The tragic death of an 83-year-old man walking his dog on the East Mountain this morning marks the third pedestrian fatality in Hamilton in just seven days.
In the coming days and weeks, the issue of pedestrian safety will be front and centre at City Hall, in City Council meetings, at the Hamilton Police Service Board, and in the 2026 election year City of Hamilton budget.
I write this blog post today, because the latest death happened on an arterial roadway in Ward 6, an area represented by Councillor Tom Jackson.
I’ll emphasis no information is yet available regarding today’s pedestrian fatality.
Jackson, a one-time federal Conservative candidate in 2004 has been one of the most outspoken opponents to Premier Doug Ford’s removal of automated speed cameras, calling for the provincial government to pursue the exact opposite: a significant expansion of their use.
Jackson remains deeply affected by the death of 11-year-old Jude Strickland, who was killed on December 1, 2020 by Brandon Aubert while Strickland was walking home from school. Aubert was dangerously operating a pickup truck, speeding at 69 km/h in a 50 zone, ignored a red light, and then ignored a cross guard.
Since that time, Jackson has worked to add road safety measures, supported initiatives to implement traffic calming measures, and repeatedly called for stricter laws to stop speeding and other reckless drivign behaviour.
I’ve thought numerous times about penning a column about how the tragic events of that day nearly five years ago affected the community, and Jackson.
In January, City Council will debate and vote on the 2026 capital budget allocation for the long-promised conversion of Main Street from a one-way thoroughfare to two-way traffic.
This will be the moment of truth in politics.
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: November 20, 2025
Last updated: November 20, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version
I don’t believe for one moment that road changes such as speed cameras, speed bumps and ridicules limits are going to stop or reduce fatalities, for example; “on December 1, 2020 by Brandon Aubert while Strickland was walking home from school. Aubert was dangerously operating a pickup truck, speeding at 69 km/h in a 50 zone, ignored a red light, and then ignored a cross guard.” As you can see with all those safety items already installed, this did not deter this driver from braking the law and causing this unnecessary death and I strongly doubt any further expense to the taxpayer’s or inconvenience to other law biding driver’s will curb this from happening in the future. This was not an accident but purely out right neglect of the existing laws of the road. In cases like this , stiffer legal actions need to be taken such as stiffer fines, ban for life of operating a vehicle and jail time. If you would examine this particular incident closely I’m sure you would agree with me the only thing that would of prevented this from happening other than a stone wall would be in keeping driver’s like this off the road! I would personally love the chance to discuss this further in person if possible.
Joey I’d enjoy hearing very much, if Tom is willing to talk about it on the record, about how he saw that incident, and how it changed him and what it means to him. We all have our “vision zero” moment.
Who is now taking care of his beloved dog?