#OurWard E-newsletter & Updates
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Key topics: Encampments, housing, parks
King Street Corridor, Community Events & Reopening - September 18th
Neighbours,
The past two weeks have been overshadowed by feelings of loss for many residents in our Ward 3. Tony Perri, HWCDSB Trustee for Ward 3 passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Sept 11th, 2020. Mr. Perri was an educator, musician, an entrepreneur, and beloved community member for many across Ward 3. Please consider sharing your memories with Tony’s family and friends here.
I also want to thank the many Ward 3 residents who aided in the search for Holly Clark. Like many of you, I remain heavyhearted as we held hope for so long for her safe return and now live with unanswered questions. Holly’s dear friends will host a Candlelit Vigil in Woodlands Park next Saturday, September 26th at 7:00pm.
Grief is a powerful emotion. Know that you are not alone. If you need some support contact CHMA Hamilton. Please also take time for rest, reflection and care.
Yours in community,
Nrinder Nann
Ward 3 Councillor
King Street Corridor Update
Last Friday, Metrolinx announced they would be demolishing 21 properties - all of which are located in Ward 3 between the Delta and Wellington Street.
I had an informative and productive meeting with Metrolinx this week to inquire about their plans for vacant buildings slated for demolition due to safety concerns.
Beginning September 21st, Metrolinx’s Contractors will begin inspecting select properties adjacent to demolition sites, document the existing condition of properties located in the close vicinity of upcoming demolitions.
This flyer has been delivered to properties requiring inspection, door-to-door. Oza Inspection LTD inspectors will supply this letter upon their visit as well as identification.
A clear picture of timelines and impacts of demolitions, building by building, will be shared with my office as soon as Metrolinx has confirmed all associated work.
On Wednesday, Council passed the motion I moved to direct staff to initiate discussions with Metrolinx to explore affordable housing, place-making initiatives and community benefits along the King Street corridor regardless of future plans. I am committed to finding highest and best use to restore the feeling of safety, pride and community on King Street - an artery of possibility in our ward.
We have also confirmed that Little Albert Park at Dunsmure and King Streets will not be impacted, though the north side of King Street will have construction activity related to demolition. Should you have any questions on the demolition, please email Hamilton@Metrolinx.com and cc’ Ward3@Hamilton.ca
Demolition at 86 Sherman Ave. S.
A fire devastated a home on 86 Sherman Ave in 2019. Unfortunately, the burned out structure was fenced and remained untouched since then, raising a number of safety concerns in the community.
This week, Council ratified my motion to approve the demolition of the structure. My office will share updates on timeline once the building department has confirmed.
Traffic Studies
I believe our ward deserves a holistic, system wide review and assessment of our entire roadways to ensure safety and flow. As such, I will be moving a motion at Public Works Committee in October to pursue a fulsome study to inform future road redesign with the standards of Vision Zero and Complete Streets guiding the process.
Many traffic studies and assessments Transportation Operations would regularly undertake have been impacted by COVID-19. Traffic volumes are much lower when compared to pre-Covid 19 traffic, as many residents continue to work from home and other commutes and driving patterns have been significantly impacted.
Since data is critical to decisions the City makes, conducting studies and assessments when traffic volumes are not reflective of pre-COVID-19 conditions is problematic. The department has essentially suspended studies and assessments until traffic volumes return to what might be called a new ‘normal’. This is important to ensure that true data is reflected in decision-making.
Community Safety & Wellbeing
This year has proven to be a challenging one on so many fronts. I know many residents are growing weary and tired. It has also been a year of profound compassion in action. Now, more than ever, we need to resource our collective capacity to continue to tend to each other and our neighbourhoods, to build resilience and to respond together.
Since it is not safe for us to gather in person to connect, the Ward 3 office is hosting a series of 4 community virtual meetings to address issues of community safety and wellbeing this Fall.
It is my hope that through these meetings, we will facilitate stronger relationships in our communities, build capacity and resilience in our neighbourhoods to address issues, while also getting crystal clear about what to expect from City services.
The first meeting will take place on October 15th with full details on how to participate on October 2nd.
HSRnow: Mobile App for Trip Planning
As HSR increases hours and frequency, customers can use the app to: Plan trips from A-to-B, get real-time next bus information for close-by stops and sign up to receive stop and route notifications, and text or email alerts. Riders using other mobile apps or services to find their HSR bus information (e.g.: Google Transit, Transit App, MonTransit) may continue to use these apps, as they will continue to function.
Re-opening Announcements
Recreation Registration - As of this week, the City has restarted more swimming programming, including open swims for families and seniors as well as gym programming.
For updates on other City service, please visit Hamilton.ca/Reopens
Community Events & Opportunities to Participate
Gage Park Wheelchair Swing Ribbon Cutting - Tomorrow we cut the ribbon on Hamilton’s first wheelchair swing, located in Gage Park. The City’s official ribbon cutting protocol recommends virtual events wherever possible, and a limited number of attendees in person. Everyone is encouraged to attend via my live Facebook and Instagram feeds.
Beautiful Alleys Fall Clean Up - On October 3rd, Beautiful Alleys will host it’s first clean up of the year and they are excited to be back. Team up with your neighbours or friends in an alley, park or greenspace that could use some love. Please email hamiltonalleys@gmail.com to register.
Ottawa St. Farmers Market - Volunteers Needed - Market manager Denise and many volunteers have been working to ensure that the residents can have access to farm fresh goods close to home. On Saturdays between 7am & 2pm, volunteers are needed for any time slot, to set up and to greet shoppers safely. If you are interested or have questions, please email info@ottawastreetfarmers.com or call 905-544-5822.
What the #Ward3?
Dog Poop - We’ve received an incredible number of complaints about this over the summer, bags along the trail, in alleys, on front lawns! Please pick it up. You can avoid fines and keep your neighbours happy.
If you have events or volunteer opportunities you would like the Ward 3 office to get the word out on, please email ward3@hamilton.ca.
Do you have any photos you are proud of from across the ward?
Share your favourite #OurWard3 photos with me by either sending them to ward3@hamilton.ca or by using the hashtag #OurWard3 on social media!
Hamilton is Home - A Bold Plan to Build 3000 Affordable Housing Units in 3 Years
Dear Neighbour,
Is it just me or is summer flying by?
I sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are enjoying the warm weather and reconnecting safely in your circles. There are still plenty of days left to enjoy your favourite patio, a picnic in one of our fabulous parks or ride the newly completed Cannon bike lane.
I know that as August comes to an end many families are trying to map out our back-to-school plans. If you need more information, please contact your Ward 3 Trustees:
HWDSB-Maria Felix Miller, HWCDSB-Tony Perri
In this post you will find updates from Council and information for Ward 3 residents.
For the latest Covid-19 information, please visit the city’s website. As always, please email my office at Ward3@Hamilton.ca if we can be of service.
Yours in community,
Nrinder Nann
Ward 3 City Councillor
A proposal to build 3000 Homes in 3 Years - A Made in Hamilton Solution
My motion to support the bold, Hamilton is Home Housing plan was unanimously ratified by City Council this week.
In February, I invited social service housing providers to bring their assets and unique strengths to a discussion about a vision that could dramatically increase our affordable housing stock and reduce our wait list by working collaboratively.
From there, a coalition of non-profit housing providers in Hamilton formed.
With their expertise and Council’s full endorsement, we are sending a clear message to upper levels of government that Hamilton is serious about delivering a full spectrum of affordable housing solutions and that we are united in our bids for a Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation investment.
This plan will deliver affordable housing that is equitable, accessible and climate friendly. There are 6231 households on the Access to Social Housing waitlist. Rents have gone up 28% in the last 5 yrs. Incomes have not. With this pandemic, income insecurity is that much more prevalent. Developing affordable housing is a strong economic stimulus tool for a just recovery. All Hamiltonians deserve safe, dignified and affordable housing.
My governance model is justice and solutions-oriented. I will continue to work diligently with organizations meeting residents needs at all points of the housing spectrum — from homelessness to shelters, to transitional and permanent housing. Together we have the expertise and the collective will to dramatically reduce homelessness and housing precarity.
Temporary Shelter at the former Cathedral Boys’ School
My office continues to field many questions and comments from residents about the Temporary Shelter which will open at 378 Main St. E in September.
I am so grateful that Ward 3 residents are welcoming, compassionate and ready to roll up our sleeves to support this initiative. I also understand that there are trepidations about safety, stemming from bad experiences and misconceptions about shelter operations.
On August 11th, my office hosted a community information session, with Housing Services at both The City of Hamilton and Good Shepherd, in order to invite tough questions and to present factual information.
In order to make the information available to as many residents as possible, a recording is available here and an FAQ sheet, here.
Should you have further questions after reading and viewing, please consider contacting:
Rob Mastroianni Manager of Emergency Shelter Services & RCF Subsidies at Rob.Mastroianni@Hamilton.ca; or
Katherine Kalinowski, Chief Operating Officer, Good Shepherd Housing Services
kkalinowski@gsch.ca
(905)528-5877 Ext. 3323
430 Cumberland - Investing in the Future
It was such a pleasure to celebrate the opening of a new play structure and half basketball court with residents and staff at City Housing Hamilton's 430 Cumberland Ave building today.
Investments that foster play lead to relationships and a sense of community that can last a lifetime.
Whether it is a friendly game of one-on-one or a chance to shoot hoops and chat, I know first hand the positive impact that an outlet like this in your front yard can have as a teen.
While talking to a mom who works night shifts, I learned that the play structure has already made all the difference in enabling her kids to have outdoor physical play be a part of their everyday.
A senior who lives in this building also shared how lovely it is to look out the window and see kids at play: “Their laughter brings joy to my day”.
This pandemic has shown how important it is to invest in safe, outdoor play that is close to home. And I am proud to have contributed $76K from Ward 3 discretionary funds to the total $124K investment made.
Public Art in support of Essential Workers
Earlier this summer, artists were asked to propose vibrant, positive designs celebrating the contributions of Hamilton’s healthcare workers in these challenging times. Earlier this month, a volunteer jury of healthcare workers, graphic designers and artists reviewed the submissions and have short-listed 20 designs for public input.
Public consultation seeking comments and preferred designs will began today.
Up to 15 designs will be selected by the volunteer jury based on public input and other criteria. Each awarded Artist will receive $650 for the use of their designs. Their work will be installed on graffiti-resistant wraps this fall on select traffic signal boxes at intersections nearest to Hamilton’s Hospitals.
The deadline to comment is Monday, September 7, 2020.
To review proposals and provide input, please click here.
HSR Service Changes
Beginning on Sunday, September 6th, HSR will return to weekday service at summer levels on most routes, with the equivalent of 100% seated capacity. This would mean 30 customers on a 40-foot bus and 50 customers on a 60-foot bus—seated and standing.
The seats nearest to the operator will remain blocked and there is no plan to move the yellow lines.
This change is expected to meet resident needs for increased capacity based on current and projected ridership levels.
For information about schedules and FAQ, please click here.
Engage Hamilton
The City has launched a new website to better involve residents in shaping the development of City projects, policies and initiatives.
We know that new, physically distant engagement tools are more important than ever, through the pandemic. Through this tool, you can register to participate in online public information sessions, ask questions, and share feedback.
In addition, you can help the City’s public engagement staff to better share information and solicit input by taking this survey.
If you have events or volunteer opportunities you would like the Ward 3 office to get the word out on, please email ward3@hamilton.ca.
Do you have any photos you are proud of from across the ward?
Share your favourite #OurWard3 photos with me by either sending them to ward3@hamilton.ca or by using the hashtag #OurWard3 on social media!
Economic Recovery, Temporary Shelter at the former Cathedral Boys' School & Face Coverings as Community Care
Dear Neighbour,
Below you will find updates from Council and information for Ward 3 residents. Thank you for your calls, emails and comments on this newsletter.
Please be advised that our next newsletter will be sent out to coincide with the next Council meeting on August 21st.
As always, please email my office at Ward3@Hamilton.ca if we can be of service.
Yours in community,
Nrinder Nann
Ward 3 City Councillor
Temporary Shelter Measures at the former Cathedral Boys’ School
The COVID-19 pandemic has put unimaginable pressures on our housing system and laid bare issues with crowding and capacity. I am truly grateful for the work done by shelter agencies and our own Housing Services division through this crisis.
In the coming months, it will be critical to maintain the number of available shelter beds with physical distancing. The City has contracted hotel rooms to ensure emergency beds are available for families, women, men and couples.
A new and critical initiative will be a retrofit of the former Cathedral Boys’ School on Main St. E to accommodate between 45 and 80 men who are experiencing homelessness. The use of this site will allow Good Shepherd to transfer temporary shelter operations from First Ontario Centre. I have inquired about support services available and am confident in the wraparound care that our vulnerable neighbours will receive there.
The facility will include:
• Lounge space
• Recreational activities
• Medical services through a nurse practitioner and the Shelter Health Network
• Harm reduction supports
• Case management and housing support services and,
• Outreach services provided through other agencies including Ontario Works.
My office has been in communication with the Stinson Community Co-Chairs and will host a virtual community meeting with the operator Good Shepherd and the City’s Housing Services division to answer questions and to address any concerns from neighbouring residents.
This meeting will be held on August 11th 2020 at 6:30pm. An invitation will be sent during the last week of July.
Wearing is Caring - Mandatory Face Covering By-Law
Today, Council ratified the Mandatory Face Coverings by-law to protect the public from potential spread of Covid-19 while in indoor public spaces, including commercial areas, places of worship, community services and public transit, including HSR.
Face coverings, referenced in the by-law, include bandanas and scarves which cover the nose, mouth and chin, as well as other non-gapping covers. Those with underlying conditions, who cannot put on or remove a mask without assistance and/or those under two years of age are exempted from the by-law.
The City will communicate further with establishment owners and residents, please see the City’s Hamilton Reopens site for more information. This by-law comes into effect on July 20th 2020.
Economic Recovery Task Force
This week, I joined City Councillors from across the country to pen a piece urging the Federal government to share an adequate relief plan for municipalities. You can read the article here.
As the Economic Recovery Task Force continues to meet over the summer I aim to address issues affecting small business and workers in the Ward and across the City. I believe Hamilton can deliver bold, equitable and sustainable outcomes.
If you are a small business owner contributing to your neighbourhood, who wants to contribute to a city that works for all through the recovery process, I want to hear from you. Please email us with your suggestions and comments and tell us about the business you run.
The Temporary Patio Dining Program
As part of the City of Hamilton’s ongoing commitment to support economic recovery, the Outdoor dining districts program has allowed eligible local businesses to establish temporary and seasonal patios as well as seating areas on municipal or private property(within zoning restrictions) during the 2020 Summer/Fall seasons.
There is no application fee to submit an Outdoor Dining District application, however depending on your set up, additional applications and fees may apply. The Outdoor Dining Districts Team will work with you to share all requirements and to help you through the process.
For more information, or to apply to the program, please email: outdoor.dining@hamilton.ca
Parking Changes
A new parking app allows you to pay, track and extend your parking anytime, on all on-street parking meters and in Municipal parking lots in Hamilton right from your smartphone. Simply download the new Passport Parking App from either the Apple or Google Play Stores to create your account.
Payment by coin and credit card remains available.
As approved by Council through the 2020 budget process, parking fees for on-street meter rates will increase to $2 per hour and all eased restrictions have returned to regular enforcement.
For more information please click here.
Additional Announcements
City Hall Limited Re-Opening Residents will be able to resume in-person services on the first and second floors of City Hall, beginning July 20th 2020. City Hall staff have been working to implement public health guidelines swiftly.
The Ward 3 Office will continue to serve you remotely with limited exceptions where phone, email and video conferencing is not available.
Closure of Charlton Ave. E Access due to construction
The Road Closure on Charlton Ave East between Wentworth St. S. and Sherman Access has been extended until September 04, 2020. COVID-19 delays continue to have a huge impact on this and other construction projects. We appreciate your patience with this.
If you have events or volunteer opportunities you would like the Ward 3 office to get the word out on, please email ward3@hamilton.ca.
Do you have any photos you are proud of from across the ward?
Share your favourite #OurWard3 photos with me by either sending them to ward3@hamilton.ca or by using the hashtag #OurWard3 on social media!
Cycling Enhancements, Summer Activities & Student Victory
Dear Neighbour,
I hope this blog post finds you and your loved ones safe, well and enjoying the first week of summer.
Scroll for updates from Council and important information for Ward 3 residents.
As always, please email my office at Ward3@Hamilton.ca if we can be of service.
Yours in community,
Nrinder Nann
Ward 3 City Councillor
Student Lives Matter - Black Lives Matter
Young people from across Hamilton have been voicing concerns about the Student Resource Officer program for years. Their experiences, especially those of Indigenous and Black students have been telling. At Monday’s HWDSB meeting, a motion tabled by Ward 3 Trustee Maria Felix Miller to terminate the program and to find a successful means of investing in student success with partners rooted in local communities passed.
HWDSB is not the first school board to hear concerns and criticism of the program. In 2017 the Toronto District Schoolboard voted to cancel their SRO program after concerns were raised by students, parents and teachers alike. And the last week alone there have been similar conversations in Edmonton and Vancouver.
While Trustees deliberated on Monday, student organizers, including many young Ward 3 leaders, came together to stage a sit-in on Main Street and observe the board meeting together - democracy in action.
At the sit in, current and former students shared powerful stories about their experiences with the program, racial profiling by police and their ideas for more effective, youth-centred solutions while also chanting and dancing in the rain. It was incredibly moving to observe the ways that organizers and supporters took care of each other during the sit-in.
The kids are alright.
“This has always been a call to action to hear from our most vulnerable and acknowledge their experiences. But it is also a call to imagine a different possibility,” - Ward 3 HWDSB Trustee, Maria Felix Miller
Fire at Mr. Used
It was an incredibly hot day last Friday, when I received the call from Fire Chief, Dave Cunliffe about a multiple alarm fire at the old Mr. Used location on Barton Street.
My team quickly circulated Public Health guidelines for residents concerned about smoke inhalation and confirmed that HSR buses were on standby at the scene, in case of evacuation. There were reports online that a number of unhoused residents had sought refuge in the building however, Fire has confirmed that no one was in the building during the fire.
It took 14 crews, serious excavation and over 24 hours to completely extinguish the fire that has left a gap in the skyline.
The work of our Fire Department is remarkable. Heavy flames, hot weather and thick smoke all day on the job, we are all so grateful for their work and for Box 43, the volunteer fire association refreshment and rehab truck which stayed on scene to make sure workers were hydrated and fed.
Many residents have shared nostalgic accounts and their interesting items from Mr. Used. ’
As we wait for a report on the source of the fire, and the intentions of the owner, I am asking: What happens when a property this size is leveled? How can we ensure public safety around the site? How can we turn this unfortunate situation into an opportunity that truly serves the community?
Stay tuned, my office will share updates.
Birch Ave. Green Space
Over the past seven years, volunteers have been building a pollinator paradise on the west side of Birch Ave. N of Barton St. I applaud the way residents have worked together to foster a healthy, naturalized area in our Ward 3. My office has awarded the GALA community planning team a grant to support the completion of a self-sustaining pollinator garden for all to enjoy.
If you have a project idea which will serve our Ward 3, contact my office.
Let’s Get Growing Success!
Through a partnership with Environment Hamilton, we have supported over 100 residents to obtain seeds to grow edible plants at home. With such success, the Let’s Get Growing in Ward 3 program will be back in Spring 2021.
Mobility Plan - Cycling Enhancements
Through the pandemic, I have heard from many residents that cycling is their preferred mode of transportation for physical distancing, health and recreation. Council approved investing in enhanced cycling infrastructure that delivers more safe and protected lanes for everyone.
In Ward 3, we will see safety improvements to existing cycle tracks on Lawrence Rd. & Gage Ave, including physical separations. Also on the docket is completion of the Cannon Cycle Track between Sherman Ave. and the stadium, and a new multi-use path on Victoria Ave. between Cannon and Barton to provide better connectivity.
Upcoming Events & Activities
Canada Day On July 1st at 7:00pm, the City of Hamilton will host a virtual Canada Day Celebration at 7pm on CHCH and online at CHCH.com. The broadcast will include performances by the Hamilton Children’s Choir, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Harrison Kennedy and Queen Cee as well as Polaris Prize nominated Terra Lightfoot and JUNO award winners Tom Wilson and The Dirty Nil.
Rec at Home Beginning the week of July 6, City staff will start to distribute activity kits to take home in select parks. The kits will include games and activities that children can take and do at home. There will also be related content, including videos on the website prior to the launch each week.
Opening of some City Pools Also beginning the week of July 6, some city pools, including Jimmy Thompson Memorial Pool will be opened, in addition to splashpads, which were opened last week.
Please visit the recreation section of the City’s website for a full listing and schedules.
COVID19 Transit Service Updates
As of Monday, June 22nd, masks are required on all public transit, including HSR DARTS & TRANSCAB, exceptions are made for children under two years of age & those who are unable to remove their own mask.
A reminder that fare collection will resume on July 1st 2020. To renew your bus pass, load your presto card and purchase tickets, please visit the HSR section of the City’s website.
If you have events or volunteer opportunities you would like the Ward 3 office to get the word out on, please email ward3@hamilton.ca.
Do you have any photos you are proud of from across the ward?
Share your favourite #OurWard3 photos with me by either sending them to ward3@hamilton.ca or by using the hashtag #OurWard3 on social media!
Black Lives Matter, Hamilton Bike Share & More
Dear Neighbour,
Our office continues to prioritize communication with you through social media, community update mail outs and now directly to your email inbox.
These regular emails will include updates from Council, projects in the Ward and matters raised by residents.
Yours in community,
Nrinder Nann
Ward 3 City Councillor
Black Lives Matter.
The whole world has witnessed the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police violence in Minneapolis, MN. The ongoing accounts of excessive force by police continue as people have taken to the streets peacefully with their grief and demands for justice.
Regionally, thousands are also demanding truth and accountability for the death of young Black adults facing mental health crises. Regis Korchinski-Paquet, 29 years old, died after falling from her family balcony after Toronto police told her family to leave the apartment and she was alone with police officers. D’Andre Campbell, 26 years old, was shot to death in Peel when he called the police for help during a mental health crisis. The Special Investigative Unit is currently investigating both cases.
Over a 17-year window in Canada, the number of people dying during encounters with police has steadily increased. Black and Indigenous people are disproportionately more likely to face deadly encounters with police compared to their population size. In some cities, Black residents are twenty times more likely to be killed by police than those racialized as white. All while thousands of cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls go unresolved.
Here in Hamilton, many residents have called for the defunding of police. This past week, I have received up to 50 emails per day from residents supporting this call.
We are all being asked to contemplate: what is the future of policing?
Important questions stemming from the Independent Review Into The Events Surrounding Hamilton Pride (report released on June 8th, 2020) also suggests policy level and service level changes are required for policing to be more effective in combating hate based activity and incidents.
Data shows that crime rates go down when neighbourhoods have better schools, adequate parks and green space to freely congregate and play, access to well paying jobs along every commercial corridor, adequate multi-modal transit options, robust social support services and adequate housing in place. Communities are safer and healthier when we invest in them.
Real population outcomes are possible when we have teams of responsive crisis intervention workers rooted in centring the needs of those experiencing a crisis. It is that much more effective when these services are steeped in best practices of community building and when the workers have trust-worthy relationships in a neighbourhood. These community crisis intervention approaches resource teams to be available to residents in times of personal crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed how much more we need to invest cross-sectorally in our city. Especially so when it comes to mental health, addiction and housing.
Should police be the providers of wellness checks?
Would it not be better to right size essential police services to focus on investigating homicides, the proliferation of guns and illegal drugs, property theft, vehicular traffic violations and other core policing business instead?
These are not easy questions to respond to. I am certainly learning a lot quickly also. And I encourage you to consider these important questions also, with an open mind and not hardened old stances.
And from the countless conversations I have had with residents over these weeks, Hamiltonians expect zero incidents of police brutality, zero incidents of anti-black and anti-indigenous racism. Residents also expect accountability when bias has impaired the judgement of officers to the point of causing death. And all residents deserve services that deliver protection and safety.
In this historical moment, and while contending with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear there is no going back to “normal” and we must build a better way forward.
If you would like to learn more on this topic check out these resources:
White Fragility Robin DiAngelo (Link to HPL)
Policing Black Lives - Robyn Maynard
The End of Policing - Alex S. Vitale
Divest from Police, Invest in Communities - Anthony Morgan
Are we ready to talk about defunding the police? - Alok Mukherjee
Defund Police? Dismantle Them? What Then? - Crawford Kilian
Defunding Will Save Black And Indigenous Lives In Canada - Sandy Hudson
Long Live Hamilton Bike Share!
On June 3rd, World Cycling Day, Hamilton City Council voted unanimously to keep our beloved blue bikes rolling as an essential mode of transportation for our residents. The World Health Organization recommends cycling as the best way to maintain physical distancing while travelling for essential services. And in Hamilton, many workers use SoBi to commute to and from work in every field of work including our health care sector.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, over 600 Hamiltonians became new subscribers, joining the over 27,000 others.
Though my initial motion to allocate discretionary reserve funds from Ward 1, 2 and 3 to provide a stop gap solution to buy some time for staff to put together a long term operations plan and to have Hamilton Bike Share Inc operate it for the interim was lost on a tie vote, Council reconsidered it on Wed June 3rd accepting $400K in donations from residents, businesses, organizations and the McNally Foundation instead.
It is important to remember, no one wanted to be in this position. And the only reason we were is because Uber unilaterally decided to cancel their contract obligations with the City to operate it.
Jay Keddy Trail
Last Wednesday, Council also approved funding of the Jay Keddy Access Trail which will serve as the City’s first dedicated cycle track up and down the Escarpment. This mixed pedestrian and cycling trail will help foster active living, physical connectivity and shared experiences among the lower city and escarpment neighbourhoods. Looking forward to seeing the final design and implementation.The trail is named in honour of Prince of Wales Elementary kindergarten teacher Jay Keddy who was tragically killed cycling on the Claremount Access in 2015
Wheelchair Swing
Gage Park is home to the city’s first wheelchair swing!
Thank you to Rebecca Shae for her advocacy in helping make this swing a reality for our neighbours who rely on wheelchairs. I look forward to seeing this swing in use once the emergency orders closing all play structures are lifted.
Yardshare in Ward 3
An exciting and much needed resident-led initiative supported by my office. The goal of the program is to increase food security and decrease the length of the food chain.
If you are a Ward 3 resident interested in learning more or getting involved, please see the facebook page or email: yardshareinward3@gmail.com
If you have events or volunteer opportunities you would like the Ward 3 office to get the word out on, please email ward3@hamilton.ca.
Do you have any photos you are proud of from across the ward?
Share your favourite #OurWard3 photos with me by either sending them to ward3@hamilton.ca or by using the hashtag #OurWard3 on social media!