum of housing needs as well as mental health, addictions and wrap around supports.
That this single Minister strike a task force with sector representatives including municipalities, health care leaders, first responders, community services, the business community, and the tourism industry to develop an Ontario Action Plan.
Provide municipalities with the tools and resources to transition those in encampments to more appropriate supports, when deemed necessary.
Commit to funding the services our unhoused population needs, community by community, to fill in gaps in the system.
Invest in 24/7 community hubs or crisis centres to relieve pressure on emergency departments and first responders.
These well thought out recommendations were endorsed unanimously by Hamilton City Council on October 23, 2024, where the vote was 16-0, everyone was there. This past Wednesday, a motion initially tabled for the next General Issues Committee was brought directly to council asking for Hamilton City Council to request the Premier to also use the notwithstanding clause. It was defeated by a vote of 9 to 6.
Those of us with the privilege of being elected are expected to do difficult work, including solving the housing and homelessness crisis — not to take away the Charter rights of those most impacted by the crisis.
In summary, the province needs to stop its distraction tactics. The $3B used to give $200 to each person before an election could have gone to eliminate homelessness province wide. It sure would go a heck of a lot further than the abysmal allocation of $202 million across the province to address homelessness.
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
During Emergency & Community Services Committee, Chief Cunliffe and Hamilton Fire Services presented the community fire risk assessment.
The report noted that Wards 3, 2, and 4 (most fires to least) consistently had the most incidents of fires from 2020 – 2022. These wards represent an average of 45% of the total fires/year across the City.
The primary causes are all preventable, and that is what is so very concerning about this report. Among the preventable behaviour that has led to fires, smoking and not adequately extinguishing the smoking material was the main behaviour. In fact, fires caused by smoking increased 106% from 2020 to 2022.
Whether you are a renter or homeowner, please check your smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarms. Please contact Fire Prevention Services if you need any fire prevention support.
LRT PROCUREMENT UPDATE
As Chair of LRT Sub-Committee I was so pleased to see the announcement last week with Mayor Horwath, Minister Sarkaria and Minister Tassi about the issuance of the Request for Qualifications for the Hamilton LRT .
This marks a major milestone to move this transformational public transit project for our city forward!
Metrolinx has posted a Discover article featuring two new artist's conceptual drawings, including one depicting the future grade separation on King Street East near Gage Avenue located in #OurWard3. The future underpass will allow light rail vehicles (LRVs) to travel under the existing CP rail line separating the two lines to ensure reliable, continuous movement along the LRT route.
Artist depiction of the future grade separation on King Street East near Gage Avenue.
A aerial photo of Ward 3. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "Ward 3 Updates".
SIDEWALK AUDIT - HELP IDENTIFY SIDEWALK HAZARDS IN #OURWARD3!
Do you know of a damaged, uprooted, or misaligned sidewalk tile that could pose a trip hazard or barrier to accessible mobility? Your input is crucial to improving the safety and accessibility of our neighborhood.
The Councillor’s office has previously engaged with the community to collect sidewalk repair suggestions. Now, as Roads Staff prepare for next year’s repairs, we have an opportunity to ensure critical safety-related locations are included in the 2025 program.
To assist, please:
📸 Take a photo of the affected sidewalk.
📍 Include the exact location.
✉️ Email your submission to ward3@hamilton.ca by December 6, 2024.
Together, we can make our sidewalks safer and more accessible for everyone. Thank you for helping keep #OurWard3 walkable!
455 & 457-459 KING ST E
On April 24, 2024, City Council approved the demolition of the vacant properties at 455 and 457-459 King Street East. After initial inspections by the contractors, it became clear that more work was needed to address asbestos and other health and safety issues, leading to some additional costs. City staff then brought these updates to Council for approval on August 21, 2024. Contractors are on site today (Friday November 15) removing interior asbestos and will continue on site for completion of this demolition.
We understand that this area is an active transportation route for families, with many residents, cyclists, and pedestrians passing through daily. We appreciate the patience of nearby residents and businesses, as well as those who use this route to get around.
Work has now begun, with utilities and underground lines already shut off at the site. In the coming weeks, likely within the next 45 days, residents will start to see a more visible presence as the contractors prepare for the demolition.
Demolitions of older buildings come with extra complexities, especially when it comes to ensuring the health and safety of everyone involved. The City and contractors are working hard to complete this as smoothly and quickly as possible, with minimal impact on the community.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to revitalize this space. Please know our media team is also preparing a release with regard to this demolition.
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE NOV 18-19
Please be advised that there will be a temporary road closure at Tisdale St. & King St to facilitate prep work for 2-way conversion on Main and the LRT. Starting November 18th at 7pm until November 19th at 7am.
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE - NOV 18-19
Please be advised there will be a temporary lane closure on Main St E at Tisdale St. S to facilitate prep work for 2-way conversion on Main St and the LRT. Starting November 18 at 7pm to Tuesday, November 19 at 7am.
VACANT TAX
Keep an eye out in your mail for a flyer with important information about the Vacant Unit Tax. Starting Jan 2025, all residential property owners must submit a mandatory occupancy declaration. The Flyer contains key dates and important information. http://hamilton.ca/VacantUnitTax
NEW RECREATION ONLINE REGISTRATION
The City of Hamilton Recreation Division is launching a new online registration, facility booking and membership system for programs and services on November 20, 2024. Most active users of the current system will be migrated over to the new system and will receive an email notification with information on how to access their account. As of November 20th, there will be access to browse and preview the winter course offerings online as well as videos on how to use the online system in preparation for registration day. Learn more here.
COMMUNITY SAFETY & WELL-BEING PLAN
Hamilton is revising its existing Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan and we want to hear from you. The CSWB Plan brings together multiple sectors, including social services, health care, law enforcement, education and community organizations to address the root causes of community safety and well-being.
Hamilton’s CSWB Plan was developed by the City of Hamilton and community partners and was unanimously adopted by Hamilton City Council on June 23, 2021. Under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 municipalities are required to develop a CSWB Plan using the provincial government’s CSWB Framework.
The CSWB Plan aims to create a sustainable community where everyone feels safe, has a sense of belonging and can access the services they need. It focuses on four key areas:
Social development: Improving the social determinants of health and reducing the probability of harm.
Prevention: Implementing proactive programs to address risks before they result in crime, harm, or victimization.
Risk intervention: Reducing the need for incident response by preventing issues before they occur.
Incident response: Providing immediate responses to urgent situations.
The CSWB Plan is designed to enhance safety and well-being in Hamilton by collaboratively addressing key social challenges.
To learn more about the progress that has taken place to date, please visit: www.hamilton.ca/safetyandwellbeing
MAYOR’S TASK FORCE: IMPROVING TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY & ACCESS
The Mayor’s Task Force on Transparency, Access, and Accountability (MTFTAA) is looking for your ideas and feedback on how to increase transparency, accountability, and access within the City of Hamilton. This consultation builds off various City-led consultations such as the Reimagining Public Participation Consultation and Our City Survey done in 2022.
There are four ways you can participate in this public consultation:
Complete the survey and the ideas tools below
Submit written submissions to clerk@hamilton.ca
Attend public delegations on November 19th
From past consultations we understand that members of our community often feel they are not included in City decision making and want to know more on how City activities or decisions impact your local neighborhood. We also know that the services our community feels function well are things like our Libraries and Bookmobiles, Fire and Paramedic services and our parks and open spaces. Whereas community members want to see improvements in other areas such as community housing, social services, traffic and roadways as well as building permits.
The responses to this consultation will inform a final report which will make specific recommendations to City Council on how to improve the following:
Public access to productively engage with the City of Hamilton: Ensuring that community members and organizations have clear, accessible channels for participation and feedback in city governance.
Transparency regarding City of Hamilton activities and decisions: Increasing the visibility and openness of the City's operations and decision-making processes to build trust and accountability.
The City of Hamilton demonstrating accountability to our communities: Implementing measures to ensure that the City’s actions and decisions are responsive to the needs and concerns of its diverse population, fostering a sense of responsibility and reliability.
Propose practical steps to enhance trust: Developing clear and feasible next steps aimed at building and maintaining trust between the City of Hamilton and its residents.
Public Delegations
Delegations will be held at Hamilton City Council Chambers on November 19, 2024.
November 19, 6 pm - Council Chambers
SHARE YOUR VISION FOR COPPS PIER PARK - NOV 16
A student-led team from City Lab Hamilton is partnering with the City of Hamilton Placemaking team to raise awareness and increase engagement at Copps Pier Park located within Pier 8. The event aims to identify barriers people experience with space and pinpoint positive aspects of the park. They would like to understand residents’ perspectives to help transform the park into a vibrant place the community can enjoy. Free hot chocolate will be offered. Learn more here.
TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE - NOV 21
This event commemorates the 25th anniversary of Trans Day of Remembrance and is open to all community members and their support people. There will be a candlelight vigil, sharing space and storytelling, as well as art and button making. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Happening at the Youth Wellness Centre (38 James St. S - 2nd Floor) from 5pm-7pm. Learn more here.
HAMILTON WOMENS ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH EVENT - NOV 21
The Woman Abuse Working Group, in collaboration with the Native Women's Centre, is hosting Hamilton's annual event in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The event will explore ending violence and murder of Indigenous women and girls, and deepen collective understanding of building meaningful collaboration to support gender based violence efforts using a respectful and culturally informed manner. Learn more here.
UNIMAGINABLE: A FILM SCREENING FOR NATIONAL HOUSING DAY - NOV 21
To celebrate National Housing Day, Playhouse Cinema will be hosting a special screening of Terrance Odette's documentary, Unimaginable. Follow Lance Dingman as he navigates housing, basic income, and mental wellbeing challenges. Stay for a panel discussion with local experts on these crucial topics. Learn more here.
ACCA 45th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - NOV 23
The Afro Canadian Caribbean Association is hosting their 45th anniversary celebration gala Forward Together: A Journey Through Time and Beyond. This special evening is dedicated to reflecting on the community’s remarkable legacy, celebrating the collective progress and envisioning the future we aim to build together. Taking place November 23rd, 2024 at 5:30pm. Learn more here.
CPKC HOLIDAY TRAIN - NOV 23
On November 23, the roughly 1000-foot CP Holiday Train is rolling into Hamilton with 14 brightly decorated rail cars to the south side of Gage Park, along Lawrence Road at 7:30 pm. Performances by American Authors and KT Tunstall. Free family concern event for all ages from 8pm to 8:40pm. Hamilton Food Share will be collecting food and cash donations. Be sure to bring along non-perishable food contributions such as tuna, beans, rice, pasta, cereal and baby food to the event. Learn more here.
HAPPY HOLIDAY MARKET - NOV 23
Hamilton Vintage Community is hosting their annual Holiday Market at the Cotton Factory. With over 60 vintage curators and vintage inspired makers as well as food and drink from The Hearty Hooligan. Free admission from 11am-4pm. Learn more here.
BARTON VILLAGE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & FUNDRAISER - NOV 25
Join the Barton Village BIA for an evening of visioning followed by entertainment including live music, refreshments, games, prizes, raffles, and more! The event will be taking place on Monday November 25, 2024 at Westinghouse HQ (286 Sanford Ave N) with the AGM commencing at 6pm followed by the fundraising event! Tickets for the event are $25 each.
To RSVP for the AGM only, please email info@bartonvillage.ca. To purchase tickets for the event/fundraiser, click here.
TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE ANNUAL DINNER - NOV 27
Folks are invited to join for an observation of TDOR created by various service providers throughout Hamilton, in honour of those lost to or living in violence. Happening at Compass Community Health (438 Hughson St. N) from 4:30pm-7:30pm. Bus tickets will be provided. Learn more here.