Hamilton Council Says Yes to 12-Storeys at 1570 Main Street West
City staff recommended denial, but Council determined the proposal affordable rent commitment, family units, and proximity to LRT meant it should be approved.
Mayor Horwath to Issue Budget Directive Tomorrow as City Facing Fiscal Cliff
The 2026 budget starts with a projected 8.9 per cent tax hike, drains the City’s discretionary reserves, and guarantees a fiscal cliff for the 2027 budget cycle.
OLT Moving Quickly on Controversial Proposal to Replace Ancaster Woodlot with 17 Homes
OLT orders City and developer to complete issues list by Nov. 3, with hearing dates expected in early 2026. The OLT is likely to overturn Council’s denial.
OLT Deals With Complicated Procedural Disputes Between City and Upper West Side Landowners
OLT orders City to disclose proprietary airport noise modelling data ahead of eight-week urban boundary hearing in April 2026.
City of Hamilton Scrambles to Address Parking Meter ‘Compensation’ Charges for Remembrance Day Parades
New City policy requires Dundas Legion to pay $1,000. Ward 13 Clr Alex Wilson says the City will cover the charge.
City of Hamilton Headcount is now 9,449, up 12% from 2022
49.2 per cent of the expected $106.7-million 2026 operating budget increase (requiring a 8.9 per cent property tax increase) is driven by employee-related costs.
WEEKLY PREVIEW
Week Ahead: Hamilton Civic Meetings and Events for April 21 to 25, 2025
It’s the last week of the federal election campaign and Hamilton’s candidates will debate. Two OLT hearings, two City Hall meetings, and more in TPR’s weekly listing.
Hamilton Civic Affairs for Thursday, October 9, 2025
7:30 a.m. Mayor Andrea Horwath Address to the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
LiUNA Station
10:00 a.m. City Council Facility Naming Sub-Committee
Council Chambers, City Hall
Agenda // YouTube livestream
1:00 p.m. Hamilton Committee of Adjustment
Council Chambers, City Hall
Agenda // YouTube livestream
1:30 p.m. City Council Hamilton Renewable Power Corporation
Room 264, City Hall
Agenda // YouTube livestream
5:30 p.m. HSR Annual Accessibility Information Event – 2025
Online Streaming Only
YouTube livestream
Blogs and Columns
Joey’s Notepad: How I Plan to Cover Ward 8 By-Election Financial Returns
The first candidate filed their financial report at City Hall today. I’m going to wait for more filings and then report further. Dec 5 is the deadline to file.
Joey’s Notepad: The End of Hamilton’s Citizen Advisory Committees, New Concerning Info on the new “CLG” Format
Liaison Groups will self-select new members, City will no longer conduct city-wide recruitment calls
Joey’s Notepad: First City of Hamilton Written Memo Regarding “Bus Barn Ventilation” Issue
Full text of the memo. I’m scheduled to speak with City staff at 4:00 p.m. regarding this matter.
How Council Voted
How Hamilton City Council Voted: June 2 to 20, 2025
There were 15 divided votes during the sixth council cycle of 2025 which began on June 2 and ended on June 20.
Newsletter Edition
News Briefs
BRIEF: Hamilton Children’s Museum Reopening on Jan 10, 2026
The museum, located in a historic 1875 farmhouse within Gage Park, is undergoing a $6.7-million expansion and renovation project.
INBOX: Hamilton Fire Stations Open on Thanksgiving Day
Hamilton’s fire department is holding open houses on October 13 between 1pm and 4pm. Food drive donation requested.
NOTED: Garner Road Contractor Went Bankrupt
Ward 12 Councillor Craig Cassar issues update saying work has resumed and work is “expected to be completed by mid-November, weather permitting”
BRIEF: Hamilton Public Library Returns to Pre-COVID Free Printing Limits
HPL also decreases colour per page charge
Recent News
Lewis Road Development: Branthaven and City Tell OLT Settlement Is ‘Very Close’
Settlement Would Approve Development That Council Voted Down 11 Months Ago.
OLT Holds First Case Conference on Elfrida Expansion Appeal
Appeal follows City Council’s unanimous vote to reject the private application for Hamilton’s largest-ever proposed urban boundary expansion.
No Quorum, Again: Property Standards Meeting Cancelled, Tenants Left in Limbo
City unable to enforce property standards orders as citizen committee fails to meet for second time this year.
Rob Cooper Takes Oath of Office, Joins Hamilton City Council
Rob Cooper quickly got to work Monday morning, following Friday’s certification of the Ward 8 by-election results.
‘Bus Barn’ Ventilation Issue Related to Indoor Natural Gas Refuelling Station
Mayor Horwath and Councillor Clark express frustration over design oversight and potential costs.
City of Hamilton Allows Distracted Driver to Delegate to Council Chambers
Richie Khanna was driving his car while delegating to Hamilton’s Committee of Adjustment, and the City allowed it.
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