2023-05-15 Ward 1 Newsletter

THIS EDITION OF THE WARD 1 NEWSLETTER INCLUDES:
  • Main Street Two-Way Conversion Study - Two public information centre options
  • HSR’s (re)Designed Network Ward 1 Information Night
  • Public Art Unveiling - Be:longings 
  • Detached Secondary Dwelling Units 
  • Hamilton's Draft Biodiversity Action Plan
  • Royal Botanical Gardens Engagement Survey
  • June is Bike Month in Hamilton
  • Bike Registry
  • Hamilton Falcon Watch - Volunteers needed!
  • "Got Your Back" Kid2kid initiative
  • Events

Main Street Two-Way Study Public Information Centre - Two Meeting Options

Council approved a motion focused on developing further safety enhancements on major arterial roads, including converting Main Street from a one-way to a two-way road.

Staff have moved forward in developing an implementation plan for the two-way conversion of Main Street between King Street E (the "Delta" intersection) and Longwood Road S. The implementation plan will integrate a Complete Streets redesign that will enable safe use for all road users including public transit passengers, pedestrians, motorists and cyclists and will also incorporate a climate change lens by considering additions such as urban trees and permeable surfaces in the planning process. Main Street Two-Way Study 

Two Meeting Options

A live virtual meeting will be held on May 18, and an in-person meeting on May 25. In both cases, the project team will provide an overview presentation of the project and will be available to answer questions.

Online, May 18 at 6:00 PM; Register here

Join Ward 1 Councillor Maureen Wilson and Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch as they host the project team leading the study. 

In-Person, May 25 at 7:00 PM in City Hall, 2nd Flr. Register here

HSR's (re)Designed Network

HSR's proposed new transit network marks a significant step forward for transit in Hamilton. Their goal was to redesign the network from the ground up to ensure it meets residents' current and future transit needs and to maximize the benefits of the future LRT. 

Resident feedback helped shape the design of the proposed network. As part of (Re)envision the HSR, the team interacted with over 13,000 survey respondents, community members and stakeholders.

To take the next step forward, learn more by visiting hamilton.ca/reenvision and joining other Ward 1 residents for an online presentation with Q&A on June 9. 

Ward 1 Online HSR (re)Designed Network presentation: June 8, 2023 Time: 7:30 PM. Register here

Detached Secondary Dwelling Units 

In May 2021, the City of Hamilton amended its Zoning Bylaws, expanding permissions for Detached Secondary Dwelling Units. These units, known as SDU-Ds, are separate from the main dwelling and can be constructed in a lot's rear or side yard or converted from existing accessory buildings. SDU-Ds offer relatively more affordable rental options and address the housing affordability issue in the city. Various households, such as older adults, seniors with fixed incomes, homeowners with disabilities, and multigenerational families, can benefit from the flexibility and stability that SDU-Ds provide.

However, many residents are uncertain about the design, construction, and permitting processes involved in pursuing an SDU-D. To address this, other jurisdictions have explored strategies to encourage SDU-D construction. The City of Hamilton aims to promote the construction and expansion of Accessory Dwelling Units as part of its Housing and Sustainability Investment Roadmap.

To encourage more homeowners to pursue SDU-Ds, Councillor Wilson moved the following resolution at the May 16 Planning Meeting. .. proposes the following measures:

(a) Staff should report back on a program to assist homeowners in the SDU-D design and permitting processes, including considering measures such as:

  1. Expediting the permitting and approvals process through a dedicated approvals team.
  2. Providing access to a library of permit-ready design templates for SDU-Ds.
  3. Developing a one-stop SDU-D website with comprehensive information, guidance, resources, and a summary of regulations and permitting steps. (iv) Facilitating connections between prospective SDU-D owners, residents, and design and construction community experts.
  4. Partnering with nonprofits, public agencies, and private organizations to develop affordable SDU-D construction models based on best practices from other jurisdictions.

The committee unanimously adopted the resolutions. 

Celebration for Churchill Park Public Art Project

A celebration of the installation of be:longings, featuring remarks and performances.

be:longings is a new public artwork by Gary Barwin, Simon Frank, and Tor Lukasik-Foss comprised of a series of ten bronze-cast suitcases situated in different locations along the length of the new Churchill Park pathway. This series of sculptures speak to the universal theme of Human Rights and the legacy of renowned humanitarian Raoul Wallenberg, who saved over 100,000 Jews from the Holocaust. The suitcases refer to concepts of travel, escape, refugees, emigration, writing, language, and administration of laws and rights. be:longings shares an accessible message that invites participation as viewers consider what human rights are and how—despite the trials of history and the vicissitudes of oppression—humanity and its ideals are ultimately hopeful, inextinguishable, and irrepressible.

Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 05:30 PM in Churchill Park – Western Section near the Aviary

Hamilton's Draft Biodiversity Action Plan

The City of Hamilton in Canada is recognized for its rich biodiversity, encompassing various rural and urban habitats. The city's diverse geography contributes to its regional significance in terms of biodiversity. A recent inventory identified approximately 2,020 species of plants and wildlife, with many native plants. Recognizing the decline of biodiversity at local and global levels, the City of Hamilton, in collaboration with community environmental partners, has developed a draft Hamilton Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) to protect, restore, enhance, and explore biodiversity. The plan, which involves multiple agencies and organizations, addresses significant threats such as invasive species, habitat loss, climate change, and pollution and outlines key priorities, including the establishment of an implementation framework, understanding the current state of biodiversity, long-term protection of natural areas, public awareness and stewardship, coordination for invasive species, enhancement of aquatic habitats, and considering biodiversity in municipal decision-making. Public consultation and stakeholder engagement are planned for the spring and summer of 2023, followed by revisions to the plan and final endorsement by the City Council.

Additionally, Planning Staff recommends that Hamilton sign the Montreal Pledge, a commitment by cities worldwide to take united action for biodiversity. This pledge aligns with existing Official Plan policies, ongoing city initiatives, and the draft BAP. By joining the pledge, Hamilton ensures its efforts to improve local biodiversity align with other municipalities' actions globally. The final BAP is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2023, following which the City Council will review and endorse the plan, along with the proposed actions for biodiversity conservation.

Read the draft biodiversity plan presented at the May 2nd Planning Committee Meeting.

Royal Botanical Gardens Engagement Survey

The Royal Botanical Gardens is initiating a process in Spring-Summer 2023 of identifying and assessing the cultural heritage value of its various sites – beginning with RBG Centre, the Gardens in Hendrie Memorial Park, and the RBG Arboretum.

The RBG seeks feedback from its members and visitors on your experiences and associations with RBG as part of this process. Please fill out the following survey by June 20, 2023, if you wish to have your perspective reflected in the value assessment process. Note that this survey is available by email and in person at RBG. Survey

June is Bike Month in Hamilton

Join us as we celebrate the joy of cycling and the advancements made to improve cycling in the City. On June 1, we will kick the month off with our annual Bike Day celebration at City Hall. This year, we will also be adding an Open Street event on King Street, providing an incredible opportunity to cycle along 3.6 km of traffic-free roadway in the heart of the City. Please find more information about these and other Bike Month events on our Cycling Calendar. You can also submit your event on this calendar so others can join you. 

As part of Bike Month, the City is teaming up with Cycle Hamilton to deliver the 15th annual Bike Day celebration. Join us on Thursday, June 1, from 7:30 - 9:30 AM in the City Hall forecourt for refreshments, bike tune-ups provided by New Hope, and a 2023 Bike Month t-shirt. Join Councillor Wilson for the McMaster Group Ride at Sterling St and Forsyth Ave at 7:15 AM. Don't forget to register!

Bike Registry

Around 600 bicycles are stolen annually from locations across Hamilton, and only 4% are recovered. Most recovered bikes are never reunited with their owners. Only 20% of bikes recovered by Hamilton Police are returned to their owner. HPS wants to change that statistic through their online bike registry. Register your bike with the serial number, make and model. Then, if your bicycle is stolen and HPS finds it, they can quickly return it to you.

HPS has also created stickers as a means of deterrence. You can pick up a sticker at local bike shops or any local police station. 

If your bike is stolen, file a police report to mark your bike as stolen. It will inform data that help police identify patterns.

Hamilton Falcon Watch - Volunteers needed!

Hamilton Falcon Watch is looking for volunteers! Volunteers are needed for On-Street Falconwatchers (2-3 weeks in June/July, two or four-hour shifts), Community Outreach (April-July, a few hours per month), Fund Raisers year round, Specialized Skills Projects, and Committee Members. For an interesting and rewarding experience and to learn more about these fascinating birds of prey, consider volunteering with Falconwatch.

They will host a volunteer orientation meeting on May 25, from 6:00–7:30 PM at the David Braley Centre at 100 Main St W. Meet in the main lobby on the first floor, where you will be directed to a meeting room (TBA). To register, please visit the website and click on the volunteer tab.

"Got Your Back" Kid2kid initiative

The "Got Your Back" Kid2kid initiative is a community-building project aimed at delivering essential school supplies to local kids in need while involving students in the active process of supporting their peers by volunteering. They are currently seeking donations of school supplies, volunteers, and financial support to achieve their goal. Sign up here to sponsor a backpack or help pack them.

Events

  • SHELTER,  May 20-27. Location:  Earls Court Gallery, 215 Ottawa St N.

    An exhibition of drawings of encampments. The artist, Ward 1 resident Aleda O'Connor, will donate 100% of the proceeds to Wesley, a local non-profit working to address the root causes of homelessness through outreach and innovative, supportive housing programs. The artist will be present during gallery hours, and Jennifer Baillie-Rouse, Senior Development Officer at Wesley, will be at the gallery from 1 - 3 PM on both Saturdays to discuss their work in the community. Earls Court Gallery will not be taking a commission.
  • Climate Ready Kirkendall, May 27, 12 - 4:00 PM. Location: Locke at Charlton

    Reduce your climate footprint with heat pumps, solar panels, tree planting, and more. Speakers, educational tables, and new ideas. All ages are welcome. Rain or shine. Hosted by EcoLocke.
  • Spring Festival of South Asia,  May 27, 4 - 8:00 PM. Location:  Westdale Secondary School, 700 Main St W.

    The South Asian Heritage Association of Hamilton and Region is celebrating its 19th Annual Spring Festival. A South Asian market begins at 4:00 PM. The cultural program starts at 6:00 PM. Admission is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted. The association will be accepting non-perishable food items. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 905-979-9696.
  • Hamilton's First Annual Youth Summit. June 3, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Location: Mohawk College. 115 Fennell Ave W.

    Created in partnership with Hamilton's Youth Steering Committee, the summit was developed by youth for youth. Identified as engagement activity in Hamilton's first Youth Strategy, the summit's main objectives are to inform youth, engage youth voices, build youth skills and celebrate youth. The event is free, and lunch and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited. Register before May 24, 2023.
  • Wesley Case for Kids, Walk, Run, Ride, June 4, 12:00–2:30 PM. Location:  Bayfront Park

    Sign up today to help raise critical funds for Wesley's Children, Youth and Family programs, such as Before and After School Programs and Camps for children in low-income neighbourhoods, Residential Programs for Youth experiencing homelessness, Early Learning Programs for children, Licensed Childcare in priority neighbourhoods, and much more!

 

  • Scaling Up Affordable Housing: Inspiration from Canada and Abroad with Dr Carolyn Whitzman, June 6, 7:00–8:30 PM. Location:  online

    Dr Carolyn Whitzman is an Adjunct Professor and housing researcher at the University of Ottawa and an Expert Advisor to the Housing Assessment Resource Tools project at the University of British Columbia. Dr Whitzman will discuss what she's learned about building significant numbers of attractive, affordable, non-profit housing units and expanding housing opportunities and how those ideas could be applied in Hamilton as the city moves ahead with its Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap. This is a FREE event. Register today. 

  • Hamilton Arts Awards 2023. Thursday, June 8, Doors open at 6:00 PM. Location: Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King St W, Hamilton

    The Arts Awards is a signature event of Hamilton Arts Week. Join us for an awards ceremony and dynamic celebration featuring art installations, exhibitions, live performances and refreshments at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. The Arts Awards is an excellent opportunity to meet and engage with the city's arts community and to recognize their contribution to Hamilton.

  • Hamilton's 2023 Seniors Kick-off - Information and Wellness Fair! June 20, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Location: Sackville Seniors Recreation Centre, 780 Upper Wentwork. Registration required.


Ward 1 Infrastructure Updates

The are multiple projects taking place across the Ward. We have tried to encapsulate the information on a new web page.

Projects in every neighbourhood are included, from park renewal to water chamber replacement. 

Greener Ward 1

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

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

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.