HAMiltonians- Ham Radio Field Day Connects Community Through the Airwaves

L to R: : Peter Hammerl, Gary Notto, Clr. Jeff Beattie, John David, Lt. Jaskaran Bahia

Councillor Jeff Beattie among participants at annual event showcasing emergency readiness and grassroots communication

HAMILTON, ON — Over the weekend of June 28–29, local amateur radio operators from across Hamilton and Burlington took part in Ham Radio Field Day 2025—an annual event that brought together radio enthusiasts, public officials, and curious community members for two days of real-time broadcasting, technical demonstrations, and emergency simulation.

Also known as “amateur radio,” Ham radio is more than a hobby—it is a vital communication tool used in times of disaster, when internet or cellular networks fail. It allows licensed individuals to transmit voice, data, and images using radio frequencies across short or long distances, without the need for commercial infrastructure.

Participants set up temporary stations in outdoor public spaces, operating on emergency power sources and using portable antennas. The event served as both a social gathering and a test of readiness, reinforcing the role amateur radio plays in emergency response networks. As with last year, this year’s Field Day was once again a joint effort between the Canadian military and members of the Hamilton Amateur Radio Club. This successful collaboration was made possible through the leadership and coordination of Club members Gary Notto and John David and the receptiveness of Lt. Jaskaran Bahia.

Ham radio offers numerous benefits:

Emergency resilience: Operators can function off-grid during natural disasters.
Lifelong learning: It fosters technical skills in electronics, physics, and communication.
Community service: Hams assist with public events, crisis response, and international goodwill.

To become a licensed amateur radio operator in Canada, individuals must pass the Canadian Amateur Radio Basic Exam, which covers electronics theory, safety regulations, and operating protocols. 

One of the event’s highlights was a visit from Ward 10 Councillor Jeff Beattie, who engaged with operators, learned about the equipment, and even had an on-air communication. His presence underscored the importance of amateur radio in civic preparedness and community-building. This was Jeff''s second field day, having participated in 2024 as well. 

Peter Hammerl, President of the Hamilton Amateur Radio Club stated" Field day is a great opportunity for operators and non operators to learn about amateur radio. It is a great hobby and an important part of emergency preparedness. The Hamilton Amateur Radio Club encourages new members and can assist you in obtaining your license. " 

For those interested in exploring the hobby or earning their own call sign, local amateur radio clubs and the RAC offer training, mentorship, and exam preparation,  the Hamilton Amateur Radio Club website can be found here. 

Even in a digital age, Ham radio remains a powerful tool for connection, learning, and public safety—and Field Day 2025 proved just that.

For more information about writing your exam, click here. 

Treading Water. Still No Resolution

 The latest from the Union;

The parties met Friday after the union provided documents to settle which included binding arbitration with condition on scope, a return to work protocol and a memorandum of settlement. All were rejected by the City of Hamilton. It is clear and obvious that the City only desires a meeting every few weeks to check a box and state publicly the parties met. However, there appears to be no desire to settle and it borders on bad faith bargaining. The union is considering an Unfair Labour Practice complaint application to the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

The City of Hamilton cares nothing about wasted tax dollars because it’s unlimited funds and not their money. The Mayor and council care little if at all about delayed buses, garbage pick up, traffic congestion, hidden costs like overtime, lost production of city staff, infrastructure repairs. They care little for burn out of staff having to “live” at the facility. No water, murky water, no pressure, no problem for the Mayor and City council as long as it is not their water. 

Settlement talks ended abruptly with no response to union documents. It is also clear and obvious, the City Manager states “we are offering a fair settlement for the workers and being fiscally responsible to taxpayers” neither one is truthful.

Mayor Horwath states unequivocally drinking water is safe, a statement she cannot make either.

We desire to return to work with internal parity and that is the only fair outcome. There is a severe disconnect of communication between council, the Executive Director of Human Resources and the negotiating team. Each telling a very different story on resolution when spoken to. The process has been frustrating, unfair and costly to taxpayers.
Yesterday we informed the City of Hamilton to call when a serious offer addressing all aspects of a return to work will be presented and a new team of senior staff decision makers will be in attendance.

Binding arbitration on the question of pay equity not pattern bargaining is the fair and just resolution but not to the City of Hamilton.

Greg Hoath
Business Manager IUOE 772

Mayor Horwath- on Police Charter Issues

Mayor Horwath:

Preamble:

In light of recent concerns raised about Hamilton Police Services Board transparency, oversight of Charter rights violations by officers, and the board’s handling of related public communications — including the issuance of a press release that has drawn public criticism — The Hamiltonian is seeking clarity and leadership from the board and its members.

We respectfully ask Mayor Horwath, as a member of the police board and the city’s elected leader, the following:

1. Mayor Horwath, given that unchecked Charter violations can erode public trust in policing, do you believe the current level of public reporting and transparency on these matters by the board and police service is sufficient — and if not, would you support stronger, public-facing oversight mechanisms moving forward?

2. There is public concern that the board’s recent press release on Charter oversight was issued without a clear record of who authored it, and without direct responses from board members, including yourself. In the interest of transparency and accountability, would you commit to ensuring that future communications on matters of public concern — such as Charter violations — are more transparent about authorship and subject to open board discussion before release?

Mayor Horwath responded:

The Board Chair is the designated spokesperson for the Hamilton Police Services Board and speaks on behalf of the Board on matters such as this. I can share that I remain committed to strengthening its governance practices and welcome opportunities for continuous improvement.

The Hamiltonian’s Position and Questions to Move the Water Dispute Forward

Once again, we want to clearly state: The Hamiltonian is not taking sides in the ongoing labour dispute between the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA). Our position is—and always has been—on the side of Hamiltonians.

Hamiltonians deserve a swift and fair resolution to this matter, and the continued assurance that their water systems are operated by a full complement of qualified, licensed, and dedicated professionals.

To that end, we have submitted the following questions to both City Manager Ms. Marnie Cluckie and union representative Mr. Greg Hoath via email, and are publishing them here publicly in the spirit of open dialogue and public accountability.

Ms. Cluckie is under no obligation to respond. We respect her right to reply or decline in whatever manner she deems appropriate. That said, it is clear that the dispute remains at a standstill. While official statements and press releases are a necessary part of the process, at this stage they appear to be further entrenching positions rather than bringing resolution.

To date, Mr. Hoath has engaged more directly with The Hamiltonian.

The following questions are posed with a view to moving this matter forward—if the parties are willing to consider them.

Questions for City Manager Marnie Cluckie

1. Given HOWEA’s stated concerns about internal pay equity and the higher level of licensing required for their roles compared to other City classifications (such as electricians and millwrights), would the City consider a third-party job evaluation or pay equity audit to independently determine whether the wage disparities are justified?

If yes, would the City consider temporarily returning workers to their jobs under a bridge agreement—pending the outcome of such a review—while preserving HOWEA’s right to resume strike action should the process break down?

This question reflects the reality that in disputes between a large public institution and a relatively small bargaining unit, the City has the capacity to outlast workers who rely on their wages to support their families. This is not unique to Hamilton—but it is inequitable.

2. HOWEA claims the cost to settle is significantly less than the ongoing cost of the strike. Can the City confirm the current and projected costs of strike-related contingencies and explain why this path is preferable to a settlement—particularly if the estimated cost difference is less than $500,000?

The Hamiltonian previously proposed a compromise model that could allow the City to preserve its principle of pattern bargaining while acknowledging the unique qualifications of this specialized workforce. Is such an approach  being considered? We have asked this question in the past and received no response. 

Question for Greg Hoath, HOWEA

1. The City maintains that HOWEA-represented positions are not comparable to those represented by CUPE 5167. You’ve claimed otherwise, citing significantly higher licensing and responsibilities. Would the union support an independent classification and compensation review to evaluate and validate your position—as suggested in our question to Ms. Cluckie?

Such a review could add credibility to the union’s case and provide the public with a clearer understanding of the dispute’s core issues.

Note: The Hamiltonian is not an arbitrator, nor are we attempting to insert ourselves in that role. Our intent is to offer clear, good-faith questions in the public interest. Hamiltonians deserve clarity, accountability, and progress.

We will publish any responses we receive. 

Union's Response to Cluckie

Further to the City Manager Marnie Cluck's press release, found below and here:, The Hamiltonian reached out to Greg Hoath for the union's reaction to it. Mr. Hoath advised as follows:

Once again ignorance is bliss. The labour disruption was a foregone conclusion of bargaining since the last round of bargaining in 2020 when the IUOE Local 772 issued notice to the City of Hamilton. We would have 2 issues of fairness that came from the disastrous privatization deal with Philip Utilities, Azurix, and finally American Water.

The two issues were an outdated antiquated system of certification achievement and reward. A system that never worked one day but negated any efforts of employees to achieve higher certifications and wages. The other was market parity of $5-$6 per hour and at a minimum, internal parity, pay equity of $3 per hour. The City Manager is correct about one aspect, the jobs are not the same. In fact, the Water Distribution Operator or Wastewater Collection Operator require one, Level 1 Ontario license. The IUOE plant Water Wastewater Operators require the same license at Level 3 in addition to Level 3 licenses in 3 other disciplines. We have licensed Instrumentation Techs, Electricians and Millwrights, same City classifications are $5-$6 per hour more. 

The City Manager is correct, the jobs are not the same, we should be higher paid. However, we have taken a reasonable position of internal pay equity. Our position was the same 20 years ago in 2005 when the City of Hamilton decided to return the plant to public control. A decision we applauded but not today. We have remained steadfast in our position of fairness. Employers have long abandoned pattern bargaining as the end all, as employers have needed to recognize differences as they experience difficulty in attraction and retention of skilled certified workers. We have a revolving door in such an essential public service as drinking water safety and environmental protection. The City needs to leave the stone age behind, abandon the idea that one settlement fits all, recognize parity unique to this bargaining unit, and settle now. The City has always said what CUPE gets, you all get. 

This is not about fairness or fiscal responsibility to taxpayers as they waste more on a labour disruption, nor is it about good faith bargaining, this is about politics. “What will we tell CUPE at the next round of bargaining?” We suggested the truth - pay equity. 

The City cannot guarantee water is safe as they have been less than forthcoming on brown water, no water, water main breaks, odours, high sodium content and so on.

We believe Mayor Horwath has forgot her roots, once supportive of labour now dismissive and the City Manager is out of touch with reality in this matter. The parties are returning to the table on Friday but our resolve is as strong as ever and to be clear this labour disruption is a failure of the City Human Resources, City Management, Mayor Horwath and City Council.

Would you think it to be fair if a Nurse was paid less than a PSW? If not, call council and demand a settlement that’s good for workers, for staffing and for the taxpayer. Would you accept millions of tax dollars to be spent on keeping workers out while the settlement costs $300000? If not, call council and demand they settle and stop wasting scarce tax dollars. Fifty four licensed certified Water Wastewater and Trades remain on a picket line. Our apologies to the public for any impact you have experienced, we would rather be at work. Your understanding is appreciated.

Statement from City Manager Marnie Cluckie on the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA) labour disruption

HAMILTON, ON – I want to follow up on my June 12, 2025, statement about the ongoing labour disruption with the City’s Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA). As of today (June 25, 2025), the disruption is in its seventh week.

As I have maintained since the start of this strike, the City remains committed to reaching a fair and fiscally responsible agreement – both for HOWEA members and for Hamilton taxpayers.

Bargaining mandate

The City has continued to reach out to HOWEA, including initiating both the May 26 and June 13, 2025, meetings to resolve the outstanding issues within the City’s bargaining mandate. This same mandate has already been used to successfully reach agreements with eight other City unions, covering over six thousand employees in hundreds of different job classifications.

Unfortunately, HOWEA has continued to reject the City’s offers to negotiate and discuss options and has continued to restate its demands.

City’s offer

The City’s last offer addressed many of the union’s long-term concerns, including a request for a new wage schedule, with resulting wage increases of up to 6-10% for most employees, and an average of 4.72% across all employees in the first year of the contract alone. The City’s offer also addressed the union’s request to make it easier and faster for employees to achieve the top rate of their band, and re-worked premium incentives for those who choose to pursue higher certifications to be paid in addition to their base rate. This offer was a unique solution to address most of the specific requests expressed by HOWEA.

HOWEA has maintained that ALL its demands must be met. HOWEA also continues to make claims – through media, social media and picketing – that the City refuses to negotiate and that the City’s offers are not equitable. This is not accurate.

Outstanding issues

The last bargaining session on June 13, 2025, was unsuccessful. The remaining key issue is HOWEA’s demand for wage parity related to positions represented by CUPE 5167, another City union. The two positions are not comparable. They are different positions, doing different work, with different job descriptions and responsibilities.

HOWEA has said they will not accept any resolution unless they are guaranteed the same wages as the CUPE-represented position.

The City continues to work with a Ministry appointed Conciliator and has scheduled a meeting with HOWEA on Friday, June 27, 2025. The City is committed to continuing to communicate openly and transparently.
Thank you, Hamilton residents

My sincere thanks to Hamiltonians for your continued patience during this prolonged disruption, and for any inconvenience caused by picketing action – from delays to public transportation to accessing City facilities.

Most importantly, please know that your water remains safe. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) conducted a review stemming from water quality complaints in Ward 10 and confirmed that there are no issues with regulatory compliance or public safety. The City is also continuing to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of critical water, wastewater and stormwater services to the community.

Commitment

Let me end by reaffirming the City’s commitment to the collective bargaining process. Let’s work together to reach a fair and reasonable renewed collective agreement ahead of the Canada Day holiday.

A Rough Introduction to the Ambitious City

You are a new visitor to Hamilton. As you drive along York Boulevard toward the heart of the city, you’re greeted by the grandeur of Dundurn Castle—a stately 40-room neoclassical mansion built between 1832 and 1835 by Sir Allan Napier MacNab. The sun is shining, and as Bryan Adams’ Summer of ’69 plays in your car, you feel hopeful and intrigued by what “The Ambitious City” might offer.

But just moments later, that optimism is abruptly interrupted. What confronts you next is an  unsightly sign for the Hamilton City Centre. Rough in appearance, with green and white lettering that looks beaten and a facade marred by graffiti and splotched paint, the building projects anything but ambition. It feels abandoned by both its owners and the city.

The Hamilton City Centre building is owned by in8developments. The Hamiltonian reached out to Darryl Firsten of in8developmemnts. Here is our Q/A:

Dear Mr. Firsten

We are reaching out with respect to  the condition of the Hamilton City Centre property, located at the corner of Wilson Street and James Street North—an area of high visibility and significance as a major gateway into downtown Hamilton via York Boulevard.

We are particularly concerned about the deteriorated condition of the "Hamilton City Centre" sign, which is stained, visibly damaged, and presents an unkept appearance. As this signage is one of the first impressions for those entering the downtown core, its current state sends an unfortunate and misleading message about our city.

While there are additional areas of concern on the property—such as visible graffiti and signs of general neglect—we believe that restoring the sign and addressing other visible blights would represent a meaningful step toward responsible stewardship  We have attached a photograph to help illustrate the issue.

Our questions are as follows: 

Will IN8 Developments undertake the necessary steps to restore or replace the deteriorated Hamilton City Centre signage to ensure it presents a clean and well-maintained appearance? 

Additionally, are there other measures your organization is prepared to implement to address issues such as graffiti and other visible signs of neglect on the building’s exterior?

Mr. Firsten responded as follows:

As soon as market conditions improve, we intend to knock the building down and put up some spectacular towers. In the meantime, we are doing our best to deal with the graffiti that is occurring on the building.

The Hamiltonian posed the following follow up questions:

Could you please provide a more specific timeline or market conditions you are monitoring that would signal when demolition and redevelopment could realistically begin?

In the interim, can you outline any immediate steps IN8 Developments plans to take this summer to improve the public-facing condition of the site—including the damaged “Hamilton City Centre” signage?

Is IN8 Developments currently working with the City of Hamilton or any local organizations to ensure that the property does not become an ongoing source of concern or blight for the downtown ?

Mr. Firsten responded as follows:

We need a viable condo market strong enough to sell enough units to meet a bank's pre-sale test. This provides us with the bank financing required to build the first tower. Regretfully, the market is not there right now, and it could be a little while till it gets there.

We have actually contracted with a local art exhibition to do a massive installation on the exterior walls of the building. They should be starting their work very very soon. This will clean up much of the facade.

While The Hamiltonian understands that In8developments cannot control the market, what is less understandable is how such a prominent site has been allowed to stand in disrepair. Given its high visibility in a central location, surely the city and property owners could work together to at least maintain a presentable facade in the interim. To the City and In8developments- you need to do better. The Hamiltonian will monitor these efforts and we wish Mr. Firsten all the best in getting this done. 

Respectfully,
The Hamiltonian

Wastewater Infrastructure, Sewage and Lessons Learned from 24 Billion Litre Spill

Given that Hamilton is currently in the midst of a water workers' strike, the timing of the following Q\&A with Nick Winters, Director of Hamilton Water, may seem somewhat awkward. However, we believe the information shared in this piece remains highly informative and of value to our readers. We extend our thanks to Nick for engaging with Hamiltonians through The Hamiltonian.

What major upgrades or investments have been made in Hamilton’s wastewater infrastructure in the past five years?

As part of the City’s continued commitment to our critical water operations, over the past three years, Council has approved over $856 million in capital investments to our water, wastewater, and stormwater systems; including treatment plants, pumping stations and distribution networks. These investments help ensure continued delivery of clean, safe drinking water and ensure our systems are operating reliably.

Examples of these investments include:

Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades

The completion of the $340-million Woodward Upgrade Project is a significant milestone towards the restoration of Hamilton Harbour, a designated Area of Concern under the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

With all three levels of government partnering in the project, the upgrades add up to one of the largest environmental projects in the region. For example, the project is reducing the total phosphorus reaching Hamilton Harbour by approximately 500 tonnes over a 10-year period.

More information on the upgrades can be found here: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/environmental-stewardship/our-harbour/completed-clean-harbour-projects#woodward-wastewater-treatment-plant-upgrades

Phase 2 of the Real Time Control Project

This project consists of sites across Hamilton reducing storm and wastewater overflows into sensitive waterways, such as Cootes Paradise and Red Hill Creek. The results of the project have been significant. Advanced computer software responds to sensors that measure factors such as flow, level, pressure and rainfall, real-time controls operate gates, weirs, chambers, and pumping stations to optimize the wastewater system. These responses and adaptations occur in real-time strengthening the City’s ability to protect the water quality of Hamilton Harbour.

City-wide Sewer Separation

Hamilton is planning a long-term, city-wide sewer separation project to address issues brought on by the City’s century’s-old combined sewer system . The project involves separating the combined sewer system, which currently carries both sewage and stormwater, into separate systems for each. This separation will reduce the risk of flooding and environmental damage.

Airport Employment Growth District (AEGD) –

To ensure we have the infrastructure to build more homes and create jobs, wastewater upgrades continue in the Airport Employment Growth District.

More information can be found here: https://pub-hamilton.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=242305 https://www.hamilton.ca/build-invest-grow/planning-development/official-plan/secondary-plans/airport-employment-growth

 How is the city addressing vulnerabilities in stormwater and sewage systems in light of increasingly extreme weather events?

The City of Hamilton is taking a proactive approach to strengthen its wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in response to more frequent and intense weather events.

As part of the Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades completed in 2024, a new Main Pumping Station was constructed with significantly increased capacity. This upgraded Station now provides 1.7 billion litres per day of pumping capacity, in line with the capacity of sewers flowing into the Plant. A deeper and larger wet well was also added to improve system storage and help mitigate the risk of flooding in Hamilton’s wastewater system. More information on the upgrades can be found here:. https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/environmental-stewardship/our-harbour/completed-clean-harbour-projects#woodward-wastewater-treatment-plant-upgrades

As a continuation of the recently completed Upgrades Project, the City is currently in the early design phase of the Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 2 Expansion Project which will further enhance the City’s resiliency to extreme weather events. The expansion will provide more protection to our natural environment when there are incidents involving significant volumes of precipitation. The protection will include greater capacity to provide enhanced treatment to storm and wastewater flows when the Treatment Plant is receiving high volumes. More information on the expansion can be found here:https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/environmental-stewardship/our-harbour/woodward-wastewater-treatment-plant

Watershed and Water Infrastructure Planning also play a role in future preparedness.

Examples include:The Watershed Action Plan outlines strategies to improve watershed health and supports efforts to delist Hamilton Harbour as an International Joint Commission Area of Concern.
The Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Master Plan is a comprehensive infrastructure planning tool that supports long-term resiliency by addressing infrastructure needs in alignment with population growth and environmental goals.

What was learned from previous incidents, such as the 24-billion-litre sewage spill, and how has the City changed its oversight or maintenance practices since?

Since the Chedoke Creek spill, the City of Hamilton has worked closely with Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to investigate the incident and comply with a series of environmental orders. This has included targeted dredging in Chedoke Creek and initiatives aimed at improving the ecological health of Cootes Paradise.

In response to the spill, the City has taken several corrective and preventative steps to strengthen oversight and protect Hamilton’s watersheds. These include:

Enhanced operator training
Improved maintenance oversight
Creation of a surface water quality monitoring program
Development of a Watershed Action Plan to protect, restore and enhance natural resources, and guide long-term environmental stewardship

These actions reflect the City’s commitment to learning from past incidents and ensuring stronger environmental protections going forward.

More information about the spill and ongoing remediation efforts is available here: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/environmental-stewardship/chedoke-creek-remediation/chedoke-creek-spill.

Is Hamilton meeting or exceeding provincial or federal standards for wastewater treatment and discharge in 2025?

The City of Hamilton is meeting all federal and provincial regulatory requirements. From an Environmental Compliance Approval perspective, both the Woodward and Dundas Wastewater Treatment Plants are operating in full compliance. The City remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of environmental protection in the operation of its wastewater facilities.

A copy of the 2024 Wastewater Facilities Report, submitted to Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, is available here: https://www.hamilton.ca/sites/default/files/2025-04/wastewatercollection-wastewater-facilities-annual-report-2024.pdf

What role does climate change play in current infrastructure planning, and are there risk assessments in place for future flooding or system failure?

A Term of Council Priority, climate change plays a critical role in shaping the City’s infrastructure planning and capital project development to strengthen our community’s climate resilience and readiness. The City builds in climate considerations into the design and construction phase of all major infrastructure projects, guided by strategic frameworks such as the Community Energy and Emissions Plan, the Climate Change Impact Adaptation Plan, and the Corporate Energy and Sustainability Policy.

To further safeguard the community against climate-related risks:Floodplain compliance is a key requirement. All infrastructure projects must adhere to Hamilton Conservation Authority’s floodplain regulations, ensuring developments are designed with resilience to flooding and stormwater impacts in mind.

The Main Pumping Station at the Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant has been upgraded to handle greater wet weather flow, improving the City's ability to manage intense rainfall and prevent system backups during extreme weather events.

As part of ongoing climate risk assessment, the City reviews its rainfall design standards every five years through the Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) Curves Review, which helps ensure that stormwater infrastructure remains prepared in the face of updated climate data and projected rainfall patterns.
City of Hamilton’s Public Works Department uses a “climate lens” for all projects, ensuring that every City project characterizes their climate benefits or potential impacts.

Additional resources:

· Hamilton’s Community Energy and Emissions Plan: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/environmental-stewardship/environmental-plans-strategies/hamiltons-climate-0

· Hamilton’s Climate Change Action Strategy: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/environmental-stewardship/environmental-plans-strategies/hamiltons-climate

· Hamilton’s Climate Change Impact Adaptation Plan: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/environmental-stewardship/environmental-plans-strategies/hamiltons-climate-1

· Hamilton’s Corporate Energy and Sustainability Policy: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/environmental-stewardship/environmental-plans-strategies/office-energy

How does the City engage with residents to ensure transparency and accountability regarding wastewater management?

To continue to build trust, the City of Hamilton is committed to engaging residents in meaningful, transparent, and accountable ways when it comes to wastewater management. With communication channels, education, digital platforms, and public consultation processes, the City has a suite of tools to ensure residents are informed and involved.

One example of a public awareness tool includes the City’s Sewer Inspection Program page, which outlines ongoing efforts to monitor and maintain sewer infrastructure. This provides residents with a better understanding of how the City maintains and improves the sewer system and reduces environmental risks.

The City uses a variety of educational tools to inform residents about their role in protecting water quality. These include dedicated webpages such as Beware the Berg and Own Your Throne, which promote responsible at-home wastewater practices.

The City has also recently introduced social media channels dedicated to City water and wastewater initiatives, and providing tips and alerts.

Additionally, the City delivers in-school programming and participates in community events to build awareness across all age groups.

For major capital upgrades, the City consults directly with affected neighbourhoods and establishes Community Liaison Committees to ensure ongoing meaningful listening and dialogue.

Through the Engage Hamilton platform, residents can participate in Environmental Assessment processes and other large-scale initiatives, such as the Watershed Action Plan, ensuring community voices are heard in long-term planning.

We know there’s more work to do in strengthening outreach efforts and listening opportunities with neighbourhoods across the community, and these efforts will be enhanced as part of the Mayor’s Task Force on Transparency, Access, and Accountability.

Is there a long-term resiliency plan or green infrastructure strategy in place to support environmental sustainability?

Yes, the City of Hamilton has implemented multiple long-term plans and guidelines that prioritize green infrastructure, climate resilience and nature-based solutions into its growth and asset management strategies.

Green Infrastructure and Planning Standards

In October 2024, Council approved the Green Standards and Guidelines for Site Servicing, a framework that prioritizes on-site stormwater management through green infrastructure, low-impact development , and natural assets. The Green Standards and Guidelines defines green infrastructure as both natural and built features—such as permeable pavements, green roofs, street trees, wetlands, and forests—that deliver ecological and hydrological benefits. Low-impact development are engineered practices, such as infiltration systems, that minimize stormwater runoff at its source, complementing natural features.

Natural Asset Management

The 2024 Natural Asset Management Plan provides a roadmap for identifying, managing, and valuing the City’s natural assets, aligning with Provincial regulations under O.Reg 588/17.

Through this initiative, the City is developing an inventory and conducting lifecycle activities for green infrastructure elements like wetlands, woodlands, and watercourses.

Watershed and Water Infrastructure Planning

The Watershed Action Plan outlines strategies to improve watershed health and supports efforts to delist Hamilton Harbour as an International Joint Commission Area of Concern.

The Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Master Plan is a comprehensive infrastructure planning tool that supports long-term resiliency by addressing infrastructure needs in alignment with population growth and environmental goals.

These strategies as a whole reflect the City’s commitment to sustainable development, climate adaptation, and responsible management of both built and natural water systems.

How does Hamilton’s infrastructure compare with that of other cities in Ontario when it comes to resiliency and innovation?

While the City faces challenges common to older urban centres, we have taken significant steps to modernize systems, invest in sustainable technologies and lead the province in several key areas of infrastructure resiliency.

Legacy System with Modern Challenges

Hamilton’s water and wastewater system has served the community for more than 150 years.

Like other historic cities in Ontario, Hamilton faces challenges related to aging infrastructure, including the presence of combined sewer systems that require continuous maintenance and strategic upgrades to reduce overflows and protect water quality. The City is actively addressing these issues through ongoing capital reinvestment and modernization efforts.

Provincial and Global Leadership in Wastewater Innovation

The Woodward Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant is the largest tertiary treatment plant in Ontario and hosts the largest tertiary disk filtration system in the world. This advanced treatment system significantly improves effluent quality, contributing to the environmental health of Hamilton Harbour and Lake Ontario.

Sustainability through Biogas and Energy Recovery

Hamilton has invested in renewable energy solutions through its biogas cogeneration system, which produces 1.6 MW of electricity annually, helping offset energy use by the City’s water and wastewater treatment plants on Woodward Ave and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The City also operates a Biogas Purification System, which allows purified biogas to be injected into the Enbridge natural gas grid, creating a closed-loop system that reuses waste as energy.

Recognition for Resilience and Proactive Monitoring

Hamilton has earned awards for its innovative approaches, including:Proactive leak detection to reduce water loss and extend infrastructure lifespan.Stormwater pond drone bathymetry surveys to better understand sediment build-up in stormwater ponds and improve flooding resilience.Sewer Inspection and Sampling Program, an industry-leading initiative that uses water quality indicators (such as caffeine) to find and fix issues in our combined sewer system.

Media Release from Fire Chief David Cunliffe

At approximately 11:59 p.m. today (Sunday June 22,2025) the Hamilton Fire Department received a report of a residential structure fire at 29 Mons Ave, near Avondale in Hamilton’s east end. On arrival firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames venting from the second-floor windows of a two-storey home, with flames lapping up to the attic and roof area.

 Firefighters immediately made entry into the house and advanced to the second floor to begin search and rescue and firefighting operations. While conducting search operations on the second floor, firefighters were alerted that there was an occupant of the house unaccounted for. Quickly firefighters found the unaccounted resident who had unfortunately succumbed to their injuries.

 The fire was quickly brought under control. There was no one else was at home at the time of the fire. At this time on behalf of all the members of the Hamilton Fire Department

 I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family members and friends impacted by today’s fire. The Office of the Fire Marshal has been notified and is responding to assist the Hamilton Police Service with the investigation. A neighbour who had attempted to enter the home, a couple of times prior to the Fire Department’s arrival, was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. No other injuries have been reported to firefighters or civilians. At this time damage to the home is estimated to be approximately $500,000.00.