Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Researchers at McMaster University released an update this week regarding their “What’s the Grime” study stating they’ve confirmed that black grime soot which has fallen near Hamilton’s industrial areas is the result of industrial pollution include coal combustion.

Late this afternoon, Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks provided CHCH News with confirmation that the widespread and heavier their usual soot incident that occurred in early July has been traced to Birla Carbon.

More information from both the McMaster study and the MECP investigation is likely to be presented at the August 24 Hamilton Board of Health meeting.

The Hamilton East–Stoney Creek by-election campaigns will be determined by ground campaigns. The month of August is not contusive to effective media coverage of this short by-election.

I can write for myself that between City Council meetings and the municipal election that I have very little capacity to cover the by-election.

Notwithstanding these challenges, the campaigns are publishing press releases to get into the news cycle.

Today, the Green Party called for action regarding the carbon pollution caused by industries in East Hamilton. The Liberal Party is requesting Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer to make a ruling on the Conservative’s government-funded “Protect Ontario” advertising. The “Protect Ontario” slogan was the Conservative Party’s campaign slogan during the 2025 general election.

The Liberals have also directly contacted this publication noting the availability of their candidate for interviews.

Residents of Hamilton East–Stoney Creek having until Thursday, September 5 to cast their ballot. Visit Elections Ontario to learn how to cast your ballot.

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Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: August 11, 2026
Last updated: August 11, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman

Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version

The City of Hamilton has awarded a $728,697.00 contract to Icon Builders Inc. of Toronto to renovate the Bennetto Recreation Centre to make the auditorium fully accessible to persons with disabilities, to add universal washrooms, and to make other accessibility improvements to the North End facility.

The auditorium was originally constructed as part of an attached public middle school.

Icon Builders bid was the lowest among the 11 bids submitted. There was a bid for $765,416.90. The remaining nine bids were all over $1,000,000.