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.
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v. 1.0.0
Published: November 20, 2025
Last updated: November 20, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
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v. 1.0.0 original version