LIVE: Hamilton City Council Ratification Meeting on September 9, 2026

September 9, 2026 at 9:35 AM:

Good morning, City Council is now underway.

On time: Mayor, 1,2,4,5,7,8,9,12
On time (video remote): 3

Not present at 9:30 a.m.: 6,10,11,13,15

9:42 AM:

Today’s meeting begins with ceremonial items.

– recognizing Hamilton’s International Children’s Games team
– recognizing paramedic Stefan Janosevic who was awarded the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery

The following is Janosevic’s citation:

On June 19, 2025, while responding to a motor vehicle collision, Paramedic Janosevic was informed by a fellow first responder that a firearm was observed in one of the vehicles. Police had not yet arrived on scene, and the individual attempted to flee while possibly armed. Paramedic Janosevic intervened to pursue the individual and prevent him from fleeing until police arrived. Paramedic Janosevic demonstrated tactical awareness handling this risky situation, while also not compromising the individual’s safety.

9:48 AM:

Ward 7 Councillor Esther Pauls is presenting certificates to the children that participated in the International Children’s Games. Among the children is one of Pauls’ grandchildren. There were extra smiles in the Chamber when Pauls presented that certificate.

9:56 AM:

There is a well-deserved standing ovation for Advanced Care Paramedic Stefan Janosevic in the Chamber.

9:59 AM:

Ceremonial items are now complete.

Council meeting is underway.

First up, Lobbyist Registrar Inquiry report determining that Michael Schull, CEO of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada (DRAC) did not violating lobbying rules when he responded to city councillor inquires regarding the proposed Steelport data centre.

10:06 AM:

Public Works Chair Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Nann has asked City staff to provide an update regarding the “roll out of new fall HSR service.”

City says the reports from residents regarding disruptions are not correct. HSR is claiming “99 per cent” service standard met, and “only 14 trips” were missed for the entirety of yesterday.

The City spin does not include cancelled service to McMaster and secondary schools.

Councillor Nann responds with praise to senior City staff.

Nann is accepting claims that the parts shortage is a “supply chain” issue.

City says one of the problem is parts were sent to the Mountain garage, not the Birch garage. HSR said it takes a few days to drive parts across the city.

10:29 AM:

City Council is now having a lengthy debate regarding a proposal for a 12-storey, 161-unit rezoning at 520 Highway No. 8, Stoney Creek
It was DEFEATED 3-5 at Planning Committee, reversing staff’s recommended approval.

Ward 12 Councillor Craig Cassar notes that staff recommend approval, Council has voted to try to stop greenfield sprawl, and the Ontario Land Tribunal will look at the staff recommendation, planning policies, and likely will approve.
All that the denial will do is increase costs for everyone involved.

Ward 1 Councillor Maureen Wilson makes similar remarks. She notes the City of Hamilton will incur expenses of hiring outside legal counsel, outside planners, and outside experts – all of them will need to be hired to argue against the City’s own staff.
The City is required to provide its internal staff to the Ontario Land Tribunal for testimony.
All of which means costs to the City of Hamilton, and costs to the developer at the OLT.

10:37 AM:

Ward 5 Councillor Matt Francis says the community surrounding 520 Highway No. 8 has clearly expressed their opposition to the proposal, that Council “needs to respect our communities” and that it is “disrespectful” of Council to ignore the wishes of communities by approving housing that communities oppose.

10:41 AM:

Ward 9 Councillor Brad Clark speaks, has planning staff confirm that the City is basically required to approve this planning application because the provincial government has removed “community character” as a reason for the City to deny applications.
Clark says it is all fine and well to “thump our chests” and say they are representing the community, deny the application, and let the Ontario Land Tribunal do the approval.
Clark says the costs of going to the Ontario Land Tribunal “add up” and the councillors are required to make difficult decisions..

10:45 AM:

My vote tally has at least seven council members who will vote to approve 520 Highway No. 8.

With Ward 10 Councillor Jeff Beattie absent (Beattie has not yet resigned following his election to MPP), eight is a majority today.