Craig's Current - May 2026

Welcome to the May 2026 edition of Craig’s Current. Over the last month, I’ve hosted a half dozen ‘Cassar Where You Are’ pop-ups. Thanks to everyone who dropped by to chat. I’ll be at Tiffany Hills Park on Monday, June 1, at 3:30pm and Jerseyville Park on Saturday, June 6 at 11am. Keep an eye on my social media and website for many more events in locations around the ward. 

Moving on to the news, I have another jam-packed issue with something for everyone! 

Here’s a sample of what you’ll find below. The Council News section includes the announcement of our Professional Women’s Hockey Team; ‘The Garbage Dilemma’ is about the new Solid Waste Master Plan; and you can read about continued pressure on the urban boundary in Elfrida in an article titled ‘Proposed Secondary Plan for Disputed Elfrida Urban Boundary Expansion’. Ward 12 News includes a variety of articles including ‘Highway 52 Roundabout Approved’, ‘Ancaster Heritage Days’, ‘Garner Rd Motion’, and an ‘Update on Road Rehabilitation’. The Community Safety section has a link to our recent Safety Town Hall, and an article on ‘Fire Safety Education’. Plus, there are several Other News items, a list of What’s Happening Around Town (don’t forget about Heritage Days on June 13!) and, of course, The Climate Corner. Enjoy!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

**Remember, please click ‘Read Online’ above, for the contents links to function fully. 

COUNCIL NEWS

Proposed Secondary Plan for Disputed Elfrida Urban Boundary Expansion
The Garbage Dilemma
Professional Women’s Hockey Coming to Hamilton & Ancaster
Faster & Simpler Development Applications

WARD 12 NEWS

Cassar Where You Are!
A New Beginning for Marr-Philippo House
Garner Rd Motion
Ancaster Heritage Days
Live Music Returns to Fieldcote!
Highway 52 Roundabout Approved
Affordable Housing in Ancaster 
844 Glancaster Rd. Industrial Development Proposal
Update on Road Rehabilitation
Streetlight Additions
Vegetation in Meadowlands Roundabouts

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Safety Town Hall Summary 
Fire Safety Education

IN OTHER NEWS

Final Property Tax Bills
Age-Friendly Community Plan
Senior of the Year Awards Nominations Open
City of Hamilton Bike Month
Trillium Awards
Monarch Awards
New Engage Hamilton Consultations

HAPPENING AROUND HAMILTON

Bike for Mike
Open Streets Hamilton
Protecting Urban Trees meeting
June is National Indigenous History Month

CLIMATE CORNER

The Green Gender Gap

A consortium of Elfrida (Upper Stoney Creek) developer/landowners have appealed City Council’s decision that refused their urban boundary expansion (UBE) application of almost 3,000 acres. The outcome would be low-density housing on currently unserviced farmland, far from jobs and amenities. Development in this area would not be well-suited for public transit and active transportation - which we need more of if we want to meaningfully tackle traffic congestion. 

As a reminder, in 2021, the City adopted a Firm Urban Boundary growth policy to preserve prime farmland and wetlands, and instead direct growth throughout the city, with an emphasis along major transit corridors like the planned LRT route.

While the UBE application still needs to work its way through the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) process, the Elfrida developers have submitted a Secondary Plan application, and the City is now compelled to approve or deny it. Planning Staff are asking for public feedback on the plan, and June 10, 2026, is the deadline to submit your comments. 

Sprawl is not a sustainable growth strategy. We are currently suffering the consequences of historically poor urban planning decisions that have resulted in overbuilt linear infrastructure (e.g. roads and sewer/water pipes) contributing to the $5.2 Billion infrastructure spending deficit we have today. This term of Council has initiated a long-term investment strategy to begin closing the gap (it is a material part of property tax increases since 2024), but the deficit is so large that we are still going further into the hole by about $520 million every single year. 

It makes absolutely no sense to build new linear infrastructure at scale when we cannot pay to maintain what we already have. Building more of it simply saddles taxpayers with the forever costs of maintaining, repairing, replacing and finally, disposing of new infrastructure at the end of its life. My focus continues to be on fixing the crumbling roads, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure that desperately need investment and on opposing plans that will further weaken the City’s financial viability. 

Your comments to Planning Staff are crucial to help them make a recommendation to Council to either approve or deny this application at the upcoming August 25, 2026, Council meeting. Please consider sending your comments about this proposal to Planning Staff and attending the in-person or virtual meetings. Email your comments to: [email protected]. More information is here.

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At the May 27 General Issues Committee meeting, Staff presented the proposed 2026-2050 Hamilton Solid Waste Management Master Plan.

Let me start with some important definitions: 

• Solid Waste is defined as anything in your house or on your property that you need to get rid of.

• Diversion Rate is defined as the percentage of residential waste diverted from landfill through recycling, composting, and other recovery programs.

The Solid Waste Management Master Plan establishes a long-term direction for waste management in Hamilton that emphasizes waste reduction, reuse, increased diversion from landfill, improved resource recovery, and modernizes waste collection. It also aims to extend the life of the Glanbrook Landfill, which is expected to reach capacity by 2059 without intervention. This is an important topic because a new landfill site would cost hundreds of millions of dollars, so taking steps to extend the life of the current site is prudent and fiscally responsible. 

Public engagement provided important input to the development of the Plan through an online survey on Engage Hamilton, which resulted in 986 survey respondents representing all 15 wards. Respondents were asked how supportive they are of various strategies to reduce landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and increase recycling and composting, and a resounding majority were supportive.

Data from completed waste composition studies of single-family and multi-residential homes in Hamilton show that approximately 60% of what residents place in the garbage could be diverted from landfill through existing waste diversion programs. The audit of single-family households was conducted in winter 2022, and the overall diversion rate for that period was 45%. Since the inception of the 2001 Solid Waste Management Master Plan, the highest diversion rate achieved by the City was 48% way back in 2014.

In that context, long-term disposal capacity must be managed carefully in the context of population growth, regulatory requirements, and limited future disposal options.

The development of the Plan included a municipal scan of comparator municipal waste programs capturing benefits realized following implementation of any program or service level change. Fourteen options were recommended, with eleven prioritized for short-term implementation between 2026 and 2030, and the remaining options identified for longer-term consideration. Short-term priorities focus on improving diversion performance, increasing participation in organics programs, modernizing collection services, and planning for future processing capacity.

Short-Term Options (2026-2030)

• Construction & Demolition Waste Management Strategy 

• Develop a Multi-Residential Diversion Strategy 

• Support Repair Cafés & Sharing Libraries

• Review of Curbside Bulk Item Collection Program

• Expand CRC Reuse & Recycling Programs 

• Review Inclusion of Grass Clippings in Leaf and Yard Waste Program 

• Consider Automated Cart-Based Garbage & Green Bin Collection for Single-Family Homes 

• Consider Bi-Weekly Curbside Garbage Collection

• Facilitate Curbside Diversion & Reuse Events 

• Assess Renewable Energy Potential from Organics 

• Explore Mixed Waste Processing 

Read more at agenda item 9.3 here

Watch the video of the presentation and discussion here

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May 14th was a momentous day for Hamilton and Ancaster! The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) announced an expansion team for Hamilton that will join the league for the 2026-2027 season! The announcement marks another major achievement for the local sports community and builds on the City’s momentum as a home for elite sports and entertainment. The team will play at the brand-new, world-class TD Coliseum, and their practice facility will be Morgan Firestone Arena, right here in Ancaster! Before the official announcement, City Staff and I met with the leaders from Ancaster Girls Hockey Association, Ancaster Minor Hockey Association, Ancaster Figure Skating Club, and Glancaster Bombers Hockey Club to review the changes and ensure their needs are met. All existing organizations currently using the ice at Morgan Firestone Arena will maintain their ice time, and the City will coordinate schedules with all users.

The PWHL has committed to community-focused initiatives that will give residents and hockey fans opportunities to engage with the team and experience this historic moment for women’s hockey. Community-focused opportunities, including public and fan access, developmental clinics and youth engagement, will be hosted at the arena, creating meaningful ways for residents to connect with the team and the sport.

I'm very excited for our community, particularly for the young women and girls who will have local role models to look up to and a brand-new opportunity to continue their hockey careers!

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Navigating City processes and getting results needs to be more efficient; most everyone can agree on that. One important area requiring attention is the development application process. If you want to build something in Hamilton – whether it’s something modest like a deck, a finished basement, an additional dwelling unit, or something more substantial like a multi-storey mixed-use building - the process should be as quick and simple as possible.  The City’s participation in two innovative programs for innovation in Planning approvals is part of our journey to improve efficiency and the customer experience for Hamiltonians. 

The programs are part of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative Innovation Track Program (BH Program), which is designed for interdisciplinary city teams to build innovation capabilities to design, test, and prototype solutions to pressing city issues. 

The first program - the Bloomberg Harvard Innovation Track Program - is achieving accelerated development application processing times through the All4One Pilot Project, which has reduced municipal processing timelines for site plan applications by 123 days (46%) compared to previous standards, while improving communication and coordination between City staff and applicants.

This program also includes testing Artificial Intelligence technology to review low-density residential zoning compliance applications for conformity with the City of Hamilton's zoning regulations to improve efficiency and reduce timelines.

The second program is the Bloomberg Implementation Accelerator Program. One output is a website providing public access to descriptions, status updates and supporting documents for planning applications. This is an improvement that many in the industry have recommended. This is good news for housing and for residents interested in learning more about development applications in their neighbourhoods. The City will soon be releasing new digital tools that will make it faster and easier to learn about development plans in the community and make the plans more understandable.

A second output is a “Quick Win” minor variance information brochure that functions as a plain language brochure explaining Minor Variances to staff and members of
the public who are unfamiliar with the process. Minor variances should be easy for everyone to understand, and this project is a big step in that direction.

Mayor Horwath put forward the application to the BH Program with the challenge for City Staff to improve the development approvals process to address housing affordability and availability to support the Mayor and Council’s commitment to facilitate the construction of 47,000 housing units by 2031. Fortunately, the City of Hamilton was one of only twelve international municipalities selected to participate in the 2023-2024 BH Program along with Anaheim, Arlington, Chandler, Fort Lauderdale, Oakland, Moreno Valley, Richmond, Port St. Lucie, Verona (Italy), London, and Ottawa.

• Read the May 6, 2026, Staff reports at item 7.6 here

• Press release here

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With the warmer weather upon us, I’ll be travelling to neighbourhoods and communities around Ward 12 for pop-up 'Cassar Where You Are' meetings in parks and community spaces. 

You can meet me, your Ward 12 Councillor, ask questions, or share your thoughts on municipal topics. I'll post upcoming locations on my website and on my social media platforms.

The next two scheduled events are:

• Monday, June 1, at Tiffany Hills Park (3:30pm) 

• Saturday, June 6 at Jerseyville Park (11am)

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I have great news to share about Marr-Philippo House at 398 Wilson Street E. The house has been acquired by a private citizen and will be relocated right around the corner at 17 Academy Street to be used as a family home! Timing for the move is still to be determined.

You will have noticed that repointing and repairs are underway with work now focused on the foundations of the house. This is all in preparation for the big move.

The firm relocating the historical home is McCulloch Building Moving. They have a long track record of successfully relocating heritage buildings just like the Marr House. You can see the gallery of other heritage building relocations they’ve moved over the years at their website: mccullochmovers.com.

McCulloch submitted a report to the City fulfilling the Heritage Permit condition about methodology for moving the building. It outlines the on-site procedure that will be followed in order to demolish the existing addition on the back side of Marr House, as well as the loading, moving, and placement of it at the new location. Before the move occurs, the necessary masonry repairs and repointing will be completed to address any structural needs as informed by the Building Condition Assessment authored by Blackwell Structural Engineers. The report was reviewed, approved and the condition cleared. The masonry restoration is currently being completed on site and is expected to wrap up in June.

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The completion of construction on Garner Road between Raymond and Southcote is long overdue. Completion dates have been given to me over and over again, but they continue to be missed. In mid-May, I received an update that the contractor still doesn't have a firm completion date.

Every day, my office receives calls and emails from residents and business owners who are extremely frustrated. You have been more than patient and deserve a full debrief on this project, and the contractor needs to be held accountable. To ensure full transparency, I am working with City staff on a motion for the June 15^th Public Works Committee meeting. My motion will direct staff to perform a full analysis of this project and deliver it in a public report. This will ensure that there is full accountability and that the lessons learned are applied to all future road projects. I’ll keep the community informed as I have more to share. 

Ward 12 residents deserve this, and I will make it happen. And in the meantime, we'll keep the pressure on the contractor to get this work done

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Mark your calendars for this year’s parade and events that will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Bring a folding chair and claim your spot on Wilson Street to enjoy the show! The Parade will begin at 10am starting at Academy Street and ending at Todd Street. Please note road closures on the day of the event: 

• Wilson Street will be closed from 9am-1pm from Rousseaux to Orchard

• Sulphur Springs Road will be closed from Wilson Street to Mansfield Road from 9am – 3pm. 

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Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Friends of Fieldcote volunteers and City Museum Staff, live music is returning to Fieldcote this summer with a series of free outdoor concerts! On Saturday, June 13, at 3pm (Heritage Day), come sing along to your favourite pop hits at Soundtrack of the City: Pop Night at Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum. 

Enjoy some of Hamilton’s finest musical talent while surrounded by the natural beauty of Fieldcote’s seven-acre park. This concert series will transform the Jim Green Bandshell into a lively hub where everyone can sing along to Michael Jackson, Prince, and other pop favourites right here in the heart of Ancaster! 

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and while you're there, wander through the park or check out the "Meet me at the Bandshell" exhibit inside the museum. Learn more here. 

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I'm very happy to report that the concept design for the long-anticipated roundabout planned for the intersection of Highway 52 and Powerline Road was approved unanimously by the Public Works Committee on May 4, 2026.

Pending future capital budget approvals, work is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2028 with completion in 2029. Work will include a rerouting of the rail trail, incorporating it into the new configuration, significantly improving pedestrian safety. 

In 2024, Transportation Staff completed an in-service road safety review, which determined that, based on traffic volumes and the current intersection configuration, a north-bound left-turn lane was warranted on an interim basis.  The detailed design work for the interim left-turn lane is complete, the budget has been allocated, and the tender documents are currently being prepared for 2026 construction. 

Concerns with traffic at the intersection of Highway 52 and Powerline Road West date back to the early 2000s. In 2011, a roundabout was recommended for this location, but budget limitations precluded implementation. More recently, in early 2022, residents approached the City to voice ongoing operational and safety concerns. In July of 2022, Public Works Committee directed staff to investigate the feasibility of implementing a roundabout for the subject intersection. The approach was then expanded to look at the larger area, including the intersection of Highway 52 and Powerline Road East, to ensure the final solution was holistic in nature. 

• Read all the details in the Staff report, presentation and other appendices here

• Read the Flamborough Today article here

• Read the Hamilton Spectator article here

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Did you know that Affordable Housing has existed in Ancaster for several decades? The fact that two City Housing Hamilton properties and Ryerson Park Apartments are an integral part of housing in Ancaster may not be widely known. Both of these entities were in the news this month.

CityHousing Hamilton - a housing corporation fully owned by the City of Hamilton - has completed the purchase of Ryerson Park Apartments at 52 Sulphur Springs Road in the heart of Ancaster. It’s an affordable housing building for seniors built in the 1980s by Ryerson United Church. The goal was to give older church congregants an affordable housing option as they became empty nesters. The purchase ensures the long-term affordability of the three-storey, 30-unit building. 

It's wonderful news that the owners chose to work with the City Housing Hamilton to make this acquisition possible. 

This purchase is part of CityHousing Hamilton's new strategic approach characterized by large-scale development, targeted acquisitions and innovative approaches to affordable housing delivery

• Learn more about CityHousing Hamilton here

• Read the Media Release here

• Read the Hamilton Spectator article here 

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You are invited to share your thoughts about this proposed industrial development at 844 Glancaster Road. Your comments will be considered by the Planning Division and will be included in the staff report that is presented to the Planning Committee. Submit your comments to the Planning Division by June 5, 2026, referencing the Address and File Number.

Instructions and more information, including studies, maps, and developer submissions, are on my website here.

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The condition of our roads affects everyone. Whether you are driving, taking the bus, riding a bike, or walking on a street without sidewalks, the condition of the road has a big impact on your experience.

Unfortunately, for many decades, a focus on keeping taxes low has meant an astonishing underinvestment in road maintenance. The City’s Asset Management team has recently calculated that the City of Hamilton is underspending on road maintenance by about $100 million annually. That is a huge number and cannot be corrected quickly. Starting in 2024, Council initiated a long-term plan to re-invest in our roads (and other assets), which has been a material part of the tax increase we have experienced this term. 

In Ward 12, there are 27 lane kilometres of road rehabilitation happening in 2026. The roads chosen are rural roads and were selected based on the multi-faceted evaluation criteria that staff use to prioritize rehabilitation work. 

Historically, there has been no funding from the corporate budget for neighbourhood roads (as opposed to arterial, collector, or rural roads), of which there are more than 326 lane kilometers in Ward 12. That has resulted in an additional investment gap because ward funds would be the only funding source, and there is not much money to draw on ($180K minor maintenance funding annually). To put that in context, the maintenance cost of all the neighbourhood roads in Ward 12 that are in very poor, poor, or fair condition is $77 million. 

However, the investment plan mentioned earlier will start to bring neighbourhood roads into consideration. I’m working with City Staff on what this looks like for Ward 12 in 2027 and will report again in a future newsletter.

Projects for major roads in Ward 12 are scheduled over the next few years, pending budget approval. Those include Golf Links Rd and Mohawk Rd. I’ll share more details as planning progresses.

Do you want to know more about this topic? My office is planning a July town hall all about Roads. The plan is to provide an overview of road conditions; how and when they are measured; how roads are selected for maintenance; the types of maintenance; how roads have been funded in the past; and what plans are in place for the future. Watch my social media for more details.

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Good news for residents of Mohawk Meadows: the installation of the new streetlighting system along Iroquois Avenue and Cayuga Avenue will begin in June. Other neighbourhoods lacking streetlights are part of a multi-year work plan that you can see on the map available on my website, CraigCassar.ca > Safety 

Thanks also to the resident on Fallingbrook Drive in Ancaster who let us know about a deficiency in street lighting in the area. Lighting is in place in the neighbourhood, but the average spacing between streetlight locations is more than 100m. Typically, the City aims to achieve an average pole-to-pole spacing of around 50m for similar types of roads.  With this in mind, two new areas (5 and 6) with the same lighting conditions have been added to the City’s workplan.

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Earlier in this term of Council, bushes were removed from some Meadowlands roundabouts because they limited visibility and created a safety hazard for pedestrians. Replacement vegetation will be planted in the fall once the soil is remediated over the summer months. Designs aren't finalized yet, but they will include perennials and will ensure sightlines are kept clear. Where trees are added, they would be deciduous to ensure the sightlines are not obstructed.

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Thanks to everyone who joined me on May 28 at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre. I’m very grateful to Officers Indy Bharaj and Ryan Clarke from Hamilton Police Service for their presentation, giving residents information and practical advice on how to keep their families safe with a specific focus on: protecting your home and vehicle from break-ins; distraction theft awareness; buying and selling items online safely; telephone, online and AI spoofing scams, and e-scooter and e-bike rules.

Watch the recording of this and previous Town Halls at my website here.

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In-Home Fire Safety Education- Did you know Hamilton Fire Department staff are available to provide educational presentations, home safety visits and station tours? They also offer several fire safety programs to keep you and your family safe.

Volunteer Inspection Program for Homeowners - Homeowners can request the Hamilton Fire Department to attend their home to conduct a free inspection for potential fire hazards. You will receive information on how to keep your home safe and the importance of carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.

Alarmed and Ready Program - If you own your home and are a senior, have a physical disability or are running your household on a low income, firefighters will come to your home and either replace your batteries or fully install the correct number of smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms for your home, free of charge. 

If you live in a rental property and have concerns with smoke or CO alarm operation, maintenance or installation, call the Fire Prevention team at 905-546-2424 x1380.

Learn more here.

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The 2026 Final Property Tax Bills are scheduled to be delivered to Canada Post on Friday, May 22, 2026. This delivery timeline exceeds the 21-day legislated notice requirement under the Municipal Act, ensuring taxpayers receive their bills well in advance of the June 30 due date. Taxpayers enrolled in the City’s eBilling service (approximately 23,000 tax roll accounts) should have received their bills electronically on Friday, May 22, 2026.  
 
2026 Final Tax Bill instalment due dates are June 30 and September 30, 2026. 
 
Payment Options Available

• Pre-authorized Debit Payment Plans

• At your bank or financial institution

• By telephone or online banking

• By mail

• In person at a Municipal Service Centre

For more information, please visit hamilton.ca/tax.  Enhancements to the City’s website have been undertaken to better explain the property tax increase by addressing common taxpayer inquiries.

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Are you over 50 years of age, or do you have elderly parents? The City is looking for your ideas. As our community grows and changes, it is important for Hamilton to continue to be a place where people of all ages can live safely, stay active and remain connected. City Staff are working to develop Hamilton’s Age-Friendly and Dementia-Inclusive Community Plan for 2027–2031, and your perspective is welcome! Learn more and fill out the survey here.

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Do you know of a Senior aged 65 or over who has made outstanding voluntary contributions to the community? Nominate them by June 30, 2026, either online or by picking up a printed nomination form at Municipal Service Centres, Flamborough Seniors Centre or Ancaster Senior Achievement Centre. Details available at Hamilton.ca/SeniorsAwards

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June is Bike Month - a chance to connect with Hamilton's cycling community, try something new, and celebrate getting around by bike. It's welcoming, fun, and there's something for everyone! Learn more about how to participate if you don’t have a bike, your bike needs repairs, or you need a bike lesson or two. Learn about community rides, including Glow Riders and Cycling Without Age and register for Bike Month for a chance to win 1 of 3 $100 VISA gift card prizes at the City’s website!

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The Hamilton Trillium Awards Program is one of the oldest and largest beautification programs in North America and has been a Hamilton institution since 1956. Over 150 volunteer judges will review and score the nominated front yard gardens in each ward and award the top 20 highest-scoring gardens in each ward.  Two commercial / community properties within each ward will be awarded the Community Trillium Award, formally known as the Award of Excellence.  

Volunteer to be a judge or nominate a garden!

Trillium Judges help make the Trillium Awards program a success every year. The City will provide all the training and materials. Register as a judge by June 1, 2026.

Have you seen any outstanding, biodiverse gardens this year? Do you know of a beautiful front yard garden worthy of receiving a Trillium Award? Nominate a garden that has outstanding landscaping and floral displays by July 1, 2026. Info here.

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Applications for this year's Monarch Awards are now open until June 27th! The awards celebrate gardeners who create biodiverse, sustainable garden habitats for pollinators, birds, and local wildlife in their front yards. The goal is to encourage naturalized gardens that support the local food web, utilize native plants, practice soil and water stewardship, and avoid toxic chemicals.

Even if you're new to ecological gardening, there is an award potential for you with four progressive levels: Starting the Journey, Caterpillar, Chrysalis, and Monarch. Note: only front yards are judged. Learn more and apply here.

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New opportunities for public feedback on Engage Hamilton include Airport Conceptual Link Study, HSR Next, Auchmar Estate, AEGD East-West Arterial Road Network and much more. See them here.

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The Daily School Route (DSR) is a local non-profit organization with a vision of 100% of students who live close enough to school using active transportation (walking, biking, wheelchair, etc.) to get to and from school daily. I'm thrilled to share that this year, DSR is working with many elementary schools in Ward 12. Neighbourhoods shape childhood every day, so when kids can play outside, connect with nature, and travel comfortably to their daily destinations, they are better positioned to thrive.

On June 7th, I'll be participating in 'The Mike Ride', a fundraiser for the DSR, and I need your support to help reach my fundraising goal! Please consider donating and helping make our neighbourhoods safer for our kids. You can donate - or REGISTER! - at this link

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Open Streets returns to transform King Street into a vibrant, car-free space for walking, biking, rolling, and community fun. Stretching from John Street to Gage Avenue, Open Streets is about enjoying the street itself! 

Community organizations are invited to set up on the street. There is no vendor fee, and booth sizes are flexible based on your needs. 

See you there on Sunday, June 7!  Event runs from 10am - 4pm. More info here.

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Green Venture and Tropos are partnering to co-host an open meet and greet for Hamilton's tree community and anyone interested in the environment and the future of urban growth. This free public event brings together community members to connect, share perspectives, and take part in a community working session focused on the future of Hamilton’s urban forest. During the evening, they will introduce the Monument Tree Stewardship Council to the broader community, provide an overview of the proposed Harmonized Private Tree Bylaw, and facilitate a discussion on its key strengths and gaps.

Join them for the first meeting on Thursday, June 4th, from 6–8 PM at Revival Art Store at 1165 Cannon St E. Connect with others, discuss key issues shaping Hamilton’s urban forest, and be a part of a growing community initiative! Refreshments will be provided. More info and RSVP here.

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This month provides the opportunity to honour the historical and ongoing contributions, rich cultures, and resilient communities of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.

A celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day will take place at West Harbour – James Street Plaza (3 Guise Street) on June 19^th , 2026, from 1- 4 pm. Join me for a family-friendly afternoon of community, culture, and celebration featuring Indigenous performances, Indigenous artisan vendors and local food trucks. More information here. 

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June 4 A Decade In Harmony Celebrating 10 years of Garden City Orchestra – Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 7pm

June 6 Streetfest Concession Street 

June 7 Open Streets Hamilton King Street, 10-4 pm

June 7 Bike for Mike Collective Arts Brewing

June 7 Steel City Swing Steel City Swing @ Open Streets

June 8 Ancaster Film Festival Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre

June 13 Ancaster Heritage Days Ancaster Heritage Days, 10am

June 13 Soundtrack of the City: Fieldcote Edition, Fieldcote Museum, 3-5pm

June 14 Plein Air watercolour workshop, Fieldcote Museum, 11am-3:30pm

June 14 Binbrook Pride 6^th  Annual Binbrook Pride, Binbrook Fairgrounds, 12-6pm

June 19-21 FrancoFest Gage Park

June 19 National Indigenous Peoples Day, West Harbour, 3 Guise Street, 12 noon-4pm

June 19-21 Soaring Spirit Pow Wow Festival, Battlefield Park, 77 King St W, Stoney Creek

Month of June Pride Season Events Hamilton Public Library

Ancaster Film Festival, arthouse films every month at the AMAC  

Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre (AMAC): Theatre,  Concerts, Film, and Classes 

Various events at Hamilton Civic Museums 

Various events at the Hamilton Public Library – Ancaster Branch and Lynden Branch 

Various events at the Ancaster Seniors Achievement Centre 

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Research shows that more women than men are concerned about climate change and as countries get richer, the gap expands. These findings are based on a study by political scientist Amanda Clayton, who found that "the gender gap grows as a function of country wealth." As a county’s wealth increases, men’s concern over climate decreases and one of the main reasons is the perceived cultural and financial cost of transitioning to a clean energy future. The research shows these can feel threatening to men raised with the traditional expectations of being the provider. Politics also plays a role because as countries get wealthier, climate change becomes politicized. Read the short report and story of a US Fighter Pilot who traded a life of combat for one of sustainability and what he saw as the barriers here.

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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.