Media Release: City of Hamilton- Hamilton's Water Quality

Ministry review confirms no issues with City of Hamilton’s water quality and safety

HAMILTON, ON – The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has reviewed information from Hamilton Water regarding water quality complaints in Ward 10 on May 20-21, 2025. The Ministry review found no issues with regulatory compliance or public safety. These findings were communicated to the City on June 13, 2025.

The City appreciates the Ministry taking action to review and provide recommendations that will help inform future operational and emergency planning.

The MECP review stems from public complaints raised about misinformation circulated during the ongoing labour disruption between the City and the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA). The City has been working closely with MECP throughout the labour disruption, ensuring full awareness and approval on all labour disruption contingency planning.
Reports of low water pressure and quality in Ward 10

The City received some reports on May 20-21, 2025, from residents in the Stoney Creek area (Ward 10) about low water pressure and discoloured (cloudy or yellow-brown) water. In total, six low pressure complaints and four water quality complaints were reported. It is important to note that in a city with the population the size of Hamilton, these are considered low numbers.

City Staff responded immediately to these reports by flushing local water mains. The cause of the issue was related to planned work that can cause area-wide pressure changes - in this case, low pressure - and temporary discolouration. The issues are not related to the ongoing labour disruption.

“To all residents in Hamilton: please know that your water remains safe and essential services are being delivered,” said City Manager Marnie Cluckie. “I appreciate the Ministry’s review that validates there is no risk to the quality or safety of drinking water, and that the City continues to meet all regulatory requirements.”

Stay up to date on the labour disruption, including what residents need to know and frequently asked questions, on the City's website at www.hamilton.ca/LabourDisruption. 
Additional Resources:City of Hamilton labour disruption webpage
Council Communication Update: Stoney Creek Water Quality – May 20 and 21, 2025 (Ward 10)

Councillor Cameron Kroetsch Reinstated

The following is a media release issued by Councillor Cameron Kroetsch concerning the investigation conducted by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) related to his suspension.

As readers may recall, The Hamiltonian had previously expressed concern about the prolonged delay in the release of the investigation’s findings. In pursuit of accountability and transparency, we reached out to both the Inspectorate of Policing under the Ministry of the Solicitor General and to Tribunals Ontario. Shortly thereafter, the decision was communicated to the Councillor.

We are publishing Councillor Kroetsch’s statement in full, unedited, in the spirit of open and informed public discourse.

Councillor Cameron Kroetsch Returns to the Police Board

Over a year ago, on March 8, 2024, the Ontario Civilian Police Commission suspended me from the Hamilton Police Service Board. The OCPC did this to investigate a complaint filed by the Board alleging I violated its Code of Conduct.

The OCPC has now closed the investigation and their file on the matter and has reinstated me to the Board. I will be attending this month’s meeting of the Board on June 26.

This was an exhaustive investigation. The OCPC reviewed meeting minutes and emails, watched many hours of meeting videos, and conducted several interviews before reaching their decision. After 15 months, they dismissed the allegations against me stating there was either no evidence to support them or they did not rise to the level of misconduct.

I’d hoped to be able to share the OCPC’s findings with the public at the conclusion of their investigation, but the Executive Chair of Tribunals Ontario has ruled they will not be released to anyone, including myself, or the Board.

I was personally provided with a summary of the findings against me, but I’ve been cautioned not to release them by the Executive Chair. I have, however, been granted permission to share some information at a high level.

Overall, the OCPC found -

There was no evidence to support the complaints filed against me by individual members of the Board.

The motion I put forward regarding Board surpluses at the Audit, Finance and Administration Committee did not constitute misconduct.

The comments I made online, though I was cautioned against making similar comments online in the future, did not constitute misconduct.

My attendance at a rally to support the family of Erixon Kabera did not constitute misconduct.

I took my duties as a member of the Board seriously and I was an active participant in Board meetings and processes.

I consistently promoted transparency, accountability, and better governance, and I was met with resistance from the Board when attempting to do so.

I’m glad this ordeal is over. These complaints, and the subsequent investigation by the OCPC, served to silence my voice as a public representative on the Board for more than a year.

Going forward, I intend to continue to use my time on the Board as a voice for the public. It’s in everyone’s interest to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and good governance and I will not waver in my dedication to those values. I appreciate everyone who has reached out to me, supported me, and offered encouragement and care. I’m especially grateful for the legal support of my lawyer, Wade Poziomka, and fellow Board Member Anjali Menezes.

The work of standing up in the face of injustice is collective, carried by everyone in our community, and a testament to the strength and resilience Hamiltonians are known for.

Our work continues.
Cameron Kroetsch
Ward 2 City Councillor
Hamilton Police Service Board Member