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THIS EDITION OF THE WARD 1 NEWSLETTER INCLUDES:

• My vote against ending the Encampment Response Protocol
• COVID-19 Cases, Scenario Comparisons for Hamilton
• Hamilton’s COVID-19 Testing Centres increase capacity to meet community needs
• Hamilton's Recreation Master Plan Engagement Strategy
• Local Notices
  
  • Locke Street Marker Public Art Project
  • Kirkendall Neighbourhood Food Drive
  • Westdale South - Dromore Cres Temporary Road Closure (Sterling to Paisley) September 10
  • Paisley Ave N and Oak Knoll Ave
  • Ainslie Wood Visual Identity Survey - Last Call
• Park Project Updates
  
  • HAAA
  • Victoria Park
  • Alexander Skate Park
  • Churchill Park
• City Enrichment Fund Now Taking Applications for 2022
• 2022 City Enrichment Fund | Applications Open
• Bay Area Restoration Council Community Water Leaders Program
• Royal Botanical Gardens Resumes Programming
• In Case You Missed It
  
  • Chedoke Creek Remediation Update: Ministry approves City’s remediation work plan for Cootes Paradise
  • Hamilton City Council approves Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Verification Policy for all City employees
  • Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre welcomes executive director, Lyndon George HARC website,
  • Increased risk for West Nile Virus in Hamilton
• Events
  
  • Cootes to Escarpment Fall Festival Weekends from September 14 - October 3, 2021
  • Saturdays Un-LOCKED - Eat, Shop and Play on Locke every Saturday from July 17 to September 11 | 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Westdale Village Casual Outdoor Market every Tuesday | 4:00-7:00 PM
  • Westdale Live
  • Supercrawl Bridgeworks Live Stream Series

My vote against ending the Encampment Response Protocol

Encampments are outside spaces where residents are living temporarily in tents or other makeshift arrangements. I have written about encampments in a previous letter to Ward 1 residents.

The purpose of this Ward 1 letter is to account for my vote at the August 9, 2021, special meeting of Hamilton City Council, which concluded with the City's cancellation of the Encampment Response Protocol.

Read the full letter here.

COVID-19 Cases, Scenario Comparisons for Hamilton

Earlier this month, Hamilton’s Board of Health received an update on the city’s COVID-19 case count along with a forecast for COVID-19 conditions to December 2021. As reported in the news, there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases in Hamilton. In addition, the number of Hamiltonians who are fully vaccinated is below the provincial average. The re-opening of Hamilton and Ontario will result in increases in contact transmission. This situation, combined with a highly contagious Delta variant currently active in 95% of Hamilton COVID-19 cases, poses significant risks to the unvaccinated, including children under age 12, for whom there is no vaccination available, and the under-vaccinated. Individuals with only single-dose are under-vaccinated.

Read Maureen's August 18th full article here.

Hamilton’s COVID-19 Testing Centres increase capacity to meet community needs

With an increase in daily COVID-19 cases, demand for testing and anticipation of increased volumes in September as students return to school, Hamilton’s COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centres are increasing capacity to meet the needs of Hamilton residents. 

• St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Mountain COVID-19 Testing Centre at Mohawk College (135 Fennell Ave West) expanded operating hours to  Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM or Saturdays and Sundays from  8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This site has the capacity to test 1,000 tests daily. 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM This site will begin with a capacity of 200 tests daily, building towards 500.

Residents can visit www.HamiltonCovidTest.ca for more information on COVID-19 testing and how to book an appointment for a test in Hamilton.

Testing Centres will only test those who fall within the Ontario provincial guidelines. The Testing Centres are not permitted to and do not provide any swabs or testing required for travel or to attend/participate/gain entry to public events (i.e. sporting events, and concerts.) For asymptomatic testing, please visit a pharmacy or lab offering these tests. A list of these locations is available on the provincial government website: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/assessment-centre-locations

For more information, go to:  https://www.hamilton.ca/government-information/news-centre/news-releases/hamiltons-covid-19-testing-centres-increase

Save the Date: Two Bike Boulevard Projects Coming to Ward 1

What is a bike boulevard?  

Bike boulevards are slow-speed, low-volume streets where walking or bicycling receives more priority. Design elements can include signage, pavement markings, speed and volume reduction measures, and contra-flow bike lanes. 

Why these streets?

Breadalbane and the Pearl Kent (Phase 1) are the first two bike boulevards in Ward 1.  

Breadalbane is the link from York Blvd cycle lanes to the King St W cycle track.  It is an ideal connector for the commuters going to and from the hospitals and university.  In fact, it is part of the Healthcare Connector route, which received funding from the Federal and Provincial Governments in 2021. 

In addition, Breadalbane often sees cut-through traffic, from motorists trying to avoid Dundurn St N to access King St W. Significant traffic calming measures will remove the cut-through option outright while making it safer for locals to access their homes.

The Pearl-Kent (Phase 1) is an idea that emerged many years ago from a few outstanding local visionaries (you know who you are!). The pilot supports the City’s Transportation Master Plan and received support through the 2018 Ward 1 Participatory Pilot Project.

The Pearl-Kent Bicycle Boulevard is a proposed 2.2 km cycling corridor stretching from Amelia Street to York Boulevard. In Phase 1, the route will run from Amelia to Canada St/Hunter St W.  to Locke St S. Phase 2 will include the connection through Strathcona all the way to Barton St W. 

The project implementation is expected in 2021 and will use temporary materials in the evaluation phase.

We are hosting an online session for each project independently.  Staff from Sustainable Transportation will take us through the proposed plan and solicit feedback from attendees.  The sessions will be available on Maureen's YouTube Channel afterwards for anyone to view at their convenience.

• Breadalbane Pilot Project Online Information Session,  Wednesday, September 22 at 7:30 PM.  Register here
  
  
• Pearl-Kent Pilot Project Online Information Session,  Thursday, September 23 at 7:30 PM.  Register here.

FYI: Future connections in Ainslie Wood and Westdale are also under investigation.

E-Scooters Coming to Hamilton

The City of Hamilton will launch an electric scooter rental program next spring. The project will run for 24 months as a pilot to allow the City to assess operations and safety features. The City will partner with the private sector, and all capital and operating costs will be the responsibility of the selected commercial operators.

E-scooters assist with the first-mile or last-mile commute and can support connections to transit. Since they are electricity-powered, they also have environmental benefits, including reduced air emissions.

Read the article here.

Hamilton's Recreation Master Plan Engagement Strategy

The City of Hamilton is embarking on developing a Recreation Master Plan to identify needs and priorities for the next 10 years. The City has retained a multidisciplinary consulting team led by Monteith Brown Planning Consultants Ltd. to lead the master planning process. Monteith Brown will be working closely with City staff to organize, coordinate and implement a broad range of community outreach activities for the Master Plan.

The online engagement platform launched on August 23rd and closes on September 26th. Take the survey and stay in the loop.

Local Notices

Locke Street Marker Public Art Project

Another great art installation coming to Locke St S thanks to the Locke St BIA directing its gateway project funds to create a placemaking art project. 

The City of Hamilton is undertaking a process to commission a permanent Public Artwork(s) for Locke Street at the SW Corner of Jackson Street in Hamilton.

To date, a focus group has convened and have asked for comment on their initial report. Comments are requested before September 6, 2021.

Kirkendall Neighbourhood Food Drive

The KNA Fill a Bus, Feed a Family Food Drive is on Saturday, October 2nd. Watch out for your food collection bag that will be delivered September 24th - 29th.

To learn more, including how to volunteer, visit the KNA website or email [email protected]

Westdale South - Dromore Cres Temporary Road Closure (Sterling to Paisley) September 10

Dromore Crescent will be temporarily closed to traffic from Sterling St to Paisley Ave N on Friday, September 10, 2021, for crane works from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Affected residents should receive a notification letter. Please share the information with your neighbours.

Paisley Ave N and Oak Knoll Ave Road Work

Crews will return to Westdale South to address some contractor deficiencies identified by City staff.  It's not unusual for some deficiencies to be spotted once the main work is complete. In fact, there is generally a review annually for about two years, which is designed to rectify issues that may occur.  Our tropical rainforest summer has illustrated a few areas requiring additional catch basins and a bit more grading.  The councillor worked with staff to address these issues this fall.  

A letter is expected to drop on the homes most affected by road work.  This is not a complete shave and pave; access to sidewalks and driveways will remain.

Ainslie Wood Visual Identity Survey - Last Call

Ainslie Wood residents have an exciting opportunity to enhance their neighbourhood visually, and the Ainslie Wood Community Association is asking its residents to participate in this project.

The purpose of these signs is to identify the Ainslie Wood area and portray one or two iconic themes that represent our community. 

Share in words how Ainslie Wood should be portrayed on the signs. To participate in the project, please take a few minutes to fill out the survey before September 8, 2021.

For more information, contact the AWCA at [email protected]

Park Project Updates

HAAA

The HAAA Renewal Plan is progressing nicely, as the design team has carefully reviewed all the excellent feedback it received from the June PIC and through the Engage Hamilton website. The project team has been working hard to prepare a single “preferred concept” that will represent the community's vision. With the summer scheduling of the team, the required background works, schools starting in September and the easing of some pandemic related restrictions, staff are looking at the timing for the next PIC and what that event might look like. Stay tuned and look for a PIC advertisement in September, signage within the park and/or visit the projects Engage Hamilton site. 

Victoria Park

The City is working with a design consultant on the detailed design of the spray pad/sun shelter. The public will have the opportunity to comment/offer feedback on preliminary design concepts developed in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this exciting renewal work for Victoria Park through the project website. 

Alexander Skate Park

The Alexander Skatepark Rider Focused Working Group has been busy completing surveys that will help inform three conceptual skatepark designs. A design consulting team led by The MBTW Group has been selected and will begin work on the project within the next few weeks. The working group will be meeting virtually in late September to review the survey results and provide guidance on the three conceptual drawings. Once the three concepts are prepared, they will be presented to the public at a virtual PIC and voted on to determine the preferred option. The preferred concept plan will then be developed into construction drawings through the winter/spring, with an anticipated construction start date in mid-2022. To stay up to date on this exciting project’s progress, please visit www.hamilton.ca/Alexanderpark

Churchill Park

Churchill Park Phase 2 plans were submitted to the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) for a development permit application. As part of the NEC permit process, the drawings were circulated for review and comment by several key stakeholder groups. The NEC has compiled these comments and will issue a Notice of Decision to residents bordering the park. The City anticipates the project will be tendered in the fall of 2021, with a late fall or early spring 2022 construction start. Project updates may be found at www.Hamilton.ca/ChurchillPark

City Enrichment Fund Now Taking Applications for 2022

The City Enrichment Fund is the overall name for the City of Hamilton’s municipal investment in a wide range of program areas that supports the City’s strategic plan. The fund comprises 6 Program Areas (Agriculture, Arts, Communities, Culture & Heritage, Community Services, Environment, Sports & Active Lifestyles) with funding streams and categories.

Application intake for CEF 2022 will open on September 1 and close on November 1, 2021.

This year, the City is implementing a new online platform to further streamline processes and make applying easier for our applicants. www.hamilton.ca/cityenrichmentfund

For additional information, please contact the City Enrichment Fund Coordinator at 905-546-2424 x 4524 or [email protected].

Bay Area Restoration Council Community Water Leaders Program

Want to learn about our watershed? Want to help us understand local water quality? Want to connect with like-minded individuals? Apply now to be a Community Water Leader this fall! Send a statement of interest and resume to [email protected] by September 8, 2021.  

• Learn: Weekly Monday evening workshops | Discuss local projects, initiatives and research 
• Contribute: Collect water quality data with professional equipment for up to 6 weeks 
• Connect: Explore and experience our watershed | Get career advice from industry professionals

Royal Botanical Gardens Resumes Programming

Let your mind grow! Autumn Courses, Programs and Workshops are now available for online registration.

Royal Botanical Gardens offers an array of courses and workshops for adults and families in gardening, nature, botanical arts and wellness.

In Case You Missed It

• Chedoke Creek Remediation Update: Ministry approves City’s remediation work plan for Cootes Paradise
• Hamilton City Council approves Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Verification Policy for all City employees.
• Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre welcomes executive director Lyndon George HARC website,
• Increased risk for West Nile Virus in Hamilton

Events

• Cootes to Escarpment Fall Festival Weekends from September 14 - October 3, 2021

Become an EcoPark Explorer! Learn from experts the basics of plant identification, birding, and backyard biodiversity. Take what you learn on a self-guided hike and stop by the EcoPark System pop-up booth for a family-friendly activity!

The festival will be a hybrid of virtual workshops on plant ID, birding, backyard biodiversity, and pop-up booths in Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System partner-owned properties.

Pop-up Booths, Saturday, September 18, 25 and October 3

Experts are organizing a pop-up booth and activity at three surprise EcoPark System locations. Come out for a self-guided tour and opportunity to test what you have learned in nature. Locations will be announced at the workshops and on Ecopark System social media.

Registration is required for the workshops. Participants who attend all three workshops and go on a self-guided hike will earn an “EcoPark Explorer” t-shirt and pin.

For additional information, see the RBG's website.

• Saturdays Un-LOCKED - Eat, Shop and Play on Locke every Saturday from July 17 to September 11 | 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Saturdays on Locke Street South, the roadway is open to pedestrians and cyclists! Dine outside, shop outside, be outside and stroll the street from morning till evening.

Alternative parking arrangements are available in a parking lot off Poulette Street and two lots off Stanley Ave. See MAP  for details.

Presented by the Locke Street BIA

• Westdale Village Casual Outdoor Market every Tuesday | 4:00-7:00 PM

Location: King Street W at Paisley Ave S

• Westdale Live 

Live music Tuesdays, 4:00-7:00 PM and weekends 4:00-8:00 PM | King Street W at Paisley Ave S

Presented by the Westdale Village BIA

• Supercrawl Bridgeworks Live Stream Series

Supercrawl announces a special free streaming concert series in downtown Hamilton taking place August through September. The concert dates will showcase marquee talents in an intimate performance series, limited to just 50 attendees per event, selected by lottery, in a physically distanced seating plan inside the new Bridgeworks event space (200 Caroline St. N. at Barton St. W.). An in-person audience of 50 will be chosen by lottery from the pool of stream ticket holders three days before each concert.

Supercrawl will also stream the events for those unable to attend and available to watch on-demand for 48 hours after the concert has concluded.

Signup for the Ward 1 Newsletter email

Follow along for timely Ward 1 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 recognise 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.