Hamilton City Council meets today as General Issues Committee for an agenda packed with items that includes a vote to continue the Vacant Unit Tax, 13 public delegations, the Climate Action Strategy annual report, overhauling the Residential Care Facilities Subsidy Program, a plan to significantly change the City’s emergency shelter systems in preparation for closing the Barton/Tiffany outdoor shelter site, the recent dismissals of the City’s Human Resources Executive Director and the Director of Diversity, and seven closed session items.
The full agenda package can be found here, and the meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Live coverage of the meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m.
Production Details
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Published: July 29, 2026
Last updated: July 29, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
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Live Updates
Live coverage is in progress. The following are my (Joey Coleman) live posts so far — 8 updates in order from earliest to most recent; times are Eastern. This page updates as the event continues.
Here is the roll call:
Present: Maureen Wilson (Ward 1), Cameron Kroetsch (Ward 2), Tammy Hwang (Ward 4), Rob Cooper (Ward 8), Brad Clark (Ward 9), Jeff Beattie (Ward 10), Mark Tadeson (Ward 11), Craig Cassar (Ward 12), Alex Wilson (Ward 13), Mike Spadafora (Ward 14), and Ted McMeekin (Ward 15).
Attending remotely: Nrinder Nann (Ward 3), and Matt Francis (Ward 5).
Not Present at 9:30 a.m.: Mayor Andrea Horwath, Tom Jackson (Ward 6), and Esther Pauls (Ward 7).
Ward 14 Councillor Mike Spadafora is the Deputy Mayor for July, he is chairing today’s meeting.
Spadafora begins by stating today’s Council meeting will likely be extended beyond today. The meeting will recess late in the afternoon today, and resume at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow.
9:40 AM: Public Delegations are underway. There were 13 delegates listed on the agenda last night.
Current agenda item is: 6.1 Delegations respecting a Community Hub at 700 Garner Road East
Kevin Gonci, Chairman of the Mohawk Sports Park community group, was the first delegate. He outlined the high level benefits to building a new Community Hub at 700 Garner Road East, in the same location as the soon to begin construction joint French language Catholic and Public high school.
Ward 12 Councillor Craig Cassar stated he will be supporting exploring City support for the project.
Now two video recorded delegations will plan.
Now on delegation 6.2 Donna Lee Macdonald respecting a Central Outdoor Farmers’ and Producers’ Local Food Market in Downtown Hamilton
Donna Lee Macdonald was the City of Hamilton’s Market Manager prior to the current manager. (I cannot immediately recollect what year Macdonald left the role, sorry)
Donna Lee Macdonald has exceeded the five minute speaking time. Chair Spadafora give some leeway, but eventually her off.
Macdonald is calling on the City to take ownership of the parking lots at John Street and Wilson Street, build a giant canopy, and provide space for an outdoor Farmers Market in addition to the existing Hamilton Farmers Market.
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