Affordable Housing on City Surplus Land, Total Eclipse, Community Opportunities & More!
Dear Neighbours,
Around the world and among many faith communities, it is a time of honouring the spirit of our collective humanity while reflecting on how we each pursue freedom through true acts of love. As you gather in community to honour your traditions here locally, sharing in sacred meals and rites, I wish you peace in your heart and mind.
Spring is also a time when many turn their attention to the environment in our neighbourhoods with clean ups and informational events. All these seasonal practices enrich the fabric of our community and truly make Hamilton a better place.
Thank you for contributing in the positive ways you do!
This enewsletter has many important updates as the City moves from incident response to recovery mode after the cyber security incident in February. Staff and a team of experts have enabled many services to return, however the path to full recovery will take some time. The article below in the City Services section outlines updates in detail.
At this time, two of #OurWard3 office team members are currently facing family emergencies. Our goal is to continue to provide you with support, however, we may require a longer response time. We kindly ask for your patience as our team navigates these difficult times while we continue proudly serving our neighbours. You can email us at ward3@hamilton.ca for support.
Yours in community,
Councillor Nrinder Nann
Photo of Hamilton City Hall in spring with tulips out front. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "Council & Committee Updates".
AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON CITY SURPLUS LANDS ON LAKE AVE, STONEY CREEK
Mayor Horwath used her executive powers at Council on Wednesday and announced her intent to veto Council’s 8-8 vote that prevented the City from moving on a strategic direction to enable truly affordable housing on pre-zoned, municipally owned parking lots on Lake Avenue in Stoney Creek. Both lots at 5 and 13 Lake Ave S have been pre-zoned for residential development for 30 years and have continued operating as free parking to date.
I fully support her decision to do this although it is regrettable that she has had to.
During the Statements by Members portion of the Council agenda, I emphasized the importance of pursuing actions that provide outcomes to the policy priorities we have endorsed as a Council. As a Council, we must pursue solutions in every neighbourhood across the City that have a direct impact on the housing crisis gripping our residents. It is unacceptable to deny the use of municipally-owned lands for housing during a housing crisis. Thousands of Hamiltonians are waiting to get access to dignified and affordable housing.
And so, the two lots on Lake Avenue will be part of the first wave of actions that embrace a “Whole of Hamilton” approach to identify and facilitate housing solutions that result in safe, affordable, rental and ownership housing for lower-income residents. Creating and maintaining affordable housing is one of the City of Hamilton’s key priorities and is clearly outlined in the Housing Sustainability & Investment Roadmap.
I remain steadfast in my commitment to deliver on truly affordable housing across all neighbourhoods in Hamilton and will continue to do all I possibly can to deliver outcomes in the face of the housing crisis.
FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES BOARD & COMMITTEES
I recently joined Council members from across Canada who serve on FCM Standing Committees and the Board of Directors in Prince George, BC to discuss key priorities for municipalities nationally.
We advanced resolutions endorsed by the Board, including Hamilton’s resolution on increased federal funding toward housing for refugees and asylum seekers. While the over $3M provided to Hamilton is appreciated, the true cost is closer to $10M. With the shelter system already overburdened, we need targeted investments to meet actual costs. FCM will be reaching out directly to the corresponding federal ministers and adding to our local advocacy.
Nationally, communities are seeing increased homelessness, exacerbated by a lack of affordable housing, shelter spaces and necessary wrap-around supports.
FCM is calling on the federal government to increase funding to the Reaching Home program, including additional funding to the Rural and Remote Homelessness stream. For every new housing unit built, there’s a corresponding infrastructure need that must be met, and #CDNMuni needs adequate funding to support it.
Unfortunately, the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program has come to an end, the CCBF is being renegotiated, and the Permanent Public Transit Fund is not set to start until 2026. There is no sign of a new infrastructure plan, let alone one that enables the growth and corresponding housing development that is being targeted nationally.
Municipal infrastructure is a lot more than wastewater, roads, and bridges. Social infrastructure like libraries, parks and pools are critical for creating vibrant neighbourhoods where people want to live, work, and play.
Cities are delivering more services and infrastructure to residents than ever. We need a new fiscal framework that is not solely dependent on property taxes.
FCM is clear it’s time for the federal government to step up and empower municipalities with the tools we need to support growth, improve the quality of life for residents, and properly fund the crucial next generation of infrastructure that Canadians will rely on.
2024 ONTARIO BUDGET ENABLES VACANT UNIT TAX ACROSS THE PROVINCE
“An unoccupied home is unacceptable in a housing crisis, which is why Ontario is extending authority broadly to all single and upper tier municipalities to impose a tax on vacant homes. This measure will increase housing supply, address housing affordability, and ensure more Ontario families can afford a home.”
This statement in the 2024 Ontario Budget affirms to me that sound Housing policy decisions cannot be voted on a matter of personal opinion.
It is necessary to understand the issue of housing at its root level, as well as, the systems that uphold the housing crisis we are facing - to enables the solutions necessary to address the collective crises griping every city in the province and country.
Some of the those solutions are policy based, some tax based, some investment based, and others enforcement based. The bottom line is that in order to tackle systemic inequity we must implement a multi-pronged and holistic approach to change. I am proud to champion sound housing policies and actions as your Ward 3 City Councillor and you can count on me to continue doing so.
A aerial photo of Ward 3. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "Ward 3 Updates".
WOODLANDS PARK SPRAY PAD/UPDATE
The unfortunate circumstances that led to the fire and damage to the Woodlands Park washroom facilities can be pivoted to an opportunity to enhance this beloved park. I have requested City staff teams to pull together a comprehensive update on the impacts and path forward after the fire at Woodlands Park. This will include both temporary and permanent options to restore full washroom facilities.
We are working with our community partners to co-host a meeting on Tuesday, April 30th in the evening. Please hold the date in your calendar and join us to have direct input on the solutions and path forward for a revitalized and renewed Woodlands Park.
In the meantime, the final tender budget has been approved to enable the construction of the Spray Pad. Staff are currently targeting a grand opening by Labour Day this summer!
SHERMAN AVE & DUNSMURE RD WATERMAIN INSTALLATION & ROAD RESURFACING
In a follow up to our previous update on Phase 2 of Sherman Ave Roadworks, construction is scheduled to commence on or about April 2, 2024, and will be substantially completed by September 2024, weather permitting.
As previously mentioned, the work involves replacing the existing watermain and water services to the property line, construction of sidewalks and curbs along with the re-surfacing of the roadway.
During the time of construction, neighbours may be connected to a temporary water bypass system. Your water consumption will not be metered when receiving water from the bypass system. For billing purposes, your water consumption will be based on your average daily consumption during the same period last year. Once the water portion of the construction work has been completed, the bypass system will be discontinued so that your water service will be restored, allowing your water consumption to be metered again. Your billing will return to being based on your measured water consumption at this point in time. For questions pertaining to the water portion of your bill, please contact the City at 905-546-4426.
As construction progresses, neighbours in this area may experience some inconveniences such as noise, dust, temporary disruption of water service and restricted traffic movement. Every effort will be made to do the work in a timely manner and to keep any inconvenience to a minimum. We ask for your patience during this period. However, for the duration of the project, the City of Hamilton on-site inspector will be made available to explain the sequence of work and answer any construction related questions. If you have a medical condition or any physical conditions that may require special attention, please advise City Staff as soon as possible.
We ask for your co-operation during this period and request that any questions regarding this work be directed to:
• The City’s Project Manager, Dennis Perusin 905-973-4235 / dennis.perusin@hamilton.ca
BALSAM & DUNSMURE REPAVE
As you may remember from our last e-newsletter, Ada, who is one of #OurWard3 neighbours, wrote me a special note requesting safer roadway surfaces to enable better cycling in her neighbourhood.
Ada’s note, as well as the consistent feedback from residents who live adjacent to Jimmy Thompson pool about potholes and failing infrastructure, led me to move a motion at Public Works Committee back in February to ensure Balsam Ave from Main St. E to Cannon St. E and Dunsmure from Prospect to Gage Ave are resurfaced to extend the quality of the roadway to reduce maintenance costs on the roads and enhance safer cycling on the designated cycling boulevard.
I am happy to announce that my motion was ratified at Council on March 27th, 2024, and the work is slated for implementation this Spring!
Photo of multigenerational family with solar eclipse glasses on. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "City Services Updates".
TOTAL ECLIPSE - MON. APRIL 8TH, 2024 - 2 to 4:30pm
Monday April 8, 2024, from approximately 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, Hamilton will be one of the few Southern Ontario communities that will be in the path of a total solar eclipse, known as “the path of totality.” The path of totality is a narrow corridor approximately 100 to 115 km wide in which the sun appears to be entirely covered by the moon for a short period. A total solar eclipse is a rare event. The path of totality may pass over a location only once in a person's lifetime.
People in the path of totality will be able to see sun features that are generally not visible during this period. Even though the moon is blocking the sun, looking at the eclipse is still very dangerous and can cause temporary or permanent damage to your eyes.
Proper eye protection is necessary. Viewing glasses that meet the international standard ISO 12312-2 are considered safe for viewing an eclipse. Ensure that eclipse glasses fully cover your field of vision. Regular sunglasses will not protect people’s eyes.
The City’s Tourism & Culture Division has designated viewing sites. The preferred viewing sites were selected based on their capacity to accommodate large crowds, accessibility features, availability of amenities, and suitability for eclipse viewing. We encourage Hamiltonians to experience the eclipse from their homes.
Viewing this event is weather-dependent, and the eclipse will not be viewable if cloud cover is present.
CYBER SECURITY UPDATE
While the City is working to restore and recover from the cybersecurity incident, some services are still experiencing temporary disruptions. The City’s website is updated regularly as new information becomes available. We appreciate your patience and understanding as staff along with experts in the field work to resolve the issue.
Child Care Fee Subsidy - As of Monday, March 25, the Child Care Fee Subsidy office located at 28 James Street North will be reopened and available for in-person appointments. Existing Child Care Fee Subsidy clients can continue communicating with their Fee Subsidy Worker through the My Child Care Account.
City Housing Hamilton - City Housing Hamilton’s main office is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at 181 Main St W 3rd Floor. Phone lines and housing software applications are not operational. For emergencies that require immediate service, call: Answer Plus 1-844-937-2943. Staff have limited access to emails but will sort through non-emergency emails on a priority basis.
Building & Planning - All public counters remain open including the third, fifth and sixth floors of City Hall. Phone lines are currently not operational; however, staff can be reached by email, including individual work email addresses and our various general inquiry email addresses. A full list of emails can be found here.
Council & Committee Meetings - Staff have been working to resolve some of the technology challenges posed by the Cybersecurity Incident to run Committee and Council meetings, prioritizing accessibility and in accordance with Procedural By-Laws. We resumed are schedule this Wednesday March 27th, 2024 with a Special General Issues Committee and our first Council meeting since the incident.
Customer Contact Centre - The Centre is operational and able to take phone calls from residents at 905-546-2489 (CITY). We ask for the public’s patience as some delays may be experienced.
Also, we received confirmation that a one-time, four-week catch up for outstanding salary and special pay will be advanced for all city staff this pay cycle. For more information, employees are encouraged to connect with their supervisors and direct reports.
SPRING RECREATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPEN
The City of Hamilton’s Spring Recreation Programs are now open for registration. Please visit https://www.hamilton.ca/things-do/recreation/customer-service/how-register for more information.
For any questions or concerns regarding the registration process or the programs available, please contact the Recreation Team directly by emailing recreation@hamilton.ca.
Photo children gardening. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "Community Events & Opportunities".
BOOK LAUNCH: STANDING TALL BLACK WOMEN’S STORIES OF TRIUMPH IN HAMILTON - APRIL 5, 2024
Please join the Afro Canadian Caribbean Association for their highly anticipated book launch of, “Standing Tall Black Women’s Stories of Triumph in Hamilton”.
“Standing Tall” showcases the extraordinary journeys of Black women who have significantly impacted the City of Hamilton. This event is a celebration of their perseverance, strength, and achievements, shining a spotlight on their invaluable contributions to Hamilton’s growth and development. From the Underground Railroad to community development, and academic and political leadership, these stories serve as powerful sources of inspiration and empowerment.
Date: April 5, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Art Gallery of Hamilton,
123 King Street West, Hamilton
Please use this link to register: https://shorturl.at/sDP79
You may also purchase your copy online @ https://accahamilton.com/product/standing-tall/
I hope you join the Afro Canadian Caribbean Association for their live performances and delightful refreshments as they unveil “Standing Tall” and make it available for purchase.
THE LITTLE PLANTERS GROW BIG GARDEN DREAMS: LET’S GET GROWING WORKSHOP SERIES - APRIL 6, 2024
This exciting 8 X FREE workshop series, presented in collaboration with esteemed community organizations; City Of Hamilton -Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse & Horticulture department, Dundurn National Historic Site – Kitchen Garden, Hamilton Children’s Museum, Butterfly Way Hamilton, Hamilton Public Library, City Of Hamilton - Forestry Department and William Dam Seeds, promises to be both fun-filled and educational for children of all ages.
What to Expect: Featuring 8 individually tailored workshops, this series offers a diverse range of engaging workshop activities designed to foster a love for gardening and nature. From hands-on planting adventures to behind-the-scenes explorations, there's something for every budding gardener to enjoy.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday April 6th, 2024
Location: Tropical Greenhouse Gage Park Hamilton
Time: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Registration: Eventbrite Registration Link
Workshop Schedule:
9:30 AM - Workshop #1: Sprout & Sow: A Microgreen Growing Adventure! [French Immersion] Registration Link
10:00 AM - Workshop #2: Twigs and Tweets - Hamilton Children's Museum Registration Link
10:30 AM - Workshop #3: Behind-the-Scenes at Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse Registration Link
11:00 AM - Workshop #4: Sensory Seed Balls - Dundurn Kitchen Garden Registration Link
11:30 AM - Workshop #5: Compost Salad: Gardening with Kitchen Scraps Registration Link
12:00 PM (NOON) - Workshop #6: Flower Power - Hamilton Children's Museum Registration Link
12:30 PM (NOON) - Workshop #7: Saving our Pollinators: Mini Greenhouse for Native Plants Registration Link
1:00 PM - Workshop #8: Let's Get the Garden Growing! Registration Link
Spaces are limited and tend to go fast so sign up immediately.
We look forward to seeing you at the workshops and creating unforgettable memories together!
HAMILTON YOUTH TOWN HALL, APRIL 13
Join us on Saturday April 13, 2024 from 1pm-4pm on the 2nd Floor of City Hall for Hamilton’s first ever Youth Town Hall!
This free, interactive event is hosted by Hamilton City Councillors in partnership with Model City Hall and City of Hamilton Youth Strategy to connect youth with City Councillors, and provides youth a chance to share their ideas, as well as participate in youth-led discussions and a Q&A with City Councillors.
If you’re between the ages of 14-29 and interested in attending, you can register online by visiting tinyurl.com/hamontyouth.
We hope to see you there!
SPRING CLEAN UPS
Each Spring there are a variety of community clean ups in #OurWard3 neighbourhoods. Currently the Stinson Community Association has a community supply pick up at Carter Park clean up scheduled for April 19, and a CPKC rail clean up with the Corktown Neighbourhood Association on April 20, however, some of the other clean ups that typically happen at this time of year here in Ward 3 have not been confirmed as of yet.
If you are organizing a spring clean up in your neighbourhood, please let us know so we can help by sharing it for you!