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

spending millions of dollars for continued temporary conditions, and I feel we can do better. I would love to see a more permanent solution, like real housing with appropriate support offered for the kinds of personal challenges that many within the houseless population face. I believe that in many, if not all cases, being houseless has root causes that left unaddressed, leave a person struggling in perpetuity. Solutions which combine housing with the kinds of interactive support that can help each person break their cycle of homelessness are going to go much further helping people build happier, more fulfilling lives - beyond simply surviving.

 

3. Recent critiques of Hamilton City Hall have raised serious concerns, including a public survey in which 80% of respondents expressed distrust, and a C.D. Howe Institute report that ranked Hamilton last among major Canadian cities in financial transparency. As a key decision-maker at City Hall, how do you respond to this criticism? What role can you play in restoring public trust and driving institutional change?

 

News of this survey broke my heart, on so many levels.  Firstly, I know many city staff and councillors who work very hard to serve our city to the best of their ability.  Secondly, I’m well aware that we live in an era of general distrust of politicians, which I understand. So, while the survey results are disappointing, the feedback that people think we’re falling short offers everyone at council and the city an opportunity to honestly assess what we can do to improve our roles as leaders and public servants. While we learn to do better to meet the needs of those we serve, we can also build back greater trust along the way. Ultimately though, it’s up to each of us in our roles to be as transparent about our efforts as we can.

 

I’ve already started talking to Ward 7 residents about this survey feedback and have begun looking for ways to constructively respond and improve. 

 

In addition to always being reachable by phone and email, I send out a monthly newsletter and have at least 3 or 4 community meetings each year, encouraging residents to attend and offer honest input to ongoing conversations.

 

4. What has most surprised you about the role of a city councillor? Based on your experience, what advice would you offer to someone considering a run for municipal office, and what qualities do you believe are essential to serve effectively in local government?

 

Hamilton is a tapestry of very diverse wards. What matters most to one ward can mean way less to another. I was surprised by how many differences of opinion there can be from ward to ward. When an entire council votes on a matter, it’s sometimes hard to agree about issues where people in other wards have differences of opinion.  While I cast one vote for my ward, if other wards disagree with a Ward 7 perspective, things can get tricky.

 

For example, in many cases residents’ expectations of building height standards on the mountain are very different than the expectations of downtown residents. So, in trying to find solutions to housing, we need to be intimately aware of how neighborhoods in each ward already look and feel to ensure that any development aligns with existing zoning and residents’ expectations. What flows from a practical and aesthetic perspective for one ward can feel counterintuitive in another, and so forth.

 

I’ve had to embrace compromise more.  The adage that “…you can’t please all of the people all of the time,” is very true when it comes to political leadership. There are times each of us can be so passionate about something that compromise can feel discouraging to the cause.  But with such a wide-ranging mix of perspectives within all of Hamilton, the art of compromise is paramount when seeking a result whereby as many people as possible can feel represented.  

 

That said, I’ve also learned how dedicated Hamiltonians from all wards are to caring for each other. I attend many, many community events of different types and sizes each year, which are well attended by residents, and the common thread to all of these is the level of care Hamilton residents show one another. Hamiltonians show up – cheerfully, generously and willingly.

 

5. Ward 7 includes treasured community spaces such as Sam Lawrence Park and the Sackville Hill Senior’s Centre. Are there any initiatives underway to enhance recreational infrastructure, particularly for seniors and youth in the ward?

 

Oh, you’ve mentioned two of my favorite Ward 7 jewels!! Isn’t Sam Lawrence Park breathtaking? (Although Ward 7 only contains the east side of Sam Lawrence Park, East of Upper Wellington.).  I’m very proud of the Concession St. BIA for its role in the pavilion that’s now there too, because I’ve seen many people drawn to it and the adjacent look-out on a beautiful day, and those people will often then stroll down Concession St. for a bite to eat and immerse in some thrilling eclectic shopping!

 

Parks are my personal passion. I’d like all the parks in Ward 7 to be the very best parks in Hamilton – and there are some gorgeous parks throughout our city, so that’s a tall order!  I’m particularly proud of improvements to a few Ward 7 parks for which I’m responsible.

 

Brand new playgrounds have been installed in Peace Memorial, Armstrong, Macassa and Thorner parks, with more plans for other parks on the way.

 

There is an upcoming expansion of Vincent Massey Park which is still open for public input at “engage.hamilton.ca.”  

 

The story of one park in particular brings tears to my eyes. It’s an upcoming all-abilities park being installed in Inch Park.  This one is very special to me because not only has the Ward 7 community been working with planners at the City since before Covid to make this park happen, but a small group of determined and community-driven volunteers at Hamilton Challenger Sports Association took it upon themselves to raise $135,000 to help the City pay for this. Think about that for a minute…you usually hear of people asking the City for money, but not residents raising money from their own pockets to donate to the City for public space.  Yet, that’s exactly what HCSA has done, and this park will be unlike anything in our surrounding areas. It’s the first of its kind here. Children with all kinds of differences in physical abilities will fully enjoy this new park in ways they can’t in other existing parks.  I’m so very proud of Mike Moore and his team for their generous hearts and commitment to the Ward 7 mission of fulfilling their dream of creating a public space like this one.

 

 

Sackville Seniors Centre feels like home every time you walk in there.  The staff, the architecture– with natural light filling the large common area – offer attendees of public meetings and seniors alike a warm and welcoming space. And as the population ages, I know spaces for seniors continue to be increasingly vital to our community. This is why we have been discussing expansion plans for Sackville, which is much needed in our growing and aging community. We are still hammering out the details, but more information will be coming soon.

 

6. Serving on the Hamilton Police Services Board comes with its own set of responsibilities and pressures. What are some of the unique challenges that come with this role, and can you speak to a particularly difficult issue you’ve confronted on the board and how you worked through it?

 

I highly respect Hamilton Police Service (my son is also an officer with HPS). Imagine a job so dangerous you have to wear a gun every day to go to work?! Iknow very well the kinds of dangers these men and women face every single day at levels many residents can’t even imagine. The physical and mental toll associated with this line of work is intense, and I deeply appreciate what our Hamilton Police Service men and women do to keep our city safe.  

 

While police advocate for our safety every minute of every shift, I feel honoured to be part of advocating for a supportive framework for our Police Service.  Crime rates continue climbing and there is legitimate concern that the Hamilton Police Service front line resources (officers) are being stretched too thinly. Policebudgeting, for example, is paramount to increasing front line personnel if we want to stay on top of rising crime rates.  

 

7. With a noted decline in population, Ward 7 faces unique economic pressures. What is being done to support local small businesses and attract new investment to the area? Additionally, are you advocating for any specific measures to help local businesses manage the impact of U.S.-driven tariffs?

 

Our population is projected to increase to more than 800,000 by 2035, so we need to make sure we have adequate housing and jobs for this number. The City’s Tourism and Economic Development Departments are actively looking at ways to increase job and investment opportunities for our City. 

 

I not only actively support the Ward 7 BIA but also sit on the committees for all thirteen Hamilton BIAs.  Small businesses are the backbone of each of the wards. So, BIA-support helps ensure a thriving, vibrant community which not only means success for the business owner but an enhanced quality of life and enjoyment for area residents it serves. Think of a local haunt you have a habit of turning to in your own community. It could be a store, a restaurant, a service. This kind of local business adds sparkle, joy, and character to the neighborhood you call home.

 

And now more than ever, shopping local is crucial. It has a direct effect on the current tariff war, so I’m advocating even more to shop local as much as possible. These businesses and our community need our support more than ever.

 

8. In what ways has your approach evolved during your second term in office? Are there specific lessons or experiences from your first term that have significantly shaped how you govern today?

 

The advantage my second term gave me over my first, was the benefit of having a much more intimate relationship with Ward 7 residents. I’ve met and come to know a great many people who live and work within my ward. These residents come from different walks of life, have varying opinions and beliefs, and are motivated by a wide range of hopes, dreams, and backgrounds.  

 

Because I’m really hands on when it comes to communicating with the Ward 7 population, I’ve had the pleasure to learn first-hand how people feel about our ward, our City, and life in general.  I’m able to bring to council a much fuller representation of a variety of Ward 7 voices in this second term because I have a more accurate understanding of the overall heart and mindset of the ward.

 

9. Looking toward the future, what is your long-term vision for ward 7? what are the most pressing challenges to achieving that vision, and how do you intend to address them over the coming years?

 

My current and long-term vision for Ward 7 is to improve housing, infrastructure, park enhancement and to ensure we have a safe community. 

 

Ward 7 density is growing as families, seniors, and singles more frequently share housing accommodations in response to the high costs of purchases and rentals.  

 

So, as we grapple with the need for more housing, I also recognize increased demand for additional/enhanced infrastructure and park space. 

 

Parks allow all residents to enjoy nature and beauty and are an important part of urban mental and physical wellbeing, which is why they’re always a priority for me.  Trees and parks add a sense of elegance, beauty, and comfort to all neighbourhoods.

 

I’m also addressing concerns with the conditions of roads and sidewalks in Ward 7.  This isn’t something that I have sole jurisdiction over, so it can be challenging to give the infrastructure within my own ward the attention it deserves. The City has to also consider its budget for similar concerns in other wards, and I get that…there’s only so much money to go around. 

 

Council is mindful of the tax burdens residents are already feeling, so we must do our best within considerable budget restraints.  That said, I’m happy to say that motions I brought forward for repairs, were granted $400,000 for sidewalks and $4,000,000 for roads in the next cycle.  While this won’t fix every problem in need of attention, this money will go a long way to addressing many of the more immediate, urgent ones.

 

I also support the concept of widening Rymal Rd. and The Linc to relieve congestion on some of the other roadways to facilitate more efficient travel, especially during rush hours.

 

Traffic safety is an ongoing challenge. I’m inundated by numerous requests for traffic calming measures. By the way, I have “slow down” signs available for anyone who requests them – just contact my office!

 

10. Homelessness, encampments, and transitional housing strategies like MiniCabins have been central issues in Hamilton. What specific strategies do you support to reduce or eliminate homelessness in Ward 7 and citywide? In hindsight, have there been efforts that, while well-meaning, missed the mark? As we head into summer and potentially face a new wave of encampments, what response would you support—particularly in balancing compassion with policy enforcement and the dignity of unhoused residents?

 

As mentioned earlier, I understand the good intentions behind the experiment with encampments, though it was never an idea I supported for reasons that ended up clear by its conclusion. I see parks as sacred ground to all communities and believe all people within a community should feel equally welcome to enjoy their parks safely and respectfully. But there were times that many Ward 7 residents no longer felt they could simply enjoy the serenity and beauty their nearby park offered – there were issues with safety, drug use and other changes to the parks that made being in their local park space, whether with children or without, no longer possible.

 

The encampments were never a dignified solution.

 

To me there is a fine line between compassion and enabling a cycle of perpetuity.  Ihave always maintained that caring for the houseless population should be a comprehensive effort and not just isolated to the idea of housing itself. The root causes for homelessness are varied but are all relative to the end-result of houseless status. I’m committed to seeking solutions that offer a full spectrum of support (relative to each person’s challenges).  Without support, a person’s ability to obtain and maintain housed conditions and good health is impeded. Providinghousing as a stand-alone option isn’t enough.  

Thank you Councillor Pauls for engaging with Hamiltonians in The Hamiltonians!