Hamilton Now

At the Hall

Draft 2026 Tax Budget and City Planning

City Council and senior staff have released the Draft Staff-Proposed 2026 Tax Budget designed to support municipal services, infrastructure, and affordability priorities while maintaining financial responsibility. This draft reflects preparatory work ahead of formal budget deliberations and aligns with council’s broader fiscal planning for the coming year. 

 Environmental Assessment Completions

Council communications highlight that the City has completed Municipal Class Environmental Assessments (EAs) for key road and transportation corridors, including West 5th Street and Upper Wellington Street. These studies address traffic, active transportation, and stormwater needs, and will inform future infrastructure work. 

 Vacant Unit Tax and Administrative Notices

The City of Hamilton has  opened the Vacant Unit Tax declaration period for 2025. All residential property owners must submit mandatory occupancy declarations by April 15, 2026, to avoid being charged the tax, which is assessed at one percent of the property’s current assessed value if deemed vacant. Late declarations will be accepted until May 15, 2026, with an associated fee. Revenue from this tax is reinvested into affordable housing initiatives in Hamilton.

Ongoing Council Matters and Housing Initiatives

City Hall’s Housing Secretariat operations — endorsed by council — are advancing work on affordable housing through multi-pillar strategies, federal/provincial partnership initiatives and the Housing Accelerator Fund. This reflects council policy priorities in housing development, acquisition and preservation.

 Strategic Planning and Future Infrastructure

Council has previously supported major transit strategy shifts, including the HSR Next transit plan approved unanimously by council, which will restructure Hamilton’s bus network and integrate future rapid transit elements.

• In the months prior, Council approved funding for a full-time police beat dedicated to encampment enforcement as part of broader by-law enforcement strategies. 

• The Lght Rail Transit Sub-Committee has continued work on LRT planning separate from Metrolinx. 

Current Council Priorities and Focus Areas

Council’s agenda presently emphasizes:

* Budget planning and fiscal oversight for 2026

* Completion and adoption of transportation and environmental planning instruments

* Policy communication and transparency with residents

* Operational continuity during the holiday period

* Housing affordability and related partnerships

Preparations are ongoing for the 2026 Hamilton municipal election, with incumbent and prospective candidates evaluating their positions. 

Transparency

City Manager Marnie Cluckie continues to defer the release of the costs of the Water Workers' strike, raising questions about why the delay. Both the union and The Hamiltonian have made a myriad of queries to Ms. Cluckie, and while assurances that the information will be released were made, the information has yet to be provided. 

Public Safety and Ongoing Police Investigations

Hamilton Police are actively investigating a recent shooting incident near Melvin Avenue and Talbot Street. Officers responded early this morning after multiple gunshots were reported; investigators located more than 20 bullet casings, though no injuries or property damage have been confirmed at this stage. Residents in the area are being asked to check home surveillance or dashcam footage between approximately 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. and contact police with any information.

This event comes amid continued law enforcement activity in the city, including regular updates on auto theft and other criminal investigations posted by Hamilton Police. 

 Culture and Entertainment

Looking ahead into early 2026, the TD Coliseum will host a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) takeover tour game, marking a significant sports event for Hamilton.