Councillor’s Update

Dayna, North End Resident and Reader

“I look forward to the always-prompt delivery of the next edition to my mailbox, and to receiving the email alerting me to its availability! I so appreciate that there remains a local community paper at a time when so many others have ceased publication. It’s been a great introduction to the North End!”

Kristina Santone

“Being a part of the North End Breezes board for the past two years has been a privilege. The team does amazing work within the community and serves as a resource hub for all. They are committed, and most importantly, passionate about preserving the North End’s legacy, while also continuing to foster its growth. Whether you are new to the area, or a longtime resident, I encourage you to volunteer with the Breezes in some capacity if you’re able. This team is small but mighty and they are always looking for more support. I’m grateful for the relationships and community I’ve been able to build while serving on the board.

I’ll be joining Welcome Inn as the Executive Director and look forward to taking on a new role in the North End Community while staying connected to The Breezes. “

By Cameron Kroetsch

I hope everyone in the North End had a good summer. I saw many of you out this summer during my walks and bike rides through the neighbourhood, at softball games at Eastwood Park, and events and celebrations around the downtown core.

As we approach the fall, it’s time again to think about the City’s budget process, which will begin in earnest later this month. For those who have been following the budget during this term of Council, you likely know the Province has granted new powers to the Mayor, which means she now proposes Council’s budget. Once the budget has been released, I’ll be reviewing it closely and will keep everyone posted about the amendments I’ll be putting forward to make improvements for Ward 2 residents. I’ve consistently introduced the largest line by line reductions to the budget in this term of Council and motions to improve our downtown and I’ll continue to do my part. I’ll also be hosting another Budget Town Hall, as I did last year, in November. I’ll share an update with the timing and location in a future issue of the Breezes.

If you’ve been out downtown at all this summer, you’ll likely have noticed the City’s sidewalk repair program in full swing. There are two programs running concurrently through the summer and fall.

The first is the annual sidewalk program I’ve been funding during this term of Council from Ward 2 reserves. This year, as in previous years, I’ll be funding major sidewalk repairs in every Ward 2 neighbourhood so we can catch up on the backlog. It’s an affordable way, within my reach, to help to address the $5.4 billion infrastructure backlog left to us by previous terms of Council.

The second is work by the City to address improvements to make our sidewalks more accessible under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, which states certain City infrastructure must be up to code by the end of the year. This includes addressing how sidewalks connect to intersections (sloping at curb cuts) and installing urban braille.

I’m not just addressing sidewalks. I’ve used the bulk of the Ward 2 reserve funds available during this term of Council to begin to tackle street safety issues across the downtown. I put forward several motions to the Public Works Committee in July to kick start this work. As a result, the following infrastructure in and around the North End will be installed in 2025 and 2026:

– An upgraded pedestrian crossing with lights at James Street North and Wood Street to make it safer to cross

– A signalized intersection at the West Harbour GO Station across James Street North to help commuters more safely access transit

– A pedestrian crossing at Guise Street West and MacNab Street North to make a safer connection to the Waterfront Trail

– A traffic signal at Wellington Street North and Ferrie Street East to help residents from Ward 3 get to Bennetto Elementary School safely

– A pedestrian crossing at Stuart Street and Hess Street North to connect sidewalks in the area so residents can cross safely

– Speed cushion installations on Ferguson Avenue North, John Street North, and MacNab Street North

The City is also in the process of completing something called an In Service Road Safety Review of the entire length of Bay Street. As part of this process, City staff will analyze the traffic conditions along Bay Street and propose changes to improve safety. It is due to be completed later this year and when I have the results, including any safety improvements, I’ll let everyone know what will be planned along Bay Street North.

As a last update from me, the City and I are working on the next phases of consultation and development for Eastwood Arena and Park and Strachan Linear Park. You’ll have noticed some changes to both spaces recently to respond to early consultation with North Enders, but there’s more planned and I’m hoping we can continue the conversation later this year or early next year. The temporary closure of Eastwood Arena delayed things, unfortunately, but we’re back on track now.

As always, the Ward 2 Team and I are available if you have feedback to share, a concern to raise, or a question to ask. Please send an email to the Ward 2 Team at Ward2@hamilton.ca or call us at (905) 546-2197 if that’s easier for you.