THIS EDITION OF THE WARD 1 NEWSLETTER INCLUDES:

Encampments in Hamilton

There have been encampments across the lower City of Hamilton for years. 

Before COVID-19, most if not all the encampments in Ward 1 were hidden from public view – in ravines, under highway overpasses or adjacent to railway lands. 

The growth of encampments caused the City of Hamilton to adopt a protocol of response in 2018. Once identified, a team of public health and housing services workers from the City of Hamilton make contact with those living rough to begin the process of determining the health, housing, and social needs of encampment residents. When accommodation and supports were in place, the encampment was cleared and cleaned. 

Read more ... 

Flooding in Ward 1 

As a result of a torrential downpour on August 4, 2020, many basements throughout Ward 1 were flooded.  For whatever natural reason, the majority of flooding occurred in our Ward. Areas in the north and south of Westdale, Kirkendall, Strathcona, and even an unusual spot in Ainslie Wood.

Maureen brought forth a motion to the General Interest Committee on August 10, 2020, requesting compassionate grants. The motion passed at GIC and must now be confirmed at Council on August 21, 2020.  

If you experienced flooding in your home in relationship to the August 4 storm it is imperative you call the City of Hamilton contact centre to report this. Hamilton Water is using the data to determine patterns in geographic areas. In addition, investigations will aid when compassionate grants are available.

More to follow when the details are confirmed. 

Meet Your Ward 1 Neighbour

Meet our indomitable Strathcona neighbour, Lennox Toppin.  

Meet your Ward 1 neighbour is a new initiative to help connect the residents of this fabulous Ward.

Alexander Park Play Structure

The Alexander Park play structure came to the end of its lifecycle rather abruptly last month.  Fortunately, the new play structure is ready to be installed tentatively this week. The theme of the structure is taken from the splash pad, bugs and their habitats.

Queen St S 2-way Conversion Project

Update: as of July 30, 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6KYfmcQ2BU

Progress on Queen Street South two-way conversion is going smoothly. The project is tracking ahead of schedule, and it is expected to be completed about one month early.

Queen St S between Main and Aberdeen is expected to be finished mid-September. Completion of the additional signal at Napier is scheduled in October instead of November.

In the past weeks, crews focused on the section of Queen St between Main and Charlton. Apart from pavement markings and signage, all work is mostly finished. This section is scheduled to convert to two-way traffic beginning Wednesday, August 5.

On the same day, crews will close the Herkimer intersection so that that they can begin works at that location. Construction will take approximately 1.5 months – expected completion in mid-September.

The section of Queen between Charlton and Herkimer will be closed; however, local traffic will be permitted. Some restrictions are required but will be managed by on-site traffic control.

On June 6, 2020, Maureen hosted Traffic Operations staff during a one-hour webinar. A Q&A followed the initial presentation. Responses to the 81 questions received can be found here.

The City of Hamilton has a webpage dedicated to the overall construction project. Find information related to history, phasing, closures, alternative routes, and contact information.

Read the chronology of the project, and view the public consultation hosted by Maureen in February 2019 

Westdale South Construction

As many are aware in Westdale south were expected to be resurfaced this year. When the precautions for COVID-19 kicked in last spring, the resurfacing was put on hold pending the situation. With some restrictions lifted and other protocols now in place, crews can proceed with resurfacing. Cline Ave N between King St W and Marion St N is under construction now, along with sidewalk repairs, in anticipation of the elementary students returning to school in the fall.

North Oval will follow Cline. Crews will continue with Paisley Ave N,  Dalewood Cres, and Oak Knoll as the season allows. The contract is expected to end in November with any unfinished work moved to next spring.

A video update will be recorded August 13 and posted to Maureen's YouTube channel. Sr. Project Manager, Jeff Rowen will explain the work watermain work on Haddon Ave N, and the "shave and pave" for the remaining streets.

Temporary Six Week Road Closure - Locke St South (Main to King)

Bell Canada is performing underground utility reconstruction on Locke St S from Main St W to King St W.  The road will be temporarily closed from August 10, 2020, to September 21, 2020.

The work is carried out by Aecon on behalf of Bell.  If you did not receive a notice from Aecon two weeks prior to the beginning of construction please let us know.  Email: [email protected]

Chedoke Golf Course

At a meeting on Monday, June 15 Hamilton City Council received a report setting out the financial impact of COVID-19 on municipal operations. In terms of the city's three municipal golf courses (King's Forest, Beddoe and The Martin), operational costs have risen to accommodate new public health restrictions, and the report estimated a loss of $750,000 in revenues this season. (See page 16 of the Financial Implications of COVID-19 Response Report)

The report did NOT recommend NOR advance the sale of any of the municipal course lands.

The Chedoke golf course lands fall under the jurisdiction of the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) and are not available for development. I would NEVER support or recommend any change in the use of the lands from recreation.

There is a need, however, for a public conversation about whether providing two 18 hole courses is the best use of public recreation lands while participation in golf continues to decline. The condition brought on by COVID-19 has revealed the importance of access to safe public space, open to all.

See the financial report.

Churchill Park

Online information session: Churchill Park - Phase 2 of the Master Plan

New Churchill Park play structure officially open

Under Stage 3 of the Province's reopening plan, the new play structure at the southeast end of Churchill Park is finally open.

The structure takes its theme from its surroundings - nature. The central piece is a large climbing tree with a perch. Other elements include a spinning climbing cone, "bongo drums", and plenty of shaded spots for respite. One especially interesting feature is the cozy cocoon. Fun for all kids but specially designed for those with autism spectrum disorders. It is essentially an enclosed space for a child to escape the playground when overstimulated. The interior has moulded-in features for tactile exploration. There is plenty of visibility for parents to watch their child.

Truck Route Master Plan 

The city of Hamilton last reviewed its truck routes in 2010.  Another truck route study is underway and I sit as a member of the Truck Route Sub-Committee, along with six other members of Council.  A Ward 1 resident from the Strathcona Neighbourhood has agreed to serve on the Truck Advisory Group (TAG) to represent community interests for a Truck Route Master Plan Study Update.  

If you would like more information on the truck route study that is underway and wish to participate in the upcoming virtual public meeting set for September 2, please see the information visit the website.

1107 Main St W - Online Public Information Session

The developer of 1107 is hosting a public online meeting Tuesday, August 11, 2020,  6:30-8:30 PM

There will be a presentation and a Q & A session. City planning staff and Maureen will be listening as well.

City of Hamilton COVID-19 Media Updates

Latest reopenings

Hamilton Reopens: A Roadmap to our New Reality" COVID-19 Recovery Plan

Financial Support & Recovery

• Financial supports for individuals
• Supports for Property Tax Payers
• Funding for Social Service Providers and Community Organizations
• Business Continuity & Recovery Information
• Economic Recovery Task Force Members
• www.hometownhub.ca

• COVID-19 Testing
• Protect Yourself and Others
• Ministry of Health self-assessment for COVID-19

FOLLOW ALONG WITH WARD 1 FOR TIMELY UPDATES VIA    

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

The City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. 

Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America), and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.