After 8- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Kevin Gonci

As we continue with our After 8 coverage of Ward 8 Councillor candidates, enjoy our chat with Kevin Gonci. 

What do you believe are the greatest challenges that face Ward 8, and what will you do to address them?

Based on initial feedback from many residents I have spoken with over the past few weeks, the main concerns raised involve public safety, closely followed by a lack of municipal fiscal accountability and a decline in quality of life.

My campaign is centred on a “Community First” vision, which highlights three key platform areas involving:

1. Public Safety – through the implementation of the Ward 8 Safe Streets Plan, combined with over 30 years of experience in the public safety sector.

2. Fiscal Accountability – by collaborating with staff, fellow Council members, and stakeholders to identify municipal inefficiencies and unnecessary expenses.

3. Enhanced Quality of Life – through non-profit partnerships and launching the Ward 8 Community Benefits Fund, which will allocate 25% of my municipal salary to tackle priority issues in Ward 8. This includes programs and services for seniors, accessibility projects, community food banks, emergency shelters, and support for women in business.

Beyond the needs of Ward 8, what are some city wide initiatives or problems the city is facing more broadly, that you hope to help address? How would you contribute to the resolution to those problems?

Housing
The Tiny Shelters project has faced some criticism, but we should see it as a learning opportunity and

recognize its potential as a short-term solution, which I support. On a positive note, the City of Hamilton has introduced housing program incentives and established a Housing Secretariat, marking a significant step forward. Additionally, the city is streamlining the building permit process, which is gaining momentum and helps develop 1,200 new affordable homes over the next three years. Expanding this initiative would be beneficial.

Furthermore, improving various housing support programs, such as the Housing Accelerator Fund, Multi-Plex Incentive Program, and Housing Development Incentives, while working closely with non-profit partners to carry out Hamilton’s Homelessness Action Plan, would further strengthen our efforts, which I am ready to support.

I am a process-oriented person who believes that established zoning and building code standards exist for valid reasons. I often feel sceptical when developers appear before City Council to request exemptions from site planning and reductions in development fees, especially when they promise to include affordable housing in their projects. There needs to be clearer criteria for what qualifies as affordable housing. In my view, affordable housing should be determined based on an individual’s income. I support enhancing our city housing initiative through partnerships with experienced non-profit housing operators, rather than relying on profit-driven developers to build homes that are often unaffordable for most residents.

Property Development
I oppose further expansion beyond the current urban boundary — perhaps it could be considered in the future, but not during my lifetime. I believe many alternatives exist, such as increasing density in existing areas, renewal, new construction, and utilising vacant properties. I support these options, provided there is consultation with neighbouring property owners and development complies with current building code standards, demolition permit requirements, and the environmental impact assessment process.

Once you expand the urban boundary, you start to encroach on and take over valuable agricultural lands—which can never be replaced—reducing our food supply. You also threaten wetlands and animal habitats, ultimately affecting our environment. All of these areas need to be considered as part of a responsible, long-term development plan.

Public Transportation
As cities expand, so does the need for accessible public transit options. The City of Hamilton’s current Transportation Master Plan provides a strategic framework for future transportation systems through 2031 and beyond. The plan addresses various transportation strategies related to (1) Rapid Transit Networks; (2) Active Transportation (cycling and walking); (3) Movement of Consumer Goods; and (4) Road Networks. This is a lot to consider, and I am committed to reviewing any data and information related to this topic, including participating in community engagement opportunities with groups or individuals to discuss this important issue.

Regarding the related subject of the current LRT project being implemented, I would have preferred to see the estimated $3.4 billion in capital funds allocated to other, more urgent municipal priorities. Another concern I have is the still-unknown annual operational costs that Hamilton taxpayers will be responsible for; therefore, it’s imperative that we maintain strict oversight of this large-scale initiative to ensure fiscal accountability and safeguard taxpayers' interests.

I'm open to exploring the integration of bike lanes as part of a comprehensive transportation plan, provided it is compatible with existing road systems and does not delay response times for emergency services. I have seen firsthand how an ambulance transporting a patient to the hospital (with lights and sirens on) suddenly came to a complete stop in three lanes of traffic while the outside (fourth) lane (dedicated bike lane) was empty.

I’m also hesitant to make changes to our current road infrastructure without first completing a thorough impact assessment and cost analysis, given the fiscal challenges we're facing. However, I believe it is beneficial to include these features in future traffic planning initiatives.

Environment
I wish to reaffirm my commitment to maintaining the current City of Hamilton Climate Action Strategy and working with staff and professionals towards a sustainable long-term solution, supported by my proven history of backing such initiatives in our community. Specifically, I have supported environmental projects like annual park cleanups, ecological impact assessments, Indigenous consultations, and archaeological investigations related to proposed infrastructure projects. Additionally, I have been fortunate to work with dedicated community volunteers to launch the first-ever park recycling program at the Ray Lewis Track & Field Centre, which includes waste reduction efforts and the installation of a water bottle refill station.

I fully support engaging in meaningful dialogue with partners and supporters who share our commitment to local watershed and wetland protection. After reviewing the current municipal budget and available funding sources, I would support further investment in key areas such as land acquisitions, environmental planning, and watershed stewardship.

3. There are many people running for the position of Ward 8 Councillor. What do you offer that makes you the best pick?

As a Ward 8 Candidate, I bring diverse skills and experience that would benefit our community and challenge the status quo, which includes a “tax and spend” approach our current municipal government follows and frankly is not sustainable.

Having lived in Hamilton for 61 years and born right here in Ward 8, I take great pride in the community where my wife and I raised our four boys. We started out in a small one-bedroom apartment, and, like most families, we worked hard to save and secure larger, more affordable housing, which is becoming increasingly difficult to find these days.

I have consistently maintained a strong work ethic throughout my life, with periods of employment at Wesley Urban Ministries, the Ministry of Correctional Services, and nearly 30 years at Ford Motor Company of Canada. This also included two terms of service in the UNIFOR Local 707 Employee Assistance Program. I have also proudly served as a member of the Canadian Forces Army Reserve for 27 years during which I received a Canadian Forces Decoration for serving with distinction.

My academic achievements include attending McMaster University (Labour Studies and Addiction Studies), Mohawk College (Police Foundations), and St. Francis Xavier University (Education).

My greatest sense of fulfillment has come from nearly 40 years of community volunteer service in various roles and capacities, including community sport coach, Chair of a Secondary School Parent Council, and serving on several community boards and committees. To date, I am pleased to highlight that I have worked collaboratively with several diverse stakeholder groups to raise over $4 million in community benefits.  

4. Is there anything else you would like people to know about you, your campaign and how to reach you?

I’ve been asked often why I decided to run in the Ward 8 by-election, and it comes down to this: being a public servant shouldn't be about personal gain but about bettering the community and supporting individuals and families to grow and succeed. My history of community service is well known, and being elected as the new Ward 8 Councillor will support my continued commitment to giving back to our great city. 

Contact Website: www.kgonciward8.com
Email: kgonciward8@gmail.com