August 1, 2025
Dear Resident
Two weeks ago, representatives from the Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre (Urban Core) attended a Kirkendall outdoor event, where they spoke with residents about their new Residential Treatment and Recovery (RTR) program and its location, which they have identified as 276 Aberdeen Avenue. Based on the information we have gathered, this location will be part of Urban Core’s Mental Health and Addictions Treatment (MHAT) Hub, also known as a Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.
Urban Core’s MHAT Hub is a provincial initiative, intended to replace supervised consumption and treatment services (CTS) sites with an abstinence-only approach.
I was surprised to learn about Urban Core’s outreach efforts during the open street event. My surprise stems from the limited information available about the program and its deliverables, as well as whether the undefined program can operate effectively at its identified future location.
The Ward 1 office has submitted a Freedom of Information request to the provincial Ministry of Health to gain an understanding of the agreements between the provincial government and Urban Core regarding this site and the larger MHAT Hub. I have engaged Hamilton Centre MPP Robin Lennox ([email protected]) in conversation about this site. MPP Lennox has also begun seeking out more information regarding this facility.
Additionally, I have attempted to engage with Urban Core and have reached out to various City departments regarding specifics about this site. Through these meetings with City staff, it has been confirmed that the municipality has no avenue of recourse or control over this site; this is a matter solely within the province's jurisdiction.
The City of Hamilton, as a municipality, has no role in the approval, licensing, or operation of this facility, except to ensure that the building intended for use as the RTR site complies with the provincial building code, a responsibility of the City’s Chief Building Officer and not City Council.
I, like other members of the community, am eager to learn more about Urban Core’s plans for operation at 276 Aberdeen Avenue and the direct role of the Ministry of Health regarding operations.
Here is the contact information for current provincial government members:
- Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario - [email protected] or [email protected]
- Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health - [email protected]
- Neil Lumsden, MPP Hamilton East-Stoney Creek - [email protected]
- Donna Skelly, MPP Flamborough-Glanbrook - [email protected]
- Monica Ciriello, MPP Hamilton Mountain - [email protected]
As usual, I am always available for engagement.
Maureen Wilson