This edition of the Ward 1 newsletter includes:

• Understanding possible urban boundary expansions
• LRT Procurement Update
• Strathcona & Kirkendall Complete Streets
• Ward 1 Bicycle Boulevard Review 
• Events
• • The Magic of Locke
  • Strathcona Community Council Annual General Meeting
  • Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Holiday Crafting Party
  • Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Neighbours’ Survey
  • CityLAB’s “Share Your Vision for Copps Pier Park” Drop-in Event 

Understanding possible urban boundary expansions 

On August 16, 2024, Hamilton City Council approved the “Draft Framework for Processing & Evaluating Urban Boundary Expansion Applications”. The purpose of this framework is to inform Hamiltonians about recent provincial policy changes and create a clear outline for community consultation. 

Members of our community may be asking: why has the city developed a framework for evaluating urban boundary expansion applications when residents have already stated they oppose further expansion of the city’s urban boundary? 

In the summer of 2021, Hamiltonians participated in a city-wide survey asking their opinions on three options for managing Hamilton’s growth over the next thirty years. The first option, called the “Ambitious Density” scenario, would have seen Hamilton’s urban boundary grow by 1,340 hectares (3,300 acres) to accommodate 81,520 new units of housing. That expansion would have brought a previously rural area nearly the size of Ward 1 into the urban boundary. 

The second option, called the “No Urban Boundary Expansion” scenario, called for 110,180 new units of housing spread out across the city’s existing urban boundary. That option was supported by 90.4% of respondents to the city’s survey, while only 5.9% of respondents supported the “Ambitious Density” scenario and 3.6% selected the third option, “Other”. This clear preference from participants and the active community engagement around the issue provided important direction to council when developing policies around our urban boundary. 

In November of 2022, the province announced it was unilaterally imposing an urban boundary expansion on Hamilton by an unprecedented 2,200 hectares (5,430 acres). This decision was then reversed in October of 2023. Unfortunately, the reversal was only a temporary measure while the province developed clearer policies around urban boundary expansions. 

In April of 2024, the province introduced updated legislation that allows private applications to alter any municipality’s urban boundaries through Official Plan Amendments and directs any rejected or delayed applications to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). The OLT now has the power to compel municipalities to approve applications they previously rejected or did not have the time to consider in a substantive manner. 

The legislation that enables this – Bill 185, or the “Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act” - overrides existing growth planning, relaxes requirements to provide evidence of the need for urban boundary expansions, and places final decision-making authority in the hands of the OLT. Bill 185 takes power away from residents and local planners to make decisions about the future growth in their communities. 

A major change that Bill 185 makes is stripping the right for third parties to appeal any proposed changes. Only the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, a public body (such as the city), the applicant, or the owner of land that is the subject of the application can appeal. Citizen-led groups, engaged residents, or anyone not immediately involved in the application is no longer able to file an appeal. 

In much of its language, the provincial legislation is deliberately vague, meaning that the City of Hamilton is now required to develop its own internal framework for dealing with applications. While residents of the City of Hamilton delivered a strong statement in opposition to an expansion of our urban boundary, the municipality is constitutionally bound by provincial law. Because of this, we must ensure we have guidelines and processes in place to ensure an orderly, evidence-based approach moving forward. The draft framework was developed by Hamilton’s trained planning staff and adds tested planning methodology to an otherwise unstructured process. 

An important component of the motion approved by city council on August 16, 2024 is a direction to the city’s Planning and Economic Development Staff to consult with residents on the framework and report back in 2025 on a permanent set of policies that will guide how Hamilton responds to requests for urban boundary expansions and how residents can have their say during the process. 

This, according to the staff report on consultation around the draft framework, includes: 

• How and when the community will be notified when an application for an urban boundary expansion is made; 
• How and when the community will provide input on those applications (within the timelines for Official Plan Amendments); and 
• What information or additional studies should be required as part of the applications. 

City staff is also working to consult with Indigenous and Métis communities on their participation in urban boundary expansion applications. Other groups, such as Hamilton’s four school boards, our conservation authorities, the Niagara Escarpment Commission, the Hamilton International Airport, and local public utilities are also being consulted. 

You can have your say in a variety of ways. 

First, you can participate in the online consultation process through the Engage Hamilton portal. There, you can read more about the draft framework, ask questions of staff, and provide your own feedback on the proposal. Follow this link to check out the Engage Hamilton page on the draft framework - https://engage.hamilton.ca/ubeapplicationframework 

Second, you can attend one of four upcoming open houses on the project. Each of the three in-person events are drop-in open houses where residents can attend any time at their own convenience. There will be light refreshments and children are welcome. They are: 

• November 26, 2024 from 12 Noon to 9:00 PM - Hamilton Convention Centre (Chedoke Ballroom), 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y2 
• November 28, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Ancaster High Secondary School (Main Gym), 374 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster, ON L9G 3K8. Use the Main Office entrance (north side of school) 
• December 3, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Gatestone Elementary School,127 Gatestone Drive, Hamilton, ON, L8J 3Z5 

There will be a fourth virtual open house held at a later date. Information on that event is forthcoming. 

Each of the information sessions will include details on this legislation and how it impacts Hamilton. It is important to remember that municipalities in Canada are constitutionally bound by decisions made at the provincial level. Our current provincial government has become deeply involved in municipal planning and policy-making, limiting our ability to create policies in Hamilton for Hamiltonians. Attending these sessions will help you stay informed on provincial policies and ensure you have all the facts and information necessary to understand the changes happening in your community.  

LRT Procurement Update  

Hamilton LRT has reached a major milestone. Metrolinx has started procurement, releasing the request for qualifications (RFQ) for the civil work and utilities contract. The RFQ is the first step in the procurement process to select a team to deliver the first package of work for the project. With enabling works and procurement now underway, Metrolinx is one step closer to bringing to delivering Hamilton’s LRT project. 

Metrolinx is the point-of-contact regarding all matters LRT at this point in the project. As a provincial agency, they are responsible for the delivery of the LRT project. Questions can be directed to the Metrolinx team at this link. 

Strathcona & Kirkendall Complete Streets 

The Strathcona & Kirkendall Complete Streets Safety Report submission deadline has been extended. This initiative is an effort to further progress being made through Hamilton’s Strategic Road Safety Program and Vision Zero Action Plan. It aims to develop tailored solutions that can reduce traffic speeds, improve public spaces, and improve safety for all road users of all ages and abilities. 

The Engage Hamilton portal has a unique and interactive map where residents of Strathcona and Kirkendall (as well as all Hamiltonians) can place pins on intersections and segments of road where they have personally identified issues or where they think improvements can be made. You can take a look at what issues your neighbours have identified and add your own by following this link - https://engage.hamilton.ca/strathcona-kirkendall-complete-sts 

Submissions will be collected until December 15, 2024. Anyone wishing to comment on proposed solutions can email [email protected], the Project Manager of Roadway Safety for the City of Hamilton.

Ward 1 Bicycle Boulevard Review 

In 2022, the City of Hamilton opened two new “bicycle boulevards” along Pearl and Kent Streets in Kirkendall and Breadalbane and Jones Streets in Strathcona. These are “neighbourhood greenways”, designed to calm traffic, make streets safer, and improve the user experience for residents, pedestrians, and cyclists. 

The city is still collecting feedback on these bicycle boulevards and wants your input. You can provide comments on the projects on the Engage Hamilton portal by following this link - https://engage.hamilton.ca/ward1bicycleblvdreview 

Feedback will be collected until November 22, 2024 and a full report will be made available for the community in the coming months. Participate in the engagement process and stay tuned for further updates soon. 

Events:

The Magic of Locke

• Location: Locke Street South BIA (Kirkendall) 
• Time: Friday, November 15, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday, November 16, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Info: Join us for the annual Locke Street kick off to the holiday season! The Locke Street shops are decked out for the season, cafes have lots of tasty holiday beverages, restaurants and food shops have lots of great food, and there's plenty of holiday shopping to support local small business and local artisans. And FLAT SANTA will make his debut at the Magic of Locke! Activities include:
  • Coca-Cola CARAVAN and pictures with Santa on Friday from 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM and from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM
  • Tree Lighting at 6:00 PM on Friday
  • Late Night Shopping all Friday
  • Photos with Santa from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon on Saturday
  • Carriage Rides from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday
  • Live music and carolers all day Saturday!

Strathcona Community Council Annual General Meeting 

• Location: Erskine Presbyterian Church, 19 Pearl Street North (Strathcona) 
• Time: Monday, November 18, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 
• Info: Join the Strathcona Community Council (SCC) for their Annual General Meeting at Erskine Presbyterian Church (19 Pearl Street North) on Monday, November 18 at 7:00 PM. This year’s AGM will feature presentations from Wayne MacPhail of the Strathcona Shadow Dwellers. All executive positions will be up for election, including the offices of President, Vice-President, Financial Officer, and Members-at-Large. All residents are asked to bring a donation of canned food or nonperishable items for the Strathcona Pantry. 

Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Holiday Crafting Party 

• Location: Blessings Christian Church, 115 Stanley Ave (Kirkendall) 
• Time: Saturday, November 23rd, 10:00 AM to 12 Noon 
• Info: Drop by the Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association's (KNA) Holiday Crafting Party on Saturday November 23rd from 10:00am – noon. Lower level of Blessings Christian Church at Stanley Ave. and Locke St. The event is open to all ages and is FREE! All materials to make ornaments, wrapping paper, decorate cookies and more are provided. Light refreshments will be served. A donation for the Locke St. Community Fridge is appreciated. Visit www.kirkendallhood.ca for more information. 

Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Neighbours’ Survey 

• Location: Online at this link – Survey here 
• Time: Now until Friday, December 6. 
• Info: Have Your Say!  Almost 5 years ago, the Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association (KNA) collected feedback on its direction and priorities from 300 local residents. Now we are checking in with you to see whether we should make any revisions. Please complete our short 5 minute survey at this link. Deadline is Friday, December 6th. 

CityLAB’s “Share Your Vision for Copps Pier Park” Drop-in Event 

• Location: Discovery Centre, 57 Discovery Drive (North End) 
• Time: Saturday, November 16 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM 
• Info: The student-led team from CityLAB’s Semester in Residence program are working with the City of Hamilton Placemaking team to raise awareness and increase engagement at Copps Pier Park, located within Pier 8. The team is inviting residents to an event at the Discovery Centre at Pier 8 that will include an opportunity to provide feedback on prototype signage for wayfinding and user experiences at the site. Everyone who attends will get free hot chocolate and a Hamilton Museum Pass for their time. Reserve a spot at this link or drop-in anytime between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on November 16. 

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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