Craig's Current - March 2025

Welcome to another edition of Craig’s Current where I bring you a compilation of news and updates from the month of March. Highlights from this issue include transition of the Blue Box recycling program from the City to the Province (don’t worry, there is no change to the curbside collection process); a recap of our Community Safety Town Hall with Hamilton Police Services; and Development updates at 370 Garner Rd E, 786 Stone Church Rd W and 16 Wilson St W. You will also find the usual listing of meetings and activities around the City including details for the April 8^th public information session at Copetown Community Centre regarding the proposed roundabout at Hwy 52 and Powerline Rd. Among the many other articles, you will also find the latest update on the Garner Rd water main construction project: work will be moving to the section of Garner between Fiddlers Green and Panabaker.  

Finally, in the next week or so you can expect to receive my annual budget newsletter. 

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Need some assistance filling out your Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration?  

The City of Hamilton is offering in-person, drop-in clinics around town, where City Staff will provide personal assistance to help residential property owners complete their VUT declaration accurately and on time. Sessions will be held between 4:30pm and 8:30pm. The deadline to declare has been extended to April 30, 2025. 

Below are the locations closest to Ward 12.  

Monday, March 31 - Ward 11 - Glanbrook Arena, 4300 Binbrook Road, Glanbrook 

Tuesday, April 1 - Ward 12 - Ancaster Rotary Centre & Morgan Firestone Arena, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster 

Wednesday, April 2 - Ward 13 - J.L. Grightmire Arena, 35 Market Street South, Dundas 

Thursday, April 3 - Ward 14 - Chedoke Twin Pad Arena, 91 Chedmac Drive, Hamilton 

Learn more HERE 

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Due to new Provincial legislation, residential Blue Box programs in Ontario are moving to a new collection system that is fully funded and operated by producers of recycling materials. The new collection system is meant to make recycling easier by standardizing what can be recycled across Ontario. Starting April 1, 2025, Circular Materials will operate Hamilton’s residential Blue Box program as part of Ontario’s plan to shift responsibility for recycling operations and costs to paper and packaging producers. You do not need to take any action, and you will not see any change in the weekly curbside collection process in 2025. The City will continue to collect garbage and green bin material. Please click here to learn more about this transition. 

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The public has consistently requested the enforcement of noise by-laws during evenings and into the early hours of the morning. The City has listened. Currently, there is no Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) coverage at those times of day, but effective April 1, 2025, MLE Officers will be extending hours of operation to as late as 4am and adding service on Sunday. There is no additional cost for this change as it’s simply a redeployment of existing resources. For more information, please see the By-Laws and Enforcement page on the City's website.   

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Asset Management is not generally viewed as a particularly exciting topic, but it’s a huge part of building (literally and figuratively) a successful and vibrant city for everyone’s benefit. Historically, many cities in Ontario, including Hamilton, have not had robust asset management processes, but we’re now confidently on our journey towards best practices. Part of that journey is ensuring that our assets consider the varied needs of an ageing and diverse population. To that end, Council supported me when I put forward this motion to incorporate equity into our asset management plans.  

For a quick ‘Asset Management 101’, watch this quick, fun video that will help you gain a solid understanding of how managing our assets relates to you and your everyday life in the community. Further, the balance of this article is a quick primer on asset management and why you should care about it as much as I do. 

The City of Hamilton delivers many important services to residents, visitors, business owners, students, and tourists. These services are dependent on infrastructure such as transit, roads, bridges, city facilities, and clean water and wastewater treatment. How the City's infrastructure is managed throughout its lifetime becomes a critical foundation in our ability to offer great services. 

Asset Management is not just about the physical assets, but also the services provided and how the assets deliver on the agreed upon levels of service. 

Good asset management planning allows municipalities to stretch capital and operating dollars by helping to make well-informed, evidence-based decisions. It's about making the right infrastructure investments in the right places at the right time to meet required levels of service in the most cost-effective manner for present and future customers. 

What is an Asset Management Plan?  

The Asset Management (AM) Plan is a strategic approach that a municipality uses to manage its physical assets such as roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, parks, and public buildings, over their lifecycle.   

The AM Plan outlines the current condition of these assets, forecasts their future needs, and sets out a plan for maintenance, repairs, upgrades, replacement, and disposal at end of life. The primary goal of the AM Plan is to ensure that municipal infrastructure is maintained in a sustainable, cost-effective manner, providing reliable services to the community now and in the future. 

Why is it Important?  

The AM Plan is critical for several reasons:  

• Maintaining Infrastructure: Municipal assets are essential for daily life—clean water, safe roads, effective waste management, and public amenities. The AM Plan ensures these assets are properly maintained, reducing the risk of sudden failures or service interruptions.  

• Cost Savings: Proactive management of assets through an AM Plan helps to minimize long-term costs. By planning maintenance and repairs in advance, the municipality can avoid the higher expenses associated with emergency repairs and unplanned replacements.  

• Long-Term Sustainability: The AM Plan promotes sustainable management of resources by considering environmental impacts, optimizing asset use, and ensuring that infrastructure meets the needs of the community for generations to come.  

• Financial Planning: The AM Plan helps the municipality to plan its budget more effectively by forecasting future needs and allocating resources appropriately. This leads to more predictable financial planning and better use of public funds.  

How does it impact the community?  

The AM Plan has significant impacts on residents, businesses, and the overall community:  

• Quality of Life: Well-maintained infrastructure directly contributes to the quality of life in the community. Reliable water systems, safe roads, and well-kept public spaces enhance daily living for residents and businesses alike.  

• Economic Development: Businesses rely on stable infrastructure to operate effectively. A sound AM Plan ensures that businesses can continue to function without disruptions, fostering economic growth and attracting new investments.  

• Public Safety: Properly managed infrastructure reduces the risk of hazards such as water main breaks, road collapses, or building failures, thereby protecting public safety.  

• Property Values: Well-maintained public infrastructure can positively influence property values in the community, making it an attractive place to live and work.  

• Community Trust: Transparent and effective management of municipal assets builds trust between the community and the local government, ensuring that residents feel confident in the municipality’s ability to provide essential services. 

Learn more about Hamilton’s Asset Management Plans HERE 

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Working with interested parties, the City has established some short-term priorities for the Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum. These efforts are focused on ensuring a safe space for storage and exhibition of Fieldcote artifacts as well as improving the accessibility of the grounds and the parkland. In the coming months, a land and vegetation survey will be completed to inform the development of a long-term landscape master plan for the wooded area and the gardens, which is tentatively planned for 2026. In the short term, improvements will be made to the trail through the wooded area.  

This year, Fieldcote will be participating in Doors Open Hamilton on May 3 & 4 with free museum admission 12 p.m. to 4pm each day. Staff are also working with the Ancaster BIA to provide a Jane’s Walk tour of Ancaster’s historic village during the Doors Open weekend, with more details to follow. 

Fieldcote will be participating in Ancaster Heritage Days on June 7^th and looks forward to hosting movie night at the Jim Green Bandshell, organized by the Ancaster Film Festival and Ancaster Heritage Days.  

Finally, collaboration is underway with the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre to support the return of Music at Fieldcote in 2026.  

In case you missed it, Fieldcote and its history were recently featured in the Hamilton Spectator. Former Farmer homestead in the heart of Ancaster remains an oasis amid growing development pressure 

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The intersection of Highway 52 and Powerline Road West is situated east of the Copetown neighborhood and approximately 3 km north of the Provincial Highway 403 interchange. Highway 52 is a north-south arterial road that traverses rural lands in the western portion of the City of Hamilton. It is a designated truck route with a posted speed limit of 70 km/hr. The City has begun community consultation on how to make this intersection safer, and a community meeting is planned for Tuesday, April 8 from 6pm to 8pm at the Copetown Community Centre. Add your comments, view the presentation materials and learn more HERE. 

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First Gulf, the owners of 370, 378, 412, 436 Garner Road E have elected to stop working with the Hamilton Planning Division and instead appeal directly to the Ontario Land Tribunal for approval of their industrial warehouse subdivision on the corner of Garner Rd E and Highway 6. This will curtail citizen feedback and participation in the planning process as the file is now removed from the City’s purview and transferred to the Provincial body for a decision. 

Nevertheless, residents who wish to comment on this application are encouraged to request “Participant Status” at the Ontario Land Tribunal.  

The Staff report outlining the historical background and Staff concerns is HERE 

View additional materials in the appendices HERE 

Learn how to become a Participant at the OLT HERE 

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The next phase of the Garner Road water main project will be from Fiddlers Green to Panabaker. This phase is set to begin in the coming weeks, and my office has worked with Staff to find ways to mitigate the impacts on neighbouring areas. To that end, the following steps will be taken: 

•  Temporary “No Stopping” signs will be installed on one side of Braithwaite in anticipation of additional vehicles using this road during the morning rush. This temporary measure will be in place Monday to Friday from 7 to 9am until the end of June. It will not apply in the afternoon, but Staff will monitor the situation in case further action is required.  My office had requested consideration of a temporary traffic light at Fiddlers Green and Liam to assist with traffic flow. After reviewing this request, Traffic Operations has elected not to install temporary lights at this location but has committed to monitoring the situation and making changes as required throughout the construction. 

• To address cut-through traffic and ongoing speeding concerns on Hamilton Drive, temporary speed cushions will be installed at 5 key locations:  

• 302 Hamilton Drive 

• Approximately 10m south of Cavendish Drive 

• 400 Hamilton Drive 

• 445 Hamilton Drive 

• Approximately 20m south of Oldmill Road 

Locations are shown on the map below.  

For the most up-to-date timelines, please see the Garner Road Improvement StoryMap 

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Thanks to those who attended the Ward 12 Community Safety town hall on March 19 at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre and online. For anyone who missed the meeting you can view the slide deck shared by Hamilton Police Service HERE.  

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The following is an update for those interested in the construction activity occurring at 786 Stone Church Rd W, on the south side of Stone Church Road just west of the roundabout at Omni Blvd (outlined in pink on the attached map).  

Concerns raised by the public have been communicated to the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) and the appropriate City Staff, including senior leadership. Several City departments have responded to those concerns and taken action to ensure that the property owner and their agents are now acting in accordance with all City policies. City Staff remain actively engaged in the work happening at this site and will address any actions that do not comply with relevant policies and regulations.  

My office recognizes that the larger Tiffany Creek Wetland Complex / Falkirk Forest, as shown on the map, is a significant natural area that deserves protection. It is unfortunate, but development is permitted on this 9-acre property, and the specific reasons are outlined below.  

In the interest of conservation in the area, I have met with both the HCA and the City of Hamilton Real Estate Division to explore possibilities for protecting these lands from future development. I will update the public with any relevant progress. The full update on this development project is available on my website under “786 Stone Church Rd W” at this link. 

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Our office receives many enquiries about the work taking place at 16 Wilson Street, the site of the former Petro-Canada gas station at the corner of Wilson and Fiddlers Green. The only existing permit is for site remediation (removing contaminated soil from the ground), which is the work you see happening now. No further permits have been applied for at this time. When we know more, we'll update the community. 

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Everyone is welcome to attend the 13th Annual Historical Gathering of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation! The event will take place this year in Ancaster. 

Where: Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd, Jerseyville ON L0R1R0  

When: April 29th to May 1st 

This is a free event. You may attend one, two or all three days. Breakfast and Lunch will be served, and help with accommodation is available. Deadline to register as a guest, volunteer, sponsor, or presenter is April 21st by visiting the MNCFN website.  

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Field work is currently taking place to inventory trees along the entire Glancaster Road corridor - Dickenson Road West to Garner Road/Rymal Road W and will last for about two weeks. No entry into structures or buildings will take place. 

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Learn about Hamilton’s Biodiversity Action Plan, Natural Areas Inventory, Watershed Action Plan, and the City’s on-going projects supporting biodiversity and more at a virtual open house event on April 2 from 6 to 8pm.  Register to receive the Zoom link HERE 

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On Friday, April 4th, join me at McMaster University’s L.R. Wilson Hall for this year’s Environmentalist of the Year Awards. I’ll be your M.C. as we celebrate the achievements of Hamiltonians who have set the bar for environmental stewardship in our city. This in-person event promises to be a night to remember, filled with awards, entertainment, and networking opportunities. Don't miss out on this exclusive evening honoring environmental excellence and success. I hope to see you there! Tickets are available HERE. 

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Before 1826, ships with goods for Hamilton, Dundas, and Ancaster had to unload cargo onto the lakeside of the Burlington Bay beach strip. Goods were portaged across the beach and reloaded onto smaller vessels on the bayside. The portage across the sandbar was called "Carrying Place". The smaller boats transported cargoes to "The Lake Road" (James Street N) where they were put on carts for transport to town. A slow, labour-intensive process. Construction of a canal through the sandbar began in 1823 and was completed in 1826. With the opening of the canal, wharfs and warehouses sprang up around the foot of The Lake Road, and Port Hamilton was born, today’s `North End’ neighbourhood. Explore Hamilton’s Historical Timeline at this link. 

Content courtesy of Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology; Image artwork by JH Caddy. 

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If you have an event you’d like to promote, please let us know by emailing [email protected]  

HIGHWAY 52 & POWERLINE ROAD WEST INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS - Copetown Community Centre, 1950 Governors Road, Tuesday, April 8, 6pm to 8pm. 

SPRING TEXTILE RECYCLING DRIVE – St. Andrews’s Church, 31 Sulphur Springs Road, Saturday, April 12th, 9am to 12 noon. Acceptable donations include clothes, towels, curtains, linens, bedding (NO PILLOWS), socks, underwear, shoes, purses, belts. 

TRASH AND TREASURES SALE - St. John’s Anglican Church, 272 Wilson St E, May 2 & 3, now featuring a book and bake sale! 

ANCASTER FILM FESTIVAL: Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, April 7 at 2pm and 7:15pm. Ancaster’s best kept film secret! Year-round monthly screenings of mostly independent and festival films with proceeds going to local Ward 12 charities. Get there early, the theatre is usually packed! 

DUNDAS REPAIR CAFE: Got stuff you need to fix? Bring it to the Dundas Repair Café on Saturday, Apr. 5, between 10am and 12pm and learn how to fix it, or have it fixed by our team of volunteers. The Action 13 Dundas Repair Café takes place at the Dundas Town Hall-Upper Level and is accessible by the 5 Delaware Bus Route-Head St. Loop.  

ANCASTER BIA SPRING FLING: The annual Spring Fling Scavenger Hunt will take place Saturday, April 12th from 10am to 1pm in the Ancaster BIA. It is a family-friendly outdoor event that will get the whole family out and about in the community.  

ANCASTER LIONS SPRING CRAFT SHOW: Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Road, April 18-19, 10am to 4pm. The Easter Bunny will be there with treats for the kids, too! Come and find that one-of-a-kind gift or treat for yourself! Admission is $5, with all proceeds going to charity. Kids under 12 are free. 

ANCASTER MEMORIAL ARTS CENTRE: Various events from art and music classes to film, theatre, live concerts, musicals, events.  

SINFONIA ANCASTER: Let’s Dance! AMAC, 357 Wilson St E, May 9, 7pm. 

ANCASTER SENIOR ACHIEVEMENT CENTRE: Various events throughout the month, including the Spring Cabaret (April 1, 2:30pm) and a Vacant Unit Tax pop-up booth. Learn more under ‘Events’ at the link above. 

ANCASTER FAIRGROUNDS: Various events all month long including Model Train Show, Gluten Free Goodness, equestrian events (spectators are welcome), Road Runners Car Club, and Jersey Girls Juravinski Fundraiser.  

COMMUNITY CLEAN UPS: Despite the cooler weather this week, spring is officially here, and we have eager community members who are organizing clean-up events in their neighbourhoods. Thank you to Doug Kloet of Glendale Motors and Jessie Chang for planning these events! We hope that residents will join the organizers in their efforts to help tidy up the community! Teens can gain volunteer hours, too! If you would like to organize your own community clean up, contact the City’s Team Up to Clean Up team who will provide supplies and pick up bags of litter once your event is complete. Let our office know about your event, and we will help promote it! Email [email protected] 

More details below. 

Did you know the City is piloting the installation of a heat reclamation system in Riverdale & Huntington Park indoor pools? Waste heat will be captured from the required draining of heated water to run through a heat exchanger and transfer the heat to the incoming make-up water. This process will decrease the amount of natural gas needed to heat the make-up water, thereby reducing natural gas consumption at these facilities and the associated greenhouse gas emissions. It will also make operating the facility cheaper!  

Hamilton is investing in a sustainable future in several ways! With $2.5M added annually, Hamilton’s Climate Change Reserve funds projects that cut greenhouse gas emissions, boost green infrastructure & promote clean energy. Check out the other successful 2024 Climate Change Reserve applications for City-led initiatives HERE.  

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Here is some interesting information about wetlands from our friends at Ontario Nature and some links to their latest campaign: Staying Afloat – Tips and Tools for Community Engagement in Wetland Conservation 

• Ontario is home to around 6% of all wetlands on Earth. 

• Wetlands are flood-fighters, soaking up excess water and releasing it slowly over time. 

• Even a small 2-hectare wetland can collect water runoff from an area 70 times its size. 

• About 25% of Canada’s wetlands are found in Ontario 

• Southern Ontario has lost between 70-90% of its wetlands since European settlement. 

• The Ancaster Creek subwatershed has lost 96.4% of its wetlands 

• In Ontario, at least 20% of Provincially listed species at risk depend on wetland habitats for survival 

March 2025 webinar: Staying Afloat: Tips and Tools for Community Engagement in Wetland Conservation, Webinar 

Ontario Nature’s new report, Wetland Conservation for Planning Authorities: A Review of Wise Practices in Southern Ontario 

Ontario Nature’s new wetlands StoryMap, created with support from the Ontario Nature Youth Council 

Tipsheets for community action: (1) Influencing Local Decision-makers, (2) Letter Writing, (3) Making a Delegation, (4) “Greenprint” for Action 

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Thanks, as always, to everyone who reaches out to engage with our office. I hope you enjoyed reading this month’s newsletter. Please share it with Ward 12 neighbours and friends. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] and subscribe to the Ward 12 newsletter at CraigCassar.ca. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.