• Back to School
• School Crossing Guard Recruitment
• Update on 276 Aberdeen
• Jamesville Demolition
• Our Future Downtown
• Protect Yourself Against West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis
• The Strathcona Community Council's Screen on the Green
• Kidical Mass Family Friendly Slow Roll
• Lights Out for Bird Migration Season
• Opportunities to Participate with Engage Hamilton
• Ward 1 Farmers Markets
• Events

Back to School

Truth be told, celebrating January 1^st as New Year's Day always rang hollow for me. Back to school has always been the start of my new year. The season begins to change, and bathing suits and water sprinklers are traded in for backpacks and notebooks. New routines are established to guide families through to winter break.

As the new school year begins, the sidewalk and crosswalks will be buzzing with kids heading back to their friends in the classroom. The necessity of giving ourselves and others additional time during our daily commute is essential as we navigate shared active transportation routes. Reducing speeds in school zones, stopping fully at signed intersections and behind buses, and being prepared for the unpredictable excitement of children seeing their friends while walking along our neighbourhood corridors. Children and youth are the joy and hope of Hamilton; their safety is paramount.

For those considering their alternatives for getting to school, check out Hamilton's own Daily School Route (DSR) organisation. The DSR has created an interactive map to provide an overview that may be useful for students, parents, and others to plan their routes to school. It has a simple but informative way to access and understand the active transportation environment leading to their school. The map provides a dashboard and is continually updated.

Also, be sure to check out the Kidical Mass event, noted later in the newsletter. It provides a fantastic cycling experience for kids, offering a safe and family-friendly way to bike together.

So Happy and Safe New School Year to everyone in Ward 1.

School Crossing Guard Recruitment

Update on 276 Aberdeen

A brief update: Last week, MPP Dr. Robin Lennox hosted a meeting with me and Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre (Urban Core) regarding the future of the Province of Ontario's mandated abstinence-based Residential Treatment and Recovery (RTR) program, which Urban Core has planned for 276 Aberdeen Ave. This site will be part of Urban Core's new Mental Health and Addictions Treatment (MHAT) Hub, also known as a Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.

During this meeting, topics of discussion included:

• Site operations and number of beds - HUC stated that there was no information to be shared regarding operations
• The medical model that will inform the residential treatment program has not been specified, nor is there information on the type of medical model that would inform the abstinence-based programming. 
• Opening date - Tentatively late fall. An Ontario building permit for renovations has not been issued, as the operations dictate what can be done. Without the detail, the Chief Building Officer cannot accurately provide a permit. 
• Site selection criteria - chosen because of its residential setting and proximity to their headquarters at 430 Cannon St E.
• Community engagement plan - Engagement will take the form of an open house, organised by Urban Core. Their goal is to host the open house in the late autumn, closer to the site’s opening.
• The relationship of operations to supportive housing - Urban Core also indicated that they are still in discussions with the Government of Ontario regarding the transition of clients to supportive housing beds.

The long journey toward recovery can be challenging at its best. Finding a way forward that allows individuals seeking life-changing treatment to live in safe environments is paramount to success. We know that substance use and addiction are severe health conditions and deeply stigmatising. Any model that comes forward should not exacerbate this stigma and health crisis.    

However, agencies delivering treatment must partner with their neighbourhoods. The feeling of safety and well-being for all is also important. Although there is no direct oversight by the municipality in this matter, I believe it is essential that members of our community have as much information as possible to know how the centre will operate and to whom the centre is responsible. Without factual information, fear, uncertainty, and doubt can create feelings of distrust and division within the community. As MPP Lennox and I continue to meet with Urban Core and relevant parties, I will provide information to residents while also bringing forward gaps that the delivering agent may not be aware.

My sincere thanks to MPP Lennox for organising the most recent meeting and the invitation to attend. And thanks to Urban Core for the engagement.

As a reminder, if you or anyone in your community wants information regarding this site and MHAT/HART Hubs, please contact:

• Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre - [email protected] 
• Urban Core Board of Directors - c/o [email protected]
• Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario - [email protected]/[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]

Jamesville Demolition

CityHousing Hamilton (CHH) has announced that the demolition of the Jamesville housing complex is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. CHH anticipates that demolition on the Jamesville site, located at 405 James St N, will commence on September 8, 2025. The 91 vacant units are being demolished in anticipation of a new mixed-use, inclusive community planned for the site. This demolition will continue despite the ongoing Ontario Land Tribunal appeal brought by CN Rail.

This demolition will also occur while the City of Hamilton awaits a final decision from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on a requested Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) for the site. The MZO would terminate the CN Rail appeal, allowing construction to move forward.

Demolition at Jamesville will commence with site mobilisation in early September, including the installation of tree protection measures, signage, and delivery of site trailers and equipment. Full demolition is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year, though, with large-scale projects such as these, unexpected challenges may arise. Every effort will be made to ensure the work is completed quickly and safely.

Our Future Downtown

This past spring, the City conducted an Engage Hamilton survey called "Our Future Downtown". This survey was designed to capture the opinions, visions, and perspectives of Hamiltonians relating to our shared downtown. The survey garnered 257 unique responses and yielded hundreds of specific insights related to the downtown core. After a few weeks of cleaning and preparing the data, the final survey results are now ready to be shared with Hamiltonians.

The survey responses provide essential insights into how Hamiltonians perceive the core and offer feedback on what the City can do moving forward. In response to the question "What's your big idea for downtown?", a quarter of respondents expressed a desire to prioritise pedestrians and walkability downtown. This was echoed in responses to the question "what's your vision for Hamilton's downtown core?" where 28 per cent of respondents wanted a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly downtown core. Also important to respondents was an interest in improving perceptions of safety and doing more to keep the core clean and welcoming.

Respondents also noted a desire to see more done to help people experiencing homelessness, an emphasis on reducing commercial vacancies, and protecting Hamilton's amazing built heritage downtown. Each of these responses will help inform the City of Hamilton's 10-Year Downtown Revitalisation Strategy. Following the release of the survey data, staff will begin Phase 2 of the project, which includes engaging with internal City Departments and key external stakeholders. Following this, a final report will be made to the General Issues Committee later this year. 

Thank you to everyone who participated. Information on the final report will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

Protect Yourself Against West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Last week, the first local human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) this season was reported to the City of Hamilton's Public Health Service. Most people infected with WNV show no symptoms, but those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and children may develop a fever or more serious illnesses.

City of Hamilton By-law 03-173 requires residents to ensure that there are no bodies of standing water deeper than 2.5 centimetres on their property (with obvious exceptions for pools, ponds with features that agitate the water surface, and other recreational bodies of water). Residents can help prevent the transmission of WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses by clearing standing water from their properties on a weekly basis.

In addition, yesterday, the City of Hamilton's Public Health Service received confirmation of a human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The case is an adult resident of Hamilton, with no known history of travel. This is the first human case of EEE reported to Hamilton Public Health Services in 2025. EEE is transmitted through a virus typically found in wild birds; however, humans and/or horses bitten by an infected mosquito can become ill with EEE. Like with WNV, most people bitten by an infected mosquito will not have any symptoms. Some will develop flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, will experience a sudden headache, a high fever, chills, and vomiting.

Residents should take precautions against WNV and EEE by avoiding natural areas known to be mosquito-prone (particularly at dusk and dawn), wearing light coloured clothing with long sleeves and pant legs when in these areas, and using a repellent containing DEET or Icaridin. Residents with horses should ensure they are vaccinated against both WNV and EEE.

Keep your community and yourself safe by not letting mosquitoes bug you!

The Strathcona Community Council's Screen on the Green

The Strathcona Community Council is holding its annual Screen on the Green family movie night on Friday, September 5th, with a rain date of September 6.

Everyone is welcome!!! Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.

Programming begins at 7:00 PM, with the movie starting at sundown.

Live music, face painting, games, and a raffle!

Hot dogs, burgers, drinks, and candy will be available for purchase. Profit from sales will support future SCC events in Strathcona.

Kidical Mass Family Friendly Slow Roll

Kidical Mass is rolling again! Join Cycle Hamilton and partners for the next Kidical Mass ride on Saturday, September 13, 2025! This is a fun, family-friendly, and inclusive ride—no one gets left behind. This ride will be a slow roll from Hess Street School to the Dundurn Castle playground, featuring good vibes, good company, and plenty of smiles. The ride starts at 10:00 AM sharp, rain or shine. There will be juice boxes and a snack at the end for all riders. Tell a friend, bring the family, and let’s roll together!

Lights Out for Bird Migration Season

Another reminder that bird migration season has begun! This is an important time for many birds, occurring between August and November, as they migrate to their wintering grounds. 

You can help birds arrive safely by turning off non-essential lighting and/or closing blinds at night (11:00 PM to 6:00 AM) from now until mid-November. Many bird species migrate at night and rely on natural cues, such as the moon and stars, for navigation. Artificial lights disorient them, luring them into urban areas where they collide with glass or become exhausted from circling. By turning off or dimming unnecessary lights during migration, cities can help birds navigate safely and conserve their energy for their long journeys.

In addition to turning off non-essential lights at night, you can also help birds this fall by keeping your feline friends indoors and by making your windows bird-safe.

The folks at Bird Friendly Hamilton Burlington offer tips and tricks on how to make your house and community bird-friendly, as well as other resources related to bird conservation efforts.

Opportunities to Participate with Engage Hamilton

The Engage Hamilton portal offers residents an opportunity to participate in shaping the future of our city. Residents can provide important feedback, offer their unique insights, and help inform the direction Hamilton takes.

There are currently some opportunities to participate that may be of interest to Ward 1 residents:

• Vision Zero Action Plan
  • The City of Hamilton is working on a new 2026-2031 Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, improve roadways for all users, and implement road safety initiatives to reduce the societal costs associated with traffic incidents. This 10-minute survey will collect data and public input before a report is provided to the council. Provide your feedback from now until September 30, 2025.

• Safe Apartments
  • A new city bylaw aims to improve apartment building conditions by requiring the annual registration of apartment buildings with two or more storeys and six or more units, conducting building evaluations, and establishing tenant service request processes to ensure that issues inside rental units are addressed. Provide input on your experience with building conditions from now until September 30, 2025.

Ward 1 Farmers Markets

Good things grow in Ontario! Ward 1's delicious and local farmers' markets have returned for the season. Stop by and pick up some local produce, chat with your neighbours, and meet the people behind your food. This year, Ward 1 has two weekly farmers' markets to choose from:

• The Locke Street Farmers Market - 260 Locke Street South (in the Locke Street Tire and Automotive Parking Lot) - every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• The Westdale Village Farmers Market - King Street West @ Marion Avenue - Every Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Events - Ward 1

Erskine Church Barbeque

• September 14, 2025, 11:30 AM
• Location: Erskine Presbyterian Church, 19 Pearl St N
• Erskine would like to invite the community to a free BBQ with live music to celebrate the start of another church year in Strathcona! The party will begin right after the service, at about 11:30 AM. All are welcome!

Accessibility Hamilton Alliance Film Festival

• Saturday, September 20, 2025. Multiple Times
• Location: The Westdale Theatre, 1014 King St W, Hamilton
• Show times:
  • The Unbreakable Boy - 10:00 AM
  • Harvey - 1:00 PM
  • Still Alice - 4:00 PM
  • The Sound of Metal - 7:00 PM

Please join the Accessibility Hamilton Alliance (AHA!) for their Hamilton Accessibility Film Festival at the Westdale Theatre. This is a free event for Disability History Month, though donations to the Westdale Theatre would be welcome. If you are interested in attending one or all of these movies, please register on The Westdale Theatre website. 

Sundays UnLocked

• September 21, 2025 & October 19, 2025 
• Location: Locke Street South, between Hunter Street and Herkimer Street
• Enjoy the sights, sounds, and shops of Locke Street South during this summer’s Sundays UNLocked Open Street. From 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on the third Sunday of the month, Locke Street South will be pedestrian-only as Locke’s merchants and community partners take over the street for a friendly and fun festival.

Cholera & Industrial Heritage Cemetery Tour

• September 28, 2025, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
• Location: Hamilton Municipal Cemetery Gates, 777 York Blvd
• This exciting tour from Cemetery Chronicles explores Hamilton’s journey from a city ravaged by cholera to a site of impressive technological advancement dubbed “The Electric City”. Join for a look into the unique history of technology in Hamilton and the lives of the people who changed the city forever. 

Events - Explore Your City

Supercrawl 2025

• September 12-14, 2025
• Location: James St N
• Supercrawl is back for 2025! Join us for Hamilton's biggest festival of arts, culture, and entertainment. This totally free event includes three days of free concerts, art installations, and vendors from across Canada. Head downtown and check it out!

Park Crawl

• September 13-14, 2025
• Location: John Rebecca Park & Gore Park
• Park Crawl will activate both Gore Park (5:00-11:00 PM) and John Rebecca Park (4:00-6:00 PM) simultaneously on select summer days, offering attendees a variety of free and exciting family-friendly entertainment. The event will take place in both parks on June 13, July 11, August 8 and September 13 + 14.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

• September 30, 2025, 7:00 AM (Sunrise ceremony), 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Afternoon gathering)
• Location: West Harbour (exact location TBA closer to the event)
• Join your neighbours at a day of remembrance, awareness, and education in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2025. Hear from a survivor of the Mohawk Institute Residential School, reflections and teachings from an Indigenous elder, a drumming and community voices ceremony, and opportunities to learn, reflect, and honour the truths of Residential School Survivors.

Greener Ward 1

Let's do our part in Ward 1 to create healthy, biodiverse neighbourhoods for all living things! Check out Greener Ward 1!

Ward 1 Infrastructure Updates

For up-to-date information on all the infrastructure projects happening in Ward 1, check out our Ward 1 Infrastructure Projects webpage.

Ward 1 Development Information

Here you can find general information on developments and their status in the planning process.

Follow along for timely Ward 1 Updates via:   

• Email: [email protected]
• Tel: 905-546-2416
• On social media: