Hello, Breezes readers and thank you again to Breezes staff who continue to provide this Ward 2 Councillor with space to update you North Enders on the latest in your neighbourhood.  Let’s get to it.

John Street Treatment

Last year, after our Public Works department posted signage at either end of John Street suggesting start dates on a two-way conversion, I heard from many directly affected residents.  In short, the residents asked for a meeting and shared a petition against it.  We met soon after.  At the meeting, it was discovered we all wanted the same thing; a calmer, safer John Street.*

So, we brain stormed a bit and once done the residents came up with another two-way option where John would remain one-way North to Burlington, but with a mostly protected bicycle lane on the west side from Strachan to Burlington (with bicycle route markings beyond between Burlington and Guise).

Since then staff have made a few assessments, our Cycling office engaged and most importantly, my budget request to fund this resident led alternative was passed by council.  So, all that is left is the installation and our goal is to have the work done prior to the start of the school year in September.  Yes – this year.

*At a later all-day public meeting at Bennetto, more North End residents reaffirmed support for this calming option.  I was there and heard the same themes.  Among the most consistent; once Pier 8 development is done, a two-way John would have resulted in cut-through traffic becoming a major issue.  Most agreed the bike-lane would offer a safety buffer between the moving cars and side-walk, enhance active and safe cycling to the school kids and health center, and the resulting one lane northbound would help slow cars and prevent fast passing in this busy pedestrian area.

Big News on a Bennetto School Playground Partnership

Over the last few years, I have been engaging with many folks associated with Bennetto School (students included) on how we can bring student led playground improvements to life.

I am pleased to report that Council has unanimously agreed to support my motion to be a 50/50 funding partner with Bennetto and make the students dreams a reality.  Approximately 150 thousand on a 300 thousand project.

I will leave the details and the construction to the Bennetto school staff and students, but wanted to share that the funding is in place and a fun and accessible outdoor space(s) for everyone is just around the corner.

 

Pier Progress

City Council remains committed to our 140-million-dollar investment in your West Harbour.  Here’s a quick update on the latest exciting developments.

Pier 5, 6, and 7 project management is moving along as planned.  The City is utilizing the expertise of The Hamilton Waterfront Trust (HWT) given their past vast experience in waterfront recreation/amenities development.

So, how does it look?  *You may watch the project video at Hamilton.ca/Westharbour.  In a recent update to the West Harbour Sub-committee, we heard that the 15.5-million-dollar project should be completed in two years. I also successfully moved a motion to have the HWT conduct a public input session on an important project piece.  What should the public art at the foot of James look like?  Stay tuned for your chance to tell us.

Pier 8 Promenade Park development is also coming along with an expected start date in the Fall.  This 6.5-million-dollar redevelopment will bring a 30 metre-wide fully accessible and exciting experience to everyone from children to seniors.  It will also compliment the long planned for Pier 8 residential and commercial development it borders.  *Go to Hamilton.ca/WestHarbour to see for yourself.

*If you would like to receive hard copies of drawings and plans, contact your Ward 2 office and we will be sure to get them to you.

Eastwood

You may recall reading about the outcome of a recent public meeting that quickly floated then sunk the prospect of investigating the feasibility of a repurpose of Eastwood that would include some residential component.  After the conversation finished where it started, the many residents who attended our public meeting on all (but one) agreed that we need to sit down and talk about our coveted rink and park in the context of how we can bring in some new life.

In your next Breezes, look for an update on when this North End brainstorming session will occur and encourage your friends and neighbours to attend.  Come loaded with ideas.

The DTSP Final Word

Over to the south of you we have recently made history in approval of a new plan that will guide future development in Hamilton’s preeminent growth district for years to come.  The Downtown Secondary Plan (DTSP) was eight years in the making and is truly the most inclusive and progressive land-use planning policy in our city has ever produced.

There were 34 formal engagement sessions and countless other conversations that led to this policy document and I just wanted to conclude by thanking the many North Enders who attended and engaged on the DTSP over the years.  With everything from greater protections for heritage, section 37 bonusing for community benefits, affordable housing stability and enhancement, building designs requirements that interrelates with existing residential neighbourhoods and an emphasis on embracing and enhancing community cultural spaces, we believe we have got it right between Cannon and Hunter, Victoria and Queen and along James North and South from Charlton to your North End border.

For more on the Downtown Secondary Plan, visit hamilton.ca/city-planning/planning-community/downtown-hamilton

Thanks again, Breezes Readers.

Jay