This edition of the Ward 1 newsletter includes:

• Hamilton's Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap Update
• Winter Recreation in Hamilton
• Congratulations to the Westdale BIA on 40 Years!
• Last Week for Curbside Yard Waste Collection
• Barton Street Functional Design Study
• Nominations Now Open for the Order of Hamilton
• Events

Hamilton's Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap Update

Hamilton continues to take important steps to address the housing crisis and improve affordability for residents. On November 12, the City of Hamilton's Housing Secretariat reported on the Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap (Item 8.8 - HSC25034)

Here's a quick update on what was accomplished in 2025 and what's planned for the year ahead.

Progress Highlights from 2025

The City made measurable progress on several key housing initiatives:

• $58.4 million land investment from 2024-2026 to fund projects that will create more than 2,100 affordable units, including 511 supportive units, and 138 attainable homes
• 82 new affordable housing units added by CityHousing Hamilton.
• Shelter capacity increased by 80%, providing more support for unhoused residents.
• New safety and tenant-protection programs launched, including the Safe Apartment Building Program and the Rental Housing Protection By-law.
• A full review of 2,305 City-owned properties identified 285 sites with potential for future housing.
• 30 City properties were declared surplus to support housing development, with several now in active planning or construction.

While construction starts increased significantly early in the year, rising costs have recently slowed activity across Ontario, including in Hamilton.

Building Hamilton's First Housing Master Plan

In 2026, the City, in partnership with the Canadian Housing Evidence Collaborative and other collaborators, will begin developing a Housing Master Plan that brings all housing strategies together into a coordinated roadmap. This plan will set:

• Clear, measurable housing targets
• A long-term vision for affordability
• A framework aligning City divisions, partners, and community organisations

A new "Theory of Change" will help guide actions and track progress more transparently.

New Partnerships and Opportunities

Several major partnership proposals emerged this year:

• Habitat for Humanity is exploring a pilot project to build up to 200 permanently affordable homes on 3-5 acres of City land.
• Hamilton is Home, a coalition of non-profit developers, is proposing approximately 2,200 affordable units near transit.
• Hamilton East Kiwanis Non-Profit Homes is converting single-family lots into affordable fourplexes, with potential to add up to 200 units across the city.

These partnerships represent some of the most ambitious non-profit housing opportunities Hamilton has seen.

Responding to Food Insecurity

Housing costs and food insecurity remain closely linked. Hamilton Food Share, supported by City funding, helped 15,515 households this past year and served over 441,000 meals, a reflection of growing need across our community.

Enhancing the Housing Accelerator Fund

Improved flexibility in the federal Housing Accelerator Fund now allows projects to combine incentives, apply earlier in the process, and receive higher grants for adding units. These changes aim to move new housing from planning to construction more quickly.

Looking Ahead

With new investment, partnerships, and a forthcoming Housing Master Plan, Hamilton is laying the groundwork for a more affordable and inclusive city. Residents can expect continued updates as progress builds in 2026 and beyond.

Winter Recreation in Hamilton

A little cold weather never stopped Hamiltonians from getting outside, getting active, and getting the most from the City of Hamilton's winter recreation programs! As the cold weather sets in, the City is offering a host of fun and engaging activities and programs in our parks and at our municipal recreation centres. Here are some great ways to enjoy the best the winter has to offer:

Ice skating at City-operated and community rinks

On December 15, residents are invited to enjoy free daily drop-in ice skating (until 11:00 PM) at four city-operated rinks:

• Serafini Family Ice Pad at Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre (876 Cannon St E) 
• Dundas Driving Park (71 Cross St)
• Freelton Community Park (170 Freelton Rd)
• Waterdown Memorial Park (200 Hamilton St N)

And, starting on December 8, community volunteers will begin building skating rinks in City of Hamilton parks. These rinks, operated by dedicated community members, will be open until 11:00 PM daily, weather permitting, for free skates. You can find a rink and check to see its status on the City of Hamilton's website.

There are also plenty of opportunities to drop in for skating and shinny hockey at the City of Hamilton's indoor rinks for a small fee.

Winter golf and disc golf

The Martin Course at the Chedoke Golf Club will remain open from December 1, 2025, to March 9, 2026, for winter golf with tee-off times between 8:30 AM and 2:00 PM. Golfers can enjoy all 18 holes as long as there is a minimal accumulation of snow, firm ground, and conditions that will not damage the course or harm players. 

For those looking for a fun alternative to classic golf, try your hand at disc golf. The City is offering a championship-level 18-hole disc golf course at the King's Forest Golf Course from December 1, 2025, to March 8, 2026. This variant of classic golf is fun for the whole family, and tickets include free equipment rental.

Nordic walking, snowshoeing, and tobogganing

For those interested in a winter walk, the King's Forest Golf Course features a 2.5-kilometre winter walking trail. Hit the trails as you are, or stop by the club's equipment lending program to try Nordic walking poles for a brisk, cardio-forward hike or strap on some snowshoes for a quintessentially Canadian winter experience.

Winter wouldn't be the same without a thrilling toboggan ride. The City of Hamilton has five permitted toboggan hills:

• Chedoke Golf Club (563 Aberdeen Ave)
• Dundas Driving Park (71 Cross St)
• Garth and Stone Church Reservoir (1515 Garth St)
• King’s Forest Golf Course (100 Greenhill Ave)
• Waterdown Memorial Park (200 Hamilton St N)

The City of Hamilton's website features updates on the status of each toboggan hill, so check in before you hit the slopes this winter.

Winter recreation programs and 2026 passes

Registration for the City of Hamilton's winter recreation programs opens at 8:00 AM on December 17, 18, and 19. Programs open for registration at different recreation centres each day, so check to confirm which location you would like to book at before signing up. The City offers workshops, fitness classes, swimming programs, and school break camps. Don't miss your chance to participate in one of these great programs this winter!

And for those looking for a stocking stuffer for an active young Hamiltonian, the City's Seasonal Youth Recreation Passes are a great option. The passes offer admission to schedule drop-in swim, gym, and skate sessions for young Hamiltonians age 17 and under, and are valid until March 1, 2026. You can now pick yours up at a local recreation centre, depending on availability.

Congratulations to the Westdale BIA on 40 Years!

Congratulations to the Westdale Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) on reaching an incredible milestone - 40 years of supporting local businesses, fostering community spirit, and helping shape one of Hamilton’s most vibrant and cherished neighbourhoods. Over the past four decades, the BIA has championed initiatives that have made Westdale Village a thriving destination for shopping, dining, arts, and culture, all while preserving its unique character and sense of place.

This anniversary is not only a celebration of the past but also a recognition of the collective effort of local merchants, residents, and community partners who continue to make Westdale Village a welcoming and dynamic hub. Here’s to 40 years of dedication, collaboration, and community pride - and to the continued success and vitality of Westdale Village for decades to come.

Last Week for Curbside Yard Waste Collection

The City of Hamilton reminds residents that the last week for curbside yard waste collection will be December 1 to December 5. After December 5, residents can drop off yard waste at any Community Recycling Centre (CRC) for free.

Yard waste collection will resume the week of March 2, 2026, to help residents with their spring yard clean-up. Please consult your waste collection schedule for more information on when you can resume putting yard waste at the curb.

Please note that natural Christmas tree pickup will not be impacted by this change. Residents can leave natural Christmas trees at the curb on their regular waste collection days during the weeks of January 5-9, 2026 and January 12-16, 2026. Natural Christmas trees can also be dropped off at your local CRC.

Barton Street Functional Design Study

The City of Hamilton is conducting a Functional Design Study of the Barton Street corridor from the Red Hill Valley Parkway to Locke St N. The goal of this project is to enhance safety, improve the efficiency of movement for all users, advance active and sustainable transportation, and enhance the pedestrian experience through a vibrant streetscape.

On November 25, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Westinghouse HQ (286 Sanford Ave), the City and its consultants will be hosting a Public Information Session to present the evaluation of design alternatives, discuss community feedback, share recommendations, provide an overview of the proposed roadway, and gather additional comments to finalise the study. This will be an important opportunity to learn about the coming changes to Barton St and to have your voice heard before the report is completed and presented to council. This meeting will be held both in person and online.

Please register your online or in-person attendance ahead of time to secure your spot.

Nominations Now Open for the Order of Hamilton

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Order of Hamilton.

The Order of Hamilton recognises the exceptional voluntary contributions of individual Hamiltonians, helping build a better Hamilton. Individuals residing in the City of Hamilton at the time of the awarding of the Order must have demonstrated an exceptional voluntary contribution to community building and/or service in the City of Hamilton. Their contributions must be determined to have gone above and beyond their professional contributions to the City of Hamilton.

Nominations must include a nomination form, at least one letter of recommendation from someone other than the nominator, and the signed agreement of the individual being nominated. Forms can be submitted directly on the Order of Hamilton page on the City of Hamilton's website.

The nomination period closes on December 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM.

Events - Ward 1

Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association's (KNA) Holiday Crafting Party

• Saturday, November 29, 2025, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Location: Blessings Christian Church, 115 Stanley Ave (corner of Stanley Ave. and Locke St. S)
• Drop by the KNA's Holiday Crafting Party on Saturday, November 29! The event is open to all ages and is FREE! All materials to make ornaments, wrapping paper, decorate cookies and more are provided. Light refreshments will be served. A donation for the Locke St. Community Fridge is appreciated. Visit www.kirkendallhood.ca for more information.

The First Day of Christmas at Dundurn

• Sunday, November 23, 2025, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Location: Dundurn National Historic Site, 610 York Boulevard
• Celebrate the magic of the season at Dundurn Castle for the first day of our Victorian Christmas, and best of all—it's FREE! Step into the festive spirit as you walk through the beautifully decorated home of Sir Allan MacNab and his family. The Castle will be adorned with cedar boughs, ribbons, and dried flowers, courtesy of the Garden Club of Hamilton, creating a truly enchanting holiday atmosphere. Bring your loved ones and create lasting memories as you participate in this cherished Hamilton tradition. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item to help support local food banks. 

The Rain Ready Rebate Fall Showcase

• Monday, November 24, 2025, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Location: Fairweather Brewery, 5 Ofield Rd
• The Rain Ready Rebate Program, delivered by Green Venture and funded by the City of Hamilton, has supported residents in installing approved Low Impact Development (LID) projects such as rain gardens, permeable paving, and other stormwater management features. Residents are invited to the 2025 Rain Ready Rebate Fall Showcase at Fairweather Brewery to learn about this year's achievements, hear from program participants, and connect with residents committed to sustainable stormwater management.

Common Table: Common Tech for Common Good

• Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Location: Strathcona Market, 460 York Blvd
• Join the Common Table community dialogue for a session co-hosted with Canadian Tech for Good, exploring how technology can strengthen community connection, support local needs, and reflect shared values. Participants will engage in small-group conversations focused on people-centred and community-owned approaches to tech. Please register to save your space.

Westdale Winter Wander

• Friday, November 28, 2025, to Sunday, November 30, 2025
• Location: Westdale Village
• Head west for the 2025 Westdale Winter Wander and take in all that Westdale Village has to offer. On Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy the night market from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring vintage and artisan booths. Or stop by Alterna Savings Credit Union on Friday evening for Stories with Santa at 5:00 PM and 6:15 PM, with photos until 7:45 PM. And all weekend, enjoy live music, fantastic art, and the shopping and food of Westdale Village.

Victorian Christmas at Dundurn

• Monday, November 24, 2025, to Wednesday, January 7, 2026
• Location: Hamilton Municipal Cemetery Gates, 777 York Blvd
• Step into a world of festive charm and history this holiday season at Dundurn Castle! Experience the magic of a Victorian Christmas on a guided tour of the grand home of Sir Allan MacNab and his family, beautifully decorated with cedar boughs, ribbons, and dried flowers by The Garden Club of Hamilton. Discover how Christmas was celebrated in the 19th century, from Victorian traditions to Canadian holiday customs. Bring your loved ones and share in this beloved Hamilton tradition as you enjoy the sights, sounds, and spirit of a Victorian family Christmas. 

Events - Explore Your City

Downtown Dundas Christmas Tree Lighting

• Friday, November 28, 2025, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Location: Memorial Square, King St. W at Sydenham St.
• Join the Downtown Dundas BIA for the oldest Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Canada - now in its 111th year! Head to Memorial Square for free hot apple cider, family friendly entertainment, and a special visit from Santa before the big tree lighting. Start your holiday season with this historical event in downtown Dundas!

A Christmas for the Ages at Whitehern

• Saturday, November 29, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026
• Location: Whitehern Historic House and Garden, 41 Jackson St W
• Enjoy Christmas for the Ages as we explore how different generations of the McQuesten family celebrated Christmas. The historic home is fully decorated, including three Christmas trees complete with period toys and beloved artefacts nestled underneath. The dining room table is beautifully set with the original china the family used for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Come to Whitehern and experience the holidays as they were celebrated in the 1850s, 1870s, and 1930s. 

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:   

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