Before the Ballot- With Ward 4 Councillor Candidate Jason Farr

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot with Ward 4 Councillor Candidate Jason Farr.

What motivated you to run for council, and why do you believe now is the right time for new leadership in your ward?

I’ve interacted daily in Ward 4 throughout my life, and for the most part, fellow residents have received the kind of local government leadership they expect and deserve. But during the current term of council I have consistently heard from dissatisfied residents and business operators. Very real concerns on affordability and how the current councillor always votes in favour of raising taxes at record rates (well beyond inflation and more than double annual property tax increase averages in the last 40 years). Many of these residents are already struggling to keep up during an affordability crisis. A crisis that their current Councillor officially recognized through an early council motion, yet she continued to develop or support tax and spend initiatives without proper scrutiny or a willingness to concede a lack of benefit or the financial challenges felt by constituents.

It had become very clear from the onset of this council term that the current ward 4 Councillor was joined at the hip with a mayor and majority of council that has hired an unprecedented approximately 1000 new City of Hamilton staff in less than four years, spent hundreds-of-millions of local tax dollars on policy and projects that are normally the responsibility of Provincial and Federal governments and failed to bring tangible improvements to Ward 4. There’s never a good time for this sort of unaccountable and fiscally irresponsible leadership, but it’s particularly discouraging when so many residents of Ward 4 (families, seniors, young couples and those on fixed lower incomes) are struggling to get through the Metro check-out line or the U-Plus gas bar.

I relate with these residents and with my previous council experience in our inner-city, I can put a stop to it and bring confidence back to Ward 4 residents. It is critical that residents have someone with experience and a proven and documented track record of better fiscal management, smarter municipal investments and stronger public engagement.

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?

#1 - Affordability: The first step is to stop the tax and spend ways of the current council on day one of the new term. I’ve been watching council closely for more than 40 years and never have seen anything remotely close to this level of needless spending of our money.

One example: the current Ward 4 Councillor started the term with a motion where she claimed “we need to be bold” and so without warning or constituency consult, moved to expedite a 30 year Cycling Master Plan at a cost of approximately 65-million-dollars. This one unbudgeted amount represents an approximate 4.5% hit to the local levy (to the local taxpayers). 4.5% also happens to be just a little shy of the unprecedented average annual tax increases (5.3%) residents have endured for the last four years and in stark contrast to the decades of inflationary increases of approximately 2.5%.

Cycling infrastructure is important for many proven health and sustainability reasons and I was proud to build up more than 22 kms in the core over my time, but much of that was with the assistance of residents

Data Centres Are Coming to Hamilton. Is City Hall Ready?

Hamilton is on the verge of becoming part of one of the biggest economic transformations of the modern era.

Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital research, and data storage are driving unprecedented demand for data centres across North America. Communities that once competed for factories, warehouses, and office towers are now competing for server farms, computing infrastructure, and digital campuses.

The question facing Hamilton is not whether data centres are coming.The question is whether Hamilton has a plan.

Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Nann is expected to introduce a motion asking city staff to develop a framework for how Hamilton should approach data centre development. Her motion comes amid growing public concern surrounding a proposed data centre campus at Steelport, the former Stelco lands on Hamilton's industrial waterfront.

At first glance, the motion appears reasonable.

Few residents would argue against transparency, public consultation, or establishing clear planning guidelines before a new industry arrives at scale. If Hamilton is to host major data centres, residents

Before the Ballot- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Jacob Tenbrinke

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Jacob Tenbrinke

What motivated you to run for council, and why do you believe now is the right time for new leadership in your ward?

I’m running because I love this community, and I honestly believe people in Ward 8 deserve leadership that’s grounded, present, and focused on serving residents — not building a political career like some people. My family has lived on Hamilton Mountain for generations. My grandparents came here from the Netherlands after the war and built a life in Ward 8 through hard work and sacrifice.

I was born and raised here, and like many families, we had our struggles. There were times we lived paycheque to paycheque and relied on food banks. Those experiences stay with you.

What I hear from residents today is that people feel squeezed. The cost of living keeps rising, housing feels out of reach for young families, homelessness is growing, and many people feel City Hall has stopped listening.

I think people are looking for leadership that understands real life again. Not slogans. Not ideology. Just honest leadership that shows up, listens, and works hard. That’s why I’m running, and that’s why I believe now is the right time for new leadership.

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?

The biggest issues I hear about every day are affordability, homelessness, and community safety.

First, affordability. People are working hard but falling behind. Families are struggling with taxes, rising costs, and housing prices that no longer feel realistic. We need to start respecting taxpayer dollars again and focus City Hall on core services and responsible spending. I also want to support more practical housing solutions so young people and working families can afford to stay in Hamilton. I can't think of anything worse than people who grew up here in Hamilton saying that I can't afford to live here.

Second, homelessness. People want compassionate solutions, but they also want action and accountability. Leaving people suffering on the streets is not compassion. We need better coordination between housing, addiction treatment, mental health support, and public safety so we actually help people rebuild stability while also protecting neighbourhoods and public spaces. Caring is not being content with letting people live in tents in public spaces

Third, community safety. Residents want to feel safe walking in their neighbourhoods, using parks, and letting their kids play outside. My military background taught me that safe communities don’t happen by accident. They require leadership, prevention, coordination, and follow-through. We need stronger partnerships between the city, community organizations, and emergency services to address safety concerns before they become bigger problems. At the end of the day, I want Ward 8 to be a place where families can thrive again, not just get by.

Municipal government often requires balancing competing interests and difficult budget decisions. How would you approach making tough decisions at City Hall?

I think people understand that not every decision is easy. What frustrates residents is when decisions feel

Before the Ballot- with Ward 13 Councillor Candidate Rick Kunc

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot- featuring Ward 13 Candidate Rick Kunc.

What motivated you to run for council, and why do you believe now is the right time for new leadership in your ward?

After retiring from a 30-year career in educational leadership, I felt strongly that it was time to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family.

I was raised here, I raised my family here, and for more than five decades I’ve seen firsthand what makes Ward 13 such a special place to live. Community matters here. Whether it’s Dundas, Greensville, Rockton, Freelton or the rural communities across the ward, people care deeply about where they live and want to see it thrive.

Municipal government is the level of government that touches our lives most directly. We feel the decisions made at City Hall every single day - in our roads, our taxes, our recreation facilities, our infrastructure, and the services we rely on.

Over the past year, I’ve spent a great deal of time listening to residents in coffee shops, arenas, parks, restaurants and community events. What I’ve heard consistently is that people want to be heard, they want accountable leadership, and they want someone who will listen, learn and act. I believe now is the right time for leadership that is connected to the community, grounded in collaboration, and focused on practical solutions that strengthen Ward 13 and Hamilton as a whole.

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?

Ward 13 is one of the largest wards geographically in Hamilton, with very diverse communities and priorities across more than 25 square kilometres.

This past year I have taken the time to truly listen to what residents have been saying. Speaking with

Before the Ballot- with Ward 3 Councillor Candidate Graham Schreiber

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot- featuring Ward 3 Candidate Graham Schreiber.

What motivated you to run for council, and why do you believe now is the right time for new leadership in your ward?

Economics, the reckless spending and disregard for taxpayers, as the city favors the wayward over those who are invested in safe, beautiful communities, for our families.

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?

The narcotics traffickers at both ends of my street,

The frequency of Police & EMS attending to people who should be in either prison, or safe and rural mental health facilities.

The incompetence of Bylaw enforcement, to get Renters & Slumlords to keep their properties attractive and maintained.

Municipal government often requires balancing competing interests and difficult budget decisions. How would you approach making tough decisions at City Hall?

I've owned a business, and you don't squander money.

City Hall are tax & spend, oblivious to the pains of those paying, so I'd focus on the Safety of residents

The Incumbency Machine: Why Municipal Elections Are Not a Level Playing Field

Municipal elections are often described as grassroots democracy at its purest level. In reality, however, challengers frequently begin the race several steps behind. In Hamilton, as in many Ontario municipalities, incumbency has become one of the most powerful advantages in local politics — one that can make meaningful electoral competition difficult. The numbers tell part of the story.

In Hamilton’s 2022 municipal election, approximately three-quarters of incumbent councillors who sought re-election were returned to office. In the 2018 election, the success rate for incumbents was similarly high, with roughly 80 per cent retaining their seats.

Those statistics are not unique to Hamilton. Across Canada, incumbents in municipal politics traditionally enjoy very high re-election rates. But while experience and name recognition certainly matter, many observers question whether the playing field has become too uneven.

Incumbents benefit from four major structural advantages. First, there is visibility. Sitting councillors receive regular media exposure through council meetings, announcements, committee work, and public events. Challengers, by contrast, often struggle simply to get noticed.

Second, incumbents possess built-in networks. Years in office allow elected officials to cultivate donor bases, campaign volunteers, community contacts, and institutional relationships that newcomers simply do not have.

Third, incumbents enjoy the power of constituent service. Whether helping residents navigate city

Before the Ballot: Questions for Hamilton's Next Mayor, with Mayoral Candidate Sasha Austin

The following question comes from our first instalment of Before the Ballot: Questions for Hamilton's Next Mayor. This entry is a little late as our email got directed to a spam folder. No one's fault. 

We invite you to read our conversation with Ms. Austin

Jackson Square was once envisioned as a “people place” at the heart of Hamilton's downtown. Today, it reflects mounting pressures tide to safety concerns, disorder, and declining commercial activity.

Do you believe Hamilton's downtown-beginning with areas like Jackson Square-requires fundamental transformation? if so, what specific, actionable plan would you lead to restore safety, economic viability, and public confidence? How would your plan be different from others attempts Hamiltonians have seen in the past.

If you are in support of a concerted effort to transform Hamilton's downtown, what do you say to those who would argue that such an effort would take away from other priority issues in other parts of the city?

Answer: part 1: I was born in 1979 in the North End of Hamilton and raised in Hamilton my entire life. I would visit downtown often with friends and family and by myself during the 80s and 90s when it was safe, vibrant and welcoming. Heading downtown was considered as a fun outing, I cherish the memories of hanging out on Jackson Square rooftop with bands playing, people interacting, enjoying picnic like atmosphere with waterfall fountains etc. Jackson Square cinema was inviting, clean and bustling, the stores and food court were successful and sought after. I also attended and graduated from Sir John. A Macdonald high school which was located directly across from Jackson Square. During my high school years, I would often go over to Jackson Square utilizing the Hamilton Public Library and café shops to focus on schoolwork & do some window shopping. There was not a time that I can recall where there were any incidents where I felt threatened, uncomfortable or unsafe.

Answer: part 2: My plan would be different from other attempts as there hasn't been much effort to restore the Hamilton downtown; therefore, it is difficult to provide a fair comparison. Jackson Square has become a place I do not recognize anymore, this in part by the absence of businesses, stores and restaurants that once served Hamiltonians with excellent hospitality and pride. Most shops have since closed and are boarded up as they are unable to sustain productivity due to the unrealistic barriers and red tape our city imposes. In addition to the rampant theft due to poverty, desperation, drug addiction and erratic aggressive social behaviours that frighten store employees and owners. Downtown has become a ghost town or unfortunately referred to as ‘zombie village’ or ‘the armpit of Ontario’, we cannot continue to pretend as though our downtown is not in a complete crisis. The state of our city is a direct reflection of how our Leadership feels about us, which speaks for itself. Today we see open public drug use, complex behaviors resulting in aggressive incidents, escalated loitering & pan handling, toxic waste, garbage, feces and paraphernalia containing potentially lethal residue all over our downtown streets, sidewalks, public parks and bathrooms.

Answer: part 3: I believe that absolutely Jackson Square has the potential to be revived and fundamentally

Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate Kelly Oucharek

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate Kelly Oucharek.

What motivated you to run for council, and why do you believe now is the right time for new leadership in your ward? 

The residents in Ward 2 helped me decide it was the right time for new leadership. I have been encouraged to run by many friends, family, neighbours and people I respect in the political realm. This is not something I ever saw myself doing. I have a career and a job I value, so I hope the fact I am willing to put that aside for a time, will mean something to voters. Prior to deciding to run, I put out an anonymous survey by hanging 150 posters throughout Ward 2- at the Go Stations, bus stops, near schools and parks and other high traffic areas as a litmus test. I know a lot of people who see City happenings the same way I do. I needed to determine if those views were reflected throughout Ward 2. The vast majority of responses I received were not favourable towards current representation and the last 4 years of council. Had they been largely favourable, it perhaps would have been an easy decision not to run. Lastly, I have been pretty frustrated with many council decisions over the last 4 years and becoming part of the solution makes sense.

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? 

Not in any particular order.  1) Addiction is at the forefront of my mind- as I lost my sister and many others to addiction and have known many youth get tied up, even losing their lives, in the drug trade. More people die from drug use in Ward 2 than the rest of the city combined. Where there is presence of drugs or need for drugs, there is increased crime. From theft to fuel addictions, to violence and aggression that ensues from use of drugs, to the manipulation of vulnerable people who are addicted, to bigger picture organized crime- this has an impact on our city- particularly downtown. This is not only a homelessness issue: 64% of drug-related deaths occurred in private residences. The rate of drug-related deaths has not improved since the opening of supervised consumption sites and government funded “safe supply” narcotics programs in 2017. 

I have begun to address this by educating myself:
· attending seminars regarding the diversion of government funded “safe supply narcotics”
· I have met with addiction physicians,
· spoken to pharmacists, and most importantly,
· have listened to those who have substance use disorders.

I’d like to explore if this city is investing in the 4 pillars of addiction medicine. Are we spending equally on prevention and treatment as we are on harm reduction for example.

2) Cost of Living. Taking the bus round trip as an adult is $5.70. A large jar of peanut butter $11. Whether you are a single person, a young couple, a family with kids or a senior citizen, a homeowner or someone who rents, the cost of living is having an impact. We need to avoid raising taxes and introducing new ones if possible. I think we need to look closely at waste and examine how money is being spent to ensure we are getting good value-for-dollar. I remember listening to a council meeting where City staff discussed giving a large budget to a service provider with a list of deliverables, with seemingly no check and balance; no one auditing how that money is spent for cost savings. Hamiltonians work hard for their money. As a council we need to make sure their tax dollars are working hard for them. I recently totaled the list of the City’s fiscal scandals to the tune of 200+million. Imagine what could have been done with that sum of money. Every resident of Hamilton, regardless if they pay property tax or not, is losing out on services which could be provided with those lost millions.

3) Public Safety- The survey I mentioned above received 178 responses to date. I asked “Which best reflects your view on public safety in Ward 2?” 68% responded and they feel ”It has worsened” and only 9% felt “it has improved in recent years”. The City of Hamilton has a duty to address issues of concern as identified by residents. My hope is that Hamiltonians elect a new group of council willing to work together to acknowledge and address the issues. 

Municipal government often requires balancing competing interests and difficult budget decisions. How would you approach making tough decisions at City Hall? 

 

Community engagement is something that has been absent in Ward 2, especially when it comes to major

Before the Ballot- with Ward 3 Councillor Candidate Christopher Demelo

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot- with Ward 3 Councillor Candidate Christopher Demelo

What motivated you to run for council, and why do you believe now is the right time for new leadership in your ward?

I want to help someone I’ll never meet. I love this city and while I wasn't born here I immediately felt a connection with Hamilton while laying down roots here. I believe now is the right time to leverage my experience with Union politics as an executive member, both locally and provincially. I see how I can use my experience as a leader to help benefit the city - The status quo is leaving many people frustrated and with responsible compassionate governance I believe we can make the city better for everyone.

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?

Roads: they are in deplorable shape and sometimes repairs only seem to be stop gap solutions. I’ve had neighbours tell me they can feel their house shake from the potholes from the road. I’d address this by making sure the work is done in a timely and correct fashion even if I have to heat the coal patch and tamp it down myself.

Rentals: I have heard and seen numerous issues with the apartment, multi unit dwellings and single unit dwellings in ward 3. My plan is to use the tools of the office to enforce bylaws, inspections and licensing systems to make sure that the properties in ward 3 are respected by landlord and tenant alike.

The unhoused: this is growing concern for the people on the streets, the residents that have been forced up against the people on the streets and the services that are under strain. My solution is a hyper focused approach to care. Getting the specific services in need of those who can return to work , the aid for those who need government assistance and enforcement for those that use this this epidemic to commit crimes of convenience. 

3. Municipal government often requires balancing competing interests and difficult budget decisions. How would you approach making tough decisions at City Hall?

I would use what I have. For too long city hall has had bad actors make the tax payer eat higher taxes with little to no improvement to services. This isn’t rocket science, city hall needs to make decisions not just for a good headline today but planning for 10-20-30 years down the line. 

1) Protect essentials first
2) Cut low-value spending before high-value services
3) Avoid "fake savings" that cost more later
4) be honest about what can and cannot be funded
5) tie every dollar to outcomes residents actually feel

What experience, skills, or perspective do you bring that distinguishes you from other candidates seeking the same council seat?

I’m a union advocate for many years in the Peel District School Board (representing Custodians, Maintenance, food services and print department) and this has brought me tons of experience in dealing with various labour based issues it has also granted my the wisdom and humility to serve the people. During my time in union, I had to jugle the demands of various members, seniority/job title/types of work. This required understanding equity is not just giving everyone the same but giving the proportial response based on the need of the group. Working together means building in compromise while still setting gains for my members at the time.

My goal for every term in the union was to find a problem and improve the working conditions for members. I don't wish to stay in place without challenging myself and finding the problems that need to be fixed. If you call me, I’ll answer the question straight, if I don’t know I’ll get back to you. Being a public servant is giving people the information regardless if it’s going to make them happy or sad. Honestly and transparency is number one an serving this fine community.

What is the best way for voters to contact you and/or learn more about you? 

You can call me at 6474053825
Email me cdemelo4hamilton@gmail.com
Or check my website at demeloforcouncil.ca

Thank-you Christopher for engaging with Hamiltonians on The Hamiltonian!

Before the Ballot: Questions for Hamilton's Next Mayor

In this instalment of Before the Ballot: Questions for Hamilton's Next Mayor, our question for the month of June centres around Hamilton being a sanctuary city.

In 2014, Hamilton City Council adopted an “Access Without Fear” policy allowing undocumented or non-status residents to access certain municipal services without fear of being reported to immigration authorities. Hamilton became one of the first Canadian municipalities to formally adopt such a policy. 

The following is our q/a with Mayoral Candidate Scarlett Gillespie:

Q, Over time, Hamilton has increasingly been described and treated as a ‘sanctuary city,’ largely through council policies and administrative approaches that received relatively limited public attention or broad civic debate at the time they were implemented.

Supporters argue such policies reflect compassion, inclusion, and public health considerations. Critics, however, question the impact on municipal resources, housing pressures, taxpayer burden, and public confidence in immigration and enforcement systems.

As Mayor, would you support Hamilton continuing to operate as a sanctuary city in principle and practice? Why or why not? And how would you balance humanitarian considerations with growing concerns surrounding housing affordability, infrastructure strain, social services capacity, and property tax pressures facing Hamilton residents today? Do you believe Hamiltonians can afford to remain a sanctuary city?

Ms. Gillespie's reply:

Yes, I support Hamilton remaining a sanctuary city in principle, because I believe people should be able to access basic municipal services, emergency support, healthcare pathways, housing assistance, and community resources without fear of discrimination or being denied dignity based on immigration status.

At the same time, I also understand why many residents are asking difficult questions about affordability, infrastructure strain, housing availability, public services, and taxpayer capacity. Those concerns are real, and dismissing them outright would not be responsible leadership.

The reality is that Hamilton’s housing crisis, healthcare pressures, infrastructure backlog, and rising costs were not created by immigrants or vulnerable people seeking support. These issues have been building for decades through population growth, underinvestment in affordable housing, rising living costs, stagnant wages, strained healthcare systems, and policy failures at multiple levels of government.

My position is that humanitarian values and responsible governance are not mutually exclusive. Hamilton can remain compassionate while also demanding better planning, stronger infrastructure investment, more housing supply, and fairer funding support from provincial and federal governments.

As Mayor, my focus would be:Expanding affordable and supportive housing supply
Improving infrastructure and transit planning
Strengthening accountability around city spending including reducing waste
Advocating for increased provincial and federal funding instead of downloading costs onto municipalities

I also think honesty matters in this conversation. Municipalities cannot carry every responsibility alone. Cities across Canada are being asked to manage increasingly complex housing, healthcare, migration, addiction, and affordability challenges without sufficient resources or authority from senior governments.

Hamiltonians deserve leadership that acknowledges both truths simultaneously:People are struggling and worried about affordability and public services.
Vulnerable people still deserve dignity, safety, and access to basic supports.

A strong city does not abandon its values when times become difficult. It plans responsibly, invests wisely, and works to ensure the city remains livable, sustainable, and humane for everyone who calls Hamilton home.

Thank-you Ms. Gillespie for engaging with Hamiltonians on The Hamiltonian!

Note: This question was sent to all registered mayoral candidates and their responses will be published as we receive, them. 

Want to see the entire Before the Ballot series, thus far? Click here to go there. 

Before the Ballot - with Ward 9 Candidate Abhijeet Gill

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot featuring Ward 9 Candidate Abhijeet Gill.

 

What motivated you to run for council, and why do you believe now is the right time for new leadership in your ward?

The core reason why I chose to run for council is because I genuinely care about the future of the community and I believe the residents of ward 9 deserve leadership that is present, responsive and focused on practical results. I have been a resident of ward 9 for over a decade, and over the last several years through my work in real estate and speaking with the residents across the ward, I have had the opportunity to hear firsthand about the frustrations residents are facing. Issues such as affordability, concerns with infrastructure, traffic and road safety, development pressures, public health and safety concerns, and the feeling that residents are not being heard at City Hall. 

I have a core belief that if we are a part of a community, we should strive to leave it better than we found it. Public service is about creating a positive change for our community for people present now and into the future.

Our community is changing rapidly and with rapid change come new challenges that require fresh energy and perspectives, new ideas, and a collaborative approach. Residents want someone who is present, accessible, willing to listen, and who is focused on long term solutions for all of Ward 9.

I’m not running because I think one person has all the answers. I’m running because I care deeply about this community, will be a strong voice for Ward 9 residents, and believe in bringing people together to move our city forward in a positive and practical way

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?

Ward 9 is a growing and diverse community and the reality is there are more than just three issues facing residents today. However, the concerns around affordability, infrastructure and traffic, responsible growth, community safety and environmental accountability continue to remain top of mind for residents whom I have had the pleasure of speaking with so far.

Affordability continues to impact families, seniors and young people across the Ward through rising housing costs, property taxes, and the overall cost of living. While municipalities alone cannot solve the affordability issues we are facing, I believe the members of City Council have a responsibility to make financially responsible decisions, be more transparent with spending and the services procured, support a range of housing options and ensure residents are receiving value for the services that they are paying.

Infrastructure and traffic are also major concerns. As our Ward continues to develop, residents want safer roads, roads that are not falling apart, better traffic flow, reliable transit, and infrastructure planning that ensures the City keeps up with the growth we are seeing. Too often, growth happens faster than infrastructure improvements. I would advocate for and ensure proactive planning, stronger investment into roads and public infrastructure, and ensuring Ward 9 receives its fair share of attention and resources.

Community safety is another important issue that residents care deeply about. Whether its concerns

Before the Ballot- Candidate's Guide -How to Identify and Mobilize Your Base

One of the most common misconceptions in municipal politics is that broad visibility automatically translates into votes. It does not. Winning campaigns are not simply the campaigns that are known—they are the campaigns that successfully identify supporters and ensure those supporters actually cast ballots.

In Hamilton’s municipal environment, where turnout can vary significantly by ward and voter engagement levels differ widely, identifying and mobilizing a reliable base is often what separates competitive campaigns from winning ones.

Here is a summary of voter turn out in the last municipal election, by ward: 

Ward	Area	Estimated Turnout
Ward 1	West Lower City / Westdale	~43%
Ward 2	Downtown Core	~36%
Ward 3	East Lower City	~31%
Ward 4	East End	~33%
Ward 5	East Hamilton/Stoney Creek	~34%
Ward 6	East Mountain	~38%
Ward 7	Central Mountain	~39%
Ward 8	West Mountain	~30–32%
Ward 9	Upper Stoney Creek	~41%
Ward 10	Stoney Creek	~42%
Ward 11	Glanbrook/Mount Hope	~46%
Ward 12	Ancaster	~48%
Ward 13	Dundas/Flamborough West	~50%
Ward 14	West Mountain/Ainslie Wood	~40%
Ward 15	Flamborough/Waterdown	~52%

Overall Hamilton turnout: 35.38% 

Start identifying supporters early.- Many campaigns spend too much time trying to persuade everyone and not enough time determining who already supports them. Early canvassing should focus not only on issues, but on support identification.

At the door, campaigns should be asking:
– Is this voter supportive?
– Undecided?
– Opposed?
– Interested in volunteering?
– Interested in a lawn sign?

This information becomes strategically valuable later in the campaign. Track it.

Not every voter requires equal attention. Strong campaigns understand the difference between persuasion and efficiency. Some voters are firmly committed elsewhere and unlikely to move. Others are already

Before the Ballot- with Ward 13 Candidate Loren Lieberman

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot featuring Ward 13 Candidate Loren Lieberman.

What motivated you to run for council, and why do you believe now is the right time for new leadership in your ward?

Aside from the fact that new leadership is inevitable in Ward 13, with the previous councilor deciding not to run for another term, I believe that Dundas is more than ready for a change. The last term of Council has been disastrous for Dundas. Ward 13 has sorely suffered from a lack of accessibility to the councilor and their staff. I believe that this lack of care and attention to constituents is unacceptable. Beyond being motivated as a resident of Dundas, I know that I have a lot of life experience, acquired through my unorthodox professional life, and hard-won through my storied personal life. At 56 years old, I have a lot of wisdom accrued and still a great deal to offer yet. I have contributions to make to my community. At the heart of all of this, as trite as it sounds, it really comes down to looking at my children, and my grandchildren. I want to accomplish something that in some small way will make their future better.

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 that the top three issues facing residents of Dundas are 1-Cost of Living, 2-Public Safety, and 3-Accessibility to City Hall.

The cost of living is hitting everyone hard these days, particularly our Senior population. On a municipal level, I believe it is imperative that we keep taxes from increasing beyond the provincial rate of inflation in order to keep people in their homes. Many of my neighbours, both young families and seniors are finding it difficult to afford to remain in Dundas.

In terms of public safety, I believe our municipality has an obligation to address crime and its correlation to addiction, mental health and homelessness. These issues are no longer merely visible in the downtown core, they are alive and well in all of our communities.

It is my belief that the number one responsibility of any elected official is to the people who elected them. It would be my first priority to listen to the residents of Ward 13, and to respond with care.

Municipal government often requires balancing competing interests and difficult budget decisions. How would you approach making tough decisions at City Hall?

Any “competing interests” in municipal government are secondary. The first and only priority interest

Hot in The Hamiltonian

The Hamiltonian has been moving at break neck speed and it would be easy to miss an interesting article. Here are quick links to recent articles that have been trending:

Before the Ballot- Interviews with Mayoral and Councillor Candidates- click here

Before the Ballot- A Candidates Guide - running in the municipal election and could use some tips , insights and advice? Click here

Are Hamiltonian's Being Served? Our look at Hamilton is doing compared to other municipalities. An eye opener and essential reading prior to casting your vote. Click here

Did you know Hamilton is a sanctuary city? Discussion of the pros and cons. Click here.

With Ron Corsini-, An interview with true Hamiltonian, Ron Corsini- click here

Transparency Denied. How much money has the city spent on the management of the water worker's strike? We still do not know. How much money is it spending fending off inquiries by the union? Still totalling up. Click here 

Is your Councillor and the Mayor respectful of questions being asked of them on your behalf by The Hamiltonian? Find out on The Hamiltonian Public Engagement Index- click here

More to come this week- more Before the Ballot candidates, more articles and more everything Hamilton.

Stay tuned...

The Hamiltonian- Hamilton's Tastemaker in local politics and community. 

Before the Ballot - With Ward 4 Candidate and Incumbent Tammy Hwang

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot featuring Ward 4 Candidate and Incumbent Tammy Hwang. 

Looking back on your current term, what accomplishments are you most proud of in your ward ? Please elaborate.

Four years may sound like a long time, but creating real, lasting change in a city of more than 560,000 residents takes patience and persistence.

This term we faced some unprecedented hurdles, including a major municipal cybersecurity incident and significant staff turnover. My office had to invest our time and resources into bringing new staff up to speed, rebuilding momentum and making sure our neighborhood projects didn’t fall through the cracks.

Setbacks aside, I’m incredibly proud of how we’ve stayed the course.

We’ve rolled up our sleeves and built a solid foundation for several long-term initiatives that I’m excited to see through and move forward. Here are some highlights:

● Kenilworth Avenue: This has been one of my focus areas. Kenilworth is a commercial corridor with immense potential. We’ve successfully pushed for a new, modernized Community Improvement Plan and strategy to bring new investment to the street, while actively supporting the local independent businesses that already call Kenilworth home. 
● Environment quality: To get to the root cause of the black soot, air pollution and noise affecting the lower city, I moved several motions to empower Public Health to conduct direct data analysis so we have evidence-based answers for residents about our environment.
● LRT: It’s a major transit project that will transform our entire city and especially Ward 4. LRT brings long-term benefits, but I recognize construction will cause real disruption to neighbourhoods and businesses. That’s why I’ve been working closely with Economic Development to build an intentional support system and strategy to ensure our small businesses have a safety net and can thrive through the construction period. 
● Infrastructure: Tackling our infrastructure backlog takes time, but our persistence paid off. After three years of planning and coordination, major road resurfacing and neighborhood reconstruction projects in Ward 4 are officially hitting the ground this summer, and my office directly advocated with rail companies to secure much needed safety upgrades for the rail crossings in the north end of the ward.

More than any single vote or project, though, I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built. Our office

Hamilton as a Sanctuary City. Why It Matters — and Why It Divides Opinion

Hamilton is considered a sanctuary city.

In 2014, Hamilton City Council adopted an “Access Without Fear” policy allowing undocumented or non-status residents to access certain municipal services without fear of being reported to immigration authorities. Hamilton became one of the first Canadian municipalities to formally adopt such a policy.

The city does not control immigration enforcement, citizenship, or deportation. Those remain federal responsibilities. Hamilton’s policy instead focuses on how city-funded services interact with undocumented residents.

Official city documents and multiple public sources confirm the policy:
• City of Hamilton staff report:
Hamilton Access Without Fear Report
• Council of Canadians summary:
Hamilton Sanctuary City Vote

Supporters argue the policy is about humanity, public safety, and practicality. They say undocumented residents — regardless of immigration status — may still need emergency shelter, food programs, medical assistance, or protection from abuse. Advocates believe people are more likely to report crimes, cooperate with authorities, or seek help if they are not afraid of deportation consequences.

Supporters also argue that public health and community safety improve when vulnerable people are not forced underground out of fear. For many, the policy reflects a compassionate approach consistent with Hamilton’s identity as an inclusive city.

Critics argue the policy sends the wrong message about immigration law and accountability. Some believe sanctuary-style policies blur the line between compassion and non-enforcement of federal rules. Others question whether municipalities struggling with housing shortages, overloaded shelters, addiction crises, and strained social services can realistically absorb additional pressures.

There are also concerns about fairness. Critics ask whether local taxpayers should bear increasing costs while many Hamilton residents already struggle to access housing, healthcare, and social supports themselves.

The phrase “sanctuary city” has also become politically divisive. To some residents, it signals compassion. To others, it represents government overreach or political symbolism disconnected from everyday realities.

The debate matters because it touches several of Hamilton’s biggest challenges at once: housing, homelessness, public safety, immigration, healthcare, and municipal finances.

It also reflects a larger national issue: cities are increasingly being asked to manage complex social and immigration pressures without always having the funding, authority, or resources to do so effectively.

Whether residents support or oppose Hamilton’s sanctuary city policy, one thing is clear: the conversation is no longer simply about immigration. It is about what responsibilities cities should carry, how limited resources should be allocated, and what kind of community Hamilton wants to be.

Special thanks to L.M. and C.G.B. for the idea for this piece.