2020-05-20 Ward 1 Newsletter

THIS EDITION OF THE WARD 1 NEWSLETTER INCLUDES:
  • Skimming the Surface: Chedoke Creek Report - MECP Order: Update to Council
  • Churchill Park Playground Structure Replacement
  • Ward 1 Capital Projects 
  • Online event: Strong Towns conversation and Q&A
  • Fundraiser for St Matthew's House -
  • Development Applications
  • Events
  • The City of Hamilton Staged Reopenings
  • Reminders
  • COVID-19 City of Hamilton Resources (Public Health; Media updates; Affected city services; Financial supports)

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Skimming the Surface: Chedoke Creek Report - MECP Order: Update to Council

On April 29 Hamilton City Council received a city staff and consultant report detailing the impact of the sewage spill on Cootes Paradise. The consultant's report concluded that the spill did not cause a long-term impact on water quality in Cootes Paradise.

I voted against receiving the report due to its lack of consultation with our agency partners, especially the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG). Secondly, the City of Hamilton was given a very short period in which to respond to the Provincial Order. As a result, no new information about the spill itself could be collected, and the availability of data for essential ecosystem components was limited. The City could have announced that it was planning to do more to investigate and remediate the spill in future.

Read more of Maureen's post on detailing the report.


Churchill Park Playground Structure Replacement

With great excitement, Parks staff advised the Ward 1 Office that the Churchill Play Structure replacement is on its way. There will be activity in the park with the removal of the existing structure, some subsurface drainage work and then the new play structure install. The initial steps of this process are underway, with the new install scheduled for the week of May 25, subject to change due to weather or any other regulatory changes.

The structure is unique in that it was designed with the help of community engagement that occurred last year. It will be a new type of structure for the City of Hamilton, the hybrid of rope and traditional equipment combined for all kinds of active play and exploration. We can't wait to see the community enjoy this new amenity, once it is safe to do so, and the area is open for play. Please see signage and messaging from the City of Hamilton for opening updates.


Ward 1 Capital Projects 

City Staff evaluated 2020 construction projects and determined that following may continue  

Queen Street South

The conversion of Queen St S will proceed this Spring. The construction project was recently awarded.  Public Works staff are finalising the phases with the contractor. Details of the start date and phasing are forthcoming.  See the project chronology and other information 

Westdale South

The resurfacing of North Oval, Cline Ave N, Dalewood Cres and Oak Knoll Dr is expected to begin in mid-Spring.

The full reconstruction of Haddon Ave N will also take place during the construction period and will include watermain, sidewalks and road construction.

See Westdale "Shave & Pave" post from February 2020 for more detail.


Ward 1 Virtual Cafe Book Club Edition

June 9, 2020; 8:00 PM;  Via Zoom - Registration in advance required

Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Build American Prosperity is a book of forward-thinking ideas that breaks with modern wisdom to present a new vision of urban development in the United States. Presenting the foundational concepts of the Strong Towns movement he co-founded, Charles Marohn explains why cities of all sizes continue to struggle to meet their basic needs. He reveals the new paradigm that can solve this longstanding problem.

Read the book, then join Maureen in conversation with the author Charles Marohn. After Maureen and Charles' discussion, you will have an opportunity to ask Charles your questions. Charles Marohn is the Founder and President of Strong Towns. He is a professional engineer and land use planner with two decades of experience. He holds a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning, both from the University of Minnesota. Marohn is also the lead author of Thoughts on Building Strong Towns — Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3 — as well as the author of A World Class Transportation System. He hosts the Strong Towns Podcast and is a primary writer for Strong Towns' web content. He has presented Strong Towns concepts in hundreds of cities and towns across North America. He is featured in the documentary film Owned: A Tale of Two Americans and was named one of the 10 Most Influential Urbanists of all time by Planetizen.

The Hamilton Public Library has several e-copies of the book and an audio copy. If you're able, may we encourage you to support your local independent booksellers by ordering a copy through King West Books (Westdale) or Epic Books (Kirkendall)?


Fundraiser for St Matthew's House - Saturday, May 23, 2020; 1:00-4:00 PM, St John's Evangelist Church, 23 Charlton Ave W.  


Development Applications

Information on current large scale development applications is available through our website.  Included is the name of the City Planner to whom a resident may submit their comments and questions.  See also the City's Development Application Map

354 King St W - Virtual Open House (VIDEO)

The agent for the developer of the hotel and residence at 354 King St W (King/Queen) has posted the recorded presentation from May 14, 2020. 


Events:


 

The City of Hamilton Staged Reopenings

  • Dog Parks reopened May 19
  • Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) has reopened for passive use. Some exceptions see HCA for more details.
  • Parks and green spaces are open for some activities. Playground equipment, picnic benches, sports fields and other park equipment remain closed under the Provincial Emergency Orders. Escarpment stairs remain closed, as well as Albion Falls. Examples of activities that are permitted in Hamilton's parks in groups of up to five people or members from the same household include:
    • Playing catch, kicking a ball,
    • Letting young kids run around
    • Walking or running on a track within a park
    • Having a picnic or playing on the grass, your own lawn chair or a blanket
    • Personal yoga practise (not a group class)
    • Kite flying
    • Personal fitness (push-ups, sprinting, lunges, etc.)
  • Waterfront Trail – The Waterfront Trail between Confederation Park and the Burlington Lift Bridge has reopened. For clarity, the Waterfront Trail between Princess Point and the bridge at the Desjardins Canal is currently closed between 7 AM and 7 PM Monday to Friday to accommodate construction. This work will continue for approximately the next two weeks. During construction, there is no through access between Bayfront Park and Princess Point. The trail is open between Bayfront Park and the bridge at the Desjardins Canal.
  • Bayfront Park Boat Launch reopened May 16
  • Tennis, pickleball and figure skating activities will be returning in Hamilton by the end of May within specific parameters and at certain locations.
  • Municipal Golf Courses. King's Forest GC - May 20.; Chedoke GC Beddoe course - May 22 & Martin course - May 23 
  • Paid on-street parking and parking in municipal lots is available for businesses and employees, starting May 16 payment will once again be required and enforced at all parking meters and lots. Monthly permits from March or April that were not renewed will be honoured in municipal lots through May, but permits for June 1 will need to be renewed. To support local businesses and restaurants participating in curbside pickup and delivery, the first 30 minutes at parking meters will be free until further notice

Reminders


COVID-19 City of Hamilton Resources

City of Hamilton COVID-19 Media Updates

Monday & Friday virtual media updates on Mondays and Fridays at 3:30 PM

  • May 15 -  Hamilton Reopens - List of public amenities reopening week of May 18, Paid parking enforcement resumes with 30 minute grace period, Open-air burning
  • May 13 - "Hamilton Reopens" List of public amenities opening week as of May 14, Paid parking enforcement resumes with 30 minute grace period, Mayor's Economic Recovery Task Force, Outdoor Dining District motion, HSR travelling, hamilton Waterworks will not open this summer
  • May 11 - "Hamilton Reopens" List of public amenities reopening week as of May 11

Financial Support & Recovery


FOLLOW ALONG WITH WARD 1 FOR TIMELY UPDATES VIA