Author: Councillor Brad Clark

In February 2021, Councillor Clark moved a motion directing staff to explore options for a virtual memorial wall to celebrate the lives of Hamiltonians who lost their lives to COVID-19. The motion was supported unanimously by Council.

In April, 2021, staff reported back to council with concerns being raised about potential privacy breeches and /or possible identity thefts. Clark suggested that staff require express permission or a release from the family, thereby mitigating any privacy concerns. Clark moved a deferral to permit him an opportunity to meet with staff to further clarify his vision and expectations.

In May 2021, staff reported back to the General Issues Committee that the privacy concerns were resolved as the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection Act allows the disclosure of personal information that is collected for the purpose of creating an historical record for the public. Staff shared a virtual memorial wall template and indicated that the wall could be activated immediately.

Clark acknowledged and was grateful for the efforts of staff to bring this idea to life. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented families and friends from gathering to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. He hoped that the wall would serve as a way not only to remember COVID-19 victims but to educate others. 

Clark said, “We have lost 375 residents to COVID-19. Sadly each death is being treated as a number or statistic, but each one of them is a life with a family that has been denied their opportunity to gather and celebrate their lives.”

Whitedeer Road Closure from May 25 to May 27, 2021

As part of the Rymal Road reconstruction project between Fletcher Road and Upper Centennial, the reconstruction of the north side of the this intersection will require the closure of Whitedeer Road at Rymal Road to all through traffic. 

All turns from Rymal Road northbound will be banned.  This closure is scheduled to take place Tuesday May 25 (7:00 am) to Thursday May 27 (5:00 pm).  Traffic on Rymal Road travelling west and east bound remains unaffected, all turns to and from Terryberry Drive are also unaffected by the work.

Speed limit reduction on the Red Hill Valley Parkway beginning Monday

HAMILTON, ON (May 13, 2021) – Beginning Monday, May 17, 2021, the City of Hamilton will reduce the speed limit on both sides of the Red Hill Valley Parkway (RHVP) between Dartnall Rd and Greenhill Ave to 80km/hr.

Currently, the speed limit on the RHVP north of Greenhill Ave is already set at 80km/hr, so this change means that the speed limit on the entire length of the RHVP will now be 80km/hr between the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway and the Queen Elizabeth Way.

At this time, the speed limit on the northbound lanes of the RHVP shifts from 90km/hr to 80km/hr on a downhill section, which can make it difficult for motorists and drivers of large trucks to slow down effectively. Changing the speed limit to 80km/hr beginning at the top of the hill will facilitate compliance with the posted speed limit.

Hamilton Police Services will be enforcing the new speed limit for the entire length of the RHVP beginning Monday, May 17, 2021.

Motorists may notice some rolling closures on the RHVP over the weekend of May 15 and May 16 while crews install new signage on the RHVP.

Over the past several years, the City has been focused on traffic safety initiatives under the Vision Zero umbrella. This has included campaigns related to speeding, distracted driving, pedestrian crossovers, roundabout safety, railway safety, neighbourhood speed reductions, winter driving, community safety zones and more.

Generally, speeding in excess of the posted speed limit is responsible for a high percentage of injuries and fatalities resulting from motor vehicle collisions. Controlling vehicle speed can prevent collisions from occurring  and can reduce the severity of injury when they do occur, especially when vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists are involved. Appropriate vehicle speeds allow motorists more time to stop, reduce stopping distances and lessen the likelihood of a collision. 

The City and Hamilton Police Services are encouraging motorists to:

• Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you need to go. Leave earlier so you do not rush to your destination.
• Pay close attention to the speedometer. Take a quick look down to see how fast you’re going and adjust your speed accordingly. Use the cruise control option to set a safe speed.
• Be especially careful at night, early evening, early morning, or if the sun is in your eyes.
• Stay alert.
• Practice safe, mindful driving habits to improve road safety and decrease road injuries and fatalities.

Additional Resources:

• Speeding & Safe Speeds

Maintenance on the LINC will include spot repairs to the asphalt, sections of mill and pave resurfacing, catch basin cleaning, bridge repair, graffiti removal, ditching, pavement marking and sign repair. Both directions of the LINC will be closed simultaneously between Friday, May 14 and Monday, May 17, 2021 due to the nature of the work and worker health and safety precautions.

Eastbound closure: Friday, May 14 at 1 a.m. until Monday, May 17 at 5 a.m. – from Golf Links Road to the Red Hill Valley Parkway (RHVP), including the RHVP off ramp from the eastbound LINC

Westbound closure: Friday, May 14 at 10 a.m. until Monday, May 17 at 5 a.m. – from the RHVP to Mohawk Road.

Detour routes will be well signed, and a robust communications plan will inform residents of the weekend traffic disruptions. Detour routes will be via Mohawk Road and Stone Church Road.

Public Health Services declares COVID-19 outbreak at Rebecca Towers apartment complex

HAMILTON, ON (May 4, 2021) – City of Hamilton Public Health Services has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Rebecca Towers (235 Rebecca Street), a 164 unit 17-storey apartment building in Hamilton. Currently there are 28 active COVID-19 cases, and a total 55 cases and one death having been identified since the middle of March. These cases are spread across 17 different units on 10 separate floors. We appreciate how concerning this is for the residents of this building and the impact COVID-19 is having on their tight-knit community.

Public Health Services is conducting case and contact management investigations for all residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and is working with property management to determine factors that may have contributed to the spread of the virus within the apartment complex. The investigation has identified close contact between apartment residents, and socializing between individuals from different households/units as common factors that may have contributed to the transmission between households.

Public Health Services has notified all residents of Rebecca Towers about the outbreak and have provided advice and recommendations for testing. Hamilton Paramedic Services will be on site Thursday, May 6, 2021 to provide testing to all residents.

Public Health Services’ staff are working with Rebecca Towers property management to ensure infection prevention and control measures continue to be in place and recommend additional measures to stop spread of the virus. These measures include signage promoting public health measures, including capacity limits on the elevator and in shared laundry amenities, have been posted within the building and designated cleaners are coming in daily to support environmental cleaning.  

It is vital that members of the public, even those who have been vaccinated, remain vigilant when it comes to public health measures until it is safe and said to be safe by the health professionals in all levels of government. Public health measures include:  

• stay home if you are feeling unwell
• get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with a confirmed positive case of COVID-19
• limit gatherings to only members of your immediate household
• maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet or 2 meters from others outside of your immediate household
• wear a mask or face covering indoors and outdoors when not able to maintain physical distancing
• wash hands frequently

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• COVID-19 Status of Cases and Outbreaks
• COVID-19 Guide for Hamilton Residents
• https://covid-19.ontario.ca
• Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline: 905-974-9848 or phscovid19@hamilton.ca