It's November 13, 2026 and The Ward 1 Newsletter is here to provide all the information you need to stay up to date with what's happening in your community. In this edition, find reflections on this Remembrance Day, some legislative updates, information on winter recreation programs, and so much more. There's plenty to discover in The Ward 1 Newsletter!

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• Remembrance Day Reflections
• Ward 1 Construction Updates
• Legislative Updates
• Councillor Wilson in the Community
• Winter Recreation Programs
• Indigenous Relations Updates
• The HSR's Annual Customer Survey
• Housing Emergency Fund
• Respiratory Virus Season Preparedness
• Proposed Building Permit Fee Increase
• Event Spotlight: National Housing Day
• Events - Ward 1
• Events - Explore Your City

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Remembrance Day Reflections

What have we given?
My friend, blood shaking my heart
The awful daring of a moment's surrender
Which an age of prudence can never retract
By this, and this only, we have existed.
T. S. Eliot, The Waste Land

Remembrance Day at the West Hamilton Cenotaph

The crowds attending the Remembrance Service at the West Hamilton Cenotaph continue to grow each year. It was particularly moving to see a steady increase in the number of younger people. An hour of fellowship followed as the congregation of St. George's Reformed Episcopal Church invited everyone to join in refreshments.

As a child, the local Canadian Legion would lead Remembrance Services in our school gym. The Great Wars seemed long ago in lands far away. Adulthood changes how we experience time.  The hours may sometimes move slowly, but the years move at lightning speed.  We realise how close this history is when the fate of freedom and democracy hung in the balance, secured only by the sacrifices of a generation. It remains our duty to honour Canada's sons and daughters and recommit to upholding the values they served—and died—to protect and promote. Lest we forget.

Indigenous Veterans' Day at the Eagles Among Us Monument

November 8, 2026, was Indigenous Veterans' Day. On this day, we commemorate the over 12,000 Indigenous people from across Canada who served on the front lines during 20th-century conflicts, as well as the countless others who served on the home front, working and sacrificing for this shared land. Their contributions were, and remain, invaluable to this country we all share. The Government of Canada's Veterans Affairs website has some wonderful resources that tell the stories of Indigenous veterans, as well as other information on the role of Indigenous people in Canada's military.

At a ceremony marking Indigenous Veterans' Day on November 6 at the Eagles Among Us monument at Battlefield Park, Terri Monture, a descendant of Charlotte Edith Monture, spoke about her grandmother's story. Monture was born on the Six Nations Reserve and had a strong passion for nursing. Due to the racist policies of the time, Monture was denied admission to Canadian medical schools, forcing her to travel to the United States to study. In 1917, Monture enlisted as a nurse in the United States Expeditionary Force and served in France, treating soldiers suffering from exposure to mustard gas. Monture's diary is available to read online and offers a glimpse into the Indigenous experience during World War One. In addition to her incredible work as a nurse, she was the first Indigenous woman to vote in Canada, after being granted this basic right thanks to her service during the war. Monture died in 1996 just four days shy of her 106th birthday. Monture's courage, passion, and determination in the face of institutional racism are an inspiration.

Thank you to the City of Hamilton's Tourism and Culture Curator, Travis Hill; Hamilton's Indigenous Relations team; the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre; the Hamilton Police Service; and everyone who made this moving ceremony possible.

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Ward 1 Construction Updates

• Resurfacing on Dundurn Street South (from Main Street West to King Street West)

The City is taking advantage of the extended warm weather to complete paving and concrete work.

1. • Type: Resurfacing
   • When: November 11 to November 30, 2026
     
   • Purpose: Resurfacing a high-traffic section of Dundurn Street South to improve the road experience for all users ahead of winter conditions.
   • Notice.
   • Phase 1 - Concrete curb and sidewalk repairs over approximately eight (8) business days of work, weather-dependent
     • Daytime work 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily
     • Impact – LANE RESTRICTIONS - one lane in each direction will remain open

• • Phase 2 - Milling and Paving: Two (2) nights of work
    • Impact – ROAD CLOSURE 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM
      • Night 1 - Milling of the road surface
      • Night 2 - Paving

• Sidewalk and Lane Occupancy on King Street West (Pearl Street North to Locke St North)
  • Type: Sidewalk and lane (northernmost) occupancy
  • When: Until December 11, 2026 
  • Purpose: Facilitate the demolition of an existing building (map)

Notes: This sidewalk and lane closure will be in place to facilitate the demolition of the current building at 434 King Street West to allow construction of a mixed-use development, including 50 deeply affordable supportive housing units, by non-profit provider Indwell. Please direct any questions regarding this closure to [email protected]

• LRT Works Lane Occupancies on King Street West (Hughson Street to New Street)
  • Type: Sidewalk and lane occupancy
  • When: November 11, 2026 to early December 2026
  • Purpose: LRT Utilities Investigations

Notes: Utility investigations will take place on King Street West. This is the second phase of this work, which is occurring between Hess St and New St. Work will alternate between south and north sides. There may be temporary sidewalk closures. Several trucks, construction vehicles, and paid duty officers will be in the area. As this is work being conducted by Metrolinx, any questions and concerns can be directed to [email protected].

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Legislative Updates

On the last legislative day of the 2022-2026 Term, Councillor Wilson introduced three motions to address timely infrastructure repairs, urban streetscape improvements, and food insecurity in our community. Each motion passed unanimously and will impact key areas of concern for our community.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Framework for Roads and Sidewalks

City of Hamilton Advertising Bench Policy

The public's urban streetscape, mostly near HSR transit stops, hosts over 500 advertising benches and waste containers. These are intended to be a public good, providing seating and places for people to responsibly deposit litter. A private advertising agency has a contract with the City to install and maintain these assets. The contract is considered a revenue-generating model for the City, meaning that the municipality does not need to provide or maintain public seating at transit stops.

Although these benches are provided by a private agency, there should be an expectation that these bench and waste disposal assets meet the same standards of quality, accessibility, and usability as other public benches across Hamilton. At present, they do not, and many residents complain about the poor state of these benches and waste receptacles. The same maintenance standards and site requirements should apply to public benches and those provided privately.

This motion will provide council and the public with information on the City's existing policies on the maintenance of benches and waste receptacles, outline any differences in policies, and explain how future contracts can ensure high-quality standards are maintained for advertising benches and waste containers.

Hamilton's Community Food Garden Policy

Approximately one-third of Hamilton households are "food insecure", meaning they do not have enough money to buy food. As a result, they may have to eat less food than they need or eat foods that lack adequate nutrients.

Community food gardens enable residents to grow healthy and nutritious food. The City of Hamilton has 22 public gardens, measuring 21,710 m2. The City's community garden policy is 16 years old and, due to their popularity, many community gardens have long wait lists. 

This motion calls for a review of Hamilton's community food garden policy to include an analysis of the existing locations to ensure they continue to uphold the health, safety and fair access of interested resident users and steps on how existing sites can be expanded or new sites can be found and approved.

A new community garden policy will not solve Hamilton's food insecurity conditions. Big systemic change at all levels of government is necessary to address these conditions. However, a review will enable the community to participate in a discussion about the importance of nutritious food and the possibility of enhancing access with locally grown food.

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Councillor Wilson in the Community

International Inuit Day at the Central Library

November 7 was International Inuit Day, marking and celebrating Inuit peoples, their vibrant culture, and their amazing stories.

Cindy Biancaniello (Elder Anauta) shared stories and photos from her grandfather, an Inuktitut interpreter aboard the SS Diana and Neptune expedition ships in 1897, at the Central Library on November 5. This story was one of supreme intelligence, unfathomable resilience, and generosity, so representative of the Inuit spirit. 

Thank you to the City's Indigenous Relations Team for offering this fantastic public lecture by Elder Anauta. It was an honour to join and learn more about the incredible contributions of Inuit peoples to our shared understanding of this land.

2027 Coats for Kids Campaign

There, the Knights of Columbus kicked off their 2027 Coats for Kids Campaign, with Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board school principals in attendance. The principals collected bags of new winter coats funded by the 2026 campaign. The 2026 campaign collected 2,300 coats for students in need!

It was an honour and privilege to attend and address distinguished guests and Father Walter.

One of my favourite writers, Marilynne Robinson, reminds us that generosity is an essential civic obligation. It keeps our human culture alive and our community stronger. Thank you, Knights of Columbus, for your generosity and leadership.

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Winter Recreation Programs

The Winter Recreation Program schedule has been released! Residents can start browsing winter recreation options at community centres across Ward 1 and across Hamilton. The City of Hamilton offers registered programs, drop-in programs, adapted and inclusive programming, programs for people age 55+, outdoor programs, and more. Explore the options on the City of Hamilton's website today.

Registration for winter programs begins at 8:00 AM on December 9, 10, and 11. Mark your calendars and sign up for fun, exciting winter programs at Hamilton's rec centres!

And this year, you can "sleigh" the holidays with a Holiday Seasonal Youth Recreation Pass. Check off those under-17s by picking up a holiday booklet for just $12.29 (plus HST) at select local rec centres. These passes offer 10 tickets providing admission to scheduled drop-in swim, gym, and skate sessions for youth. Learn more about these passes on the City of Hamilton's website or email [email protected].

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Indigenous Relations Updates

Treaty Markers

In partnership with the Moccasin Identifier initiative, the City of Hamilton has installed three Indigenous Treaty Markers across the city as part of a public art and education initiative to provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous Peoples and our shared history.

The markers honour the history, rights, languages and cultures of First Peoples of Canada. Made from granite, each marker is inspired by a historical, unique moccasin design that represents an Indigenous culture and tradition. The markers use moccasin artwork and interpretive plaques to tell their stories and encourage residents to pause, reflect and learn more about our shared responsibility to advance reconciliation.

There are three Treaty Markers across Hamilton:

• City Hall – Anishinaabe Moccasin Treaty Marker
  • This Treaty Marker features an Anishinaabe moccasin from the period 1700 to 1799 CE. It honours the Anishinaabe Peoples, whose ancestral territories span much of Ontario and the Great Lakes region.
• Dundurn Castle Grounds – Seneca Moccasin Treaty Marker
  • Representing the Seneca Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy from 1850 to 1900 CE, this treaty marker is inspired by a late-19th-century pair of moccasins. The design features colourful floral beadwork and elements associated with the Niagara Style. It reflects the craftsmanship of First Nations artisans, particularly Seneca and Tuscarora women.
• West Harbour Hamilton Public Library Branch – Wendat Moccasin Treaty Marker
  • This Treaty Marker represents the Wendat people from approximately 1830 CE, whose ancestral homelands include much of southern and central Ontario. Historically known for their leadership in trade, agriculture and diplomacy, the Wendat maintained their cultural traditions and connections to the land despite displacement and the impacts of colonial expansion.

In late 2027, each Treaty Marker throughout the city will be updated with information directing visitors to the Treaty Place. The Treaty Place will serve as a dedicated gathering space and will provide an opportunity to learn about the Indigenous Peoples of this land on which we stand today. The space will also support future activities designed to build Treaty awareness and deepen understanding of Treaty responsibilities, Indigenous relationships to the land and the history of Treaties, including the promises made and broken.

Together, these initiatives reflect the City's ongoing commitment to reconciliation through continuous learning, meaningful engagement and strong partnerships with Indigenous communities.

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HSR's Annual Customer Survey

The HSR's Annual Customer Survey is open for submissions. The survey asks HSR users to share their experiences with public transit in Hamilton - how you use transit, what you think about the changes the HSR has made so far, and what can be done to make your experience better. This will help the HSR track year-to-year changes and improve service for everyone in Hamilton. 

As an added bonus, if you complete the survey, you will be entered into a draw for a chance to win one of ten $100 PRESTO cards.

You can complete HSR's Annual Customer Survey now through November 15, 2026.

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Housing Emergency Fund

The City of Hamilton is offering access to the Housing Emergency Fund for eligible Hamilton renters to help maintain their existing housing or establish a new permanent residence. People with low income and people on ODSP and/or Ontario Works can receive help with utility and rent arrears. In addition, people on ODSP and/or Ontario Works can receive help with last month's rent.

If you or someone you know needs access to this program, you can download the application from the City of Hamilton's website and submit it online. There are also select locations around Hamilton where residents can receive help submitting applications.

For more information on program eligibility, other supports, and the fund in general, please visit the City of Hamilton's Housing Emergency Fund webpage or email [email protected]. 

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Respiratory Virus Season Preparedness

During this respiratory season, immunisations for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV are critical to reducing impacts of respiratory viruses, along with early assessment and timely treatment of eligible high-risk patients. Together, we can reduce the health impacts of respiratory viruses on the community and reduce impacts on the healthcare system.

The City of Hamilton has a Respiratory Virus Data webpage that is updated regularly to keep residents informed about the community's risk level.

All eligible residents are encouraged to seek antiviral treatment for respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19. The Government of Ontario has helpful recommendations for residents about the different antiviral options available for the flu and for COVID-19.

Stay up to date with your vaccinations and take steps to reduce the spread of respiratory diseases by considering face masks, distancing, and staying home when feeling ill to help keep our community safe.

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Proposed Building Permit Fee Increase

The City of Hamilton's Planning Committee will consider a report proposing a 3 per cent increase to existing Building Permit Fees to cover reasonable expected costs for activities performed under the Building Code Act, 1992. This report will be presented at the Planning Committee meeting scheduled for December 1, 2026, at 9:30 AM. The agenda for the meeting will be available one week before the scheduled date.

Residents are invited to contribute written, oral, or pre-recorded delegations on the matter to help inform the Planning Committee's decision. Written submissions can be sent to [email protected] before 12:00 PM on November 30, 2026. Oral delegation requests can be made through the City's Delegation Request portal, also by November 30, 2026. Pre-recorded delegation submissions can also be made through the City's Delegation Request portal by 12:00 PM on November 27, 2026.

Residents can watch the Planning Committee meeting — and any public meeting of Hamilton City Council — on the City's YouTube channel.

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Strathcona Community Council AGM

A connected community is a resilient community. 

Meet your neighbours at the Strathcona Community Council's Annual General Meeting. 

Hear what it was like to serve on the 2026 board, revisit the year's highlights and share your ideas for what the council could take on in 2027.

Want to get more involved? Run for a seat on the board or join a subcommittee to help bring those ideas to life. Whether you are new to Strathcona or have lived here for years, come see how you can help shape your neighbourhood.

• Date: November 18, 2026 at 7:00 PM
• Location: Erskine Presbyterian Church Hall, 19 Pearl Street North

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Event Spotlight: National Housing Day

The City of Hamilton is marking National Housing Day on November 20, 2026, with an event at City Hall from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. National Housing Day was first proclaimed by the federal government in 2000 and recognises ongoing efforts to improve access to safe and affordable housing across Canada. This year, the City will recognise National Housing Day in Council Chambers by showcasing the work of various levels of government, community partners, and major funders helping address homelessness and housing issues. The event will feature informative presentations, followed by light refreshments and an opportunity to network with leaders in the field. This event will also be livestreamed so residents can tune in from home. You can register online through the City of Hamilton or catch the livestream on the City of Hamilton's YouTube page.

National Housing Day

• November 20, 2026, starting at 1:00 PM - schedule and registration
• Location: Council Chambers, Hamilton City Hall, 71 Main St W

In keeping with this year's theme, Family Housing and Homelessness, the event will showcase the latest initiatives and collaborative efforts by the City, housing partners and the community to address homelessness and housing issues affecting families across Hamilton.

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Events in Ward 1

THE MAGIC OF LOCKE

The magic of the season is here with the Magic of Locke! Enjoy fabulous shopping, great food, live entertainment, holiday fun, and more along the Locke Street BIA. Carolers will serenade shoppers as carriage rides whisk patrons up and down Locke St., between sipping warm beverages and visiting Santa.

• November 13 and 14, 2026
• Location: Locke Street Shoppes

SCHEDULE

Friday, November 13

• Visits with Santa at Baily Nelson from 5:00-6:00 PM
• Tree lighting at 6:00 PM Friday night! (TONIGHT)
• 5:00-8:00 PM
  • Letter writing to Santa at Bitten
  • Carriage rides 
  • Strolling carolers
  • Live music at the West Town and The Squire 
  • Late-night shopping

Saturday, November 14

• Visits with Santa at Bitten from 10:00-11:00 AM
• Tree lighting at 6:00 PM Friday night! (TONIGHT)
• 1:00-4:00 PM
  • Letter writing to Santa at Bitten
  • Carriage rides 
  • Strolling carolers
  • Live music at the West Town and The Squire 
  • All-day shopping

TREE PLANTING AT THE RBG

• November 14, 2026, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Location: RBG lands, 85 Oak Knoll Dr
• Join the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), Trees for Hamilton (TFH), and the Hamilton Sustainability Action Project (HSAP) to plant trees on the RBG's land in Westdale. Parking passes will be provided to participants. Come on out to help improve sustainability and beautification in our community. Register on the HSAP website here.

GREEN VENTURE'S FALL WORKSHOP SERIES: RAINSCAPING

• November 16, 2026, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
• Location: St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Charlton Ave W
• Join Green Venture for a workshop on effective rainscaping. This workshop — Site Analysis for Effective Rainscaping: Observations, Obligations, and Opportunities — will help participants understand the unique way water moves through sites. The session will cover how to observe sites effectively, the obligation to keep homes and neighbourhoods safe from water damage, and the opportunity to create an ecologically resilient landscape that manages rainwater in artful, creative ways. Green Venture is presenting this session, delivered by Michael Albanese from AVESI Stormwater & Landscape Solutions. RSVP through Green Venture's website.

KNA's ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFTING PARTY

• November 21, 2026, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
• Location: St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Charlton Ave W
• Join the Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association for their annual Holiday Crafting Party. This free event is open to all ages and is great fun for the whole family. The KNA will provide the materials to make ornaments, wrapping paper and other holiday decorations; you supply the talent and creativity! There will also be cookies for decorating. Light refreshments will be served. A donation for the Locke St. Community Fridge is appreciated.

ANNUAL MELROSE MISTLETOE BAZAAR

• November 21, 2026, 9:00 AM to Noon
• Location: Melrose United, 86 Homewood Ave

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS TOURS AT DUNDURN CASTLE

Step back in time this holiday season at Dundurn Castle and enjoy a Victorian Christmas Tour.

• November 24, 2026 to January 3, 2027
• Location: Dundurn National Historic Site, 610 York Blvd, Hamilton 

WESTDALE WINTER WANDER

Join the Westdale BIA for Winter Wander Weekend in Westdale Village November 27-29. Lots of festive fun all weekend, with shopping, dining, plus music and film. Donations to the Good Shepherd Food Bank are being accepted Friday and Saturday at the Winter Wander Market

• November 27 to November 29, 2026
• Location: Westdale Village BIA

SCHEDULE

• Friday, November 27
  • FREE movie showings at the Westdale Theatre: The Bells of St. Mary's at 1:00 PM
  •  "Stories with Santa" from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Alterna Savings, 1005 King St W, Hamilton
  • Tree lighting at 6:00 PM at the clock garden, corner of King St W and Paisley Ave S
  • Live candlelight performances at the Westdale Theatre at 6:30 PM and 8:45 PM. 
• Saturday, November 28
  • FREE movies at the Westdale Theatre: The Bells of St. Mary's at 10:00 AM and Elf at 1:00 PM
  • "Breakfast with Santa" at 11:00 at the Snooty Fox, 1011 King St W, Hamilton,  $10 per person (all proceeds go to McMaster Children's Hospital)
  • Skydiggers Christmas show at the Westdale Theatre at 8:00 PM.  Tickets

NORTH POLE ON PEARL & CHRISTMAS CRAFT WORKSHOP

Come and see Santa, his elves, and all their Christmas friends at the North Pole on Pearl. Feel the magic of Christmas with carollers, lots of treats, games, crafts, and pictures with Santa and all the characters you've come to love at Christmas. Free for all! All are welcome.

This free, family-friendly activity includes all supplies, plus treats, snacks, hot chocolate, and joyful Christmas music.

The more we're together, the happier we'll be.

• December 12, 2026, 4:00-7:00 PM
• Location: Erskine Church, 19 Pearl St N

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Events - Explore Your City

PASS THE WARMTH CLOTHING DONATION

• November 12 to December 12, 2026
• Location: All Hamilton Fire Stations
• This winter, the Hamilton Fire Department and Hamilton Health Sciences are teaming up to help prevent frostbite and support Hamiltonians experiencing housing instability across our community. From November 12 to December 12, the Hamilton Fire Department is collecting donations of new warm socks, gloves and toques at all local fire stations. Donations will be delivered to the Regional Burn Centre at Hamilton Health Sciences, where volunteers will assemble winter care kits for distribution through local shelters and hospital emergency departments across Hamilton. Pass the warmth! Drop off new winter essentials at your local Hamilton Fire Station and help keep our community warm, safe and cared for this winter.

CPKC HOLIDAY TRAIN

• November 20, 2026, 7:45 PM to 8:45 PM
• Location: Gage Park, 1000 Main St E
• The CPKC Holiday Train returns to Hamilton on Friday, November 20! Head over to Gage Park for a free outdoor concert featuring Magic! and MARIS, festive lights and holiday cheer! Please consider bringing a donation of non-perishable food for Hamilton Food Share or donate through Canada Helps to ensure those in need have a bright and wonderful holiday season.

LOUIS RIEL DAY

• November 21, 2026, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Location: Hamilton Public Library Central Branch, 55 York Blvd.
• Learn about Métis history, society and culture through storytelling, traditional music, knowledge sharing and interactive exhibits at this year's Louis Riel Day celebration. Louis Riel Day celebrates Métis culture, recognizes their contributions to Canada and highlights their continued struggles. All are welcome at this free event!

PUNCHING IN: THE WORK OF HAMILTON MUSIC

• Now to December 31, 2026
• Location: Tourism Hamilton Visitor Experience Centre, 28 James St N
• Celebrate Hamilton's thriving music scene and the journey of music-making with "Punching In", an exhibit curated by Hamilton Civic Museums in collaboration with the Hamilton music community! Learn about the contributions of promoters, venue owners, songwriters, photographers and sound engineers to your favourite Hamilton songs, and revel in the nostalgia of iconic Hamilton concerts and music venues, past and present. The exhibit will highlight local musicians, including Jackie Washington, Boris Brott, Terra Lightfoot, and the Arkells, as well as the industry that helps to create and share this music. 

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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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Ward 1 Chronicles - The Back Stories

Ainslie's Wood	The Dundurn Gardener's Cottage   (Strathcona North)
West End Weather   (Various locations)	Sydney St   (Strathcona Central)
The Life and Architecture of Stanley Roscoe  (Various locations)	Rolph Gate   (Strathcona North)
The Mountain Ave Maternity Hospital   (Kirkendall South)	The Rifle Range   (Ainslie Wood)
The Sunken Gardens (McMaster University)	The West Hamilton Cenotaph (Ainslie Wood)

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Ward 1 Infrastructure Updates

For up-to-date information on all the infrastructure projects happening in Ward 1, check out our Ward 1 Infrastructure Projects webpage.

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Ward 1 Development Information

Here you can find general information on developments and their status in the planning process.

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Follow along for timely Ward 1 Updates via:   

• Email: [email protected]
• Tel: 905-546-2416
• On social media: