What motivated you to run for council, and why do you believe now is the right time for new leadership in your ward?
It was never my plan to run for City Council, but after the last several years of dramatically rising taxes, deteriorating roads and infrastructure, and too little accountability at City Hall, I decided to put my name forward as a candidate for Ward 7.
I have lived in Ward 7 since 1995 and raised my family here. I spent 34 years in Catholic education, including 14 years as a secondary school principal. In that work, I was responsible for managing budgets, leading large teams, solving problems, and making difficult decisions that affected students, families, staff, and the broader community. I believe I have the experience, ability, and energy to help get Hamilton back on track.
My decision to run began right here in Ward 7, driving on Hamilton roads.
In June 2024, my wife Rowena made custom cupcakes for the graduation class at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Elementary School. She asked me to drive carefully so the cupcakes would arrive intact. Driving from our neighbourhood near Limeridge and Upper Sherman, we could barely get above 40 km/h because of the bumps, potholes, and rough road conditions along the way.
Since then, I have called City Hall and written to my councillor and the Mayor, but too little has changed. I believe Ward 7 needs new leadership that is practical, responsive, and focused on the basic services residents rely on every day. I don’t accept that this is the best Hamilton can do. We can do much better. That is why I am running for council.
Every ward has its own unique challenges. What do you believe are the top three issues facing residents in your ward today, and how would you address them?
I believe the top three issues facing residents in Ward 7 are the dramatic increase in property taxes, the poor condition of our roads, sidewalks, crosswalks, and infrastructure, and the need for greater transparency and accountability at City Hall.
Hamilton residential property tax increases have risen by approximately 22.8% from 2022 to 2026. Inflation over the same period was much lower. My pledge is simple: I will not support annual property tax increases above inflation unless any proposed spending beyond that line is clearly, publicly, and convincingly justified to residents in plain language.
Second, residents are embarrassed and frustrated by the condition of Hamilton’s roads. In 2025, CAA ranked Aberdeen Avenue and Barton Street East as the number one and number two worst roads in Ontario. Hamilton has had the single worst road in that report six of the last eight years. That is not acceptable, especially given how much more residents are being asked to pay. Ward 7 needs a councillor who will fight for a clear, defensible, and transparent road repair schedule, and who will hold the City accountable for meeting it.
Third, many residents have lost confidence in the effectiveness of our municipal government. The Auditor General has documented serious operational and financial concerns involving issues such as cybersecurity, sewage disclosure, asphalt testing, temporary shelter costs, and fraud and waste reporting. Recent public reporting indicates that Hamilton voters may not see the City’s 2025 audited financial statements before the October 2026 municipal election, and S&P Global Ratings downgraded Hamilton’s credit rating in October 2025 after ongoing delays in restoring audited financial reporting following the 2024 cyberattack.
Residents are being asked to pay more, but they deserve clearer evidence that their money is being managed carefully. Timely audits, clearer financial reporting, and public follow-up on Auditor General findings should be the minimum standard residents expect from City Hall.
My approach would be practical: control taxes, fix basic infrastructure, and restore accountability at City Hall.
Municipal government often requires balancing competing interests and difficult budget decisions. How would you approach making tough decisions at City Hall?
I spent 14 years as a secondary school principal, including six years as principal of St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School here in Ward 7 and eight years as principal of Cathedral High School in downtown Hamilton. I would approach difficult decisions at City Hall the same way I approached them as a principal: gather the facts, listen to the people affected, consider the long-term consequences, and make the decision openly and honestly.
There were many times when I wanted to fund an activity or spend money on a worthwhile project in my schools, but I still had to maintain a strict budget. I had no ability to raise taxes. That meant priorities had to be clear, spending had to be justified, and difficult decisions had to be made.
I am very proud of the results we achieved at both St. Jean de Brébeuf and Cathedral. We improved school culture, strengthened community confidence, and completed important improvements while working within real financial limits. City Hall is different from a school, but the principles of responsible leadership are the same: set clear priorities, respect the people affected, be honest about trade-offs, and make sure public money is used carefully.
Hamilton needs to focus on its primary responsibilities, identify waste, demand better management, and make budget decisions that residents can understand and trust. Difficult decisions are never easy, but making them responsibly is what leadership requires.
What experience, skills, or perspective do you bring that distinguishes you from other candidates seeking the same council seat?
I am not a professional politician, and I believe that is an asset. I am a long-time Ward 7 resident, a retired Catholic secondary school principal, a taxpayer, a husband, a father, and a neighbour who believes City Hall needs more practical leadership and common sense.
I have lived in Ward 7 since 1995. My wife Rowena and I raised our four children here, and I know this community not just as a candidate, but as a resident and parent who has experienced the same concerns many families face.
I also had the privilege of serving Ward 7 directly as principal of St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School. That experience gave me a close understanding of local families, neighbourhood concerns, traffic and safety issues, and the importance of public institutions that people can trust.
Over 34 years in Catholic education, I worked with students, families, staff, community partners, police, social agencies, trustees, and senior board officials. That work required judgment, patience, communication, accountability, and the ability to solve practical problems without losing sight of people. I believe my background gives me a different perspective. I am not coming from inside the political system or the City Hall establishment. I am coming from a life of public service, community leadership, and practical problem-solving. Ward 7 needs a councillor who brings a fresh perspective to City Hall, listens carefully, speaks plainly, respects taxpayers, and focuses on getting basic things done.
What is the best way for voters to contact you and/or learn more about you?
The best way to reach me is directly. I am committed to knocking on as many doors as possible across Ward 7 between now and Election Day on October 26, but residents do not have to wait for me to arrive at their door.
Residents can learn more about the campaign at markdalyward7.ca.
I can be reached by email at mark@markdalyward7.ca or by phone at 905-906-0935.
The campaign is also active on social media:
Instagram: @markdalyward7
Facebook: Mark Daly Ward 7
YouTube: @MarkDalyWard7
TikTok: @markdalyward7
X: @markdalyward7
If there is a specific issue on your street, in your neighbourhood, or anywhere in Ward 7 that you want me to know about, please reach out.
It was never my plan to run for City Council, but after the last several years of dramatically rising taxes, deteriorating roads and infrastructure, and too little accountability at City Hall, I decided to put my name forward as a candidate for Ward 7.
I have lived in Ward 7 since 1995 and raised my family here. I spent 34 years in Catholic education, including 14 years as a secondary school principal. In that work, I was responsible for managing budgets, leading large teams, solving problems, and making difficult decisions that affected students, families, staff, and the broader community. I believe I have the experience, ability, and energy to help get Hamilton back on track.
My decision to run began right here in Ward 7, driving on Hamilton roads.
In June 2024, my wife Rowena made custom cupcakes for the graduation class at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Elementary School. She asked me to drive carefully so the cupcakes would arrive intact. Driving from our neighbourhood near Limeridge and Upper Sherman, we could barely get above 40 km/h because of the bumps, potholes, and rough road conditions along the way.
Since then, I have called City Hall and written to my councillor and the Mayor, but too little has changed. I believe Ward 7 needs new leadership that is practical, responsive, and focused on the basic services residents rely on every day. I don’t accept that this is the best Hamilton can do. We can do much better. That is why I am running for council.
Every ward has its own unique challenges. What do you believe are the top three issues facing residents in your ward today, and how would you address them?
I believe the top three issues facing residents in Ward 7 are the dramatic increase in property taxes, the poor condition of our roads, sidewalks, crosswalks, and infrastructure, and the need for greater transparency and accountability at City Hall.
Hamilton residential property tax increases have risen by approximately 22.8% from 2022 to 2026. Inflation over the same period was much lower. My pledge is simple: I will not support annual property tax increases above inflation unless any proposed spending beyond that line is clearly, publicly, and convincingly justified to residents in plain language.
Second, residents are embarrassed and frustrated by the condition of Hamilton’s roads. In 2025, CAA ranked Aberdeen Avenue and Barton Street East as the number one and number two worst roads in Ontario. Hamilton has had the single worst road in that report six of the last eight years. That is not acceptable, especially given how much more residents are being asked to pay. Ward 7 needs a councillor who will fight for a clear, defensible, and transparent road repair schedule, and who will hold the City accountable for meeting it.
Third, many residents have lost confidence in the effectiveness of our municipal government. The Auditor General has documented serious operational and financial concerns involving issues such as cybersecurity, sewage disclosure, asphalt testing, temporary shelter costs, and fraud and waste reporting. Recent public reporting indicates that Hamilton voters may not see the City’s 2025 audited financial statements before the October 2026 municipal election, and S&P Global Ratings downgraded Hamilton’s credit rating in October 2025 after ongoing delays in restoring audited financial reporting following the 2024 cyberattack.
Residents are being asked to pay more, but they deserve clearer evidence that their money is being managed carefully. Timely audits, clearer financial reporting, and public follow-up on Auditor General findings should be the minimum standard residents expect from City Hall.
My approach would be practical: control taxes, fix basic infrastructure, and restore accountability at City Hall.
Municipal government often requires balancing competing interests and difficult budget decisions. How would you approach making tough decisions at City Hall?
I spent 14 years as a secondary school principal, including six years as principal of St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School here in Ward 7 and eight years as principal of Cathedral High School in downtown Hamilton. I would approach difficult decisions at City Hall the same way I approached them as a principal: gather the facts, listen to the people affected, consider the long-term consequences, and make the decision openly and honestly.
There were many times when I wanted to fund an activity or spend money on a worthwhile project in my schools, but I still had to maintain a strict budget. I had no ability to raise taxes. That meant priorities had to be clear, spending had to be justified, and difficult decisions had to be made.
I am very proud of the results we achieved at both St. Jean de Brébeuf and Cathedral. We improved school culture, strengthened community confidence, and completed important improvements while working within real financial limits. City Hall is different from a school, but the principles of responsible leadership are the same: set clear priorities, respect the people affected, be honest about trade-offs, and make sure public money is used carefully.
Hamilton needs to focus on its primary responsibilities, identify waste, demand better management, and make budget decisions that residents can understand and trust. Difficult decisions are never easy, but making them responsibly is what leadership requires.
What experience, skills, or perspective do you bring that distinguishes you from other candidates seeking the same council seat?
I am not a professional politician, and I believe that is an asset. I am a long-time Ward 7 resident, a retired Catholic secondary school principal, a taxpayer, a husband, a father, and a neighbour who believes City Hall needs more practical leadership and common sense.
I have lived in Ward 7 since 1995. My wife Rowena and I raised our four children here, and I know this community not just as a candidate, but as a resident and parent who has experienced the same concerns many families face.
I also had the privilege of serving Ward 7 directly as principal of St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School. That experience gave me a close understanding of local families, neighbourhood concerns, traffic and safety issues, and the importance of public institutions that people can trust.
Over 34 years in Catholic education, I worked with students, families, staff, community partners, police, social agencies, trustees, and senior board officials. That work required judgment, patience, communication, accountability, and the ability to solve practical problems without losing sight of people. I believe my background gives me a different perspective. I am not coming from inside the political system or the City Hall establishment. I am coming from a life of public service, community leadership, and practical problem-solving. Ward 7 needs a councillor who brings a fresh perspective to City Hall, listens carefully, speaks plainly, respects taxpayers, and focuses on getting basic things done.
What is the best way for voters to contact you and/or learn more about you?
The best way to reach me is directly. I am committed to knocking on as many doors as possible across Ward 7 between now and Election Day on October 26, but residents do not have to wait for me to arrive at their door.
Residents can learn more about the campaign at markdalyward7.ca.
I can be reached by email at mark@markdalyward7.ca or by phone at 905-906-0935.
The campaign is also active on social media:
Instagram: @markdalyward7
Facebook: Mark Daly Ward 7
YouTube: @MarkDalyWard7
TikTok: @markdalyward7
X: @markdalyward7
If there is a specific issue on your street, in your neighbourhood, or anywhere in Ward 7 that you want me to know about, please reach out.
Thank-you Mark for engaging with Hamiltonians in The Hamiltonian!
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