This edition of the Ward 1 newsletter includes:

• It's Friday, but School Starts Tuesday
• Updates From the Last Newsletter
• Hold the Dates Ward 1
• Truck Route Violation Reporting Tool
• HSR Expanding Evening and Weekend Service
• Barton Street Functional Design Study
• Strathcona Screen on the Green Returns
• Lights Out
• Garbage Day Reminder
• Events

It's Friday, but School Starts Tuesday

This is a gentle reminder to us all that school begins on Tuesday, September 3. Students from junior kindergarten to university will traverse sidewalks on their daily pedestrian commute. Please provide time and space for your young neighbours on their daily commute to and from school. 

And check out the Daily School Route organization's website, which provides information on the importance of an active transportation system for kids, by kids, that enables them to get to and from school safely regardless of age, ability, or personal circumstance. 

In Case You Missed It

Last month's newsletter included several important information updates. However, many emails bounced due to a change required by many popular email services. Please see the highlights below for those who may not have seen the previous newsletter.  

• Reducing Homelessness and Managing Encampments – An Update
• Affordable Housing Project Stream
• Preserve and Retain Existing Affordable Housing
• Park Project Updates
  • HAAA
  • Alexander Skate Park
• York Boulevard Construction

Hold the Dates

• Ward 1 community meeting in Ainslie Wood.  Date: September 30, 2024 at 7:00 PM. Location: to be determined
• Kirkendall neighbourhood complete streets safety report - Community Meeting 2 Date: October 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Location: Melrose United Church, Locke and Homewood Ave.
• Strathcona neighbourhood complete streets safety report - Community Meeting 2 Date: October 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM. Location: Victoria Park Fieldhouse

Truck Route Violation Reporting Tool

The City of Hamilton and Hamilton Police Service are pleased to announce the launch of a new Truck Route Violation Reporting Tool, designed to empower Hamilton residents to actively support a safer and more compliant use of Hamilton's transportation network. The tool will allow residents to report any truck route violation they observe in their community. By submitting location-specific feedback, residents can help the City and Hamilton Police Service efficiently monitor, allocate resources, and address non-compliance issues.

Introducing this reporting tool is a crucial step in the city's ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and maintain the integrity of designated truck routes, prevent damage to infrastructure, and improve safety on our streets for all.

The tool is live and can be accessed on the city's website.

HSR Expanding Evening and Weekend Service

Starting Sunday, September 1, HSR will increase evening and weekend service frequency on many routes. These service changes mark the eighth year of the City of Hamilton’s Council-supported Ten-Year Local Transit Strategy, which aims to grow ridership, improve connections and enhance the overall transit experience:

• Sunday & holiday service will increase on Routes 16 Ancaster, 18 Waterdown Mountaineer, myRide Waterdown, and 51 University.
• Late-night service will increase on Routes 3 Cannon, 10 B-Line, 16 Ancaster, 18 Waterdown Mountaineer, myRide, and 51 University.
• Routes 3 Cannon, 4 Bayfront, 16 Ancaster, 22 Upper Ottawa, 23 Upper Gage, 24 Upper Sherman, 25 Upper Wentworth, 26 Upper Wellington, 27 Upper James, 34 Upper Paradise, 41 Mohawk, and 43 Stone Church will have increased Sunday service frequency.

Barton Street Functional Design Study

The City of Hamilton is reviewing road configuration options for the Barton Street corridor from the Red Hill Valley Parkway to Locke Street North. The goal and intended outcome of the study is to identify a preferred design plan that provides:

• Enhanced safety
• Efficient movement for all users
• Enhanced active and sustainable transportation
• Improved pedestrian space and a vibrant streetscape

The study applies a Complete Streets approach, which considers the needs of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists, to create a safe, accessible, and vibrant street for everyone. The project also includes renewing and upgrading municipal services and utility relocations. This approach is aligned with the City of Hamilton 2022-2026 Council Priorities, specifically Priority 2, which seeks to ensure that neighbourhoods are cared for and vibrant and that people can move around safely and effectively no matter how they travel. Improved active transportation and pedestrian space will provide better access to all residents, provide an alternative to other modes of travel, and help create a more active and vibrant streetscape and neighbourhood.

The study corridor has been divided into segments based on existing conditions and developed to capture the variety of land uses and street typologies along the corridor. The first segment will cover Locke St N to Bay St N. Staff want to hear from you! Please visit Engage Hamilton's Barton Street Functional Design Study page to share feedback or questions.

Strathcona Screen On the Green Movie Night!

The Screen On the Green community movie night is back after a four-year hiatus, and EVERYONE is welcome! Join your neighbours in enjoying community time at this utterly kid-friendly event, which includes games, face painting, a pinata, prize draws, and a movie!

Hotdogs and refreshments will be for sale as well.

• Date: Friday, September 6, 2024
• Time: 6:30 PM start, with the movie beginning at dusk
• Location: Victoria Park, adjacent to the west side of the outdoor pool

The event is hosted by the Strathcona Community Council and supported by many local businesses.

Non-perishable food donations for the Strathcona Community Pantry are appreciated. 

Lights Out

Fall bird migration has started! Birds are migrating south. You can help them arrive safely this spring by turning off non-essential lighting and/or closing blinds at night between the hours of 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. In addition to turning off non-essential lighting at night, you can help birds by keeping your cat(s) indoors and treating your windows with effective bird-window collision deterrent markers. Visit Bird Friendly City to learn more.

Reminder

Ward 1 garbage pick-up is Tuesday (Sept. 3) instead of the regular Monday collection.

Events

• Tottering Biped Theatre presents “As She Likes It”. Friday and Saturday, August 30 and 31, 7:00 PM. Location: Dundurn Castle, 610 York Blvd.

  • Tottering Biped Theatre returns this summer to present "As She Likes It", a reimagining of Shakespeare's classic comedy "As You Like It". This playful adaptation explores love through the eyes of a group of young women. As the characters navigate the tangled web of romance and affection, audiences are taken on a journey that celebrates the myriad forms of love – from the teasing banter of youthful crushes to the profound bonds of friendship and family. Join us for an unforgettable evening of love, laughter, and poetry under the stars. Weather permitting. Cost:  Pay What You Can.

• Annual Labour Day Parade. Monday, September 2. Begins at 10:30 AM. Location: York Blvd, and James St N 
  • Road closure along the route, York Blvd Bay St N to James St N 
    
    
• Screen On the Green - Friday, September 6. The festivities start at 6:30 PM, and the movie begins at dusk. Location: Victoria Park, east side of the pool.
  • The Strathcona Screen on the Green movie and fun night is back!  Join your neighbours at the fun-filled family event. Admission is free. 
    
    
• Hamilton's Housing Crisis:  What Can Churches Do to Help? Friday, September 6, 6:00 PM. Location: Church of St. John the Evangelist, 320 Charlton Ave W.

  • A special evening of learning and brainstorming about how churches can get involved and make a difference in addressing Hamilton's housing crisis with panellists from Indwell and HATS. Potluck dinner at 6:00 PM followed by presentation and conversation at 7:00 in the Activity Centre Gym.

• Historical Battles Tour, Sunday, September 8, from 10:00-11:00 AM, Location: The Hamilton Cemetery, 777 York Blvd.
  • The Hamilton Cemetery is home to many incredible stories about wars and battles throughout the past few centuries. Come for a walk with us and learn about the Hamiltonians who fought in the World Wars, the War of 1812, the American Revolution, and many more. Participants are asked to meet their tour guide at The Hamilton Cemetery Gatehouse. The cost is free. Suitable for ages 12 and up.

• Profits over Patients: The True Cost of Privatization, Sunday, September 8, 2:00 PM, Location: The Westdale, 1014 King St W.
  

  • A free community screening of Meeting Human Needs and The Myth of Canadian Health Care. The film explores what happens when profit drives decisions and discusses what can be done to protect public services. Expert speakers will delve into the consequences of prioritizing financial gain over the well-being of patients. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and contribute to the conversation on this crucial topic. Hosted by Sandy Shaw, MPP for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas. RSVP is encouraged but not required.

• North End Reunion, Saturday, September 14, 2:00 - 6:00 PM, Location: Macassa Bay Yacht Club, 80 Harbour Front Dr.
  • Shout out to former Northenders. Gather with old friends. Enjoy an afternoon filled with fun, entertainment, and refreshments. Celebrate the North End spirit and honour outstanding leaders with the North Ender Of The Year Award presentation. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your community and celebrate together!

• Senior of the Year Awards, Thursday, October 15, 2024, from 5:00 - 8:30 PM, Michelangelo’s Events and Conference Centre, 1555 Upper Ottawa St.
  • The Senior of the Year Awards honours seniors in Hamilton who volunteer their time and talent to improve our community's social, cultural or civic life. Residents may purchase tickets online or in person at all Recreation and Senior Centres. Tickets will be on sale from September 3 until October 5.
    
    
• Farmers Markets
  • Westdale FM every Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 PM, King St and Marion Ave
  • Locke Street FM every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, corner of Locke St S and Herkimer St

Ward 1 Infrastructure Updates

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

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!

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