SpacesShared was launched in 2023 and the group says they are “responding to the Canadian housing crisis with a solution that prioritizes connection, comfort, and community.” Photo Credit: Mohawk College.    Hamilton’s Mohawk College recently announced that they are collaborating with a new Toronto-based company called SpacesShared to offer students the ability to live in […]

City of Hamilton confirms cybersecurity incident is a ransomware attack

by Kevin Geenen

The city is also reportedly working with legal counsel, insurers, and authorities, including the Hamilton Police Service. Photo Credit: Unsplash.   As multiple City of Hamilton services continue to be inaccessible due to an ongoing cybersecurity incident, officials announced to the public that the incident is a ransomware attack. A ransomware attack is when malware […]

Rent supply “vastly insufficient”: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

by Kevin Geenen

The turnover rate amongst renters in Hamilton was also rather low at 11.1 per cent in 2023, which is reportedly the lowest since first tracked in 2016. Photo Credit: Homestead.  A new report by Canada’s federal crown corporation for housing, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), has determined that rent supply in the country […]

Councillor Esther Pauls (Ward 7 – Central Mountain) has a son who is a police officer with the Hamilton Police Service (HPS), which previously led some to question whether or not it is a conflict of interest for Pauls to vote on the city’s police budget. Photo Credit: City of Hamilton. Hamilton Councillor Esther Pauls […]

The slowdown in the economy was reportedly driven by inflation and high interest rates which have impacted consumer demand and discretionary spending. Photo Credit: Getty Images.   The Conference Board of Canada, one of Canada’s leading research organizations, released a new report on their major insights into Hamilton’s economy for the upcoming year and beyond. […]

Lawrence was named a CFL All-Star three times, an East Division All-Star five times, and was named the East Division nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player three times. He also helped lead the Ticats to nine playoff appearances, six East Finals, and four Grey Cups in ten seasons. Photo Credit: Peter Power/Canadian Press.    Hamilton […]

New research provides evidence that COVID-19 school closures were in fact not necessary. Photo Credit: Facebook/McMaster University.    McMaster University researchers made national news recently after they published a study which provides evidence that schools did not need to close in order to prevent significant COVID-19 transmission. The extensive review was led by researcher Sarah […]

In terms of the city’s response to the incident, a statement says that the city “has taken swift action to investigate, protect systems, and minimize the impact, which are key priorities as the city continues to contact the breach.” Photo Credit: Unsplash. The city of Hamilton is experiencing a major multi-day cybersecurity incident impacting IT […]

Some Hamilton students facing suspension over missing vaccines

by Kevin Geenen

During the 2018-2019 school year approximately 16,000 students did not have vaccine information on file with Hamilton Public Health. There are reportedly about 80,000 students in Hamilton. Photo Credit: Blue Cross Blue Shield.    Hamilton Public Health recently updated city council on student vaccinations, with the agency saying that students born between 2006 and 2009 […]

Hamilton home prices remain stable: RAHB

by Kevin Geenen

Hamilton saw 383 sales in January, which represents a five per cent increase year over year. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.  The latest monthly update from the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) says that “relatively tighter market conditions in Hamilton and Burlington have kept prices stable,” while higher supply in Haldimand and Niagara North “contributed to […]

City staff will now come forward with the final bylaw for council approval in the near future, with councillors likely to clear their schedules this time to ensure that the vote passes. Photo Credit: X/City of Hamilton.    Hamilton City Council voted 9-6 to once again direct staff to create a bylaw putting in place […]

The average one-bedroom rent in Hamilton was $1,795 in January 2024, according to the latest Rentals.ca market update. That number is down 1.6 per cent from December 2023 and even down 3.9 per cent year over year from January 2023. Photo Credit: Homestead.   The average one-bedroom rent in Hamilton was $1,795 in January 2024, […]

  Mayor Andrea Horwath and Councillor Danko touted the budget as a balance between reducing the increased tax burden on residents and making critical investments. Photo Credit: X/City of Hamilton. Hamilton City Council gave final approval to the 2024 budget last Thursday, with taxes set to increase by 5.79 per cent. The increase means that […]

Jama appears to be organizing formally to reverse her censure and also appears to be gearing up for the next provincial election (slated for June 2026) by forming a riding association. Photo Credit: Peter Power/The Canadian Press.   Controversial Hamilton Centre Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Sarah Jama has been organizing and has officially launched […]

As part of 2024 budget deliberations, Hamilton city councillors voted unanimously to remove a $12 million (one per cent) tax increase meant to raise funds for a major local hospital redevelopment. Photo Credit: City of Hamilton.   As part of 2024 budget deliberations, Hamilton city councillors voted unanimously to remove a $12 million (one per […]

Kroetsch’s motion passed in a 12-3 vote and the Police Services Board has scheduled a special meeting for today to review the budget just two days before Councillors are scheduled to vote on final budget approval. Pictured: Councillor Cameron Kroetsch. Photo Credit: City of Hamilton. As final decisions are set to be made regarding the […]

This Thursday is decision day for Council as Hamiltonians await final word on how high their taxes will rise. Pictured: Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath. Photo Credit: Andrea Horwath/Facebook.   Hamilton City Councillors are set to approve the municipality’s tax-support capital budget this Thursday (Feb. 15) as efforts are still underway to trim what was proposed […]

Hamilton will soon be home to Canada’s largest sugar refinery

by Kevin Geenen

The plant will be located in the north end at the Port of Hamilton’s Pier 15 between Wentworth Street and Sherman Avenue on lands that are owned by the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA Ports). Photo Credit: Global News.    Sucro Can Sourcing LLC recently announced that they are making an estimated $135 million investment to […]

For 2024, the government says they will be approving approximately 360,000 study permits, which represents a 35 per cent decrease compared to 2023. Study permit renewals will reportedly not be impacted. Photo Credit: Mohawk College.   The federal government recently announced an intake cap on international student permit applications for a period of two years. […]

Province’s goal of building 1.5 million homes requires more land supply: study

by Kevin Geenen

A recently released study by planning consultant firm Malone Given Parsons Ltd. (MGP) posits that new land must be opened up for housing within the Greater Golden Horseshoe and Greater Toronto Area in order to account for expected population growth. Photo Credit: Greenbelt Foundation.   A recently released study by planning consultant firm Malone Given […]

Damage was estimated at $500,000, leading Hamilton residents to question how a one-storey park washroom is worth so much money, especially because some of the structure remains intact. Photo Credit: Global News.   On Jan. 2, a large fire broke out at a washroom facility in Hamilton’s Woodlands Park. What would follow was a somewhat […]

Despite the province’s recent move to reverse its previous approval of the expansion of Hamilton’s urban boundary, multiple groups are still pressuring the city and the province to open the land for new housing. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.   Despite the province’s recent move to reverse its previous approval of the expansion of Hamilton’s urban […]

Amid projected 2023 surplus, Council wants more control

by Kevin Geenen

Councillor Cameron Kroetsch’s motion, which was passed unanimously, will see city staff report back on the feasibility of giving Council the ability to receive and approve any police service or library board recommendations related to transfer funds to and from reserves relating to year-end surpluses and deficits. Pictured: Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch. Photo Credit: […]

As of Dec. 31, 2023, the City of Hamilton’s data table also shows that shelter occupancy is at 111 per cent for male beds, 98 per cent for female beds, 103 per cent for family rooms, 63 per cent for youth beds, and 88 per cent for emergency beds. Photo Credit: University of Toronto Scarborough.  […]

The City of Hamilton announced late last year that it would be working with Kiwanis Homes and the Hamilton Community Foundation on the launch of a $3 million mortgage pool pilot program. The pilot, run by Kiwanis, will be available to select tenants of theirs to help them purchase the homes that they are renting. […]

Tiny shelters group has new goal of starting pilot project in mid-2024

by Kevin Geenen

The Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters (HATS) says that they are working with the City of Hamilton on launching their planned two-year, 25-home pilot project in mid-2024. Photo Credit: HATS.    The Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters (HATS) says that they are working with the City of Hamilton on launching their planned two-year, 25-home pilot […]

The tax is meant to encourage owners to rent out or sell their empty properties, thus increasing the housing supply to combat rising home prices and rental rates. However, in November there was a procedural vote to confirm the bylaw that would put the vacant unit tax in place, but that failed unexpectedly 6-6 at […]

Councillors heard that the project would take until 2028 to complete, with a detailed design phase spanning approximately 24 to 30 months followed by construction activities between 2026 and 2028.    Hamilton’s previous city council voted in May 2022 to convert Main Street to two-way traffic, but a recent report back from staff about the […]

Interestingly, it seems that both environmental groups and developers are on the same page when it comes to the changes: there is widespread support. Photo Credit: iStock.    City councillors recently directed city staff to move forward with public consultation on changing the city’s parking standards. Currently, when there are applications for new buildings or […]

Latitude President and CEO Peter Byl said in a press release that they are specifically investing in Hamilton because the city offers “international airport capabilities, access to a large labour market and the potential for healthcare partnerships with local academia and healthcare facilities.” Photo Credit: Vantage Airport Group.   A company called Latitude Air Ambulance […]

Thousands of people leaving Ontario, echoing issue heard by Hamilton councillors

by Kevin Geenen

One key observation in the report was that Hamilton is struggling to retain young families, losing thousands of people on net yearly to Brantford and St. Catharines-Niagara and also losing more people to other provinces than other mid-sized Ontario metros. Photo Credit: Government of Alberta.   New data from Statistics Canada in December details “record-high […]

Council heard that there were 62 suspected opioid-related deaths in the city during the first four months of 2023, which was higher than the same four-month period in 2021 and 2022. Photo Credit: The Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward.    Hamilton City Council recently voted to launch a new open data program complete with an “evaluative framework” […]

Hamilton City Council voted in December to direct Mayor Andrea Horwath and the City of Hamilton’s government relations staff to facilitate official discussions with the Government of Ontario regarding control over the city’s two municipal parkways. Photo Credit: Wikipedia.    Hamilton City Council voted in December to direct Mayor Andrea Horwath and the City of […]

A property at 310 Frances Avenue in Stoney Creek, near the Green Road and North Service Road intersection, will soon be home to three residential towers of 34, 37, and 44 storeys. Combined, the plan will mean 1,390 new residential units. Photo Credit: New Horizon Development Group.    A property at 310 Frances Avenue in […]

Hamilton food banks struggle as donations drop amidst affordability crisis

by Kevin Geenen

Amid Canada’s cost-of-living crisis, high inflation, and unaffordable housing market, Hamilton food banks have seen donations drop significantly, putting them in a precarious position. Photo Credit: Hamilton Food Share.   Amid Canada’s cost-of-living crisis, high inflation, and unaffordable housing market, Hamilton food banks have seen donations drop significantly, putting them in a precarious position. As […]

A new by-law would likely require landlords to ensure that temperatures in rental units do not exceed 26°C. Photo Credit: Wikipedia.    A motion brought forward in 2023 by City of Hamilton Councillor Cameron Kroetsch (Ward 2 – Downtown Hamilton) could see the municipality require landlords to provide air conditioning to their tenants. The motion […]

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath has used strong mayor powers 16 times

by Kevin Geenen

Strong mayor powers were extended to Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath in July of 2023. Photo Credit: Facebook/Andrea Horwath   Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath has used strong mayor powers 16 times since they were granted by the Government of Ontario on July 1, 2023. Strong mayor powers were first exclusively extended to Toronto and Ottawa in […]

The City of Hamilton faces scrutiny from the Ontario Ombudsman for the deletion of a meeting recording on its YouTube page amidst an investigation regarding an alleged violation of open meeting rules by a sub-committee. Photo credit: City of Hamilton   The City of Hamilton received a stern letter from the Ontario Ombudsman after a […]

A report by Zoocasa predicts significant increases in monthly mortgage payments for Hamilton-Burlington homeowners up for renewal in 2023, with an average rise of $879 per month, marking a 32.5% increase. Photo credit: Pexels A recently released report shows that Hamilton homeowners who are up for mortgage renewal this year will see a rather high […]

Unique 30-storey Condo Development Coming to Downtown Hamilton

by Kevin Geenen

Rosehaven Homes unveils plans for The Rebecca Condos, a 30-storey mixed-use development in Hamilton’s Beasley neighbourhood, featuring world-class amenities and Scandinavian design elements in a strategic downtown location close to key community facilities and transportation hubs. Photo credit: Rosehaven Homes   A new 30-storey mixed-use condo and retail building by Rosehaven Homes Limited is now […]

A $28 million public inquiry report on the Red Hill Valley Parkway (RHVP) suggests low friction levels contributed to collisions before 2019. Justice Herman Wilton-Siegel’s findings highlight withheld information that could have prompted earlier safety measures, such as speed limit adjustments, potentially reducing accidents. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons   A public inquiry into friction levels […]

Hamilton City Council votes 9-5 to explore alternatives like a ‘laser light show’ or ‘drone show’ to replace Canada Day fireworks, citing environmental concerns. The motion by Councillor Nrinder Nann prompts heated debate among members, directing staff to study the feasibility of eco-friendly alternatives for the city’s annual event. Photo credit: Pexels In a recent […]

Zoocasa’s report shows Hamilton-Burlington’s townhouse down payment doubled, hitting $48,130 in 2023 from $22,305 in 2018. Surveying 19 regions, the study highlights varied trends, with cities like Regina experiencing minimal increases, illustrating diverse real estate dynamics. Photo credit: Investment Executive A recently released report by property technology company and brokerage Zoocasa found that the average […]

Hamilton losing young families: housing expert

by Kevin Geenen

Housing experts from the Smart Prosperity Institute present a report to Hamilton City Council highlighting the city’s struggle with housing affordability, citing a need for more diverse housing options to retain young families and talent.” Hamilton City Council recently heard a delegation from housing experts that the city is losing young families due to the […]

Hamilton Fire Department Chief David Cunliffe proposes a ‘Large-Volume Hazard Storage Database’ to improve emergency response, seeking City Council’s support for detailed tracking of hazardous materials stored in commercial and industrial buildings across the city. Photo Credit: City of Hamilton   In a report to the City of Hamilton’s Emergency and Community Services Committee, Hamilton […]

Ontario’s $30 million funding infusion to Hamilton’s pediatric health services aims to improve access, reduce wait times, and introduce advanced technologies while addressing mounting pressures in hospitals as the winter season approaches. Photo Credit: Wikipedia   The Government of Ontario announced a $30 million funding boost to expand pediatric health services in the Hamilton region […]

Hamilton Police Service receives provincial grant to combat auto theft

by Kevin Geenen

Hamilton Police Service secures nearly $900,000 in Ontario funding to combat escalating auto thefts, amid rising trends of high-end vehicle thefts and declining recovery rates, prompting intensified efforts with additional investigators and technology upgrades. Photo Credit: Hamilton Police Service   Hamilton Police Service (HPS) will be receiving $895,760 in funding from the Government of Ontario […]

City, Transit Union Ratify New Deal Despite Tense Strike

by Kevin Geenen

Hamilton City Council has agreed to a new four-year Collective Agreement with ATU Local 107, ending a seven-day HSR bus strike. The deal includes raises and enhanced benefits for workers after tense negotiations. Photo credit: X/HSR   After a tense standoff between the City of Hamilton and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 107 that saw […]

City of Hamilton breaks annual construction value record

by Kevin Geenen

Hamilton officials celebrate a new construction value record of $2.133 billion reached by October 25th, surpassing the 2021 mark.  City of Hamilton officials recently announced that the municipality has surpassed its annual construction value record. The record was broken on October 19th, with construction value reported at $2.133 billion as of October 25th. The previous […]

Councillors vote to pause most Volunteer Advisory Committees pending staff review

by Kevin Geenen

Councillor Maureen Wilson’s motion spurs Hamilton Council to pause volunteer advisory committees for inclusivity review. Photo: YouTube/City of Hamilton   Hamilton Councillors have voted to pause the majority of the city’s Volunteer Advisory Committees and have directed staff to undertake an extensive review of the committee process. One of the main reasons for the review […]

  The City of Hamilton prepares for tax surge amidst growing worries over 2024 budget projections The City of Hamilton’s 2024 budget process officially began in November, with the first public delegations heard at the beginning of the month. The targeted rate budget approval date is set for Wednesday, December 13, 2023, with a tax […]

In the wake of the Red Hill Valley Parkway (RHVP) Inquiry report, the City of Hamilton, led by Mayor Andrea Horwath, is placing utmost importance on the recommendations outlined in the report. Photo Credit: Red Hill Valley Parkway Inquiry website Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath has responded to the conclusions drawn in the Red Hill Valley […]

The controversy has drawn sharp condemnation, notably from Jewish human rights group B’nai Brith Canada, accusing Green of further stoking tensions amid a rise in antisemitism. Photo: X/@bnaibrithcanada   Hamilton Centre Member of Parliament (MP) Matthew Green was the latest local politician to attend a controversial anti-Israel rally. The event was organized by Toronto4Palestine, a […]

Photo Credit: Slate Asset Management New renderings and site plan details were released for a new project called Steelport, which will see a large waterfront industrial hub and public trail system built on former Stelco lands. While the official master plan still needs to be submitted to the city, the group spearheading the project, Slate […]

Route change to Hamilton LRT could mean cost savings

by Kevin Geenen

Photo: Facebook/Hamilton LRT A few days ago, Metrolinx provided an update on their planned light rail transit (LRT) line that will be built in Hamilton, announcing that they are proposing a slight route change. The portion in question involves figuring out the best way for the LRT to cross Highway 403 as it approaches McMaster […]

Housing prices and rents in Hamilton fall slightly, but housing starts are up

by Kevin Geenen

Analysis shows Hamilton’s housing sector witnessing a minor retreat in prices and rents despite a significant surge in new construction projects. Photo credit: Shutterstock   Recently released statistics show that housing prices and rents in Hamilton have fallen, but only slightly. Meanwhile, the City of Hamilton has seen a 237 per cent increase in housing […]

New manufacturing facility open at Flamborough Business Park

by Kevin Geenen

With a strategic move to Hamilton, AAG solidifies its position as an industry leader, providing customers with hands-on experience and training opportunities, bolstering efficiency across various sectors. Photo: Facebook/Flamborough Chamber of Commerce AAG Tailored Cutting Solutions, a leading international manufacturer of computer numerical control (CNC) routers and waterjet cutting systems, opened up a new 105,000-square-foot […]

City of Hamilton retains “AAA” credit rating for second consecutive year

by Kevin Geenen

Photo: Facebook/City of Hamilton The City of Hamilton has retained a “AAA” credit rating – the highest possible rating – for the second consecutive year, according to the latest report from the S&P Global Rating Agency. S&P Global has over 70 offices in 35 countries and delivers credit ratings, assessments and analyses worldwide. The company […]

$280 million Hamilton arena deal officially signed

by Kevin Geenen

Photo Credit: Honey Badgers website   On November 2, Oak View Group (OVG), the Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group (HUPEG) and the City of Hamilton officially signed a $280 million deal to begin major renovations on the FirstOntario Centre (formerly Copps Coliseum). The renovations are entirely privately funded. The arena was originally opened in 1985. […]

Photo Credit: Peter Power/The Canadian Press   Minister Neil Lumsden spoke to The Independent about the big game The Grey Cup has arrived in Hamilton. The physical trophy arrived via Lake Ontario aboard the HCMS Harry DeWolf on Monday and the over 40 events that make up the Grey Cup Festival have officially begun. Organizers […]

Neil Lumsden not leaving for Alberta despite media rumours

by Kevin Geenen

Photo Credit: LinkedIn/Neil Lumsden   An article originally published by the Canadian Press on October 31st states that Hamilton East-Stoney Creek Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Neil Lumsden is “in the mix” to become the next president of the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League. Lumsden currently also serves as Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, […]

Hamilton City Council Appoints New Integrity Commissioner

by Kevin Geenen

Hamilton City Council entrusts Boghosian + Allen LLP with Integrity Commissioner duties, aiming for enhanced accountability. Photo Credit: Facebook/City of Hamilton   The City of Hamilton has appointed Toronto-based law firm Boghosian + Allen LLP to serve as the city’s new Integrity Commissioner and Lobbyist Registrar. In the role, Bogohsian + Allen will oversee members […]

Hamilton Councillors vote to keep select park washrooms open for winter

by Kevin Geenen

Hamilton City Council extends winter park washroom access following a successful two-year pilot program. Photo Credit: Facebook/Nrinder Nann, Ward 3, Hamilton City Council   The City of Hamilton will continue to keep select park washrooms open for winter after a staff report recommending the decision was approved unanimously by Council. Standalone washrooms in parks are […]

Items smashed, multiple fires set in brazen attack on Hamilton church

by Kevin Geenen

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is one of at least 83 Canadian churches desecrated since 2021. Photo Credit:  St. John the Baptist Catholic Church   On Wednesday, November 1st a fire broke out at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church located near King Street East and Ottawa Street South at 128 Edgemont Street South. […]

Photo credit: HSR   Although construction on Hamilton’s new bus barn has not yet begun, the project is already over budget by about $70 million. The project was originally pegged at around $264 million according to a July 2021 Government of Canada funding breakdown. A joint funding announcement was made back in 2021 with the […]

Photo Credit: Pexels   According to a new report, the average monthly mortgage payment in Hamilton-Burlington is now $5,034, up from $1,680 in 2013. That means that the average monthly mortgage payment has increased by almost 200 per cent in just ten years, rising by $3,354. The report says that a consistent upward climb in […]

Photo Credit: Facebook/Hamilton Santa Claus Parade   Hamilton’s four Santa Claus parades were at risk of cancellation this year after new City of Hamilton grant funding criteria cut funding to three parades and significantly reduced funding for the fourth. The four Hamilton Santa Claus parades are held in Downtown Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Binbrook, and Flamborough. […]

Decision on City of Hamilton anti-renoviction bylaw pushed to January

by Kevin Geenen

Hamilton City Council delays final verdict on Pioneering Renoviction bylaw to January 2024, extending time for evaluation and enhanced tenant protections. In a unanimous vote, Hamilton City Council voted to defer the final decision on a new anti-renoviction bylaw to January 2024. Called the Renoviction Licence and Relocation Listing bylaw, some advocacy groups were expecting […]

Hamilton Police arrest over 1,000 wanted individuals in Project KORA

by Kevin Geenen

Hamilton Police Arrest Over 1,000 Wanted Offenders in 18 Months as Project KORA Delivers Safer Community. Photo Credit: Facebook/Hamilton Police Service   Hamilton Police Service (HPS) announced on October 20th that they have arrested over 1,000 outstanding individuals over the past 18 months as part of Project KORA (Keeping Offenders Responsible and Accountable). HPS launched […]

Where other Hamilton politicians stand on the Israel-Hamas war

by Kevin Geenen

Local politicians respond to the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel and the controversy surrounding Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama.   While Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama’s position is well known, other local politicians have also spoken out. Local media coverage following the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack on Israel has primarily focused on the […]

Controversial Hamilton MPP Sarah Jama removed from NDP caucus

by Kevin Geenen

Controversial Ontario MPP Sarah Jama removed from the NDP caucus amid disputes over her social media statements and actions, while the Ontario legislature censures her, leaving her unable to speak in the House until specific conditions are met. Photo Credit: Peter Power/Canadian Press   Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles says Jama took “unilateral actions” that […]

Hamilton Public School Board scores below the provincial average in the latest EQAO report, while the Catholic Board excels. Photo Credit: Pexels   New data released by Ontario’s Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) shows that Hamilton public school board (HWDSB) scores are below the provincial average and have decreased from the previous year’s results. […]

Average one-bedroom unit rent in Hamilton up 12.6 per cent year-over-year

by Kevin Geenen

Hamilton one-bedroom rents are higher than the Canada-wide average, while two-bedroom rents are slightly lower than the 35 cities measured by Rentals.ca. Photo credit: Shutterstock   The average one-bedroom unit rent in Hamilton was $1,881 in September 2023 according to the newly released Rentals.ca market update. That number is actually down 1.1 per cent from […]

Hamilton water bills expected to increase 20 per cent in 2024

by Kevin Geenen

The increase comes as forecasts show the city will need to spend over one billion dollars on the city’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Photo credit: Pexels/Mikhail Nilov    City of Hamilton Corporate and Finance Services General Manager Mike Zegarac recently told City Council that staff will be proposing a water bill increase of close to […]

Tiny homes pilot project cancelled amidst location controversy, costs

by Kevin Geenen

The pilot would have seen a community of 25 tiny homes erected at Strachan Linear Park. Pictured is an artist’s rending of the proposed community. Photo credit: Engage Hamilton/City of Hamilton   The Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters (HATS) announced that they are cancelling their planned Strachan Street pilot project which received Council approval in […]

Pro-Palestine supporters attempt to storm NDP convention in Hamilton

by Kevin Geenen

Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh was giving a keynote address when a group of around 25 to 30 protestors attempted to enter the room. Photo credit: Twitter/Jagmeet Singh   Police are investigating after a group of 25 to 30 pro-Palestine supporters attempted to storm the federal NDP convention being held at the Hamilton Convention Centre […]

Slowest September for Hamilton home sales since 2010: RAHB

by Kevin Geenen

Photo credit: Getty Images   The Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported 620 home sales in September, which they say is “the slowest level of activity seen for this month since 2010.” RAHB notes that the 18 per cent decline in sales also came with a surge in new listings such that the sales-to-new listings […]

Jama and Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles on the night of the Hamilton Centre MPP’s by-election win, March 17, 2023. At present, Stiles is standing by her MPP and has not answered calls to kick Jama out of the NDP caucus. Photo credit: Twitter/Marit Stiles   Hamilton Centre Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Sarah Jama […]

Only hours after Hamas launched its assault last Saturday, CUPE 3906 made a post saying, “Palestine is rising, long live the resistance.” Photo credit: Facebook/McMaster University   The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3906, the union which represents 3,500 McMaster University workers, is under fire from the university and Jewish groups for a […]

Council wants to show support for federal Liberal government’s Online News Act. Photo credit: Pexels/Pixabay   In a move meant to show support for the federal Liberal government’s Bill C-18 Online News Act, Hamilton city councillors look set to direct staff to cease all Facebook and Instagram ads from municipal accounts. A motion brought forward […]

Courses focus on sustainability in construction, transportation, agriculture, and clean tech. Photo credit: Quick Train Canada   Quick Train Canada, a new program led by Hamilton’s Mohawk College, has been offering fully funded training for upskilling and reskilling workers across Canada. Quick Train Canada was initially launched in January 2023 and 1,800 learners have reportedly […]

Turning right on a red could soon be illegal at all Hamilton intersections

by Kevin Geenen

Council committee tells city staff to study the idea’s feasibility after cyclist death.    City of Hamilton staff will soon be studying the feasibility of banning right turns on red lights city-wide after a motion from Ward 2 (Downtown Hamilton) Councillor Cameron Kroetsch was passed unanimously by the Public Works Committee. Kroetsch’s motion, which was […]

New by-law for large gatherings was passed after an infamous “unsanctioned homecoming” event near McMaster University in 2021 resulted in a flipped car, unsafe conditions, and destruction of property. Photo credit: Pexels/Maurício Mascaro   Hamilton Police released a public statement last week warning party-goers of Hamilton’s new “nuisance party” by-law which gives police the ability to […]

Metroland’s parent company, Nordstar, laying off 605 people. Photo credit: Pexels/Mike Van Schoonderwalt   Six long-time Hamilton community newspapers will no longer be distributed in print after Metroland Media Group announced just a few days ago that they would be seeking bankruptcy protection. Instead, the Ancaster News, Dundas Star News, Flamborough Review, Glanbrook Gazette, Hamilton […]

Rise in youth-related criminal incidents at Hamilton festivals and fairs

by Kevin Geenen

Police issue public advisory to travel in groups and stay vigilant. Photo credit: Hamilton Police Service    Hamilton Police issued a public advisory on Friday, warning festival-goers of a “concerning uptick in youth-related robberies and swarming incidents” at community festivals and fairs. So far, police have identified multiple incidents at four different festivals throughout August […]

McMaster tops international ranking for industry impact

by Brighter World

At McMaster’s Learning Factory, students work alongside researchers with manufacturing and post-processing stations designed to provide students with experiential learning activities. Photo credit: McMaster University   McMaster is setting the global standard for industry impact, according to a key international ranking.  With a research output rivalling universities more than twice its size, McMaster ranked 1st in the world in […]

Thousands of Canadians showed up to protests across the country. The protest at the Hamilton public school board office comes after the board released a new “gender identity and gender expression procedure” in the lead-up to the 2023-24 school year. Photo credit: Getty Images   Thousands of Canadians showed up to protests across the country […]

City of Hamilton remaining neutral on urban boundary court challenge

by Kevin Geenen

But Council leaves open the possibility of taking a side. Photo credit: Modern Farmer   Hamilton City Council recently decided to remain neutral regarding a court challenge between environmental groups and the province over the expansion of Hamilton’s urban boundary. However, the motion that Council passed regarding their position indicates that they are still leaving […]

Major transit overhaul appears on the way for Hamilton

by Kevin Geenen

New transit draft plan written by McMaster researchers to eventually go before Council after summer public consultation. Photo credit: HSR   The City of Hamilton recently revealed draft plans for a major transit overhaul meant to get the local bus system “ready for rail” and increase service to growing areas of the city. The released […]

Controversial ‘Anarchist Bookfair’ returns to Hamilton later this month

by Kevin Geenen

Similar 2018 event ended with mob of people vandalizing Locke Street businesses (pictured) in infamous riot. Photo credit: Tourism Hamilton   A controversial event that was probed by police in 2018 is returning to Hamilton on Saturday, September 30. Officially dubbed the “Hamilton Anarchist Bookfair,” the event made headlines for being linked with the now […]

Hamilton Police no longer responding to noise complaints

by Kevin Geenen

Municipal law enforcement officers to enforce noise complaints alone and only during certain hours.    Hamilton Police Service (HPS) announced earlier this year that they are discontinuing their Noise Enforcement Team partnership with Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) due to “ongoing staffing challenges.” HPS says that they need to redeploy officers to deal with an “increased […]

Council supports increased funding and scope for city-wide security patrols.    At a recent Public Works Committee meeting, Hamilton city councillors received a report from staff that provided an update on the city’s two-year Parks Security Patrol Pilot Program. The program started in April 2021 through the contracted services of the city’s security guard vendor […]

Average one-bedroom unit rent in Hamilton now over $1,900 per month

by Kevin Geenen

Two-bedroom unit in the city costs an average of $2,294 per month. Photo credit: Rentals.ca   The average one-bedroom unit rent in Hamilton was $1,901 per month in August, according to Rentals.ca’s monthly market update. That number is up 2.5 per cent from last month and up 12.2 per cent year over year. Similarly, a […]

Amid public warnings of car thefts, Hamilton Police apply for provincial grant

by Kevin Geenen

From 2014 to 2021 there has been a 72 per cent increase in auto theft across the province. Locally, police recently warned that car thieves have been heavily targeting Waterdown. Photo credit: Facebook/Hamilton Police Service   The Hamilton Police Service (HPS) board recently decided to move forward in applying for a new provincial grant introduced […]

Hamilton receives B-minus grade in transit report

by Kevin Geenen

The city tied for second amongst its peers. No area scored in the A range. Photo credit: Facebook/HSR   The Toronto Region Board of Trade released a new report grading area transit service. The report analyzes 11 cities/regions including the City of Hamilton. Of the grades awarded, Hamilton was tied with Waterloo as the second-highest-ranked […]

Hamilton plagued by extremely potent ‘Yellow Down’

by Kevin Geenen

New drug contains a mix of fentanyl and sedatives. Opioid-related deaths in Hamilton are 45 per cent greater than the Ontario average. Photo credit: Realtor.ca    Hamilton Public Health has now released two warnings in 2023 that an extremely potent fentanyl called “Yellow Down” is circulating in the community. The “Yellow Down” drug contains fentanyl […]

Hamilton becoming key federal electoral battleground

by Kevin Geenen

Three of city’s five ridings up for grabs. Current projections show that the Tories have a near-80 per cent chance of flipping Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, presently held by Liberal MP Chad Collins (pictured right). Photo credit: Facebook/Chad Collins   Recent federal polls show Liberal Party support across the country is imploding as Pierre Poilievre and […]

High-speed internet coming to more locations in rural Hamilton

by Kevin Geenen

‘But the job is not done yet.’ Federal and provincial officials gather for announcement, Aug. 28, 2023. Photo credit: Dan Muys   This past Monday, various federal and provincial politicians gathered at Dyment’s Farm in Flamborough for an announcement regarding government support for increased internet access for rural communities in Southern Ontario. The Canadian government […]

Federal government invests $22.4 million in McMaster research

by Daniella Fiorentino

In addition to an investment of $18.4 million for more than 80 McMaster researchers, the university has two new Canada Research Chairs and saw two Tier 1 chairs renewed. Photo credit: Facebook/McMaster University   The federal government has awarded $22.4 million to McMaster researchers for their research excellence and the impact of their work. The […]

Kayla Lemieux teaches woodshop. Seen here in the classroom at Oakville Trafalgar High School.    Controversial teacher Kayla Lemieux appears to have been hired by Hamilton’s public school board (HWDSB) for the upcoming school year. An email obtained by The Hamilton Independent written to parents from HWDSB Superintendent of Student Achievement Adnan Shahbaz and Nora […]

City of Hamilton has a new Opioid Action Plan

by Kevin Geenen

Plan comes after Council directed staff in February 2023 to engage with community partners and come up with a harm reduction strategy.   At a recent Hamilton Public Health Committee meeting the city’s Public Health Services staff presented a report recommending the approval of a new plan to combat opioid-related emergencies. The plan, which was […]

Hamilton City Council approves encampment protocol and tiny homes

by Kevin Geenen

A full rundown of the latest. Photo credit: University of Toronto-Scarborough   Last week, Hamilton City Council voted 10-6 in favour of its Encampment Protocol which includes the launch of a 25-cabin tiny shelter program. As such, encampments will be allowed on public property, including in municipal parks with certain restrictions. Sanctioned encampments, which would […]

Hamilton City Council votes 16-0 in support of universal basic income

by Kevin Geenen

Councillor Ted McMeekin (pictured) introduced the motion. Photo credit: City of Hamilton   At a recent Hamilton City Council meeting, municipal councillors voted unanimously 16-0 in support of a universal basic income.  The motion was introduced by Councillor Ted McMeekin (Ward 15 – Flamborough East-Waterdown). McMeekin served as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) under […]

Over 40 events announced as part of Hamilton Grey Cup Festival

by Kevin Geenen

Potential to be ‘the biggest and best collection of events in the history of the Grey Cup.’ Pictured is an artist rendering of James Street, which will serve as the heart of the festival. Photo credit: Grey Cup Festival   Organizers of the upcoming Grey Cup in Hamilton had already announced that Tim Horton’s Field […]

Hamilton’s public school board releases detailed gender identity policy

by Kevin Geenen

Procedure will allow students to compete on the sports team that corresponds with their “lived gender identity”.    Hamilton’s public school board (HWDSB) released a new detailed version of its “gender identity and gender expression procedure.” The new procedure, which consists of a 22-page document for students and a 12-page document for employees, includes the […]

City studying ways to help residents build secondary dwelling units

by Kevin Geenen

Move comes as cities around the country struggle with housing availability and affordability. Staff is expected to report back to councillors early next year.    At a recent City of Hamilton Planning Committee meeting, Councillor Maureen Wilson (Ward 1 – Westdale-Chedoke-Cootes) brought forward a motion for city staff to write a report exploring the feasibility […]

Staff studying creation of voluntary citizen registry to host homeless

by Kevin Geenen

And why it’s already sparked outrage from activists. Photo credit: Getty Images/Encyclopedia Britannica   A study exploring the possibility of creating a city-wide citizen registry has not yet been presented to Hamilton Council but has already sparked outrage amongst some progressive-leaning councillors and activist groups. The motion to have staff study the possibility of a […]

HSR buses coming to Winona in September

by Kevin Geenen

Local councillor says changes will greatly help business community. Photo credit: HSR   Starting Sunday, September 3, 2023, Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) bus service will be extending eastward to Winona for the very first time. The Route 55 bus that runs along Highway 8 currently ends its route at the Stoney Creek Municipal Service Centre […]

Downtown Hamilton office vacancies high

by Kevin Geenen

Amid conversations about increased crime, high office vacancies another sign the downtown may be dwindling. Photo credit: My Main Street   Following high-profile conversations in the media and by Council regarding the state of crime in Hamilton’s downtown, new economic data that was presented to Hamilton Council appears to show that the area is having […]

Hamilton council sets four-year ‘term priorities,’ but has no costed plan

by Kevin Geenen

The uncosted priorities raise questions as to how much of the burden will be on taxpayers to fund the new goals. Photo credit: City of Hamilton   Hamilton city council recently agreed on naming three priorities for their four-year term which runs from November 15, 2022, to November 14, 2026. The three priorities are: Sustainable […]

McMaster awarded over $1 million for research on small modular reactors

by Daniella Fiorentino

The funding from NSERC and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission supports research into the design, deployment, safety and environmental protection related to SMRs, which can bring clean, reliable energy to communities. Photo credit: McMaster University   Four McMaster researchers have received more than $1 million to advance research on small modular reactors (SMRs), which can […]

Fero converts shipping containers into pressurized mobile units that can be used as mobile ICUs, mobile surgical units, triage centres, and even labs. On-hand in Hamilton last Thursday for the announcement were Minister Vic Fedeli (centre) and local MPP Neil Lumsden (left), pictured alongside Fero CEO Sabrina Fiorellino. Photo credit: Twitter/Vic Fedeli   Ontario’s Minister […]

City of Hamilton currently owed over $5.8 million in unpaid parking tickets

by Kevin Geenen

Of the total, $1.8 million is from 2022 alone, when Hamilton’s parking enforcement officers issued 125,801 tickets. The most ticketed area of the city is the Westdale neighbourhood, which is home to McMaster University and McMaster Hospital.    Recently released City of Hamilton statistics show that the municipality is owed over $5.8 million in unpaid […]

Current Hamilton public school board director of education posted tweet about equity firm’s work after original incident in 2021. Pictured is long-time educator Richard Bilkszto. Photo credit: TVO   Toronto principal Richard Bilkszto took his own life earlier this month. Bilkszto was an educator for over two decades. He was 60 years old. Bilkszto’s death […]

The Queen Victoria statue in Gore Park is one of five locations deemed “potentially problematic” by the city. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/Rick Cordeiro   The City of Hamilton has installed new warning signs at the sites of five different monuments, stating that the city recognizes the sites as “potentially problematic.” The five locations are the […]

Median household income in Hamilton is $88,109 a year. Photo credit: The Globe and Mail   A recent report from the National Bank of Canada on housing affordability states that a household would need to earn $219,514 a year to afford the typical Hamilton home. The study lists the median Hamilton home price at $933,437, […]

Photo credit: Pexels/Mikhail Nilov   Virtually delivered rehabilitation for seniors living with frailty is a feasible way for delivering care, shows new research led by researchers from the Geras Centre for Aging Research, a research centre of McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences. The study, published in Pilot and Feasibility Studies on July 17, defined frailty, a […]

More details on arena and entertainment precinct released

by Kevin Geenen

Here’s what Hamiltonians can expect next. Pictured is an artist rendering of the renovated FirstOntario Centre. Photo credit: City of Hamilton   In the latest developments regarding the massive multimillion dollar FirstOntario Centre renovations, the City of Hamilton has released further details in an 84-page document, Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group (HUPEG) President PJ Mercanti […]

Ontario government investing in training shipbuilders in Hamilton

by Kevin Geenen

On hand for the funding announcement last Thursday were Premier Doug Ford, Minister Monte McNaughton, and local MPPs Neil Lumsden and Donna Skelly. Photo credit: Twitter/Neil Lumsden   Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Labour Minister Monte McNaughton were in Hamilton on Thursday, July 13 to announce that the Ontario government is investing over $3.7 million […]

Hamilton to get new Ornge land ambulance base

by Kevin Geenen

New facility will increase air ambulance availability for outlying rural and remote areas. Photo credit: Orgne   Ornge, the non-profit organization that coordinates Ontario’s air ambulance system, will be opening a new, permanent Critical Care Land Ambulance (CCLA) Base in Hamilton this fall. Ornge also manages Ontario’s critical care land transport program which transfers patients […]

City of Hamilton reaches $1 billion in building permits for 2023

by Kevin Geenen

New record for fastest climb to $1 billion. Pictured is an artist rendering of the Muse development at 461 Green Road in Stoney Creek. Photo credit: DeSantis Homes   The City of Hamilton recently announced that, as of June 14, the municipality had surpassed $1 billion worth of construction permits on the year.  June 14 […]

Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama attends abolish the police rally in Toronto

by Kevin Geenen

It’s not the first time the Ontario NDP MPP has stirred controversy with her associations. Pictured is a Twitter post from Jama at the June 25 event. Ontario’s Solicitor General said Jama’s attendance at the march is an example of the Ontario NDP showing their “true colours.” Photo credit: Twitter/Sarah Jama   Hamilton Centre MPP […]

The initiative stems from requests and complaints from downtown businesses. Photo credit: Facebook/Hamilton Police Service    The Hamilton Police Service (HPS) recently announced that they have reintroduced “park and walks” and a new “Core Patrol” program in response to ongoing issues in the downtown core. The move comes after requests for more patrols from multiple […]

Hamilton shifting away from Eisenberger’s careful budgeting

by Jay Goldberg

Current mayor Andrea Horwath has increased Hamilton’s city spending more in her first year as head of council than former mayor Fred Eisenberger (pictured here alongside Premier Doug Ford) did in his final four years in office. Photo credit: Premier of Ontario    The budget Hamilton City Council passed this spring, under the leadership of […]

Horwath in Italy on cultural and economic “mission”

by Kevin Geenen

Over 60,000 Italian-Canadians call Hamilton home, representing almost 12 per cent of the city’s population. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette   Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath is currently in Italy on a cultural and economic mission, according to a statement released by her office last week. The mayor left Canada on Monday, July 3 and […]

The report concludes that ‘Hamilton’s lack of attainable housing for families leaves the city in the uncomfortable situation of being unable to house the workers it needs.’ Photo credit: Getty Images   A new housing report entitled “Who Will Swing The Hammer?” suggests that the unaffordability of Hamilton’s housing market is starting to have a […]

The program, particularly the balancing of the positive aspects of drone usage with privacy concerns, remains an ongoing area of interest for privacy experts and citizens alike. Photo credit: Hamilton Police Service   A new Hamilton Police Service (HPS) report written by Sgt. Fab Giuliani for the city’s Police Services Board recommends expansion of the […]

McMaster to allow professors to integrate AI into courses

by Kevin Geenen

Starting in the fall, faculty at McMaster University will be able to use AI tools like ChatGPT in their courses. Photo credit: Pexels/Matheus Bertelli   Hamilton’s McMaster University has announced that their professors will be allowed to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) tools into their courses starting in the fall 2023 semester. The university also released […]

Stelios Georgiades (pictured) is driving an ambitious new project that will see the creation of a Learning Health System for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, thanks to a new gift of $1.8 million from the Azrieli Foundation to McMaster University. Photo credit: McMaster University/Maxine Gravina   Karen Beattie, a researcher in the Department of Pediatrics at […]

Hamilton councillors reject immediate implementation of Encampment Protocol

by Kevin Geenen

Councillors on both sides of the issue expressed concerns with the draft protocol, with some saying there were too many rules and others saying that the restrictions were too lenient. Council will revisit protocol and sanctioned encampments in August. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck   Hamilton city councillors recently rejected a proposal from city […]

Coca-Cola investing $8 million into Hamilton distribution centre

by Kevin Geenen

The iconic American company has had a presence in the city for nearly a century. Photo credit: The Coca-Cola Company   Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited is investing $8 million towards refurbishment of its distribution centre located in Hamilton. The facility, located at 1575 Barton Street East near Parkdale Avenue North, currently employs approximately 150 people. […]

Hamilton’s three states of emergency

by Kevin Geenen

Council declared three states of emergency regarding homelessness, mental health, and opioid overdoses and poisoning back in April. The declarations are largely meant to send a message and get the attention of other levels of government. Photo credit: University of Toronto-Scarborough   Back at the beginning of April, Hamilton City Council voted to declare three […]

Hamilton to receive strong mayor powers starting Canada Day

by Kevin Geenen

Mayor Andrea Horwath (pictured) does not reveal if she will use the new abilities. Photo credit: Twitter/Andrea Horwath   Last Friday, the Government of Ontario announced that Hamilton, as well as 25 other municipalities in the province, will receive strong mayor powers starting July 1, 2023. Strong mayor powers were previously given to Toronto and […]

Pictured are Steve Stipsits, his mother and father Judy and Al, and sisters Andrea Peckart and Heidi. Photo credit: Mohawk College   Last month, Branthaven Homes CEO Steve Stipsits and his wife Elizabeth Stipsits announced a $1 million donation to Mohawk College to help create new education and employment opportunities in residential construction for people […]

The Haudenosaunee Development Institute has agreed not to interfere with dredging work at Chedoke Creek and will receive $50,000 for project monitoring and an additional $7,000 to review previous project studies. Photo credit: Google Maps   On May 24, Hamilton City Council approved a settlement agreement of $50,000 with the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI), an […]

Councillor office budgets get one-time top-up from OLG hosting fund

by Kevin Geenen

The additional $29,000 for every councillor who opted in only applies to 2023. City spending $50,000 to hire third-party consultant to study 2024 office budgets. Photo credit: City of Hamilton   After the topic of councillor office budgets was brought up for a third time, councillors voted yes to a one-time top up of their […]

Survey indicates Hamiltonians less satisfied with life in the city than previous years. Photo credit: Getty Images/Encyclopedia Britannica    The City of Hamilton released the results of their 2022 city-wide survey on May 3, 2023. When respondents were asked how well they believe the City of Hamilton is working towards its slogan of being “the […]

Contest launched to name the pair. Photo credit: Royal Botanical Gardens/Garrine Tsang   Hamilton-Burlington’s Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) announced on June 1 that Cootes Paradise is home to two newly born baby bald eagles. In celebration of the eaglets hatching, the RBG launched a baby naming contest on their website. The goal is to name […]

Hamilton has had image capture technology in place at certain intersections for over two decades. The addition of 10 new cameras brings the city’s total up to 52. Photo credit: CBC/Dan Taekema   Red Light Cameras  After ticketing 59,000 motorists since 2020, Hamilton’s red light camera program will be expanding with 10 new camera locations […]

Mohawk College, Transport Canada sign agreement for drone research

by Kevin Geenen

Hamilton college already recognized as national leader in the field. Photo credit: Mohawk College   Announced on May 8, Hamilton’s Mohawk College has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding with Transport Canada’s Innovation Centre to collaborate on research projects involving remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS, commonly known as drones). Mohawk College already has a well-established […]

UPS Canada, Fusion Pharmaceuticals with new Hamilton facilities

by Kevin Geenen

Business continues to boom across the city, with a flurry of new developments and expansions opened or announced in recent months. Pictured are representatives from UPS Canada, Mayor Andrea Horwath (second from right), and MPP Donna Skelly (right), May 2, 2023. Photo credit: Twitter/Donna Skelly   Two companies, UPS Canada and Fusion Pharmaceuticals, are set […]

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark (pictured at podium), local MPPs Neil Lumsden and Donna Skelly, and community partners were all on hand in Hamilton for the announcement last Friday. Photo credit: Twitter/Steve Clark   Ontario’s Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark was in Hamilton last Friday, announcing nearly $7 million of government funding […]

McMaster ranks top-35 in world for ‘global impact’

by Brighter World

The Hamilton university finished seventh in Canada on the annual Impact Rankings by Times Higher Education. Photo credit: McMaster University    The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) challenge academic institutions around the world to come together to end poverty and hunger, reduce inequalities, improve health and education and build a more sustainable world. McMaster has embraced […]

 A 2022 study estimated that ‘Steelport’ could create up to 23,000 new jobs and inject $3.8 billion into the Ontario economy over the next decade. Photo credit: Slate Asset Management    A group called Slate Asset Management has released its initial plans for an 800-acre redevelopment of former Stelco lands into a massive waterfront industrial […]

Losani Homes purchased the property at 140 Glen Echo Drive from the Hamilton public school board in March. The area directly surrounding the proposed development is solely made up of single-family homes, with some residents already voicing their opposition. Pictured is an artist rendering of the proposed site. Photo credit: Losani Homes/Chamberlain Architects   Losani […]

Four new weekday peak express trips in each direction along the Lakeshore West line added. The Premier and Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney announced the expanded service last week in Niagara. Photo credit: Metrolinx   Premier Doug Ford was in St. Catharines last Friday where he announced a number of additions to GO train schedules […]

C.D. Howe Institute gives City of Hamilton poor grade for budget process

by Kevin Geenen

Hamilton’s D-range grade ranking put it amongst the worst municipalities in Canada. Photo credit: City of Hamilton   Canadian research think tank C.D. Howe Institute has given the City of Hamilton a D-plus grade for multiple problems with transparency, reliability, and timeliness of its 2022 budget process. The grade appears in a study called “Show […]

In dramatic reversal, City of Hamilton pauses vaccine mandate for new hires

by Kevin Geenen

Mayor Andrea Horwath (pictured, centre) made motion to pause the policy earlier this month. Move comes as municipality struggles with 10 per cent staffing shortage across the corporation. Photo credit: Facebook/Andrea Horwath   In a dramatic reversal of previous debates on the issue, Hamilton’s city councillors have voted to pause the vaccine requirement for newly […]

Businesses along the near 4-kilometre route will be able to move their storefronts onto the street. Those that register will be able to have sidewalk sales, small temporary patios on the street, music, and outdoor demonstrations. Photo credit: International Village BIA   It was an idea that had been floated around Hamilton City Council for […]

Ontario’s environment minister David Piccini (left) and tourism minister Neil Lumsden (right) were on hand at Hamilton’s Collective Arts Brewing Thursday to announce the partnership. Also pictured are Mayor of Hamilton Andrea Horwath and brewery CEO Matt Johnston. Photo credit: Twitter/Neil Lumsden   Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation, and Parks David Piccini was in Hamilton […]

Recent third-party report found that Hamilton has a ‘weakened competitive position as an employer compared to other municipalities.’ Photo credit: EXP   The City of Hamilton is taking significant steps to improve their labour shortages amid struggles with staff recruitment and retention. The city initially put out a release on April 18 detailing a new […]

Latest move in ongoing ‘Sewergate’ saga involving massive, years-long sewage leak into Chedoke Creek. Photo credit: Royal Botanical Gardens   In the latest development in a long saga involving the City of Hamilton, the Government of Ontario, and the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI), Hamilton is now seeking court intervention to force the province to get […]

City of Hamilton to consider future of municipally owned golf courses

by Kevin Geenen

It’s not the first time the courses have been subject to council review. Some argue that they are barely making any money, sometimes even posting deep losses, so it is better to get rid of at least some of them in favour of public park space. Pictured is the city’s Chedoke Golf Course. Photo credit: […]

Bringing research to the community

by Joanna Williams

MDTRC team from left to right: Babak Safaei, PhD Student; Monika Stolarz, Business Development Officer; Nour El Shamy, Lab Manager; Pina Del Monte, Manager, Research Services; Khaled Hassanein, Dean, DeGroote School of Business and MDTRC Co-Founder; Shervaughn Bennett, Administrative Assistant; Spencer Early, Research Assistant; Milena Head, Director. Absent: Xuecong (Alex) Lu, Post-Doctoral Fellow. Photo credit: […]

Initiative made possible by provincial grant. Photo credit: Twitter/Hamilton Police   The Hamilton Police Service (HPS) has begun installing Automated Licence Plate Readers (ALPR) and in-car camera (ICC) systems on its vehicles. The roll out, which began on May 1, currently includes ten police cruisers.  When complete, 78 vehicles will have the technology. Full implementation […]

 It’s not the first time the newly elected MPP (pictured, centre) has stirred controversy and faced significant backlash from the public. Photo credit: Twitter/Fred Hahn   Newly elected Hamilton Centre Ontario NDP MPP Sarah Jama is under fire yet again, this time for a tweet made this past Tuesday, May 2 calling a convicted terrorist […]

The lot was designated in 2010 as having no maximum density or height regulations. Rendering of the near 1,000-unit development. Photo credit: Graziani + Corazza Architects/Hi-Rise Group   A new 949-unit development is planned for two new buildings beside Seasons Retirement Home on Shoreview Place in Stoney Creek. The building application is put forward by […]

Pictured left to right at Fusion Pharmaceutical’s new facility: Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s minister of tourism, culture and sport, Julian Pecchia, Karen Mossman, vice-president, research, Eric Burak, CSO of Fusion, Andrea Horwath, mayor of Hamilton, and Susan Hogan, supervisor of radiopharmaceutical production. Photo credit: McMaster University/Brighter World   Biotech company Fusion Pharmaceuticals has announced the opening […]

Hamilton public school trustees vote to cease naming schools after people

by Kevin Geenen

Board will also review all current school names. There are currently four Hamilton secondary schools named after people and 31 elementary schools. Photo credit: The Globe and Mail/J.P. Moczulski   The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB), Hamilton’s public school board, will no longer be naming new schools after people following a trustee vote on the […]

The re-enactment was first held in 1981 and had taken place every year since then at Battlefield House Museum and Park (pictured) until it was cancelled for 2020, 2021, and 2022. Photo credit: Hamilton Tourism   The infamous re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek is set to return on June 3 and 4, 2023 […]

Hamilton paramedics to see 23 per cent funding increase

by Kevin Geenen

The increase is tied to a recent uptick in service demand. Photo credit: Twitter/HPS Paramedics   Hamilton Paramedic Service is receiving an additional $6.7 million from the City of Hamilton as part of the 2023 operating budget. That translates to a 23 per cent increase compared to 2022. A city media release on April 17 […]

A new $5.1-million gift from Margaret Juravinski (pictured) to the Juravinski Research Institute will support high-priority health research initiatives across Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Photo credit: McMaster University   More than 30,000 patients and study participants. Over 100 researchers. Twenty-one research projects. Three partner institutions. Two visionary Hamilton philanthropists. One […]

In an effort spearheaded by councillors Cameron Kroetsch (left) and Alex Wilson (right), supportive councillors want more tax dollars for their yearly office budgets to, in part, be able to engage with residents’ concerns faster and more frequently. Photo credit: City of Hamilton   In the past number of weeks of budget consultations and deliberations, […]

Hamilton to get new boat-sharing service

by Kevin Geenen

Skipperi launched in 2017. The start-up will bring three boats to Harbour West Marina starting in May. They are limiting the number of memberships in order to ensure that boats are available for users. Photo credit: Skipperi   Starting on May 1, Hamilton will be home to Skipperi, the world’s first boat-sharing app.  The company […]

McMaster researchers develop rapid test for salmonella contamination in food

by Wade Hemsworth

Biomedical and engineering researchers at the Hamilton university have developed an easy-to-administer rapid test for salmonella. Pictured are professors Yingfu Li, Tohid Didar, and Carlos Filipe in the lab at McMaster. Photo credit: McMaster University/Brighter World   McMaster University researchers have developed a rapid and inexpensive test for salmonella contamination in chicken and other food […]

City of Hamilton struggling with staffing recruitment and retention

by Kevin Geenen

And the issue is, at least partially, self-inflicted.   The City of Hamilton is sitting at a 10 per cent vacancy rate according to an August 2022 report. That translates to 664 empty positions of the 6,712 jobs at the city level. Similarly, Hamilton hospitals are also short on staff, with the number of job […]

  Debate delayed again until the summer.   In the latest update regarding the City of Hamilton’s vaccine mandate for new city staff, a select number of Councillors have once again derailed debate and insisted that the policy stay in place. The move comes as the City of Hamilton struggles with 10 per cent of […]

Hamilton’s HMCS Star naval reserve celebrates 100 years

by Kevin Geenen

Photo credit: Facebook/HMCS Star   HMCS Star, Hamilton’s Naval Reserve Division and the second oldest naval reserve division in Canada, celebrated its 100th year of existence back in March. The unit was established as the Hamilton Half Company on March 15, 1923. It began with about 50 men who worked out of the old Imperial […]

Hamilton Council makes Encampment Coordination Team permanent

by Kevin Geenen

Staff say that the pilot was successful in preventing “entrenched encampments”. The permanent program will cost $1.3 million a year to run. Photo credit: Global News   The homeless encampment debate has been one of the major issues discussed by recent City Councils, particularly with the pandemic and ongoing affordable housing crisis exacerbating the situation. […]

Hamilton Police announce crime gun confiscations in the city up 77 per cent

by Kevin Geenen

Officials say that many of the confiscations were a result of citizen tips. Photo credit: Facebook/Hamilton Police Service   The Hamilton Police Service (HPS) put out a press release last week detailing that crime gun confiscations in the city are up 77 per cent from this time last year. The release came after police seized […]

The City of Hamilton started its Fraud and Waste Hotline as a three-year pilot program in 2019.    A recently released City of Hamilton annual “Fraud and Waste Report” from the Office of the City Auditor revealed major conflicts of interest and waste involving the city. Among the major investigations detailed in the report is […]

The Shelley Saunders/Koloshuk Family Scholarship has supported promising McMaster PhD students in biological anthropology since 2008 and has helped McMaster’s Department of Anthropology earn a global reputation as a research powerhouse. Photo credit: McMaster University    The mysteries of our past can offer important clues for tackling today’s most critical health and societal challenges. At McMaster University, […]

FirstOntario Centre renovations delayed for Grey Cup festivities

by Kevin Geenen

Photo credit: Hamilton Honey Badgers   The FirstOntario Centre renovation plan will be delayed by a couple of weeks due to Grey Cup festivities. The arena was scheduled to close for renovations after the Canadian Country Music Awards in September.  But with Hamilton hosting the Grey Cup this year, the private consortium that is taking […]

New provincial funding to expand the training capacity at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine was announced by Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy at McMaster’s Centre for Simulation-Based Learning on Thursday, March 30. Photo credit: McMaster University/Georgia Kirkos    The 2023 provincial budget includes new funding to expand the training capacity […]

City of Hamilton’s major overhaul of truck routes starting this month

by Kevin Geenen

The changes are expected to reduce noise and improve air quality in the downtown area. The truck route changes are also meant to make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Photo credit: LinkedIn/Alipa Ari Patel   The City of Hamilton has started to install new truck route signage as part of its updated Truck Route […]

Under the new agreement with the October deadline, the City of Hamilton will be required to submit weekly progress reports to the province. Clean-up efforts have been delayed due to various interruptions from the Haudenosaunee Development Institute. Photo credit: CBC/Patrick Morreel   The City of Hamilton now has until October 31, 2023, to dredge sewage […]

Ontario invests $6.8 million to expand McMaster’s nuclear capacity

by Daily News

The 2023 provincial budget includes new funding to expand McMaster’s leadership in nuclear research, education and medical isotope production. Photo credit: McMaster University   The Ontario government announced $6.8 million in Thursday’s budget to strengthen the research capacity at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR), a leading supplier of medical isotopes used in breakthrough cancer treatments. The investment, […]

Residents believe “questionable procedural issues took place during (a February) meeting” that green lit a safe injection site at 746 Barton Street East. Nann pictured centre. Photo credit: Facebook/Nrinder Nann via Bob Hatcher    A number of Hamiltonians, including former Hamilton mayor Bob Bratina and Council candidate and business owner Walter Furlan, have launched a […]

 In January, the effective price of fuel was set at about 32 cents per cubic metre for Hamilton. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons   As the cost-of-living crisis plagues more and more Canadians, home heating bills continue to skyrocket. Hamilton residents, along with those across Ontario, have reported natural gas bills that are double what they […]

Sarah Jama (pictured with microphone) won over half the Hamilton Centre vote last Thursday. Photo credit: Twitter/Sarah Jama   Sarah Jama, the controversial anti-police NDP candidate who was recently accused of anti-Semitism and endorsement of violent anti-Israel uprisings, won the Hamilton Centre by-election Thursday night. The March 16 contest was to fill the seat vacated […]

The Hamilton-based hockey team is relocating to Brantford while major renovations on the FirstOntario Centre take place over the next two to three years. Photo credit: Twitter/Hamilton Bulldogs   Last week, Brantford’s City Council approved a motion to have staff explore the possibility of building a new OHL-sized arena. A number of weeks ago it […]

McMaster satellite lifts off from Kennedy Space Center

by Jesse Dorey

Members of the McMaster University NEUDOSE team at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The team’s satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX rocket and sent to the International Space Station on Tuesday, March 14. Photo credit: Twitter/McMaster University   A satellite designed and built by McMaster students and researchers has successfully launched into space on […]

Jama (pictured, centre-front) is running in the Hamilton Centre provincial by-election set to take place this Thursday, March 16. B’nai Brith Canada’s CEO Michael Mostyn implored ONDP Leader Marit Stiles to ‘do the principled thing’ and rescind Jama’s candidacy after her involvement with ‘radical’ anti-Israel groups was revealed. Stiles is standing by Jama. Photo credit: […]

Hamilton one of three communities where pilot will take place. Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones was on hand at McMaster Children’s Hospital Thursday to announce the new program. Photo credit: Twitter/Sylvia Jones   Last Thursday, the Ontario Government announced it will be investing $97 million over three years to launch and run […]

The average price for a one-bedroom unit in Steeltown rose nearly six points between January and February. Photo credit: The Chronicle/Yolanda James   The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Hamilton jumped 5.9 per cent between January 2023 and February 2023 according to the latest Rentals.ca rent report.  That means that Hamilton’s one-bedroom rental […]

The current board has 16 members, all of whom are elected members of Council. Photo credit: PlusVG Architects   Some Hamilton City Councillors are attempting to increase the number of members on the Hamilton Board of Health in order to include more “diverse voices.” In July 2022, the previous City Council requested information from the […]

New Catholic Church first in more than 40 years for Hamilton

by Kevin Geenen

Artist rendering of the completed church. The $20-million place of worship is on schedule to welcome parishioners by early summer. Photo credit: ATA Architects   A new Catholic Church is being built on Hamilton Mountain and, once complete, will be the first new Catholic Church built in the city in over four decades. The new […]

Future of public transit at a crossroads with low ridership levels

by Kevin Geenen

Transit agencies across Canada are struggling with persistently depressed usage, Hamilton’s HSR is no exception. Photo credit: Twitter/HSR   The future of public transit is at a crossroads, with ridership levels so far unable to recover since the COVID pandemic.  The COVID pandemic resulted in a cultural shift in the workplace. Many workers moved to […]

Developer planning 975-unit project at old Delta Secondary School

by Kevin Geenen

 The development will integrate and preserve much of the near-century old high school on Main Street. Photo credit: New Horizon Development Group   New Horizon Development Group and Losani Homes are currently working through the approval process for a 975-unit development at 1284 Main Street at the site of Delta Secondary School. The development would […]

Over the last 26 years, some 400 million litres of sewage drained into Lake Ontario via two leaks. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Nathan Dennette   After the City of Hamilton’s two recent sewage leaks, the Government of Ontario has issued the City a provincial order to undertake a series of inspections. In November 2022, the […]

The biggest changes would take place in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek and Flamborough-Glanbrook. Photo credit: Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario   In August 2022, the three-member Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario proposed a number of adjustments to the electoral map, including multiple changes for the Hamilton region. The boundaries across all Canadian ridings are […]

Alectra Utilities spending $18.6 million to upgrade Hamilton power infrastructure

by Kevin Geenen

Increased system renewal investment, additional feeders, and accelerated feeder automation deployment will all help the company to restore power outages faster. Photo credit: Alectra Utilities   Alectra Utilities will be investing $18.6 million to upgrade Hamilton energy infrastructure.  The company spent $9.7 million in 2022 and plans another $8.9 million for 2023 to construct and […]

Hamilton City Council votes to accelerate cycling plan

by Kevin Geenen

The accelerated timeline, however, will cost taxpayers an additional $616,000. Photo credit: Tourism Hamilton   At a January 20, 2023 budget committee meeting, Hamilton’s City Council voted unanimously to have staff look into and report on the costs of accelerating the city’s cycling master plan.  The 14-0 vote saw Councillors direct City of Hamilton Director […]

Dofasco needs 14-kilometre natural gas pipeline for green steel project

by Kevin Geenen

Though somewhat counter-intuitive, to facilitate its green transition the Hamilton steelmaker’s demand for natural gas will double. Photo credit: Twitter/ArcelorMittal Dofasco   Hamilton-based steelmaker ArcelorMittal Dofasco will require a 14-kilometre natural gas pipeline as a part of their transition to producing steel in a more environmentally friendly way. The $1.8-billion green steel project, which received […]

The initiative will help bring the site into the modern era and preserve the museum for generations to come. The project is covered in large part by a $1 million donation from retired Ancaster residents Michael and Carol Desnoyers. Photo credit: Facebook/Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum   Hamilton’s Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, located at John C. […]

Hamilton Centre provincial by-election set for March 16

by Kevin Geenen

Seat vacated following now-Mayor of Hamilton Andrea Horwath’s re-entry into municipal politics. Veteran police sergeant Pete Wiesner (left), representing the Ontario PCs, takes on NDP candidate and well-known anti-police activist Sarah Jama (right). Photo credit: Ontario PC Party and Facebook/Sarah Jama   The Ontario Government has officially announced the date of the Hamilton Centre provincial […]

Council passes new vacant home tax

by Kevin Geenen

One per cent penalty to start in 2024. City staff estimate that 1,135 properties in Hamilton are currently vacant.    In a 10-5 vote on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Hamilton City Council voted to have municipal staff prepare and implement a new vacant home tax. Starting in 2024, the bylaw will require vacant property owners […]

  The two-decade veteran of the Hamilton Police Service (pictured) will take on local activist Sarah Jama and the Liberals’ Deidre Pike. Photo credit: Ontario PC Party   According to a Friday, February 3 announcement, the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party (PCs) have nominated local police officer Sgt. Pete Wiesner as their candidate in the upcoming […]

Business is booming at Hamilton Airport, according to latest statistics

by Kevin Geenen

Hamilton International Airport sees considerable cargo traffic from shipping companies such as Amazon, Canada Post, Cargojet, DHL, Purolator, Prime Air, and UPS. Photo credit: Facebook/Hamilton International Airport   The latest data from Statistics Canada shows that John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) is outpacing the rest of the country in air cargo traffic. The […]

Anti-police protestors take over Hamilton City Council meeting

by Kevin Geenen

The protest started outside City Hall, before migrating inside. Participants demanded members vote down a proposed 6.7 per cent increase to the 2023 police budget. Photo credit: CBC/Samantha Beattie   Abolish the police protesters filled the Hamilton City Council chambers on Monday, February 6, disrupting delegations at a General Issues Committee (GIC) meeting that was […]

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