During recent delegations regarding the City’s Land Needs Assessment and Municipal Comprehensive review, some delegates questioned the interpretations of provincial policies by the City’s Consultant, Consultant Antony Lorius. The Lorius report helped inform the staff position and will ultimately guide the city council on the crucial urban boundary expansion decision.

Accordingly, Councillor Clark move a motion directing staff to retain an independent third party land economist with land use planning experiences to peer review the “City of Hamilton Land Needs Assessment to 2051 – Technical Working Paper” and the “Residential Intensification Market Demand Study”

“It’s not unusual to ask for additional independent opinions on such important issues,” the upper Stoney Creek Councillor said. “I think that given the magnitude of this decision, a peer review is most appropriate.”

MOTION:

WHEREAS the City commissioned land economist Antony Lorius Consulting to undertake the technical analysis for the land needs assessment for the City’s GRIDS2 initiative;

WHEREAS the results of that analysis were presented to Council on March 31, 2021 in the report “City of Hamilton Land Needs Assessment to 2051 – Technical Working Paper” and “Residential Intensification Market Demand Study” as part of Report PED17010(i); and

WHEREAS Council will be considering the land needs assessment and recommended GRIDS2 growth scenario at a Special GIC meeting on October 25, 2021

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

(a) That staff be directed to retain a consultant with the appropriate expertise in land economics and planning to undertake a review of the approach and methodology utilized for the “City of Hamilton Land Needs Assessment to 2051 – Technical Working Paper” and “Residential Intensification Market Demand Study” to confirm that the approach and methodology meets the requirements of all applicable provincial policies and is an appropriate application of all applicable provincial policies with respect to determining the city’s land needs to 2051

(b) That the consultant prepare a memorandum summarizing their findings and that staff include this memorandum as part of the GRIDS2 report back at the Special GIC meeting on October 25, 2021

(c) That the cost for completing the review be charged to the Economic Development Investment Fund Reserve 112221

https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/2021/06/24/hamilton-urban-boundary.html

In the last election, I promised the residents of Ward 9 that I would oppose LRT. More recently and in preparation for the vote directing staff to draft a revised Memorandum of Understanding MOU with Metrolinx, I spent two weeks canvassing approximately 1,000 homes on random urban streets in Ward 9.

My recent canvassing revealed that 6-7 out of 10 homes indicating that they were still opposed with 30% supporting LRT because of the new funding. While I was pushed by some proponents to ignore the democratic will of my residents, I chose to represent them. Accordingly, I objected to the LRT and voted to oppose the directions to staff.

That being said, Council ratified the direction on a 9-6 vote. At this point, the democratic will of council to support LRT will move forward.

While I reserve the right to ask pointed and appropriate questions, I will not obstruct the will of council. I have always believed that once the City Council makes a decision on any item regardless of my position, it is the responsibility or obligations of Councillors to see that decision through to success.

Councillor Brad Clark is urging drivers to be patient and careful as they navigate the construction zone on Mud Street. “Unbelievably, we are seeing some impatient drivers crossing the centre lane to pass vehicles, putting themselves, other vehicles and pedestrians at risk. Please follow the traffic signs, stay in your lane and SLOW DOWN.”

Mud Street West near Valley Park Recreation Centre will be reduced to one lane in each direction.

The four-lane street will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Paramount Drive and Isaac Brock Drive for about six months. Construction will include bridge repairs, new bridge railings, road resurfacing and new sidewalks.

The city also said the multi-use path under the bridge at Felker’s Creek that leads into Valley Park will be closed and trail users are advised to take an alternate route.

Mud Street West lane restrictions

Reduced to one lane in each direction May to October, 2021. Mud Street West between Paramount and Isaac Brock drives on Hamilton Mountain.

https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/2021/05/09/mud-street-lane-restrictions-on-hamilton-mountain-to-start-monday.html

Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry in East Hamilton to test Rabies Vaccine Effectiveness

Hamilton, ON – June 18, 2021 – The City of Hamilton is advising residents that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is currently working in parts of the city to test the effectiveness of the oral rabies vaccination program.

This testing involves a field assessment whereby MNRF will:

1. Humanely live-trap raccoons and skunks in experimental plots,
2. Collect a blood sample from each captured animal at a centralized processing facility, and
3. Release each animal at its point of capture after a full recovery. The blood samples collected from each animal will allow the MNRF to verify whether the animal has developed immunity to rabies.

The field assessment is taking place in parts of east Hamilton, including Stoney Creek, Winona and Glanbrook, and will be completed by Friday June 24, 2016.

Traps are being placed in wooded, obscure sites that are raccoon and skunk habitats and will be posted with information notices to explain the program should anyone come across them. The MNRF is also advising landowners in affected areas via letter to ask permission before they set any traps on property. 

Please direct any questions about this program to the MNRF’s rabies information line at 1-888-574-6656 or visit www.ontario.ca/rabies.

Important note: Animal Services is not involved in this testing process and should not be contacted unless it is to report an animal that is sick, injured, deceased or displaying unusual behavior. Animal Services also cannot intervene, remove or euthanize healthy animals.

Mayor’s Task Force On Economic Recovery