This edition of the Ward 1 newsletter includes:

• Join us for a Ward 1 Town Hall
• Sacajawea Affordable Student Housing Development
• Phase 2 of the York Boulevard Construction
• Westdale Roadworks Begin on March 31
• 2024 Remuneration and Expenses Report 
• Changes to the Blue Box Recycling Program
• Deadline for Vacant Unit Tax Approaching
• Property Tax Installment Extension
• Extended Hours for Noise Bylaw Enforcement 
• Around the Bay Road Race 2025 
• Controlled Burns Scheduled in Royal Botanical Gardens’ Nature Sanctuary for Spring 2025
• Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Annual General Meeting
• Events

Join us for a Ward 1 Town Hall

This is one last reminder that our Ward 1 Town Hall will be held next week on April 1, 2025.

To facilitate conversation and provide a chance for all Ward 1 residents to participate, this will be a hybrid in-person/online event. You can join us:

• In-person at McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) - 175 Longwood Road South. Parking is available on-site. MIP is accessible by transit on the 1-King, 5-Delaware, 6-Aberdeen, 10-B-Line, and 51 51-University routes. A SoBi bike share station is in front of 175 Longwood Road South.
• Online via Zoom and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@Ward1Wilson).

Pre-registration is appreciated. Sign up at this link: 2025 Ward 1 Town Hall.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sacajawea Affordable Student Housing Development

An Indigenous-led project by Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing will be coming to 95 Dundurn Street South at Jackson Street West – presently a vacant lot across from Jackson Park. This new development will provide 30 affordable units for Indigenous post-secondary students. This project was made possible through the Indigenous Supportive Housing Program contributions from Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services and the City of Hamilton’s Housing Secretariat. 

This project is presently in the site planning phase. Last June, the provincial government made changes to the Planning Act through Bill 185, which removes the requirement for formal consultation for site plan approvals in an effort to speed up the development of new housing units. Further information on the changes to the site planning process can be found at this link to an October report to the City’s Planning Committee. 

Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing anticipates occupancy by the first quarter of 2027. As plans are finalized, more updates will be available.

For more information on this project and other affordable housing developments in Hamilton, please see the City's press release at this link.

Phase 2 of the York Boulevard Construction

The second construction phase on York Boulevard will begin on April 1st. This phase will address the lanes south of the centre median. 

Unlike Phase 1, the second phase does not include a watermain replacement. This will make for a shorter project with different detour options.

You can review the project storyboard at this link or read the City's construction letter sent to adjacent residents for a full overview of what to expect.

Like video check? Check our previous Ward 1 meetings highlighting the work expected. 

York Blvd Construction - Complete Streets Design

Construction Phasing and Traffic Mitigation

Westdale Roadworks Begin on March 31

Note: Please note an error in our March 14, 2025, newsletter. We mistakenly said the raised crosswalk would be at Sterling and Haddon. The correct location is Sterling and Dalewood. We apologize for the error. 

Road work is scheduled to begin in Westdale on March 31, with expected completion on August 22, 2025, weather permitting. This is the final phase of the Westdale South (King to Churchill Park) project. 

This work will involve the following improvements: 

• Resurfacing on Sterling Street, Whitton Road, Oakwood Place, and on Cline Avenue North from Sterling to King 
• Replacing the existing painted bike lanes on Sterling Street with protected bike lanes 
• Adding a raised intersection to Sterling Street and Dalewood Crescent to improve pedestrian safety at a high-crossing intersection 
• Adding a raised HSR pad to the stop at Sterling Street and Forsyth Avenue North 
• Adding independent pedestrian signals to King Street West at Haddon Avenue North 
• Tightening the radii on Cline Street South at King Street West to slow turning traffic and improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists 

The investments will improve the experience of all road users and make an important connection in our community safer for everyone. The City of Hamilton issued construction letters to adjacent residents and noted an on-site inspector available for the duration of the project who can answer any construction-related questions. You can also watch the following video from a public meeting held regarding these investments held in October of 2023.

2024 Remuneration and Expenses Report 

At the March 20 meeting of the City of Hamilton’s Audit, Finance, and Administration Committee, members received the 2024 Report on Remuneration and Expenses, which is required by provincial law. This report details the expenses made by Council members over the past year as a matter of public disclosure. 

I have made no expense claims for the fourth year in a row. Since being elected in 2018, I have made claims only once, in 2020, to help cover the cost of a public lecture hosted jointly by myself and my colleagues from Wards 3 and 8 from urban planner Joe Minicozzi. That engaging presentation examining the relationship between LRT and property tax is available online.

I take fiscal responsibility very seriously. Managing public funds is an immense responsibility, and I believe it is my duty to be prudent with any spending related to my day-to-day responsibilities as a member of the Council. In the interests of transparency and accountability, I always keep an up-to-date record of my expenses available on my website. You can access more information on expense disclosures on the City’s Open Data dashboard.

* Public Lecture: Minicozzi Talk "Do the Math: LRT vs Tax", split between Wards 1,3, & 8 

Changes to the Blue Box Recycling Program

Hamilton's Blue Box program is changing. Starting April 1, 2025, the City's Blue Box recycling program will be operated by Circular Materials Ontario, a not-for-profit producer responsibility organization. Under new provincial Blue Box Regulations, the organizations responsible for making packaging are now 100% responsible for operating and funding the recycling program.

Your recycling pick-up day will not change during the "transition period" between April 1 and December 31, 2025. During this time, you can continue to use one blue box for containers and one blue box for paper and cardboard. After January 1, 2026, the "Common Collection System" will launch across Ontario. We will provide more updates once they are made available.            

As of April 1, the City of Hamilton will NO longer be operationally or financially responsible for the Blue Box Program. Any recycling issues or inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or 1-844-415-4351.

For more information, please visit hamilton.ca/blueboxtransition. 

Deadline for Vacant Unit Tax Approaching

The deadline to submit your Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) Declaration is April 30, 2025. All residential property owners in Hamilton must complete a VUT declaration if a residential unit in their home or building was vacant for more than 183 days last year. The VUT is an additional 1% of a property’s assessed value. 

Council approved the VUT as a proven tool to address our affordable housing crisis. The VUT encourages property owners to keep their properties occupied instead of vacant, and the revenue generated from this program will be invested in affordable housing initiatives across Hamilton. 

The lingering effects of the Canada Post strike have resulted in some residents not receiving information about the VUT in a timely manner. As a result, Council has approved waiving additional penalties for any declarations received after April 30, 2025. 

If any Ward 1 residents need assistance accessing the VUT declaration, have any questions about the process, or require information on alternative ways of making a declaration City of Hamilton will be holding VUT Drop-in Clinics around the city to provide in-person assistance with any issues relating to the VUT. If residents bring their “Notice to Declare Letter” and one of their most recent property tax bills, staff can help complete the declaration. The next VUT Drop-in Clinics will be:

• Monday, March 31
  • 4:30 to 8:30 PM - Stoney Creek Recreation Centre, 45 King Street West, Stoney Creek
  • 4:30 to 8:30 PM - Glanbrook Arena, 4300 Binbrook Road, Glanbrook
• Tuesday, April 1
  • 4:30 to 8:30 PM - Ancaster Rotary Centre & Morgan Firestone Arena, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster
• Wednesday, April 2
  • 4:30 to 8:30 PM - J.L. Grightmire Arena, 35 Market Street South, Dundas
• Thursday, April 3
  • 4:30 to 8:30 PM - Chedoke Twin Pad Arena, 91 Chedmac Drive, Hamilton

You can find more information and a link to submit your declaration online at the City of Hamilton’s Vacant Unit Tax website.

Alternatively, you can access a PDF copy of the declaration here if needed or if you would like a physical copy dropped off at your residence, please contact the Ward 1 office by email or phone at 905-546-2416.

Property Tax Installment Extension

This is a reminder that the City of Hamilton has extended the payment deadline for the first installment of your property tax until March 31, 2025 to address any delays caused by the lingering effects of the Canada Post strike. 

Your first installment payment can be made until March 31 without incurring the 1.25% late penalty. The second installment is due on April 30, 2025. 

If you have been affected by the Canada Post delay, please contact the Ward 1 office at [email protected], and we will connect you with someone who can help. You can also register for property tax e-billing, allowing you to receive your tax bill electronically.

You can learn more at the City of Hamilton’s Property Tax site here. 

Extended Hours for Noise Bylaw Enforcement 

To enhance service to the community related to noise enforcement and the increasing demands associated with evening complaint investigation, commencing April 1, 2025, Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) Officers will be extending hours of operation. MLE Officers’ shifts will be extended to cover the following hours: 

• Monday - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM 
• Tuesday - 8:00 AM to 4:00 AM
• Wednesday - 8:00 AM to 4:00 AM
• Thursday - 8:00 AM to 4:00 AM
• Friday - 8:00 AM to 4:00 AM
• Saturday - 8:00 AM to 4:00 AM  
• Sunday - 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Note that service hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (16:00) on Mondays, and until 4:00 AM on other weekdays and Saturday.

MLE will continue to take complaints from Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. To register a complaint, please contact MLE at 905-546-2782 or submit a complaint online on the MLE webpage.

Residents can report complaints after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends by contacting the City of Hamilton Customer Contact Centre at 905- 546-2489. Complaints can also be submitted online and will be addressed during business hours. 

Noise complaints outside of scheduled shifts can be directed to the Hamilton Police Services non-emergency line at 905-546-4925. The Hamilton Police Services Priority Response System will set response times. 

Around the Bay Road Race 2025 

The 131st annual Around the Bay Road Race will happen this Sunday, March 30th, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 2:15 PM. During that time, road closures will be in effect to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. Roads will be closed from 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM. 

Ward 1 residents will need to be aware of closures on York Boulevard, Locke Street North, Barton Street West, and Tecumseh Street. For more information, please visit the Around the Bay race website.

Please note that you can always check the City of Hamilton's road closures and lane restrictions on its website using the interactive map.

Controlled Burns Scheduled in Royal Botanical Gardens’ Nature Sanctuary for Spring 2025

Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) will conduct controlled burns at two sites in the Cootes Paradise Nature Sanctuary this spring to improve rare plant habitats. These sites are:

• Princess Point - 
• North Shore Landing - near RBG’s Arboretum

These burns will occur daily, based on suitable weather conditions between late March and April. During this time, access to Princess Point, Princess Point Trail, and the east end of the Anishinaabe Waadiziwin Trail will be restricted.

Visit the RBG website for more information on the Controlled Burn and Prairie Management program.

Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Annual General Meeting

This year's Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association (KNA) Annual General Meeting will be held on April 24, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM at McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Road South.

Details are being finalized, so check the KNA website here for more details as the date approaches.

Events

The Evolution of and History at Burlington Heights

• Time: Friday, March 28, 2025, 7:30 PM (Tonight)
• Location: The Coach House at Dundurn Castle, 610 York Blvd. (Strathcona)
• Info: All are welcome at the Head of the Lake Historical Society meeting, Friday, March 28, 2025. Join us for a talk by Daryl MacTavish of Hamilton's Historic House Museums entitled “And Now the Field of Battle Was My Home”, a discussion about the events that led up to the June 6th, 1813 Battle of Stoney Creek.

  Doors open at 7:00 p.m., presentation at 7:30 p.m. Members free, guests $5. There will be light refreshments and an elevator available. 

World Water Day Talk 

• Time: March 29, 2025, 12:00 Noon 
• Location:  First Unitarian Church, 170 Dundurn Street South, Hamilton 
• Info: Please join the United Nations Association in Canada – Hamilton Branch for our event entitled: “Water: A Right, An Asset, or a Commodity?” This will be a conversation between Dr. Dawn Martin-Hill of McMaster University and Arlene Slocombe of Wellington Water Watchers, moderated by Dr. Atif Kubursi. Join us for a free lunch at noon followed by a conversation at 12:45. Register through Eventbrite at this link. 

Walk 30-4-30 Challenge 

• Time: April 1, 2025, 6:00 PM 
• Location:  T.B. McQueston Park (1199 Upper Wentworth Street) 
• Info: Join SportHamilton for the launch of this year’s Walk 30-4-30 Challenge. This year’s challenge encourages Hamiltonians to get moving for 30 minutes every day in April. Participate by registering and logging your activity to be entered into daily prize draws valued up to $50.  

Strathcona Community Council Team Up to Clean Up Event

• Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon
• Rain Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon
• Location: Victoria Park Fieldhouse, 500 King St W, Hamilton
• Info: Join the Strathcona Community Council for a seasonal community clean-up and "seed bomb" making event. Gloves and bags will be provided, as well as coffee and hot chocolate (please bring your own reusable mugs).

Kidical Mass Family-Friendly Slow Roll

• Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM
• Location: Churchill Park Playground at Parkside and Glen
• Info: Join Kidical Mass Hamilton for the first ride of the year on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Meet at the corner of Parkside and Glen in Westdale and enjoy a relaxed ride through the community. We will ride rain or shine, snacks will be provided, and we encourage everyone to bring their own bikes, helmets, and smiles. 

Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Music Event Planning Meeting

• Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM
• Location: McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Road South
• Info: If you are a musician interested in taking part in a Music Event, or you're interested in helping make this event happen, our organizing committee would love to get your input. Please come to our planning meeting on Wednesday, April 16 at 6:00 p.m at McMaster Innovation Park. You bring your thoughts and ideas and we'll provide the pizza. Follow this link to let us know not later than April 11 if you'll be joining us. 

Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt 

• Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM 
• Location: Starting at Blessings Church. 115 Stanley Ave. Hamilton
• Info: It's time for the 3rd Annual KNA Egg Hunt! Come join this fun, family event with crafts for the kids and a search for candy eggs. Egg drops will take place at 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, and 11:00 a.m. Make sure to bring your own basket. Adult supervision is required. If you're able, please bring a donation for the Locke Street Community Fridge. 

Strathcona Community Council Easter Egg Hunt Party

• Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon
  • Rain Date: Monday, April 21, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon
• Location: Victoria Park Fieldhouse, 500 King St, Hamilton
• Info: Join the Strathcona Community Council for a free spring event. There will be an Easter egg hunt at 10:00 AM, followed by crafting and coffee at the newly refurbished Victoria Park Fieldhouse at the corner of King and Strathcona. There will be refreshments available, but please bring your own reusable mug. We also ask for non-perishable donations for the Strathcona Pantry.

Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Food Drive

• Time: Saturday, May 3, 2025
• Location: Throughout Kirkendall
• Info: The annual "Fill a Bus, Feed a Family" Food Drive in support of Mission Services Good Food Centre is back for its 17th year! As always, we need lots of volunteers, both before the event, as well as on Food Drive day, and hope that you'll consider helping out. Have a look through the volunteer opportunities below: 
  • Food Drive Event Materials Prep: Wednesday April 23rd
  • Food Bag Delivery: Friday April 25th - Wednesday April 30th
  • Poster Hanging: Sunday April 12th - Sunday April 20th 
  • Poster Take-down: Sunday May 4th - Sunday May 11th
  • Event day roles at McMaster Innovation Park, on our HSR bus, or as a Car Collection Team in the neighbourhood: Saturday May 3rd

  Further details about these roles can be found on our Food Drive webpage. 

Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Annual Compost Sale

• Time: Saturday, May 10, 2025
• Location: TBD
• Info: Mark your calendar for the KNA's annual compost sale. Details will be forthcoming, but it's not too early to start thinking about the fabulous gardening season to come.

Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Community Yard Sale

• Time: Saturday, May 31, 2025
• Location: Throughout Kirkendall, locations TBD
• Info: Join the KNA Community Yard Sale this spring. Register here if you're interested, and we'll provide promotion of the event on the KNA website, on social media sites, and in Newsletter emails to the Kirkendall neighbourhood. The KNA will put together a map showing all the sale locations and give participants a link to a downloadable poster for posting near their location. Any questions can be directed to [email protected]

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!

Follow along for timely Ward 1 Updates via:   

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