Private Property Clean Up Adjacent to Encampments, Goods Movement Strategy, LRT Early Works
Dear Neighbours,
This issue of the Ward 3 E-Newsletter includes many updates from Council, Committees, City Services, Ward 3 infrastructure and services, and many opportunities for you to get involved in community-led events and initiatives.
I look forward to joining many of you at Open Streets this Sunday where King St E from John to Gage will be closed to pedestrian and biking traffic only. North and southbound traffic will be signalized and controlled to maintain safety at each major intersection. See the map below for details. I’ll be biking through the strip with my family and the Ward 3 team and next month on June 23rd we will be set up for pop-up office hours to provide direct support to neighbours seeking to discuss municipal issues.
As always, please reach out to my office for any city service related support by connecting with us at ward3@hamilton.ca or at 905-546-2107.
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".
PRIVATE PROPERTY CLEAN UP ADJACENT TO ENCAMPMENTS ON CITY OWNED LANDS
Council ratified staff’s report recommendations to support private property clean up adjacent to encampments on City property. My office has been working with neighbours across Ward 3 to find a formal solution to the negative impact of accumulating litter spilling over from encampment locations both intentionally and unintentionally. I want to thank you for your patience in this process and awaiting this solution.
Staff were directed to complete a competitive procurement for private property clean ups, funded up to a maximum of $150,000 from the Environmental Services Division – Parks & Cemeteries Section 2024 Operating Budget, and approved the additional 0.5 FTE Temporary Parks Supervisor for up to 24 months to oversee the program at a cost of $74,000 to be funded from the Environmental Services Division – Parks & Cemeteries Section.
Costs to continue this program as a permanent program of the Environmental Services Division will be included in the 2025 Operating Budget for Council consideration and based on results of the program on an annual basis.
This service will be accessible based on a set Criteria Checklist for Private Property Clean Ups approved by Council. Some key aspects include:
The private property must be directly adjacent to an active and known encampment on City property.
The private property cannot have outstanding Property Standard or yard maintenance by-law violations.
The property owner has demonstrated financial hardship in being able to adequately clean up their property from the affected area.
Please review the criteria link above to see if your property would be eligible for this additional city service.
GOODS MOVEMENT STRATEGY
In an effort to balance the needs of efficient good movement as well as community health, I worked with Councillor Kroetsch to amend staff’s recommendations to include the following:
That as part of the in-progress Truck Route Network Monitoring and Evaluation action by Report PED 9073 (d) staff be directed to report back on potential updates and/or modifications to the 32 Actions identified in the Goods Movement Strategy in order to explicitly address concerns related to equity, public health, roadway safety, impacts of continued road expansion, and urgency around the City’s declared climate crisis.
We are uniquely positioned as a city with air, rail, road and waterways for goods movement. This gives Hamilton a competitive edge from an economic hub perspective. However, we must do our due diligence to ensure economic prosperity of those businesses investing in our municipal borders are intentionally also contributing to the health and wellbeing of our communities. As a city, we must incite the leadership of our economic partners to advance outcomes that benefit all.
LRT EARLY WORKS UPDATE
There are three major LRT early works that are taking place in Ward 3 between now and 2026. The details below were presented to the LRT Sub Committee meeting this week.
Sherman Avenue South (South end to Wilson) and Wentworth Street North (King to Wilson) projects were driven by the need to strengthen the watermain system in advance of major LRT construction. Collectively these works act as a replacement for an existing 500mm trunk watermain on King Street since space constraints make it impractical to reconstruct this 500mm trunk watermain in the LRT corridor.
As previously reported to our Ward 3 neighbours, the subsurface component of the Sherman works is comprised of the construction of a 300mm watermain and connections to trunk watermains on Cumberland and Main Street E. In coordination with these works, the City is taking the opportunity to resurface the remaining portion of the road and provide on-street bike facilities from Delaware to Dunsmure.
The project was partially delivered in 2023 (Dunsmure to Wilson) and is underway now along the South-end to Dunsmure with a projected completion in Fall 2024.
The subsurface component of the Wentworth works is comprised of the construction of 200mm and 500mm watermains and connections to trunk watermains on Wilson and King William. The asphalt surface will be replaced upon completion of the watermain works. The project will tender with adjacent City funded capital construction projects on Wilson Street and Sherman Avenue North in Spring 2024. Overall construction will commence in Fall 2024 with an estimated completion in Spring 2026.
Main St East and Ottawa Street will see a City-led project to replace City watermains. Bell Canada infrastructure at Main and Ottawa is currently under development and it is expected that construction will commence in Spring 2025 and be completed in Fall 2025.
This intersection is highly congested and a critical juncture point for the City watermain and Bell Canada networks. Advancing the works now will remove challenging tasks from major LRT construction and will result in more robust infrastructure for both parties. In order to mitigate risk to the City, the works will be fully coordinated with other City watermain projects.
Those who participated in the joint Ward 3 and Ward 4 Community Meeting on Ottawa St Enhancements will note that the input received will help inform the final design for these works above.
A aerial photo of Ward 3. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "Ward 3 Updates".
WARD 3 POP-UPS ARE BACK!
My team and I will be hosting Ward 3 Office pop-ups in the community again this year across different neighbourhoods to connect one-on-one with neighbours as a way to help address your questions, concerns, or ideas.
Many residents share how much they appreciate connecting in this way, as not everyone has access to internet or email to reach us in those ways.
Our pop-up schedule for this year is:
I look forward to connecting with you in person and offering access to the support of my team soon!
WOODLANDS PARK UPDATE
1. Prep for Splashpad Construction
Starting Monday May 27th, residents will see construction activity at Woodlands Park.
The work proceeding at the Woodlands washroom is strictly to accommodate the needs of the splashpad which will begin on June 15th. An expedited schedule is in place to ensure there is no conflict on site with 2 general contractors which protects the City in regards to health and safety legislation.
In the next two weeks, the contractor, overseen through the insurance and risk management process, will be carrying out a smoke remediation in the structure which is required before the new electrical meter and panel can be installed. To prevent shutting down the use of the park while work is ongoing, the building will be contained and continue to be protected from the public.
The new electrical panel required to power the spray pad will be installed during the two-week period to avoid delaying the opening and operation of the spray pad as a result of not being able to connect to the existing electrical panel damaged by the fire outbreak. This is not the rehabilitation for the full facility.
The works are outlined in the information report going to Public Works committee on June 3rd.
Proposed Schedule:
May 27/28 – remainder of tear out/remediation completed (removing finishings, fixtures, electrical and plumbing components).
May 29/30 – temporary hoarding installed – contractor will be covering the roof area of the building to prevent/minimize debris and dust during the blasting – this will ensure that the park can remain open and will prevent/minimize any complaints of the area being “messy or dirty” or otherwise by nearby homes and businesses.
May 31 – blasting begins for the structure – the contractor will be arriving on site at approximately 7:00am for prep/setup with blasting expected to begin around 9:00am – blasting will go throughout the day until 6:00pm
Note: Blasting/smoke sealing is expected to take 12-13 days to complete and, if needed, the contractor will be working through the weekends only if needed. The work is expected to be completed by June 13. There will be generators on site and other equipment that can produce some noise, but caution will be taken to minimize the impact. The contractor will be able to erect signage that construction work is being done on the site.
You can direct any questions from residents on this directly to indra.maharjan@hamilton.ca.
2. Exercise Equipment End-Of-Life
The exercise equipment at Woodlands Park, installed back in 2009, was the first of its kind to be implemented in the City of Hamilton. The equipment has been very popular and well used for over 15 years. The City also learned a lot about how outdoor equipment is used, and how to improve future installations.
Unfortunately, this equipment is at its end of life and Parks staff can no longer continue to maintain it in a safe state.
The equipment will be removed soon, and will be coordinated around the other work in the park, by the end of June.
While we will be sad to say goodbye to this amenity, we’d like to take this opportunity to look at a replacement location, and style of equipment that will go back into Woodlands Park.
City staff are already committed to gather your ideas and feedback through a Parks Renewal Plan for Woodlands Park, as discussed at the April 30th Community Meeting. A visioning project will take place as part of future workplans, once approved by Council.
Thank you for your patience as we work to make positive and comprehensive changes to Woodlands Park.
CITY PARK PERMIT USE FOR SCHOOLS
The Ward 3 Office has been fielding many inquiries around some misinformation about park use and permits for schools within the ward.
Unfortunately, the source of misinformation was circulated by HWDSB and to the Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School administration. This was confirmed by Trustee Maria Felix Miller.
City Staff provided the following information to my office to help clarify the process:
Based on the Parks By-law, organized activities for groups over 20 people require a park permit.
In an effort to proactively work with HWDSB schools, the Board recently sent out a reminder memo to all schools to ensure information pertinent to park bookings was distributed with enough notice to issue permits for year-end activities.
While the City of Hamilton and HWDSB have an active reciprocal use agreement, activities that are not curriculum or athletics based are not supported under this agreement and individual schools are responsible for associated fees for any other requested activities.
Permits are required for the City to action the activity in our booking software to ensure our Parks staff have information that may impact scheduled park maintenance, waste collection post-activity, access to support amenities (washrooms, spray pads) and to avoid conflict with other permitted users of the space. The permit is also issued in compliance with the By-law as verification of sanctioned activity should Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) visit the site based on calls received from the public.
The cost for the permit is $14.40/hr which increased based on the recent user fee by-law from $13.71/hr. The cost for a 4 hour booking of the site (10am-2pm) would be $57.60 +HST.
The City also has a fee reduction request form that schools may choose to submit for consideration, however unless there are extenuating circumstances HWDSB related activities are generally not supported for waivers given the consideration of an executed agreement for rentals between the two parties which is upheld by both parties for access to sites.
The submission of an application form triggers direct discussion between the school and and the City’s Recreation Services working directly with the City's park rentals team to navigate the booking process. The City continues to make enhancements to our online bookings user experience and should see information added over the summer months which will further assist with general rental inquiries.
We recommend all Ward 3 schools fill out the appropriate forms and submit them to recreation.rentals@hamilton.ca. If you have any additional questions or concerns, you can also send them directly to the team at recreation.rentals@hamilton.ca.
BISHOP’S PARK COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION
Due to the cyber security incident and the 10 week impact to most capital works projects, the community meeting my office hoped would take place this June is now scheduled for Tuesday August 13th, 2024.
City staff will respond to the requests related to a play structure, improved accessibility, maintenance of existing trees and other issues raised by neighbours. None of this currently has any allocated funding and is not formally on the capital works master plan. As such, any changes would require a financing plan.
My office will confirm the location and time by the end of June and will circulate a “save the date” flyer in the Stinson neighbourhood, as well as request the help of the Stinson Community Association to get the word out.
SHERMAN AVE N & BURLINGTON ST ROAD CLOSURE/TRAFFIC IMPACTS
Please be advised of the upcoming traffic impacts/road closure on Sherman Ave N and Burlington St. due to sewer rehab tentatively scheduled on Burlington St E for Thursday May 30, 2024 from 7pm-7am.
Please be advised that:
Sherman Ave N traffic must turn right onto Burlington St
No left turn onto Sherman Ave N from Burlington St
PDO @ intersection of Burlington St/Sherman Ave.
No impacts to HSR
If you observe any issues, please contact the City’s direct line at 905-546-2489.
Photo of Gage Park’s splash pad. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "City Services Updates".
SPRAY PADS ARE OPEN!
The city’s network of spray pads officially opened as of last weekend.
Standard hours of operation are from 10 am to 8 pm. All water systems are controlled by a timer set for standard hours of operation. Systems are also equipped with activation sensors limiting operation to real time demand, enhancing water conservation.
During a heat event, the community level spray pads will be open from 9 am to 9 pm.
Caregivers are reminded to supervise their child(ren) at all times while visiting the spray pad.
FREE TREE GIVEAWAY
Free Tree Giveaway is back, #HamOnt!
The City is giving away a variety of shade and ornamental native tree or shrub species to residents free of charge.
These give-a-way events are planned and prepared by the City’s Forestry section as a result of our targets to increase the urban tree canopy. Pre-registration is required. Residents must present a drivers license or property tax bill upon pick up to ensure this program supports Hamiltonians who are responsible for planting, watering, and maintaining the tree.
The free events will run 9am to 2pm on May 25th and June 1st at Mohawk College and on June 8th and June 15th at Bayfront Park.
Select your tree and register for your pick-up date and location at: http://hamilton.ca/treegiveaway.
One tree per property. Pre-registration required.
Photo of a large group of youth from Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion. Transparent white box in centre with navy text reads "Community Events & Opportunities".
HAMILTON BLACK FILM FESTIVAL
Hamilton Black Film Festival, the first BIPOC film festival in Hamilton is hosting its 4th anniversary at the following two theatres:
May 24-25 at Playhouse Cinema - 177 Sherman Ave. N
May 24: The Color of Slavery, 6:30pm
May 25: Ray of Hope, 4:30pm
May 26 at Zoetic Theatre - 526 Concession St.
May 26: Award Ceremony, 7:30pm
When the group embarked on this incredible journey four years ago, their vision was clear: to provide a platform that celebrates the rich diversity of Black storytelling through the powerful medium of film.
They aimed to create a space where the underrepresented voices could shine, where narratives often overlooked could be shared, and where the beauty and complexity of the black experience could be acknowledged, appreciated, and celebrated.
SACHA’s CHOCOFEST 2024 TAKES PLACE MAY 30
The chocolatiest day of the year is fast approaching!
Get your tickets for SACHA’s tasty fundraiser at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chocolate-fest-2024-tickets-825810410167?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete&keep_tld=1
Chocolate Fest is an event to get you to try unique and delicious chocolate creations from local businesses and help fund SACHA’s essential services for survivors and their mission to end sexual violence.
Join them on May 30 from 6pm-9pm by purchasing tickets using the link above!
HAMILTON CIVIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM 2024
Registration is now open for Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion’s 2024 Civic Leadership Program!
Now in its 5th cohort, the leadership program helps you develop a critical understanding of democracy, government institutions, and engaging with communities to make change.
Over 10 weeks, participants will hear from guest facilitators from across different fields including city, provincial and federal government, community organizers, students organizing on their campus, writers, and more.
This weekly program runs every Tuesday evening from June 25 to August 27. Participants will receive a certificate and gift card on completion of the program. Food and bus tickets will be provided.
The program is open to youth ages 18-25 who live in Hamilton and the surrounding area. Priority will be given to participants who are Black, racialized, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomer/immigrant, low income, or Disabled/Neurodiverse.
Space is limited. For more information or to register, please visit: https://hcci.ca/civicleadership/