With Ward 7 Councillor Esther Pauls

Enjoy our chat with Ward 7 Councillor Esther Pauls. 

 1. Now in your second term as Ward 7 City Councillor, you’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with both veteran councillors and newly elected colleagues. What valuable lessons have you taken from more seasoned members of council? Conversely, what qualities or approaches do you believe distinguish your leadership style and give you a unique advantage in navigating complex issues and delivering results?

What I learned most from the first term was to listen carefully regarding the history of lessons learned from previous councils. What Councillor Tom Jackson has taught me, for example, from his 34 years in council, has been immeasurably valuable.  To know history well helps us make better decisions in the future.

 

I would say my leadership style is one of servitude. Leaders aren’t meant to feel important - they’re meant to make the people they serve feel important. The privilege my ward has granted me as their councillor to represent them is one I try to reciprocate by being accessible, being willing to listen to their concerns and a wide variety of conversations and being willing to meet with people in-person or discuss matters with them by phone, in real-time. 

 

I wear my heart on my sleeve. What you see is what you get. I’m a real hugger too, so watch out if I see you out and about! I still love going door to door to meet and chat with people and get such a charge from talking to residents as we collectively work to find solutions to the things my constituents care about most. These conversations are the basis for motions I present and support in council. They are the distillation of complex issues and help us seek common ground, to find compromises and hopefully solutions that work, even if these aren’t perfect.

 

2. Among the many challenges you’ve faced during your tenure, which ward-specific or citywide issue has proven the most difficult to tackle? How have you approached it, and what outcomes are you hoping to achieve?

 

The homeless encampment issue was very difficult to navigate, not just for me, but for everyone at council. Everyone sitting around the council horseshoe cares deeply about Hamilton’s homeless. But, with 15 councillors and one mayor, there are bound to be very diverse points of view and approaches to resolving this kind of complicated human challenge.  

 

From the start, I opposed encampments – especially in parks. Many Ward 7 residents opposed them too. Once encampments were approved by council (though not by my vote), we just had to see what unfolded and let that experiment run its course.  

 

Now we’re focused on trying to provide a better model of housing – proper, more long-term housing. Yet, we are still

Media Release

City of Hamilton’s Office of the Auditor General completes audit of City Transfer Payments and Grants

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton’s Office of the Auditor General (OAG) performed an audit of City transfer payments and grants as part of the Council-approved OAG General Work Plan 2023-2026.

The City of Hamilton is accountable for the effective governance, management and administration of transfer payments and grants. It requires the City to establish a process to ensure transfer payments achieve the intended outcome. Therefore, the City must ensure grant programs are administered carefully and value of the investment is realized.

The audit found that the City has been operating without a centralized governance structure and corporate polices. Historically, transfer payment administration and management has been left to the individual program and service areas.

The OAG recommends that the implementation of a unified transfer payment administration, accompanied by further policy and planning to oversee transfer payment and grant programs, will result in increased transparency and accountability to the public.

The OAG made recommendations to management for improvement; all six were agreed upon.
A summary of the recommendations to management:Establish governance structure and policies for managing transfer payments
Publish annual reports on transfer payment performance
Review how transfer payments are recorded in the financial system to improve data extraction and reporting
Conduct a risk assessment for all transfer payment and grants recipients
Monitor and evaluate recipient performance in relation to recipients’ risk profile
Perform regular evaluations of transfer payment and grant programs based on risk

“Our audit found that the City of Hamilton needs stronger governance, oversight and transparency for transfer payments and grants. Through clear, achievable recommendations that we have made to management, the goal is to close policy gaps,” said Charles Brown, Auditor General. “We will closely monitor the City’s progress to ensure these gaps are bridged and taxpayer dollars are properly protected.”

Quick Facts:The audit's objective was to assess whether the City has adequate systems and controls in place to support effective and accountable delivery of its transfer payments and grant programs
This audit supports Priority 3, Responsiveness & Transparency of the Council Strategic Priorities.


Additional Resources:Transfer Payments and Grants Audit (Report and Presentation)
Office of the Auditor General webpage
Office of the Auditor General Work Plan 2023 to 2026

With Keanin Loomis

Enjoy our chat with Keanin Loomis. Keanin, thank you for engaging with Hamiltonians via The Hamiltonian!

1. In the 2022 election, Andrea Horwath garnered 41.68% of the votes while you came in a very close second with 40.51%. The vote spread was 1.17%. While we are certain that coming that close and not winning the bid would have been frustrating, , what, if anything would you have done differently in your campaign bid for the Mayor’s chair?

The closeness of the race on Election Night definitely made it harder to take, but there’s no doubt I would have rather lost by a little than a lot. I’ve certainly wondered what we could have done differently. I’m still honoured and humbled by the enthusiasm and commitment from all the volunteers that stepped up to be a part of a campaign rooted in integrity, positivity and change; it’s hard to imagine knocking on more doors or attending more events than we did. But I think most of the lessons learned come from running for political office for the first time – you just don’t know until you’ve done it. In the end, we simply ran out of time. If you look at the trajectory of our approval and support, one more week may have just been enough.

2. Had you succeeded in becoming Hamilton’s Mayor, what would Hamiltonians have experienced in terms of changes or new directions you would have sought to take the city in?

Our campaign reflected the spirit of a change election, but while Council’s composition shifted, many

Media Release: Mayor Andrea Horwath in Hospital

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

April 29, 2025

Mayor Andrea Horwath Receiving Treatment Following Injury

Hamilton, ON - Mayor Andrea Horwath is currently in hospital receiving care after sustaining an injury in an accident. She is awaiting surgery and further assessment to determine the full extent of treatment required.

Depending on medical advice, Mayor Horwath may take a short medical leave to focus on rest and recovery. During this time, the Office of the Mayor will ensure continuity of leadership and ongoing support for City Council and City operations.

Mayor Horwath remains in good spirits and is in regular communication with her team. We thank Hamiltonians for their continued support, understanding, and well wishes.

The Hamiltonian. Wishes the Mayor a speedy and complete recovery!

With Professor Marvin Ryder

The world is very complicated at the moment; particularity where tariffs and the U.S.A.‘s relationship with Canada and other nations is concerned. Who best to consult with than friend of The Hamiltonian, Professor Marvin Ryder of the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. Enjoy our chat with the Professor:

1. The volatility in U.S. politics—ranging from tariffs imposed by the President on Canada to threats of annexation—has created an unstable economic climate. The stock market has responded sensitively, and the manufacturing sector, including steel production, is already feeling the strain.

Given Hamilton’s economic landscape, where steelmaking remains a significant industry, what strategic advice would you offer to both the city and Canada at large to navigate these challenges? Are there specific actions Canadians should take to mitigate the impact of these measures? Additionally, what practical guidance would you offer to the average Canadian consumer in this climate?

I describe these days as an “economic pandemic”. Five years ago, we found ourselves in a medical pandemic. We were facing a new disease – COVID-19. Medical authorities were still learning about the disease, how it was being shared, steps that could be taken to reduce the risk of catching the disease, and how we should live our lives. There was no vaccine on the horizon. So, where once we could plan our lives weeks, months, or years in advance, we had to move to day-to-day thinking. It was terribly uncomfortable for society to do but it was what we had to do.

We are in that mode again given the “economic pandemic” caused by President Trump. We really don’t know what actions he is going to do and, when he takes some actions, they change a few days later. As a result, my best advice to businesses and people is to default back to day-to-day thinking. Our collective mission is to survive to fight another day. I have heard people predict President Trump’s executive orders will only live a few months while others suggest they are a permanent part of the landscape – at least for the next 45 months.

I am not selling my investments. If I believe in those investments and I am invested for the long term, I am leaving that money where it is. For businesses, if they can, diversify their client base. There are no tariffs with Mexico or Europe or most of the rest of the world. It has been quite easy doing business in the United States but if that relationship has changed significantly, it is a signal to open the door to other markets and the purchasers in those markets.

2. In reference to President Trump’s previous administration, tariffs were deployed on Canada, before being withdrawn. In retrospect, what do you believe was the net effect of those tariffs? Did they achieve their intended economic goals? How did Canada respond at the time, and what lessons can we apply from that experience to better position ourselves against similar challenges today?

There have been very few lingering effects from the brief period where tariffs were imposed on Canada. The credit for this goes to the new USMCA (CUSMA in Canada) Free Trade Agreement that was signed

With Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe

Enjoy our chat with Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe. Chief, thank-you for engaging with Hamiltonians in The Hamiltonian!

1.Over the years, the role of firefighters has evolved beyond traditional fire suppression. What are some of the biggest challenges the Hamilton Fire Department faces today, and how have these challenges changed since you became Chief?

In Hamilton, a City that has a diverse and complex risk profile (risk profile refers to the type, and degrees of risks present in the City… it is not just relative to fires but all potential emergency types that the Fire Department might respond to), it is important for the Fire Department to understand how the evolution and significant growth happening in the City impacts the levels of risk and risk profile, and by extension, the delivery of Fire Protection and Rescue Services to residents. I have found this to be the biggest challenge that the Hamilton Fire Department is and has been facing since I became Fire Chief in 2016. In 2024, the Fire Department published an updated Community Risk Assessment, a critical tool that allows the Hamilton Fire Department to comprehensively assess current and future risk. While the data in the report highlights overall fire risk in Hamilton, it is used to identify specific high-risk level areas, evaluate probability and consequences, and capture trends. All of this helps to identify potential and future actions and informs change relative to how the Fire Department delivers service that will be incorporated in our 10-Year Plan update.

2.Hamilton is a diverse city with a mix of urban, suburban, and industrial areas. How does the Fire Department tailor its emergency response strategies to effectively serve such a varied landscape?

With amalgamation, the Hamilton Fire Department became a Composite Fire Department. This means that both full-time and volunteer firefighters are utilized to deliver service to residents. In the City, Fire Protection and Rescue Services are delivered based on three levels of response: in the urban areas, full-time firefighters provide the emergency response, in suburban areas a composite response - a combination of full-time and volunteer firefighters provide the emergency response, and in the rural areas, volunteer firefighters provide the emergency response.

The Composite model provides an efficient and cost-effective way to deliver the required Fire Protection and Rescue Services in our urban, suburban, and rural communities within the City.

To effectively and efficiently serve the City, the Fire Department utilizes a number of response strategies/concepts within the three levels of response including: predetermined response plans based on incident type, risk level and required resource allocation, closest unit(s) dispatched protocols, and an Effective Firefighting and Rescue Force (EFRF) response strategy. EFRF refers to the convergence of

Introducing a New Series in The Hamiltonian “What Is It Like to Be a ______?”

Ever wondered what it’s really like to walk in someone else’s work shoes?

The Hamiltonian is pleased to launch an exciting new series that goes behind the scenes of everyday professions and roles — from the well-known to the rarely explored — to uncover the personal, human side of work.  This series offers a candid and thoughtful look at life on the job, straight from the people who live it.

Each installment will address a different career, sharing honest reflections from individuals in the field. Our goal?

- To provide valuable insight for those considering a similar path
- To foster greater understanding and appreciation for the work others do — in all its complexity, challenge, and reward

This series is not about politics, policy, or reform. It’s about people — their stories, their struggles, their passion, and their purpose.

We’ve asked our contributors to be open, sincere, and reflective, so that readers can truly grasp what it’s like to work in their shoes. We’re proud to kick things off with: “What Is It Like Being a Nurse?” 

We welcome Erin Ariss, RN, who shares her insights below: 

1. What is one of the most emotionally challenging situations you've faced as a nurse, and how did you cope with it?

As an emergency department nurse, the most emotionally challenging situations have involved the death of a baby or young child. As a parent, it’s impossible to not identify with the parents and ask, ‘what if that was my child?’

As for coping with it, as nurses, we are expected to swallow any distress or emotion, focus on providing the care and tasks involved, perform CPR, start an IV, draw blood…and let our emotions out at a later time and place. It is important to do that, and to get support if we need it.

One thing is certain: after getting home from a shift in which a baby or child was at risk, I always hugged my children tighter.

In addition to this, the lack of personal protective equipment we experienced as nurses at the start of the pandemic was horrifying. Far too many of us were infected with COVID and many of us were afraid to go home to our families for fear of infecting them. It was a terrifying experience and has left a lot of trauma in its wake.

2. How do you maintain a sense of personal well-being and prevent burnout in such a high-stress environment?

With Ward 4 Councillor Tammy Hwang

Enjoy our chat with Ward 4 Councillor Tammy Hwang. Thank-you Clr. Hwang for engaging Hamiltonians in The Hamiltonian! 

1. Your family has deep roots in Ward 4, and you've been recognized for your community service. How do you ensure that all voices, especially those from marginalized communities, are heard and acted upon?

To be honest, I'm still working on this and trying a variety of different ways to engage. I spend time connecting with different community groups within the ward and our ward office aims to respond back to every email/phone call/social media request in a timely manner. I try to work with each resident that requests a meeting to meet them at their location or a location of their choice in order to listen and understand their concerns. I am also privileged to be a part of many boards and committees that serve different populations both in the ward and across the city. Again, it's all a learning process for me and I also recognize that I'm not able to be everywhere all at once so I also encourage community to reach out to me and connect. So to answer your question, I am working on hearing as many voices as possible and listening to understand their concerns. I couple that with work/initiatives that I know about also happening in the city and try to make those connections to help solve some of the challenges that I have heard. There are also concerns and opportunities that take some time to work through so it's trying to find a plan and work that plan to help get these challenges overcome and opportunities acted on.

2.You supported accelerating the city's cycling master plan, emphasizing fiscal responsibility. Given Hamilton's significant health disparities and climate vulnerabilities, how do you balance the need for improved cycling infrastructure with other pressing community needs?

Thanks for this question - I think that they are all related and we can do a lot with some thoughtful investments that benefit us today and into the future. Cycling infrastructure is one of them and as you've already pointed out, it is my fiscal responsibility to find solutions that will enable residents to get around in the city in way that gives people options, doesn't cost a lot of money, and has the added effects of being climate friendly and adaptive. It costs far less money to develop biking infrastructure than investing in a new roadway for heavy vehicles to travel on. I think mobility is a core component to how we build up Hamilton and I can argue that it is one of the pressing needs that we must invest in.

3 You voted to defer a motion banning encampments until new shelter spaces are available. How do we find strategic solutions to reduce homelessness, while ensuring the dignity of those struggling with homelessness ,is respected. Do you believe measures such as encampments and MiniCabins are consistent with the preservation of human dignity?

The answer to homelessness is housing. Full stop. Our challenge today is trying to build all types of housing to house everyone at every stage in their life. This includes residents that are young and looking for an opportunity to move out of their parents home, to young professionals that have chosen to work in Hamilton and looking for a place to live, to elderly residents that are on fixed incomes looking to downsize, to those that are struggling with paying the bills despite working a full time job, and those that are suffering and can't find steady employment. We need housing for everyone and I'm committed to finding solutions to help solve this. Encampments and mini cabins are just band-aid quick fixes for now

With Police Chief Frank Bergen

Enjoy our chat with Hamilton's Police Chief, Chief Frank Bergen. Thank-you Chief for engaging with Hamiltonians in The Hamiltonian!

1. As Chief of one of Ontario's largest law enforcement agencies, you undoubtedly face a variety of significant challenges. What are the key challenges that concern you most, and how have you been addressing them?

As Chief, my foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety and well-being of every Hamilton resident. We are facing a number of significant challenges, including the rise in violent crime, the complexities of homelessness, harm reduction and mental health, as well as maintaining trust with our community. These issues require a multifaceted approach.

To address violent crime, we’ve invested in evidence-based policing by strategically deploying our resources and enhancing our partnerships with community agencies.

When it comes to mental health, we’ve created our Crisis Response Unit to ensure officers are responding with professionals by their side. We are committed to improving transparency and accountability—this means listening to the community, being open about our practices, and taking action when change is needed.

2 For those considering a career in law enforcement, what advice would you offer? How should individuals evaluate whether this line of work is a good fit for them, and what are some critical aspects of the job that people should be aware of before pursuing a career?

To those considering a career in policing: know that this is a profession of service. It’s not simply a job. You must lead with empathy, integrity, and a deep respect for all people. The work is challenging and, at times, difficult. But it is also incredibly meaningful.

This career will test you emotionally and physically. It demands long hours, mental resilience, and at times, it will expose you to human suffering. But it also offers a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. Before applying, spend time volunteering in your community, get some life experience, and speak to people working in the profession —it’ll give you a clearer picture of what this job entails and

Media Release: City of Hamilton recognized with Open Data Accessibility Award

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton has received a national award recognizing its efforts to make information accessible and transparent for the public through modern, easy-to-use technology.

Hamilton’s 2024 Open Data Accessibility Award, awarded by the Canadian Open Data Society, acknowledges the City’s ongoing efforts to ensure free and equitable access to its data through its Open Data Portal, an intuitive platform that allows the community to explore, visualize, and download city data.

Making data accessible for residents, businesses, and community agencies is a priority for the City. It helps residents and businesses better understand their community, engage in local issues, and make informed choices that impact their families’ quality of life.

Key features that help ensure accessibility for users of the portal, regardless of technical expertise, include multi-language functionality, mobile device compatibility and diverse formats such as interactive mapping and information dashboards. The City has also integrated open data into its broader ‘smart city’ initiatives, including public Wi-Fi maps and mobility data.

This award follows the City’s recent Silver-level What Works Cities Certification (WWCC) from Bloomberg Philanthropies in February 2025, and builds on the 2022 Open Data for Democracy Award, which recognized the City’s launch of new dashboards, such as housing and homelessness, and open data applications to access 2022 municipal election information.

“I appreciate the continued efforts of staff and the commitment to enhance open data and transparency and

Media Release: City of Hamilton and Hamilton Waterfront Trust working together to transition programming to the City

City of Hamilton and Hamilton Waterfront Trust working together to transition programming to the City

HAMILTON, ON – With Council approval, the City of Hamilton and Hamilton Waterfront Trust (HWT) will continue working to prioritize the seamless transition of existing programs and services.

The Hamilton Waterfront Trust will dissolve, and over the coming months work through a planned transition with the City to ensure Hamiltonians can continue to enjoy the waterfront experience.

Programming and services that will transition to the City include: Outdoor rink
Harbour tours
Waterfront trolley
Music and entertainment events

“Hamilton’s waterfront is one of our city’s greatest treasures, and we’re committed to keeping it vibrant, accessible, and welcoming for everyone. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Hamilton Waterfront Trust for their years of dedication and service,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “As we move through this transition, our focus is on ensuring a smooth and seamless handover, so that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the unique programs and experiences that make our waterfront so special.”

“The City appreciates the Hamilton Waterfront Trust Board and staff for their vision and dedication to our community,” said Marnie Cluckie, City Manager. “The waterfront is a jewel, and we are committed to preserving its role as a gathering place where community, culture, and nature come together.” 

Quick Facts:Financial details and additional information on roles and responsibilities will be presented in a future report for Council consideration.

In February 2023, Hamilton City Council bought out the lease agreement with HWT to take over management of the lands at 57 Discovery Drive.

HWT was established in 2000 as a separate legal entity from the City. Since its inception, HWT has led the coordination of $6.3 million in important investments to enhance the public’s access to the water’s edge and enjoyment of Hamilton’s waterfront.

Additional Resources:Hamilton Waterfront Trust Governance Update Changes (Closed session recommendations released publicly on April 16, 2025)
Hamilton Waterfront Trust Closure & Integration in City of Hamilton Recommendation Report (Appendix A to Report FCS23029(b)) released publicly on April 16, 2025

A Failing Grade

It pains us to write this, as we know many employees at City Hall put in an honest day’s work and care deeply about the roles they play in serving our community. But when 80% of residents surveyed—according to an article in  The Hamilton Spectator—say they cannot trust City Hall, that is nothing short of a failure of leadership.

Councillor Clark rightly pointed out that the survey sample size was 300 people, and such data should be interpreted with care. Yet this isn’t an isolated incident, nor is it the first time that the culture at City Hall has been called into question.

A previous staff survey conducted during Mayor Bob Bratina’s term revealed troubling insights: many employees reported feeling they had to leave their ethics at the door just to do their jobs. Other findings were similarly damning.

At a recent team meeting, our Publisher Teresa shared a story that speaks volumes. Years ago, while she and her husband were at City Hall for business, Mayor Bratina invited them into his office for a chat. He referenced that survey and said, with visible frustration, “How can I be the Mayor of this city with findings like these? And worse still—no one wants to talk about them.” That moment stayed with Teresa and her husband, highlighting not only how deeply rooted the issues were, but also the pressing need for reform.

Fast forward to 2025, and we’re still grappling with the same lack of trust . Eighty percent of residents don’t believe in the institution that exists to serve them. This is not just disappointing—it’s unacceptable.

Let’s not forget that even an independent arbitrator once described City Hall as having a “culture of low expectations.” That label stings.

Clearly, something must change.

Media Release: City of Hamilton joins Bloomberg Harvard City Program to transform planning approvals and build homes faster

City of Hamilton joins Bloomberg Harvard City Program to transform planning approvals and build homes faster

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton’s participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative – Innovation Track Program has already shown great progress, building on City Council’s commitment to support the construction of 47,000 housing units by 2031 helping to combat housing and homelessness within the City.

The program helps municipalities address complex challenges and improve residents’ quality of life through innovative, data driven approaches. The outcome of addressing these challenges positively impacts housing affordability and availability for residents.

“As Mayor, I was proud to initiate the City of Hamilton collaboration with Bloomberg Harvard, which is already delivering real, measurable results for our city,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “Since taking office, I've listened to concerns that have made it clear; improving the development approval process was crucial for housing and for our economy. Building more housing faster - and of all types - will help address the housing crisis, as we strive to ensure Hamiltonians have a safe place to call home.

By engaging the development and construction community, and empowering staff to bring forward ideas for positive change, we seized a unique opportunity for innovation and transformation. Through the modernization of our planning approvals process, we are removing barriers and creating a more responsive and transparent system that works for development in all sectors, as well as for staff.”

Since joining the Innovation Track Program in late 2023, the City has been equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources, which have led to improvements in efficiency, transparency, and overall governance. Two pilot projects - First Wave Portal Pilot and All4One Pilot – have since been initiated to streamline and enhance planning and development application reviews through collaboration.

First Wave Portal Pilot

Through the pilot, staff are testing artificial technology to enhance data-driven development and planning

With Clr. Cameron Kroetsch

Enjoy our chat with Ward 2 Clr. Cameron Kroetsch. Thank-you Cameron for engaging with Hamiltonians in The Hamiltonian!

1. Since your election to the council, you've demonstrated a distinctive approach to representing your constituents and enacting change. Could you share what you believe sets your approach apart from others, and how it has served both you and your community over time?

I've always believed elected officials should follow up on the priorities they advanced when they were running for office. I put forward a detailed platform when I ran that I shared with all Ward 2 residents. Since being elected, I've updated residents on the progress I've made. I've done this because I care deeply about keeping my word and engaging with the Ward 2 community on issues big and small. It's why I've held over 60 community meetings during this term, with more planned. It's important to me to listen to residents, to update them on what's happening at City Hall, to talk about what I do using plain and accessible language, and to answer questions so I can be held accountable. Perhaps the most common piece of feedback I receive from people I engage with is thanking me for being so transparent. Of course, there are those who criticize my approach, but I think I'm working hard to honour my commitments and focus on what I can achieve in my role as a Councillor during this term.

2. In March 2024, you were temporarily suspended by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) to investigate a complaint alleging a violation of its code of conduct. You've voiced concerns about the duration of this process and its silencing effect. Given that additional allegations arose following your public comments, do you accept that the broadening of these complaints may have contributed to delays? How do you view your role in the ongoing delay, and can you provide any evidence to support your perspective on whether this matter is being intentionally prolonged?

While I believe it was unfortunate for the complaint to be filed in the first place, it's just as unfortunate it has taken over a year for the OCPC to investigate the complaint. I'm still awaiting a ruling. As a publicly elected official, I feel it's essential for transparency and accountability to be demonstrated in everything I do as a member of Council, and that includes my appointment as a member of the police board. I believe our institutions must be both transparent and accountable to the public they serve. I think accountability can make some people feel uncomfortable, but I don't think that's a reason to file complaints. As to the length of time it's taken for the OCPC to issue its ruling, I'll leave it to the public to decide whether or not it's reasonable for the Province to spend more than a year investigating a complaint over comments I made in public. I look forward to returning to my work on the police board as soon as possible.

3. Social media can be an incredibly powerful tool for outreach, but it can also pose risks. Your critical comments regarding the Police Services Board’s budget process in 2023 were a significant factor in the complaint filed against you. In hindsight, do you view your use of social media in this instance as effective, problematic, or a bit of both? Have you gained any insights into the consequences of such actions, and do you stand by your decision to use social media in this way?

I believe in using all tools available to communicate openly and transparently with the public. Social media is one of those tools. It's immediate, accessible, and it can be effective if used well. In most cases, things I've posted on social media have been things I've already said in public and on camera at public meetings. Social media can be used to share information with people who may not have been able to watch those meetings. I'm comfortable using it, as I did for years before becoming a Councillor. While I understand that the openness and immediacy social media provides can be difficult for some to embrace, it's not going away. It can be a very democratic tool. I plan to keep using it to help me communicate with Ward 2 residents and Hamiltonians across the city.

4. Your tenure as President of Guelph’s largest labor union is an important part of your background. In what ways has that experience shaped your perspective and approach as a city councillor, particularly when it comes to advocating for working families and community interests?

Unionism is, by its very nature, based on working together to achieve a common good. It can be messy. It can be challenging. But it can also be hugely rewarding when important progress is made on behalf of a group of members trying reach a collective goal. I see being a Councillor in a very similar light - working together with the community to improve our city and, in my case, downtown Hamilton. Through messiness and challenges come important progress. The issues we face as a city are bigger, and sometimes more complex, but I think the foundational values I learned from my time in the union movement have served me well in this role and will continue to help me to work with the community to make Hamilton better no matter the challenges we face.

5. Many have pointed to a sense of unease surrounding the downtown area, particularly after dark, due to concerns about safety and crime. Why do you think Hamilton struggles to revitalize its downtown despite previous efforts? What innovative strategies or initiatives are currently being explored to improve the core

Media Release:The City of Hamilton Invites Residents to the Opening of Magnolia Hall

The City of Hamilton Invites Residents to the Opening of Magnolia Hall

HAMILTON, ON – After more than three decades, Magnolia Hall is opening as a cultural community hub in Hamilton.

Located in the heart of the Durand neighborhood, this historic building is a successful adapted reuse of an 1880’s gothic revival Anglican church. Combining the charm of its architectural heritage with modern amenities and barrier-free access, Magnolia Hall will be used for arts, culture and heritage activities and be a gathering place for the community. The grounds have been revitalized and will be cared for by the Durand Neighbourhood Association.

All residents and members of the media are invited to celebrate the opening of this historical structure and downtown landmark. The event is free and will have a formal ceremony followed by a performance from Hamilton’s Conservatory for the Arts students. Light refreshments will be served.
Event Details:

Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Attendees: Mayor Andrea Horwath
Marnie Cluckie, City Manager
Cameron Kroetsch, Ward 2 Councillor
Roberta Harman, President of the Durand Neighbourhood Association


Location: Magnolia Hall (formerly St. Mark’s Church)

115 Hunter Street West, Hamilton, ON L8P 1R1

With Former Mayor, Larry DiIanni

Enjoy our chat with former Mayor, Larry DiIanni. Larry- thank-you for engaging with Hamiltonians in The Hamiltonian.

1. Hamilton’s vision statement remains, “The Best place to raise a child and age successfully.” Reflecting on the progress of the last decade, do you believe Hamilton is living up to its vision? In your assessment, where do you think the city has made notable strides, and where does it still fall short of meeting this aspiration?

Vision Statements are aspirational. They are also often grandiose in their expectations. I am always skeptical when anyone or thing or entity claims to be ‘best’ at anything. So I looked at that statement as a goal to be achieved rather than a destination. It is always ongoing and any organization should seek improvement from year to year.

In terms of raising children I would look at schools, employment for parents, medical services, recreational facilities, safe communities. Overall, Hamilton does well in all those categories in spite of some challenges.

As far as aging successfully, one might also look at these yardsticks: medical care, retirement facilities, activities for seniors, fair taxes, dignified retirement resources. Again, in the main, we are blessed as a community in spite of some challenges for some seniors.

2.Given the imposition of tariffs on Canada, particularly in sectors like steel manufacturing, how do you think Hamilton’s industries and businesses, including its steel sector, might be impacted? From a leadership perspective, what strategies can Hamilton adopt to help local industries, businesses, and consumers navigate these challenges and mitigate the negative effects of such tariffs?

Tariffs are a curse imposed by a crazed leader from the supposed leading economy in the world: USA. They will take a toll on our city because of its large footprint in steelmaking and related industries. A Mayor’s authority is limited but I think Hamilton is doing the right thing. The Mayor is apparently meeting with affected groups; she is liaising with the Province and the Federal authorities and is linking up with other mayors in Canada and the USA. I would hope that as the situation becomes clearer, if it ever does, our city would react appropriately and humanely.

3. Homelessness remains a pressing issue in Hamilton, with increasing attention on encampments and the recent discussion around MiniCabins as a potential solution. What, in your opinion, should Hamilton’s long-term strategy be for addressing homelessness? Do you feel that the current leadership at City Hall has a clear, effective plan in place, or do you believe the approach is more reactive and tactical/experimental at this stage?

I think that despite best efforts the city’s actions have not been in the best interests of the city in this regard. The encampment protocol was too permissive from the start which didn’t help the encampment residents and it certainly caused consternation and safety issues for the residents of the city and the businesses near these locations. 

The reported stories of fires, drug use, crimes, violence, in these areas, let alone the refuse accumulated made for some frustrating times. I do understand that there were some do-gooders, misguided even if well-intentioned, that challenged the city legally at every turn. But it shouldn’t have taken a judge to finally decide that the city was acting with compassion and care in trying to deal with the situation. The city should have acted sooner in my estimation.

Having said all this, it should be noted that the social safety net is important for people whose luck runs out or whose personal situations need assistance. There but for the grace of God go any of us. However, helping the marginalized should not hold a whole community hostage. And parts of our city were being disadvantaged. I don’t begrudge the tax dollars spent on the mini residences, but the city cannot do it alone and Hamilton has tried. The city spent more money than the other orders of Government. That isn’t fair to our residents. And what made it worse, the problems didn’t improve. That has to be the definition of

Op ED-Bail Out The Bay NOW - Government Must Save Jobs at HBC - By Robert Nelly

Bail Out The Bay NOW - Government Must Save Jobs at HBC - By Robert Nelly

The Bay department store chain, also known as HBC (Hudson's Bay Company), is nearly $1 billion in debt and those debts are getting called in by the creditors. As a result, Canada's oldest department store began liquidating 90 of its 96 stores last month, triggering widespread distress among its workforce and affiliated small businesses. As well, HBC will pay up to $3 million total in retention bonuses to 121 managers and executives — but will not pay severance to its more than 9,300 workers, most of whom will soon lose their jobs. Also at stake are pensions, health benefits and long-term disability supports, according to Andrew Hatnay, a lawyer representing employees. This affects a group of people that are "extremely vulnerable as they cannot work and are highly dependent on their long-term disability benefits for their livelihoods."

Hudson’s Bay filed for court protection on March 7 to shield itself from creditors while seeking financing. Unfortunately, the workers of HBC are only entitled to a maximum of $8,800 severance under the federal Wage Earner Protection Program Act, no matter if they worked there for 50 years of their life. That's a pittance. Furthermore, disabled employees that HBC had been supporting may also be cut off. In addition to employees, small businesses that operated inside Bay stores also face losses. As well, local businesses that supplied The Bay are also affected.

HBC has all but given up on saving the 90 stores that are closing, and is barely clinging on to hope that it can save the remaining 6 stores. As it stands, the courts will close the remaining stores by April 8th if nothing changes. Several of Hudson's Bay's senior secured lenders — Bank of America, Pathlight Capital and Restore Capital — are eager to take first dibs of their debt back.

Why do patriotic Canadians allow the Bank of America to shut down North America's oldest company? Why exactly is the Bank of America one of the lending partners leading the charge to bring down HBC? Are they being manipulated by The White House to destabilize our economy? Is the timing of the HBC shut down coincidental?

The City and the Cyber Attack

The City of Hamilton fell victim to a cyber attack that damaged many of our crucial systems. We decided to probe into the nature of the attack and what the city has done as a result. Here are our questions with Cyrus Tehrani, Chief Information Officer (interim), City of Hamilton 

1 It is our understanding that the city became aware of a cyberattack it fell victim to in February 2024. Could you describe the scope of this attack? Where were the greatest disruptions, and did the attack affect both computer and phone systems?

The City of Hamilton became aware on the evening of Sunday, February 25, 2024 that it was impacted by a cybersecurity incident that compromised many of our IT systems, including disruptions to our phone system. A dedicated team of City staff and external experts took swift action to investigate, protect our systems, and minimize the impact on the community and facilitate recovery. The City has confirmed that it was a ransomware attack.

2.While cybercrime is a grave and reprehensible issue, many Hamiltonians may be wondering why it has taken so long to fully restore the impacted systems. Were there adequate backup systems, imaging, redundancy, and other industry best practices in place to protect against such an attack? If these safeguards were in place, how did they fail? If not, what steps are being taken to strengthen the city’s systems moving forward? To clarify, we are not asking for specific details that could compromise the city’s security efforts, but rather, in a broader sense, what industry best practices or new measures are being introduced as a result of this breach?

The City has been taking a thoughtful and intentional approach to its response, focused on best meeting the needs of the community. Despite the incident, the City has continued to deliver its critical programs and services.

As the City continues to recover and build back better, it is identifying opportunities to improve and strengthen systems and infrastructure and protect against future cyber incidents. The City is moving forward with application replacement and received Council approval for both funding and staffing increases to continue to advance the City’s Cyber resiliency as part of building back better.

The City has cybersecurity measures in place, which are updated regularly. Unfortunately, cybersecurity incidents are becoming more common globally. While the City continues to strengthen the security of its IT systems to the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity threats, no security measure will make a

With Clr. John-Paul Danko

Enjoy our chat with Councillor John-Paul Danko. Tthank-you John-Paul for engaging with Hamiltonians on The Hamiltonian!

1. What motivated your decision to run as the Liberal candidate for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas, and why do you believe this is the right move for you at this stage in your career?

I am excited for the opportunity to leverage the experience I have gained in my years as a professional structural engineer and city councillor for Hamilton as an MP. I have a deep understanding of the issues, challenges and opportunities that our fantastic city faces. I know how transformational federal funding has been on so many files. I want to bring my deep understanding of our Ambitious City and its residents, combined with my municipal political experience to advocate for Hamilton’s interests on Parliament Hill.

2. Some critics, as seen in a recent letter to the editor in the Hamilton Spectator, have suggested that your decision to leave your City Councillor position could be seen as an opportunistic move. They argue that this allows you to explore the possibility of a new role while not permanently vacating your current position, should you not succeed in the election. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential costs of a by-election. How do you respond to these criticisms?

You can never guess when a federal election will be called. I felt that, given my professional and political

With Mayor Andrea Horwath

Mayor Andrea Horwath

Enjoy our interview with Mayor Andrea Horwath. The questions we posed to the Mayor are presented first, and,  as she elected to respond to the questions in narrative form rather than to each individual question, we have included her complete response.

Thank-you Mayor Horwath for engaging with Hamiltonians through The Hamiltonian! 

1. 1 Given Hamilton's deep-rooted history in steel production, the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump poses a significant challenge to the local economy, particularly for those employed in the steel and related industries. What strategies has the City of Hamilton implemented to protect local workers and mitigate the economic impact of these tariffs?
   
   2 Homelessness remains a pressing issue in Hamilton, with encampments and modular housing prevalent. While some view encampments as a temporary necessity, others argue they fail to uphold human dignity and the right to safe, long-term housing. What is the city’s strategy in addressing homelessness, and how do you balance immediate relief efforts with sustainable housing solutions? How does human dignity factor into these considerations?
   
   3 The expanded powers granted to strong mayors have sparked significant debate. In your view, under what circumstances would you consider exercising these powers, and how do you see them impacting governance in Hamilton?
   
   4 Andrea Horwath is sometimes characterized as a fiery leader who is vocal and unyielding when advocating for her beliefs on how best to govern. This may be reminiscent of your time as leader of the NDP. Since becoming Hamilton’s Mayor, people may have noticed a more settled approach. Is this a fair observation and to the extent it is, do you recognize this change in style and what accounts for it?
   
   5 Gun violence and crime have been growing concerns in Hamilton. While increased police funding is often seen as a solution, some suggest it does not always correlate with crime reduction. Has the city established clear metrics or accountability measures with Hamilton Police Services to ensure that increased funding leads to tangible improvements in public safety?
   
   6 Hamilton has experienced firsthand the significant disruptions caused by cyberattacks. Recovery efforts following the attack on the city’s systems have been lengthy, with ongoing service delays cited as a result. What steps has Hamilton taken to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure, and why did the city’s technical systems not have sufficient backup capabilities to ensure a more rapid recovery?
   
   7 Looking back on your tenure as Mayor, what do you consider to be your most significant accomplishments so far? Conversely, what have been your greatest challenges, and how are you working to address them?

The Hamiltonian Is Returning

It is true. The Hamiltonian will be returning to provide insightful engagement and important stories on everything Hamilton. 

Stay tuned.....