As per the Escarpment Closure procedure, please be advised of a planned closure on the Mud Street on-ramp to the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway.
Mud Street on-ramp to Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway between the on ramp from the Upper Red Hill Valley Parkway and the Red Hill Valley Parkway. Below is an aerial map that better illustrates the area of the closure.
Friday, February 6th from 9am to 3pm for guide rail repairs. The right shoulder will be temporarily closed and the merge lane of the Upper Red Hill Valley Parkway will need to be shortened and encroached upon to complete the repair. Delays are expected.
City staff have recommended the reduction of grass cutting in these parks/parkettes in Ward 9 (see graphics below). I have opposed this plan to reduce grass cutting on these properties without any public consultation. Staff are proposing a reduction in grass cutting in urban right of ways from 12 cycles to 9 cycles.
If you oppose this reduction in services, please write to the Mayor and Councillors to clerk@hamilton.ca
Please find below additional information regarding the proposed grass-cutting changes as provided by General Manager Jackie Kennedy.
Q1. What changes are being proposed for grass cutting in urban right-of-way areas?
A1: The City is adjusting its grass cutting schedule within municipal right-of-way areas, which are maintained by contracted services overseen by the Transportation Division of Public Works. The new approach keeps the current cutting cycle during the spring and early summer when grass grows most rapidly, but reduces the frequency later in the season when grass growth slows or becomes dormant. This means fewer cuts in late summer and fall, reflecting periods when mowing has limited visual or functional benefit. The annual cutting frequency will decrease from 12 to 9 cycles, resulting in a budget savings of $105,000. The City can add extra cuts if unusual weather leads to sustained grass growth. These changes are designed to maintain roadway safety, visibility, and urban appearance.
Q2. Will rural roadside mowing be affected by these changes?
A2: No, rural roadside mowing is not impacted by this proposal. It will continue as usual, following established service levels and practices from previous years. Although there were contractor delays in rural mowing in 2025, these issues have been resolved and are not expected to recur.
Q3: Will the changes affect sports fields?
A3: No, sports fields and key open grass areas in parks will continue to be mowed as usual.
Q4. What changes are proposed for grass cutting in City parks, open spaces, and private properties?
A4: The City is proposing to reduce mowing in certain park areas and open spaces, resulting in a budget savings of $250,000. The reductions focus on non-City lands without service agreements and city properties with areas suitable for naturalization, such as spaces next to existing natural areas, woodlands, and unprogrammed spaces. Sports fields and key open grass areas in parks will continue to be mowed as usual. Areas not owned by the City and without agreements will receive notice that mowing will stop, but landowners can discuss establishing a paid service agreement if desired. Existing agreements, such as those with school boards adjacent to parkland, will continue.
Q5. Why are some areas being removed from the mowing program, and what happens next?
A5: To improve efficiency and focus staff on core services, the City reviewed mowing areas and identified some that could transition to naturalized landscapes. These areas, often adjacent to naturalized zones, will be promoted for biodiversity and healthy, native plant communities as part of the Biodiversity Action Plan. Residents will be informed about opportunities to participate in planting events as plans develop. Maps showing the spaces proposed for removal from the mowing program are available, with red dashed areas indicating where mowing will stop. Sports fields and key open spaces will remain part of the regular mowing program.
Q6. How will residents and landowners be notified about these changes?
A6: Landowners of non-City properties currently receiving mowing services without an agreement will be notified that the service will end. They may choose to discuss a formal agreement with the City if they wish to continue receiving mowing services, which would include compensation for the service.
Q7. Where can I find more information or see which areas will no longer be mowed?
A7: All spaces proposed for removal from the parks mowing program are shown in attached PDF map. The red dashed areas indicate spaces that will no longer be mowed. Key open spaces and sports fields will continue to be maintained by the parks team.
At the January 23, 2026, GIC budget meeting, Council pushed back on the mayors proposed budget increase of 4.25%. Council voted by 2/3 majority to NOT RECEIVE her budget memorandum. What does this mean? It is really a procedural vote. Voting to not receive any document simply reflects the individuals’ opposition to the document. In this case, it sends a clear message. If the votes hold, Council does have the required votes to veto her 2026 budget.
At this time, Councillors are diligently looking for efficiencies and cost reductions based on the budget documents received. I continue to object that council is not receiving gross numbers, actuals and expenditure breakdowns for every division. This lack of clarity can cause confusion for councillors and the general public.
On January 28, 2026, Councillors Beattie and Francis moved a motion directing staff to present all budget mitigations that was considered by staff. The motion passed unanimously.
In February 2025, I moved a motion to have staff show impacts of 2026 budget increase at 2.5% which was supported by Council. The public record shows that I voted against the 2023 budget, as Budget Chair. I publicly objected to every mayoral directive budget under “strong mayor authority”. The budget increases in annual operational spending continues to be unacceptable. Most residents are struggling with food, heating, insurance, mortgage payments, and automobile fuel etc. I have heard from many ward 9 residents who are struggling to pay their bills. Mortgage renewals have dramatically reduced the disposable income of many residents.
Brad Clark Report 
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