I hope you’re enjoying the warmer weather that’s coming our way and getting out in the North End to connect with your neighbours. It’s going to be a busy summer!

For those following what’s been happening at Jamesville, you might have seen a recent article in which the site’s developer states that he’s optimistic that the CN Railway appeal will likely be settled outside of the hearing process at the Ontario Land Tribunal. I’m hopeful we will find a resolution soon and can get back to building very much needed affordable housing.

As you know, the North End is home to a vibrant part of Hamilton’s waterfront community and the ongoing construction at the waterfront continues to bring the City closer and closer to project completion. Most recently, trail and bridge work has helped to connect the waterfront and has begun to give shape to a future trail system that will enable pedestrians and cyclists to get between Princess Point and Eastwood Park more easily. If you haven’t been out to see the new bridge that was recently opened, or some of the improved walking paths, this is the perfect time to start exploring these amenities. As a member of the recently reactivated West Harbour Development Sub-Committee, I will be engaged in the progress on our waterfront with a focus on environmental responsibility and community impact. This is a once in a generation development and the City needs to get it right.

Since the last edition of the Breezes, I met with CN Railway, Metrolinx, and City staff and we’re working on a joint plan to replace the trees along Strachan Street East, to significantly improve the canopy of the existing greenway, and to hopefully add a few more trees to Jackie Washington Park while we’re at it. I’m grateful that everyone has come together quickly to address the recent loss of forest canopy in this area and will have more information to share in the next edition.

I continue to get out into each neighbourhood to meet people, talk about what’s happening, and hear feedback from my neighbours. To that end, the second Ward 2 Neighbourhood Town Hall of 2023 will be happening later this month, on Tuesday, May 30 at 7:00pm at Bridgeworks (200 Caroline Street North, just off Barton Street) in the Central neighbourhood. I hope that many North Enders will make the journey slightly south and over the rail line to join me. This town hall will be my first opportunity to speak publicly about how we intend to allocate area rating funds and to provide updates since the budget has been approved and the new encampment protocol report will have been presented to Council. Not to worry, if you can’t make it in person, I’m keeping up with my commitment to ensure that the meeting will be livestreamed. Please sign up to the Ward 2 Newsletter to get the link as part of our May newsletter, which will be published on May 29.

After the Central neighbourhood town hall in May we’ll be in Corktown at the end of June, Durand in August, North End in October, and Stinson in December.

As always, the Ward 2 Team is here to support you. Please reach out to us at Ward2@hamilton.ca or through our office phone number at (905) 546-2197 and make sure to spend some time visiting www.ward2hamilton.ca where you can sign up for my newsletter and keep up to date on how I’m representing you at City Hall.