After 8- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Frank Lenarduzzi

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

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

First I can't start without reflecting on the recent shooting in our community (Zen Lounge 69 Jon St S) and the tragic killings in the USA. I hope I can play a role in helping our community find solutions to these issues. I'm calling for Discipline, Structure and Compassion to address the violence we see today.

I’m not in favour of defunding the Police to spend more on Social Justice issues. I believe high youth unemployment is one contributing factor to an increase in crime We need to teach kids at an early age that gangs and gang violence is a dangerous way of life and taking a life is something you can’t undo. For those that use guns we need to make incarnations automatic to send a stronger deterrence. MP and former Olympian Adam van Koeverden grew up in social housing. His single-mom dropped him off at my former Canoe Kayak Club. The Club waived his fees and he blossomed. He attributes his success to Club discipline, structure and compassion.

Not since, Confederation has this Country faced such National Disunity. More than 150 years ago Canada had the vision to unite East & West with a Railroad. That vision forged our Country. While mistakes were made and land was acquired without permission we need to learn from the past. With indigenous support and the support of all Canadians we need a National Housing Strategy to stimulate growth and create wealth for the Nation much like the railways did. Think globally and act locally.

Housing and a predicted economic slowdown seems to be the greatest challenges facing Ward 8. We have seniors looking to downsize by planning their next retirement move, with limited options. We have high youth unemployment and those with jobs seeking to enter the housing market and we have those that recently entered the housing market only to find house prices falling and housing costs, taxes, etc increasing. The answer to all these issues is growth. Growth will lead to prosperity and prosperity will create wealth to address our social issues.

We have a plan to stimulate growth. The Harvest is plentiful. We are blessed with great lands but the labourers are few. We already started by using retired builders to teach the next generation of workers. We formed a Not-for-Profit group to build Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) anywhere. Our offer to help the City of Hamilton with the sites on the Bayfront, Lake Street in Stoney Creek, West side of Garth St

Media Release:City of Hamilton shares 2026 Budget Outlook: A plan for community well-being and affordability

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton has released its 2026 Budget Outlook, the starting point of budget discussions. The outlook represents the first step in a collaborative process. The final budget will be shaped by community voices, Council deliberations and shared priorities.

As Hamilton continues to face complex challenges, including affordability pressures, housing insecurity and infrastructure needs, the 2026 Budget Outlook lays the foundation to make future budget decisions that support residents today and into the future. This year’s budget planning is about making thoughtful choices that reflect community priorities, while maintaining affordability for all.
Understanding the budget outlook

The Budget Outlook helps Council and the public understand the choices ahead, including how service levels may influence taxes. It demonstrates the City’s commitment to balancing affordability with essential investments in core services, and it considers the ongoing impact of provincial legislative changes and the importance of long-term financial stability.

“The 2026 budget is about choices that directly affect daily life for Hamiltonians - from housing and transit to road repair and neighbourhood services,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “What Council saw today is a preliminary outlook, not the final budget. The real work will unfold over the coming months with committee debate, staff recommendations, and public input, so that the final budget best reflects what matters most to our community. In 2025, we made tangible progress in roads, transit, housing and economic development, and this year we’re building on that work to support affordability and strengthen neighbourhoods across the city. I’m committed to keeping our discussions respectful and focused on solutions - because Hamiltonians deserve clarity and constructive dialogue.”

The Budget Outlook identifies six key areas where investment is critical to building a resilient and inclusive Hamilton:Infrastructure Enhancement

• Public Health and Safety
• Economic Stability and Development
• Responding to the Housing Crisis
• Advancing Customer Experience and Transparency
• Building Better and Stronger

“The Budget Outlook lays out the pressures we face and how those pressures shape the choices ahead. Budgets are, at their core, about daily life in Hamilton: the roads we drive on, the transit we take, and the neighbourhood services we rely on. This outlook is the starting point for an open and transparent conversation with residents and Council about how we balance those needs, today and for the future,” said City Manager Marnie Cluckie. “To get this right, we’re seeking even more feedback from residents to ensure the 2026 budget truly reflects their needs and priorities.”
Public engagement opportunities

This year, the City is providing more opportunities than ever for residents to share their priorities. Public engagement opportunities will run from September 15 to October 10, 2025, offering residents multiple ways to share feedback before final decisions are made. These include:In-person sessions across the City
A citywide virtual session
An online survey
Access to the interactive Balancing Act Budget Tool.

Resident feedback will help inform the budget planning and more details for residents will be made available in the near future.

Quick Facts:The 2026 Budget Outlook is a forecast, not a finalized budget. It highlights financial challenges, investment priorities and economic trends that guide Hamilton’s budget.
We will focus on infrastructure enhancement, public health and safety, economic stability and development, responding to the housing crisis, advancing customer experience and transparency and building better and stronger.

Residents can help shape the 2026 budget through various engagement opportunities this fall.

Additional Resources:Report: General Issues Committee (Budget) Report FCS25036 | September 11, 2025
Web page: City of Hamilton Budget 101

Ward 8 Bi Election

 For information on how to vote in the upcoming bi-election, click here. 

After 8- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Colleen Wicken

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

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

At the doors I hear two concerns over and over: rising taxes without visible improvements, and safety on our streets. Residents are paying more but still navigating pothole-ridden roads and cancelled projects. I will push for a reprioritization of infrastructure spending so tax dollars are felt in our neighbourhoods. On safety, Division 30 police are stretched too thin. I will use my experience and strong relationships with Hamilton Police to advocate for the long-planned Division 40 and for more immediate local coverage. I will also press for better lighting and maintenance of our pathways so families feel safe using them.

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? 

The LRT project has ballooned from $1 billion to more than $3.5 billion while many small businesses and mountain commuters see no benefit. I believe those funds should go toward priorities like hospital upgrades, repurposed buildings for affordable housing, and a true north–south transit corridor connecting the airport and downtown. Hamilton faces a severe housing shortage, a deteriorating core, and growing number of unhoused. I will work with all levels of government and local agencies to create longer-term solutions while ensuring short-term needs like warming centres are met.

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

In a word: experience. I’ve lived on West 3rd Street for 40 years, walked every neighbourhood, and understand the real issues beyond gated communities. For 30 years I’ve volunteered with programs like Hamilton Out of the Cold, which served over 33,000 meals last winter. As Executive Assistant in the Ward 8 office for 11 years, I managed budgets, community outreach, and worked directly with city staff to solve problems. My role on the Police Superintendent’s Advisory Committee gave me insight into frontline safety issues. No other candidate combines lived experience, community service, and City Hall know-how like I do.

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

If elected, I will “Bring City Hall to the People” through monthly Saturday meet-and-greets, community BBQs, movie nights, and winter events to reconnect neighbours. I will also work to launch breakfast programs in Ward 8 schools—no child should start the day hungry. I believe in open, transparent, and accessible leadership, and I welcome residents to reach me anytime at wicken4ward8@yahoo.com or at 905-389-7255 between 5 to 9 p.m.

After 8- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Andrew Fedurko

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

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

The greatest challenges facing Ward 8 are housing growth, traffic and road safety, and access to services. Developments like those on Upper Wellington and Caledon show the pressure to add housing, but without proper planning we risk overwhelming schools, roads, and transit. Traffic congestion and excessive vehicle noise on Upper James, Mohawk, Garth, and Upper Paradise continue to frustrate residents and reduce quality of life. Accessibility is another major concern, whether it is for seniors, youth, or those with mobility challenges. We saw this with poorly planned road expansions and short-term fixes that only shifted the problem instead of solving it.

My approach is not to make promises that sound good, but to build solutions that actually work. I have done this in Ward 8 already, through my work with Femme Gaming where I helped create inclusive and accessible programs for youth who are often excluded from mainstream spaces, and through my partnerships with the YMCA where we raised significant funds for youth programs on the Mountain and also supported their downtown men’s and women’s programs through both fundraising and food drives. These efforts were not restricted by gender or demographic, they were about ensuring every resident had access to the supports they need. I will bring this same model to City Hall, combining program development experience with transparent reporting through a public dashboard so residents can see decisions, spending, and outcomes in real time.

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?

Across Hamilton, the biggest issues are housing affordability, climate resilience, and transparency in

After 8- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Barry Quinn

As we continue with our After 8 coverage of Ward 8 Councillor candidates, enjoy our chat with Barry Quinn

What do you believe are the greatest challenges that face Ward 8, and what will you do to address them?  Issues in the ward: safety and police presence.  Someone was killed in the ward by stray gunfire.

Overdevelopment is occurring in the ward. Council needs to stand firm. Speeding is an issue. High taxes is an issue. Public transit is an issue and the condition of our roads needs attention. I will use my experience to tackle all of these issues. I have public elected experience and common sense.  An increased Police presence is needed for Hamilton Ward 8 and all of the Mountain and I will press for Community Policing and the monitoring and enforcement of speeds in residential areas. I will do a street by street analysis of Ward 8 to determine needs for roads and sidewalk servicing and repair then work with staff and budgets to deliver results.  I will insure residents affected by future development are well informed of proposed development and work on their behalf to lessen the impact of the development on their community. 

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? 

The issues city-wide are similar to those in the ward. Rampant overdevelopment negatively affecting neighbourhoods is a problem. Safety and gunfire are out of control. Wasteful spending and encampments are an issue. Wasting money needs to stop. We need to stop spending large amounts of taxpayer dollars on studies that can and should be done in house, we have the qualified staff to do that.  Council needs mature leadership rather than ideology to solve our problems. Road infratructure is lacking. We spend millions on

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

After 8- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Scott Duvall

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

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

Speaking with residents before and during this campaign, the number one issue I have heard is affordability. Residents cannot afford any more double-digit tax increases. Especially frustrating, is the lack of improvements to city services from these tax increases. I intend to find savings during the budget process by looking at department spending, overlaps and the constant use of consultants when we could utilize the talents of our own city staff.

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?

Residents across the City of Hamilton are fed up with the double-digit tax increases, lack of affordable housing, crumbling streets, crime. We need to get folks off the street and there are more affordable options out there then purchasing so-called tiny homes from China. We must make sure our seniors are not priced out of their homes, and get young families into truly affordable homes. We need to work with our police to prevent crime and make our roadways safer. I will be a strong advocate at the provincial and federal level demanding bail and sentencing reform.

We need to cut the bloat in City spending, the endless studies and hiring of consultants must end. Council and staff must clearly define wants vs. needs and learn how to say No!

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

I am an experienced former Hamilton Mountain City Councillor and Hamilton Mountain Federal MP. I can hit the ground running; it won’t take me a year to get up to speed on the operations of City Hall. I can understand a city budget and I know how to find the savings!

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

I’m a former Labour Union President, City Councillor, Federal Member of Parliament. Like our City, I am rooted in Steel, and already have a track record for active listening, steadfast accountability and advocacy on behalf of seniors, business owners, people living with disabilities, hard working families and youth. I am ready to bring sensibility, accountability and basic common sense back to City Hall.

Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns: Tel: 289-689-3446, scottduvallcampaign@gmail.com

After 8- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Anthony Frisina

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

What do you believe are the greatest challenges that face Ward 8, and what will you do to address them? The primary concerns in Ward 8 include pedestrian safety and safety within school zones. 

Many roads in the area, such as Limeridge and Lynbrook, require repairs to improve overall safety. Additionally, ensuring the well-being of Hamilton residents is a top priority. We must take immediate action to address homelessness and provide supportive housing solutions. It is essential to create a safe environment for residents to navigate the streets, improve lighting in dark areas at night, and restore confidence within the community. Supporting victims through enhanced mental health services and EMS is also critical. Our goal is to rebuild a Hamilton where all residents feel secure and included, rather than excluded or marginalized. Ensuring affordability for essentials such as housing, food, and transportation is vital—focusing on increasing opportunities and resources rather than reducing individual wealth.

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 of those problems? 

Everyone is entitled to access to basic necessities such as adequate housing, nutritious food, and reliable transportation, all in a respectful and dignified manner. As a council, we have a responsibility to proactively address the needs of Hamilton's residents, working towards a community that offers opportunity and well-being for all, rather than solely serving as a destination for visitors.

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

Throughout my life, I have consistently overcome challenges and adversity from an early age, managing a visible physical disability while breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. My perspective and approach differ from those of other candidates currently on the ballot. I have learned that there are multiple ways to achieve a goal, and I bring a diverse set of skills and strategies—both tangible and intangible—that uniquely qualify me to serve Ward 8.

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

When I am not working at Mohawk College, McMaster University, speaking, consulting, representing Above & Beyond or volunteering in the community, you'll often see me in the summer months at Hamilton Stadium, watching Hamilton's beloved Ticats! Hopefully, 2025 is the year we finally bring home the Grey Cup!

After 8- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Caleb Bosveld

As we continue with our After 8 coverage of Ward 8 Councillor candidates, enjoy our chat with Caleb Bosveld

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

People have lost trust in City Hall. They've lost trust in the City's ability to manage taxpayer money, to get things done, to deal with pressing issues like crime and affordability and homelessness. Ward 8 has seen significant increases in property and violent crime over the past few years. Property taxes keep rising and yet it seems the condition of City infrastructure and services is always deteriorating. We see scandal after scandal at City Hall - from sewage spills, to the Red Hill, to cybercrime, to tiny shelters - and it doesn't seem anyone is being held accountable for the millions and millions of dollars involved.

I would propose that councillors be docked pay for missing meetings - there have been meetings which couldn't proceed due to lack of quorum, and that needs to change. When the rest of us don't show up for work, we don't get paid. It's time to use the same approach for councillors.

I would oppose any budget that increases property taxes above the rate of inflation. Hamilton's taxes are already among the highest in the region in relation to household income. Those increases can't continue.

I would work with police and social services to address the growing crime problem - and consider rebuilding Neighbourhood Watch programs in our communities.

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?

There is a general accountability problem at City Hall and that affects the whole city. Public safety issues

After 8- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Joshua Czerniga

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

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

When I speak with residents in Ward 8, I hear about the same challenges again and again. Families are struggling with affordability, seniors are worried about staying in the homes they have built their lives in, and parents want safer streets for their children. At the same time, people feel frustrated that City Hall has stopped working for them. Too often, developments are approved without proper consultation and do not fit the character of our neighbourhoods. People also see millions of dollars going to outside consultants, while the talented and capable staff already at City Hall are overlooked.

As councillor, I will advocate for responsible growth. That means making sure new developments include affordable housing while also respecting the scale and needs of the surrounding community. It means putting safety first by prioritizing crosswalks, speed controls, and school-zone protections using the budgets we already have. And it means getting the most out of our existing resources, like turning libraries and community centres into true neighbourhood hubs for seniors, youth, and families. My approach is simple: focus on real results that improve daily life, cut unnecessary spending, and restore City Hall to its

After 8- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Ralph Agostino

 

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

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

Ward 8 is a diverse, hard-working community with tremendous potential, but we are facing challenges that cannot be ignored. I believe the three greatest challenges we face are affordability, public safety, and the need for greater accountability and transparency at our City Hall. The first one I want to talk about is affordability it has become one of the most pressing issues for our residents. With the cost of living continuing to rise, where families, young people, and our seniors are all feeling the pressure. Property taxes go up outrageously year after year, Ward 8 residents feel they are not seeing improvements in the services to match the increases. Housing costs are out of reach, making it harder for both first-time home buyers and renters. I will advocate for responsible budgeting at City Hall that will focuses on the essentials and avoid reckless spending that is currently happening. I would also support housing solutions that can provide more options for Ward 8 residents at the same time not compromising the character of our existing neighbourhoods. This would mean smart, balanced growth, always with area residents’ input being at the forefront.

Next one I would like to talk about is public safety which is another serious challenge. Recent incidents of violence, including gun violence, have really shaken our community in Ward 8 and has raised serious concerns about whether our residents feel safe in their own neighbourhoods. Everyone deserves to feel secure walking on their streets, going to school, or raising a family. To address this, I will work closely with Hamilton Police Services, community organizations, and residents to strengthen crime prevention efforts, improve visibility and presence where it is needed, and invest in programs that provide youth with real opportunities and positive alternatives. Public safety must be approached with both enforcement and prevention, with equal weight given to both.

The third challenge which is important to residents of Ward 8 is accountability and transparency at City