By Ken Hirter
Winter is in the heart of the North End of Hamilton. This year was truly amazing with so much love and community spirit. The holiday season is here and we usher in the New Year.
2025 has been a challenging year. From the good, to the bad and beautiful 2025 was a very interesting timeline in our history books. But our Canadian spirit shone brightly despite some anger and grumbles stateside and here. This too shall pass!
It was stellar and simply amazing to be here on Canada Day. It was a sea of red and white along with the beautiful sunset. The stunning fireworks display that followed that lit up the evening skies, it was absolutely breathtaking to experience. Thanks to the City of Hamilton for putting on this display that brought smiles to faces of proud residents and the folks who came down to the Bayfront Park to celebrate Canada Day.
Remember to give on-line shopping and the big box stores the boot this year. Continue to buy Canadian and support local, especially in your community.
I want to give back and to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who made my walkabouts from 2013 ~ 2026 an educational, sentimental, touching and wonderful experience. For myself it is truly the events, people, places and things that make the North End of Hamilton so unique and wonderful. You are all simply the best and continue to be NORTH END TRUE AND STRONG.
Memories are made of these special moments.
Here are my walkabouts in 2025. I hope that you have enjoyed reading, as much as I have had the joy of writing my walkabouts.
JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2025 – THE FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE. Presented by Humble Bee celebrating their 5th Annual Winter Solstice & Bee Ball. We ushered out fall and welcomed the Winter Solstice on December 21st, 2024. The event took place at the beautiful Cotton Factory. For myself l like to call this Beekeeping 101. Fun was had by all, young and old and was a very educational piece to write as well.
MARCH 2025 -SPRING WALKABOUT Discovering the wonderful neighborhoods walking through the North End and beyond. Discovering the cafes, shops and restaurants from the North End, James Street North, Locke Street South and Ottawa Street North was delightful. I have also been taking in the street festivals throughout the calendar year as well.
Lift as you climb care as you lead – caring, compassion, empathy, love and support reside here. It is a place where friends become family. It is now home to many former residents of Hamilton, the North End and Toronto as well. Thanks to the delightful Christina Dale, PSW coordinator for taking the time to talk about senior care. Thanks to all the staff across board, everyone l have met here were simply wonderful. To my friends and to the wonderful ladies and gentlemen here at Queens Garden, where compassion resides within this loving and caring community.
MAY 2025 – NORTH END FARMICIA/PHARMACY The friendliest neighbourhood pharmacy for all of your needs. Thanks to the wonderful and knowledgeable owner and pharmacist Nirja Sakura, along with her great staff here serving the North End and Hamilton since 2016.
JUNE 2025 – PATIOS & COURTYARDS – Saying goodbye to spring and hello to summer, savouring summer and a walkabout through the James Street North patios and courtyards – beautiful and stunning. From eating, drinking or simply sitting outside on the courtyards and patios in the sunshine. From Fisher’s Pier 4 Pub to the St. James Coffee house and bistro, James Street North did not disappoint. It was taking in the summertime spirit with music playing along the way, especially during the monthly Art Crawl and street party. It made for such a wonderful summertime experience and fun times. There was so much to do, see and take in, it was magical.
JULY 2025 – CELEBRATING WITH SENIORS Celebrating with the wonderful Seniors here at Welcome Inn Community Centre’s Diners Club at their annual BBQ, at Compass Community Health Centre. This event was celebrating Senior Month. This year over 100 lovely seniors came out to celebrate. The weather was perfect and fun was had by all; it was such an enjoyable day. The delicious food and the music made for a delightful afternoon. Tunes, Laughs and Summer Vibes
AUGUST 2025 – MY SUMMER STAYCATION This summer was about keeping my tourist dollars and attractions local. From the delightful trolley rides, biking and walking trails at Bayfront Park, the Harbourfront and the beautiful piers along the way. With that “Up North” feel and vibe right here in the City, it is so beautiful throughout all seasons.
SEPTEMBER 2025 – PARK “N” PARTY WITH COMPASS It was another great annual event at the Park “N” Party and Community BBQ at Compass Community Health Centre, hosted by Compass since 1999 This year saw over 700 community members, neighbors from the North End, Hamilton and beyond. It was such a beautiful sunny day to give thanks together celebrating with Compass, the Community Partners and the wonderful staff of volunteers. The summer season memories are made from these special moments every year. From the door prizes, great entertainment and delicious food it made for a delightful day.
OCTOBER 2025 – NORTH ENDS LITTLE URBAN FARM – In this Autumn Walkabout with the beautiful colors and the scent of the season in the air I visited this little Urban Farm at Compass that yielded over 500 pounds of food this year. It was a pleasure meeting and speaking with the informative Leah Janzen, Community Development Worker and Food Security Specialist at Compass Community Health Centre. Farming 101 and a delightful little green acre with a Greenhouse – charming and bountiful.
NOVEMBER 2025 – WALKING WELL TOGETHER 5 K FUNDRAISER The Welcome Inn Community Centre’s walking well together and Community BBQ was held on October 04 2025., in support of the wonderful programs at Welcome Inn – their children’s programs, senior support and the diners club, food bank and immigration support/programs. The goal this year was to raise $10,000 – they raised $40,070. Over 150 neighbors and community members came out to walk or to show their support. Community Spirit at its finest and it was such a successful and wonderful fundraising event. Welcome Inn Community Centre serving the North End since 1966.
THE 2025 NORTH ENDER OF THE YEAR AWARDS – NENa and the North End Breezes hosted the North Ender of the Year Awards 2025 on Saturday October 18th 2025 at James Street North Baptist Church. The neighbors, friends and family who came out together to celebrate Community Spirit and those that have made a difference in the North End Community. The North End is a close knit loving community and neighborhood. Reflecting a TRUE NORTH END STRONG and the people who have made a difference. Congratulations to all the Nominees and the Recipients for making such a big difference and impact within the North End Community we thank you.
Brent Esau (Ed Stewart Legacy Award)
Chrissy Chrzan (Community Building Award)
Tyler Morris Roofing (Professional Award)
Remember that for some people 2025 was not a banner year. There were hardships, losses, death, illnesses among our friends, family or chosen families. Give back when and where you can and give thanks. Support the causes that you hold dearly to your heart this holiday season and New Year.
Thanks for the memories.
