There were 15 divided votes during the sixth council cycle of 2025 which began on June 2 and ended on June 20.
Here’s a listing of the divided votes, organized by committee and date:
Planning Committee – June 10
- 1290 Upper James Street – motion to permit demolition. ❌ [Failed on tie vote 5-5]
- 1290 Upper James Street – alternative motion, denying demolition. ✅ [Passed 6-4]
- 1294 Upper James Street – motion to permit demolition. ❌ [Failed on tie vote 5-5]
- 1294 Upper James Street – alternative motion, denying demolition. ✅ [Passed 6-4]
- 85 Catharine Street North – motion to permit demolition. ❌ [Failed on tie vote 5-5]
- 85 Catharine Street North – alternative motion, denying demolition. ✅ [Passed 6-4]
General Issues Committee (Committee of the Whole) – June 11
- Art Gallery of Hamilton – motion to defer decision on funding increase to July meeting to allow AGH to complete 2024 audited statements. [Deferred 9-5]
- Ward 8 By-Election – motion to call a by-election to fill the Ward 8 Council vacancy. ✅ [Passed 13-1]
- 2026 Budget Full-Time Equivalent Cap – motion to direct there be no increase in total number of staff in the 2026 budget. ✅ [Passed 9-5]
Audit, Finance, and Administration Committee – June 12
- Hybrid Work Model Adjustment – motion to require City of Hamilton staff attend the office on a 50 percent basis. ✅ [Passed 6-1]
Council Ratification Meeting – June 18
- Amendment – GIC Item 9.1 – 2026 Budget Full-Time Equivalent Cap Exempt HSR Service Expansion ❌ [Defeated 6-8]
- Ratification – GIC Item 9.1 – 2026 Budget Full-Time Equivalent Cap ✅ [Passed 9-5]
- Procedural Motion to Recess for Lunch at 12:24 p.m. ✅ [Passed 12-1]
- Insurance Review ✅ [Passed 12-1]
- Motion to Enter Closed Session: Item 12.5 on Code of Conduct Complaint Process ✅ [Passed 12-1]
Divided Vote Details: Vote Breakdown and Motions Text
Hamilton City Council conducts most approvals in a two-stage process. Items are first voted on during the meetings of one of five standing committees [the Board of Health is now a separate semi-autonomous board that reports to Council] and then voted upon a second time during a full City Council meeting. The votes at the second, ratification, meeting are the final decision.
Planning Committee – June 10, 2025
TPR’s story regarding the demolition votes is available here.
1/2. Item 9.6 – Demolition Report 1290 Upper James Street
Original Motion – Mover/Seconder: Pauls/Beattie
That Report PED25153, dated June 10, 2025, respecting Demolition Report – 1290 Upper James Street, Hamilton (Ward 8), be received and the following recommendation be approved: That the Chief Building Official BE AUTHORIZED to issue a demolition permit for 1290 Upper James Street in accordance with By-law 22-101, pursuant to Section 33 of the Planning Act as amended, without having to comply with Section 6 of the Demolition Control Area By-law 22-101.
❌ Original Motion DEFEATED 5-5:
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (5) | Francis, Pauls, Beattie, Tadeson, McMeekin |
| NO (5) | M. Wilson, Nann, Hwang, Cassar, A. Wilson |
| ABSENT | Kroetsch |
Alternative Motion – Mover/Seconder: A. Wilson/Cassar
That Report PED25153, dated June 10, 2025, respecting Demolition Report – 1290 Upper James Street, Hamilton (Ward 8), be received and the following recommendation be approved: That the request to issue a demolition permit for 1290 Upper James Street, Hamilton BE DENIED as compliance with Section 6 of the Demolition Control By-law 22-101, pursuant to Section 33 The Planning Act, has not been demonstrated and staff consider the application to be premature.
✅ Alternative Motion PASSED 6-4:
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (6) | M. Wilson, Nann, Hwang, Tadeson, Cassar, A. Wilson |
| NO (4) | Francis, Pauls, Beattie, McMeekin |
| ABSENT | Kroetsch |
3/4. Item 9.7 – Demolition Permit 1294 Upper James Street
Original Motion – Mover/Seconder: Pauls/Beattie
That Report PED25154, dated June 10, 2025, respecting Demolition Permit – 1294 Upper James Street, Hamilton (Ward 8), be received and the following recommendation be approved: That the Chief Building Official BE AUTHORIZED to issue a demolition permit for 1294 Upper James Street in accordance with By-law 22-101, pursuant to Section 33 of the Planning Act as amended, without having to comply with Section 6 of the Demolition Control Area By-law 22-101.
❌ Original Motion DEFEATED 5-5:
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (5) | Francis, Pauls, Beattie, Tadeson, McMeekin |
| NO (5) | M. Wilson, Nann, Hwang, Cassar, A. Wilson |
| ABSENT | Kroetsch |
Alternative Motion – Mover/Seconder: A. Wilson/Cassar
That Report PED25154, dated June 10, 2025, respecting Demolition Permit – 1294 Upper James Street, Hamilton (Ward 8), be received and the following recommendations be approved: That the request to issue a demolition permit for 1294 Upper James Street BE DENIED as compliance with Section 6 of the Demolition Control By-law 22-101, pursuant to Section 33 The Planning Act, has not been demonstrated and staff consider the application to be premature.
✅ Alternative Motion PASSED 6-4:
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (6) | M. Wilson, Nann, Hwang, Tadeson, Cassar, A. Wilson |
| NO (4) | Francis, Pauls, Beattie, McMeekin |
| ABSENT | Kroetsch |
5/6. Item 9.8 – Demolition Permit 85 Catharine Street North
Original Motion – Mover/Seconder: McMeekin/Pauls
That Report PED25155, dated June 10, 2025, respecting Demolition Permit – 85 Catharine Street North (Ward 2), be received and the following recommendation be approved: That the Chief Building Official BE AUTHORIZED to issue a demolition permit for 85 Catharine Street North in accordance with By-law 22-101, pursuant to Section 33 of the Planning Act as amended, without having to comply with Section 6 of the Demolition Control Area By-law 22-101.
❌ Original Motion DEFEATED 5-5:
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (5) | Francis, Pauls, Beattie, Tadeson, McMeekin |
| NO (5) | M. Wilson, Nann, Hwang, Cassar, A. Wilson |
| ABSENT | Kroetsch |
Alternative Motion – Mover/Seconder: A. Wilson/M. Wilson
That Report PED25155, dated June 10, 2025, respecting Demolition Permit – 85 Catharine Street North (Ward 2), be received and the following recommendation be approved: That the request to issue a demolition permit for 85 Catharine Street North BE DENIED as compliance with Section 6 of the Demolition Control By-law 22-101, pursuant to Section 33 The Planning Act, has not been demonstrated and staff consider the application to be premature.
✅ Alternative Motion PASSED 6-4:
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (6) | M. Wilson, Nann, Hwang, Tadeson, Cassar, A. Wilson |
| NO (4) | Francis, Pauls, Beattie, McMeekin |
| ABSENT | Kroetsch |
General Issues Committee (GIC 25-008) – June 11, 2025
7. Item 8.3 – Art Gallery of Hamilton Funding
Original Motion – Mover/Seconder: Kroetsch/McMeekin
That Report PED25148, dated June 11, 2025, respecting Art Gallery of Hamilton (City Wide), be received, and the following recommendation be approved:
(a) That staff BE DIRECTED to provide additional funding of up to $1,500,000 to the Art Gallery of Hamilton, above the $1,000,000 already budgeted through the City's Enrichment Fund, to be funded as follows: up to $1,300,000 from the Tax Stabilization Reserve (Reserve #110046) and up to $200,000 from the Municipal Accommodation Tax Reserve (Reserve #108072), contingent upon receipt and analysis of quarterly cash flow and financial statements from the gallery to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Corporate Services and General Manager, Planning and Economic Development;
(b) That a funding increase of $801,093 to Corporate Facilities and Energy Management's operating budget to provide services, to the Art Gallery of Hamilton, BE CONSIDERED as part of the 2026 Tax budget;
(c) That a funding increase of $1,725,556, adjusted annually for inflation, to flow through the Planning and Economic Department, Tourism and Culture Division, in quarterly transfers, to pay a portion of costs to support the care, preservation and exhibition of the Art Gallery of Hamilton's Art Collection, BE CONSIDERED as part of the 2026 Tax budget;
(d) That a funding increase of $2,365,900 to the Corporate Facilities Capital block for capital works related to the Art Gallery of Hamilton, BE CONSIDERED as part of the 2026 Tax budget;
(e) That staff BE DIRECTED to prepare and execute a license agreement with the Art Gallery of Hamilton, incorporating the ongoing funding described in recommendations (b), (c), and (d) to come into effect January 1, 2026; and,
(f) That Confidential Appendix "C" attached to Report PED25148 respecting the Art Gallery of Hamilton, remain confidential.
Deferral Motion – Mover/Seconder: Beattie/Pauls
That Report PED25148, respecting the Art Gallery of Hamilton (City Wide) (Item 8.3) and the related Correspondence (Item 8.3(a)), BE DEFERRED to the July 9, 2025 General Issues Committee meeting to allow for receipt of the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s 2024 Audited Financial Statements including a full picture of their available lines of credit and bank balances.
DEFERRED 9-5
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES to Defer (9) | Hwang, Francis, Jackson, Pauls, Clark, Beattie, Tadeson, A. Wilson, Spadafora |
| NO to Defer (5) | M. Wilson, Kroetsch, Nann, Cassar, McMeekin |
| ABSENT | Horwath |
| VACANT | Ward 8 |
8. Item 8.4 – Ward 8 Vacancy Method
Motion – Mover/Seconder: A. Wilson/Nann
That Report FCS25031, dated June 11, 2025, respecting Method of Filling the Ward 8 Vacancy on City Council (Ward 8), be amended, as follows: (a) That Report FCS25031, dated June 11, 2025, respecting Method of Filling the Ward 8 Vacancy on City Council (Ward 8), be received; (b) That the City Clerk BE DIRECTED to fill the vacancy for the Office of Councillor Ward 8, by Option B: Through By-election; and (c) That Council APPROVE the funding method for filling the vacancy from the Tax Stabilization Reserve 110046.
✅ PASSED 13-1
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (13) | M. Wilson, Kroetsch, Nann, Hwang, Francis, Jackson, Pauls, Clark, Beattie, Cassar, A. Wilson, Spadafora, McMeekin |
| NO (1) | Tadeson |
| ABSENT | Horwath |
| VACANT | Ward 8 |
9. Item 9.1 – 2026 Budget Full-Time Equivalent Cap
Motion – Mover/Seconder: Spadafora/Francis
WHEREAS, the City of Hamilton must take urgent steps to restore fiscal discipline and demonstrate responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars;
WHEREAS, significant year-over-year spending increases, including the addition of 746 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions during this term of Council, have contributed to escalating operating costs;
WHEREAS, the continued expansion of the City's workforce is unsustainable and adds to the growing financial pressure on residents, many of whom are already facing affordability challenges; and,
WHEREAS, it is essential that the City begin to operate within its means and maximize the effectiveness of existing resources.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
(a) That Council request the Mayor to include the 2026 budget directive a requirement that no additional Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions be added in the 2026 operating budget, and that existing FTEs be repurposed and reprioritized to align with and support Council's 2026 strategic direction and priorities; and,
(b) That this only relates to FTEs that are non-legislative positions (excluding Hamilton Police Services, Fire, Paramedics and Macassa & Wentworth Lodges).
✅ PASSED 9-5
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (9) | M. Wilson, Hwang, Francis, Jackson, Pauls, Clark, Beattie, Tadeson, Spadafora |
| NO (5) | Kroetsch, Nann, Cassar, A. Wilson, McMeekin |
| ABSENT | Horwath |
| VACANT | Ward 8 |
Audit, Finance and Administration Committee (AFA 25-008) – June 12, 2025
10. Item 11.1 – Hybrid Work Model Adjustment
Motion – Mover/Seconder: Spadafora/M. Wilson
WHEREAS, the City of Hamilton remains committed to delivering high-quality, responsive services to residents, businesses, and stakeholders;
WHEREAS, the current hybrid work model permits approximately 20% of employees to work remotely;
WHEREAS, a greater in-person presence is expected to support improved collaboration, communication, mentorship, service delivery, and organizational culture.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
(a) That all City staff currently working under the hybrid model be directed to increase their in-office presence to an alternating arrangement consisting of a minimum of three (3) days per week for week 1 and a minimum of two (2) days per week for week 2;
(b) That staff be directed to implement this change without incurring any additional real estate costs;
(c) That the City Manager be directed to optimize the utilization and capacity of existing City-owned office space, including but not limited to reconfigured workspace layouts, scheduling strategies, and repurposing underutilized areas to accommodate the increased in-office presence;
(d) That staff be directed to utilize existing budgets and internal resources to implement the transition and required space optimizations;
(e) That the City Manager report back as necessary on implementation progress, space optimization outcomes, and any operational or logistical challenges encountered;
(f) That staff be directed to make the aforementioned changes to the Hybrid Work Model, as appropriate;
(g) That such changes be implemented effective January 1, 2026, in order to provide adequate time for any employee adjustments or arrangements, as appropriate;
(h) That staff prepare a comprehensive communication plan to help staff and leaders to adequately prepare for the changes to the Hybrid Work Model; and
(i) That staff make associated amendments to the Hybrid Work Policy and Procedures accordingly.
✅ PASSED 6-1
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (6) | M. Wilson, Kroetsch, Hwang, Clark, Beattie, Spadafora |
| NO (1) | A. Wilson |
| ABSENT | Tadeson |
Council Ratification (25-009) – June 18, 2025
11. Amendment – GIC Item 9.1 – 2026 Budget Full-Time Equivalent Cap Exempt HSR Service Expansion
Motion – Mover/Seconder: M. Wilson/Hwang
An amendment to exempt the transit division (Hamilton Street Railway) from the 2026 FTE hiring freeze in order to permit planned service expansion.
❌ DEFEATED 6-8
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (6) | M. Wilson, Kroetsch, Nann, Hwang, Cassar, A. Wilson |
| NO (8) | Francis, Jackson, Pauls, Clark, Beattie, Tadeson, Spadafora, McMeekin |
| ABSENT | Horwath |
| VACANT | Ward 8 |
12. Ratification – GIC Item 9.1 – 2026 Budget Full-Time Equivalent Cap
Motion – Mover/Seconder: Francis (M. Wilson was the original mover at Committee)
A motion requiring no additional Full-Time Equivalent positions be added in 2026 budget.
✅ PASSED 9-5
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (9) | Hwang, Francis, Jackson, Pauls, Clark, Beattie, Tadeson, Spadafora, McMeekin |
| NO (5) | M. Wilson, Kroetsch, Nann, Cassar, A. Wilson |
| ABSENT | Horwath |
| VACANT | Ward 8 |
Vote-switches: M. Wilson voted yes at committee. McMeekin voted no at committee.
13. Procedural Motion to Recess for Lunch at 12:24 p.m.
Motion – Mover: Kroetsch
To recess for lunch and return at 1:00 p.m.
✅ PASSED 12-1
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (12) | M. Wilson, Kroetsch, Nann, Hwang, Francis, Jackson, Pauls, Beattie, Tadeson, Cassar, A. Wilson, Spadafora, McMeekin |
| NO (1) | Clark |
| ABSENT | Horwath |
| VACANT | Ward 8 |
14. Insurance Review
Motion – Mover/Seconder: Spadafora/Hwang
That the Liability and Property Insurance coverages for the term July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026, BE RENEWED through Arthur J. Gallagher Canada Ltd. and Marsh Canada Ltd. at a cost of $12,946,298 (plus applicable taxes) and be funded through the 2025 Risk Management Services Budget.
✅ PASSED 12-1
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (12) | M. Wilson, Kroetsch, Nann, Hwang, Francis, Jackson, Pauls, Beattie, Tadeson, Cassar, A. Wilson, Spadafora, McMeekin |
| NO (1) | Clark |
| ABSENT | Horwath |
| VACANT | Ward 8 |
15. Motion to Enter Closed Session: Item 12.5 on Code of Conduct Complaint Process
Motion – Mover: Kroetsch
To discuss a walk-on matter seeking legal advice regarding the Code of Conduct Complaint Process.
✅ PASSED 12-1
| Vote | Councillors |
|---|---|
| YES (12) | M. Wilson, Kroetsch, Nann, Hwang, Francis, Jackson, Pauls, Beattie, Tadeson, Cassar, A. Wilson, Spadafora, McMeekin |
| NO (1) | Clark |
| ABSENT | Horwath |
| VACANT | Ward 8 |
Clark opposed stating he did not have documentation for the walk-on item.
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: June 24, 2025
Last updated: June 24, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version
Instead of spending on an election for ward 8 how about just appointing someone for the short term and paying the water workers the money they deserve.