Vacant Unit Tax By-Law, Fireworks Motion, Battery Energy Storage Systems, & More
Dear Neighbours,
The holiday season has kicked off in Hamilton!
Last Wednesday, I welcomed the CPKC Holiday train for its 25th anniversary stop at Gage Park in #OurWard3. Thousands showed up to partake in the live performances and helped contribute food and donations to Hamilton Food Share. This year, food bank use has gone up a staggering 40% as more and more households are struggling to keep up with the ever increasing cost of daily life. If you are able, please consider donating.
This Saturday, I joined over a hundred attendees at the Canadian Federation of University Women - Ontario Council to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. For the next 16 days, we are all being invited to learn and do more to eliminate violence against women, girls and gender diverse folks. Hamilton has already declared the situation an epidemic. Thousands reach out to crisis support hotlines locally on an annual basis. Our sexual violence shelter spaces are over-capacity and turning folks fleeing violence away. What can you commit to doing to help address this epidemic and prevent more violence from occurring? Support our local service sector in their calls to action. #MMIWG2S #WeBelieveInSurvivors #NotOneMore
In this issue, you will find updates on a variety of topics like the Vacant Unit Tax By-Law, battery energy storage systems, and community events taking place in the ward to name a few.
To contact my office, please reach out by email at ward3@hamilton.ca or call 905-546-2107.
Yours in community,
Councillor Nrinder Nann
Image of the 2nd floor mural in City Hall. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "Council & Committee Updates".
VACANT UNIT TAX BY-LAW
What was supposed to be a routine approval of by-laws during Council this week turned sideways when six Councillors voted to oppose approval of the Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) By-law. By the time a policy reaches the by-law stage, it has already been debated at standing committees as well as Council, and has received majority support for endorsement. This is usually a routine item on the agenda.
However, on Wednesday, the enacting by-law was defeated by a tie vote. I stepped out of the Council meeting virtually to attend to a matter for my mother who remains in hospital. Two other Councillors also left before the vote in of the bills because it is usually such a routine matter.
In the case of the VUT, Council has been advancing steps and making progress for years, including gaining provincial approval to implement the new tax policy. During the previous vote in this term of Council, it passed 10 votes to 5 votes.
The VUT is one of the measures to address the City’s housing crisis. By creating a disincentive to have units remain vacant, the City aims to bring more housing online for those who need it. The City will be charging an additional 1%6 tax on any home vacant for more than 183 days in a year, and that revenue generated from the tax can be reinvested into City programs or more affordable housing.
In every city that has implemented the same policy, thousands of units have been returned to rental or sold for housing, and when investors prefer to keep it empty, they pay 1% of their property value to the city with those funds going towards supporting more affordable housing. In fact, in Ottawa, with this being their first year of collecting their VUT, generated over $10million.
In Hamilton, 30% of residential properties are solely investor-owned. Previous census data stated nearly 11,000 housing units were identified as vacant. The program schematic in Hamilton was based on an overly conservative estimate of 1000 units being declared vacant. Which if occupied, would significantly assist with our housing needs in the city. You can see in the numbers listed below that we need solutions that are going to deliver thousands of housing units to make a difference:
Over 1200 are homeless
Nearly 300 are living encamped
Between 6500-8000 are on the Access To Housing waitlist
Having said all that, I remain positive that by our next Council meeting we will restore the VUT and proceed with the projected timeline for implementation:
January 2024 Letter with declaration instructions and details mailed to property owners
March 31, 2024 Mandatory declaration deadline
April 1-30, 2024 Late mandatory declarations will be accepted with a fee
First week of June 2024 VUT bills are mailed out with Final Property Tax bills
June 30, 2024 First VUT payment due
July 2, 2024 Complaint/appeal period begins
September 30, 2024 Second VUT payment due
For more information on the vacant unit tax, please visit the City’s VUT page.
CELEBRATING CANADA DAY IN A NEW CLIMATE CHANGE REALITY
On November 15, I tabled a motion at Council that was seconded by Councillor Hwang that asked my colleagues and City Staff to consider environmentally focused ways to celebrate Canada Day in the future as a direct response to City Council’s 2023-2026 priorities of Sustainable Economic & Ecological Development. These priorities include a commitment to protect our unique natural landscape and waterways, protect biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
As many of you may remember, the air quality in Hamilton leading up to the Canada Day celebrations this past summer was deemed high risk by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks as a result of wildfire smoke from areas outside of Hamilton.
The increased risk of wildfires and wildfire smoke from these areas are expected to continue given the impacts of climate change, which will also lead to increased concerns from residents about compromised air quality, especially over the summer months.
When traditional fireworks explode, metallic compounds are released into the environment that can be carcinogenic or toxic to both humans and animals. The smoke generates particulate matter that affects air quality and makes breathing more difficult for people with asthma or other respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Fireworks are also problematic for people with a variety of traumas and mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, those with neurodivergence and autism, military veterans, and people who have fled war-torn regions.
The aim of this motion was to address that there are fun and safe alternatives to conventional fireworks. Alternative options include laser light shows, drone shows, or other low-altitude, low-noise, and special effects pyrotechnic displays.
Additionally, with the City of Hamilton preparing a Request for Proposal for a producer of its annual Canada Day celebration, of which a final spectacle show is the key feature that in the past has been a fireworks display, I urged Council to support the following:
That Tourism and Events staff study the feasibility of alternatives to fireworks for a Canada Day spectacle show that are more responsive to our climate action, biodiversity and public health priorities and report back to the General Issues Committee by Q1 2024; and,
That Tourism and Events staff are directed to include a scoring strategy for the Request For Proposal for a 5-year Canada Day producer contract bid that prioritizes an option that is responsive to our climate action, biodiversity and public health priorities in seeking a replacement to the current fireworks spectacle.
However, in fear of advancing too quickly on safer options, majority of Council opted to approve only the first item above listed as (a). With air quality continuing to be one of the most identified environmental concerns raised by Ward 3 residents, I look forward to the report and discussing next steps to tangibly address the concerns.
BLUE FLAG BEACH PROGRAM
Last term of Council, I moved direction to staff to explore what it would take for Hamilton to become Blue Flag Beach accredited. At Public Health Committee, we received an update which provided important details about the program and the benefit of joining it.
The international Blue Flag Program was established in 1987 to recognize public beaches, marinas and boating tourism that are sustainable and safely managed.
The Blue Flag Program recognizes communities that work hard to promote swimmable, drinkable, fishable water. The program has a rigorous compliance program across four categories:
a) Environmental Education and Information
b) Water Quality
c) Environmental Management
d) Safety and Services
Operators of public beaches must ensure that requirements are met prior to accreditation, and maintained annually, to earn the blue flag status.
This program is administered in Canada by a not-for-profit organization “Swim Drink Fish” (SDF). In order to apply for a Blue Flag accreditation status, a beach must undergo a feasibility study by the organization. Successful blue flag organizations and operators fly a dedicated blue flag to demonstrate their compliance to the program.
It is important to note that Hamilton’s beaches are regularly inspected already during bathing season, to ensure the safety of users – the Blue Flag program provides another opportunity to give the public information about the water at specific locations and the required educational component of the program helps to connect people with the water and promotes stewardship.
At Council, I worked with Clr Francis who was my seconder to move the following direction to staff to engage Swim Drink Fish Canada, to begin the process for accreditation for Van Wagners Beach site, with the first step being a feasibility audit for compliance to the Blue Flag program. Staff will report back to the Public Health Committee with the costs and steps to become compliant with the program.
BESS - BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS IN HAMILTON
During the last General Issues Committee, we had two delegations from companies that are seeking approvals from the Independent Electricity System Operator to set up battery energy storage system facilities in Hamilton. NRStor Inc is seeking to set up in the new Steelport development in the former Stelco lands here in Ward 3. This energy technology aims to provide reliable energy storage projects that create energy cost savings and reduce environmental impact.
This is important technology to support, however, their request for endorsement came with a tight timeline that did not enable staff nor Council to complete our due diligence. As such, I moved to direct staff to review the requests from a combined climate change, economic development and land use perspective, and to report back recommended criteria for Council to consider in future proposals seeking endorsement.
In the meantime, NRStor is proceeding with their application to the IESO and is hosting a community open house on Dec 4th. See the Community Events & Opportunities section of the newsletter for more information and to learn how you can participate.
Image of the Ward from the Escarpment. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "Ward 3 Updates".
SHERMAN AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE
In follow up to our previous update on the Sherman Ave roadworks, we have learned from staff that to date, the concrete road base is complete from Wilson to Dunsmure, as well as Dunsmure itself.
All concrete curbs and aprons leading into driveways along Sherman Ave and Dunsmure are completed as have been the bump outs on the west side of Dunsmure. The east side is anticipated to be completed by November 27th or shortly after.
Additionally, all wheelchair ramps at King Street and other locations have been completed, with top soil and sod also complete throughout the sites.
As of last Monday November 20th, milling of Sherman Ave from Wilson to Dunsmure was completed over 3 days, and then paving took place Friday and Saturday. The final work is line painting. This work is heavily reliant on weather conditions permitting.
With these operations, there was major traffic delays as staff work towards completing the balance of the project ensuring both worker and public safety which will have an impact on all travellers.
Thank you to adjacent neighbours for your patience and goodwill during this construction phase.
SEWER INSPECTION WORK - BARTON ST. E
We are advising #OurWard3 residents of an upcoming temporary road closure on Barton St E at Birch Ave (full intersection) for sewers inspection.
Barton St S at Birch Ave (MAP):
Monday, November 27 – from 7:00am - 7:00pm.
Tuesday, November 28 - from 7:00am - 1:00pm
Birch Ave at Princess St (MAP):
Tuesday, November 28 - from 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Traffic control and detours will be in place during this closure. Please expect some delays throughout this area.
JIMMY THOMPSON POOL MAINTENANCE CLOSURE - DECEMBER 6-8
We are advising residents of an upcoming maintenance closure for Jimmy Thompson Pool for December 6-8th to address a floor drain in the men’s change room shower area. They will reopen on December 9th for regular scheduled programs.
A photo of a map with a pin marking the City of Hamilton. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "City Services Update".
RESIDENTIAL ZONES PROJECT - REIMAGINING NEIGHBOURHOODS
Residential zoning is changing across the City. The permissions for the types of housing that can be located throughout a neighbourhood are expanding to support growth in a more responsible and equitable way. The City’s Residential Zones Project is looking at how different types of housing can be built within and along the edges of neighbourhoods. Reimagining Neighbourhoods is about providing housing choice and more affordable housing options for the residents of Hamilton.
Within neighbourhoods, housing choice may mean more than one home on a property, the ability to convert a home into more units, or build a triplex or fourplex. Along the edge of neighbourhoods, it may mean townhouses, mid-rise apartment, or condominium buildings that take advantage of transit and help to create a more walkable environment. Learn more about the Residential Zones Project here.
The City is informing the community about the Reimagining Neighbourhoods project by visiting locations across the City. The meeting taking place in #OurWard3 is on the following date and time:
Wednesday November 29
6pm-8pm
Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre
Residents can stop by the project booth to pick up information or talk to a member of the project team.
The project team has also created a 5 minute survey for residents to provide their feedback on what matters most to them as housing options grow in their community. The survey can be accessed here.
PROPOSED INCREASE TO BUILDING PERMIT FEES - DECEMBER 5, 9:30AM
The City of Hamilton will be holding a public meeting to discuss the proposed fee changes under the Building Code Act, 1992, aiming for an approximate 2% increase and new fee categories to cover expected costs.
Date: Dec 5, 2023
Time: 9:30 am
Where: Council Chambers, City Hall, 71 Main St. W., Hamilton
This hybrid meeting (in-person & Webex) can also be viewed on the City's YouTube Channel at InsideCityofHamilton. However, if you would like to share your thoughts or attend, please use the following methods below to share your feedback:
Email: clerk@hamilton.ca
Mail: Legislative Coordinator, City of Hamilton, 71 Main St. W., 1st Fl., L8P 4Y5, by Dec 4, 2023, noon.
Thank you for your participation!
A blurry photo of a holiday market with lights. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "Community Events & Opportunities".
HAMILTON ACORN x CITYLABS TENANT SURVEY - LAST CHANCE,
NOVEMBER 27!
Students at CityLAB Hamilton have been working with Hamilton ACORN to look into the effects of extreme heat on Hamilton tenants. This work is being done in support of passing an adequate temperature by-law, as will be discussed in the Public Health Committee meeting this December.
They are conducting a survey of Hamilton tenants and their experiences with extreme heat. Please take a moment to share your input on their survey.
HAMILTON LRT VIRTUAL EVENT - NOVEMBER 30, 6:30PM-8:00PM
The Hamilton LRT project will play a key role in the revitalization of Hamilton’s urban environment by transforming how residents travel across the heart of the city. Modern light rail service will connect key areas, destinations and institutions along Main Street, King Street and Queenston Road, creating a 14-kilometre multi-modal corridor and an enhanced streetscape.
Join the team live and learn more about the Hamilton LRT project, the new design refinement, and the Building Transit Faster Act (BTFA) 2020. Metrolinx staff will respond to questions received during the event.
Registration is recommended and is available here.
OTTAWA ST. BIA HOLIDAY CHEER EVENT - DECEMBER 2, 10AM-4PM
The weather outside might be frightful but Ottawa Street North is still delightful!
Come keep warm with our hot chocolate crawl from Barton to Main (locations will be posted closer to event on the Ottawa St. BIA website here). New blow up decorations will be lining the street including an 8 ft tall T-Rex and skiing moose.
There will also be a free holiday photobooth (with or without Santa) from 10:00am to 1:00pm @ 303 Ottawa Street North, as well as many holiday markets and last minute holiday deals to be had.
Be sure to join in the fun on Ottawa Street North!
GALA HOLIDAY GATHERING - DECEMBER 2, 10AM-12PM
On Saturday December 2nd from 10am to noon, the GALA community will be meeting at 541 Eatery and Exchange to enjoy breakfast, gifts, and treats for everyone.
This gathering will also be a chance to spend some time planning GALA spring events, as well as enjoying time with our neighbours, friends and community partners.
Santa will be stopping by for pictures and gift-giving with children. Please join us for a fun holiday gathering! For more information or to confirm your attendance, please contact: galaherald@gmail.com.
NRSTOR BATTERY STORAGE FACILITY PROPOSAL - OPEN HOUSE,
DECEMBER 4, 5PM
Join NRStor for an informative online event on Monday December 4, 2023 at 5pm.
Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is currently accepting proposals for energy storage projects. IESO is looking to increase the capacity of the grid, and emissions free battery energy storage can help achieve this goal sustainably.
NRStor Inc., Mississaugas of the Credit Business Corporation (MCBC) and Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC) are working together to site a battery energy project in Hamilton. In order to fulfil their bid obligations, they are seeking input from the local community.
The bid deadline for these proposals is December 12, 2023. The MCBC, SNGRDC and NRStor Hamilton's Steelport Battery Project can improve energy reliability, support Ontario’s transition to clean energy, and offer a pathway towards meaningful economic reconciliation.
I encourage residents to provide their input to this plan. To RSVP for this online event, please do so here.
WARD 3 OFFICE POP UP AT PINKY LEWIS RECREATION CENTRE -
DECEMBER 7, 5:00PM-7:00PM
Our last #OurWard3 Pop-Up is quickly approaching!
As many of you know, my office has been hosting Ward 3 Office Pop-Ups in the community across different neighbourhoods to connect one-on-one with neighbours.
These community based office hours are a great way to connect in-person with my team and I on City issues, services, and ideas.
Many residents continue to share how much they appreciate connecting in this way, as not all of our neighbours have access to the internet or email and are not able to reach us in those ways.
Our next pop-up is scheduled for Thursday, December 7th from 5pm to 7pm at Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre, located at 192 Wentworth St. N.
Light refreshments will be provided. I look forward to connecting with you and offering access to the support of my team soon!
Again, this is the last pop-up of the year, so be sure to save the date and attend!
541 HOLIDAY MARKET - DECEMBER 8, 3PM-9PM
GIFTS! SNACKS AND HOT BEVERAGES!
Join 541 to celebrate their reopening with a Holiday Market to raise funds for their operations! Shop for holiday gifts, grab a bite to eat, and sip on a hot beverage!
JOINT STINSON NEIGHBOURHOOD TOWN HALL WITH WARD 2
DECEMBER 14, 6:30PM-8:30PM
The Stinson Neighbourhood spans both Wards 2 & 3. Councillor Kroetsch and I have a commitment to collaborate to meet local needs in the area, while also sharing information with residents about key city matters.
Together, we are hosting a neighbourhood town hall at the Central Memorial Recreation Centre in Stinson on Thursday, December 14 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
We encourage attendees to RSVP by email at ward3@hamilton.ca so we can ensure there are enough seats, and to accommodate your participation (ie: child minding, accessibility requirements, etc).
We will also live stream the meeting and are aiming to have it completely hybrid (more details on that to come).
NEW URBAN GARDEN CLUB
Green Venture has a new initiative to help take care of six gardens and greenspaces along Barton St. Their Urban Gardening Club was inspired by other groups around the city and the goal is to create a robust volunteer maintenance system and have regular meet-ups and creative workshops on urban gardening. The Garden Club will meet bi-weekly at local bakery and flower shop Pinch (Sherman and Barton St).
If you are interested in joining the group, learn more about it here.