John-Paul Danko, Author at Councillor John-Paul Danko

COVID-19 Taxes, Creativity and Charitable Donations (May 6): A Message from Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko

A message from Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko about the COVID-19 pandemic in Hamilton – a discussion on municipal taxes and supports for municipalities, creativity at home and charitable donations.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

Eight weeks into COVID19 and it has finally been a bit of a slow week!

At the time of writing (9:00am on May 6th, 2020) there are now 460 cases of COVID-19 in Hamilton with 21 deaths (5%) and 59 hospitalizations (13%).

The number of new daily cases of COVID19 in Hamilton seems to have stabilized, directly because of your efforts to practice physical distancing and stay home.

Together we really are flattening the curve!

However, we are still seeing new cases of COVID-19 in Hamilton, and there is a very serious concern about a second wave of infections if we relax restrictions too quickly – but there are genuine reasons to be optimistic.

Continue reading below…

COVID-19 What Day Is It? (April 29): A Message from Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko

A message from Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko about the COVID-19 pandemic in Hamilton – losing track of the days, re-opening Ontario, community gardens, financial support for Canadian municipalities and creativity at home.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

We’ve been working from home, physical distancing and living with the realities of COVID19 for seven weeks now. March break is a distant memory, Easter has come and gone and Victoria Day is coming up quickly!

At the time of writing (10:30pm on April 28th, 2020) there are now 421 cases of COVID-19 in Hamilton with 19 deaths (5%) and 54 hospitalizations (13%).

While we are still seeing new cases of COVID-19 in Hamilton, there is renewed optimism that we may be close to a cautious and measured resumption of some businesses and services.

Continue reading below…

COVID-19 Springtime Sunshine (April 22): A Message from Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko

A message from Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko about the COVID-19 pandemic in Hamilton – springtime sunshine is bringing new hope, COVID18 testing in Ward 8, 2020 capital construction projects, City of Hamilton staffing and residents helping each other.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

After six weeks of physical distancing and working from home, I’m starting to have a tough time telling what day it is.

At the time of writing (8:00am on April 22nd, 2020) there are now 355 cases of COVID-19 in Hamilton with 16 deaths (5%) and 43 hospitalizations (12%).

Last Friday, a new COVID-19 testing centre was opened at Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena, and in the past week, thanks to the collective effort of everyone, it seems Canada is managing to avoid the worst of this crisis.

It is still cold out (and occasionally snowing), but that springtime sunshine sure feels great!

Continue reading below…

COVID-19 Enforcement, Waste Collection and Unexpected Optimism (April 15): A Message from Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko

A message from Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko about the COVID-19 pandemic in Hamilton – enforcement of physical separation requirements, waste collection and unexpected optimism.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

We are now at five weeks of physical distancing due to the global COVID19 pandemic.

Yesterday (April 14th, 2020), the Province of Ontario officially extended the state of emergency for another 28 days.

Staying away from each other, disinfecting our groceries and only going out of the house for essential services are starting to feel normal.

While there are still plenty of dark clouds in the sky, it feels like maybe there are a few bright rays of sunshine on the horizon.

Continue reading below…

Local Higher Order Rapid Transit Recommended by Hamilton Transportation Task Force

The Hamilton Transportation Task Force has recommended local higher-order transit as its top priority for Hamilton.

The Task Force published its full report on April 9th.

This article contains a brief review and discussion of the Task Force’s recommendations.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

On April 9th, 2020 the Province of Ontario publicly released the Hamilton Transportation Task Force report and recommendations – a full copy of the report is available here.

Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation issued the following statement regarding the Hamilton Transportation Task Force Report:

“I am pleased that we are one step closer to ensuring that the province’s commitment of $1 billion in capital funding is invested in realistic and affordable transportation projects in Hamilton.
The Task Force has recommended a list of proposed projects that will improve access to the transportation network, reduce congestion, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
In order to determine which of these projects will best serve the needs of Hamilton, the Task Force has also recommended further analysis.
To this end, I am asking Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario to conduct a technical review of the project options contained in the report.
In the interest of full transparency, I am also releasing the report to stakeholders and the public.
Caroline Mulroney, Ontario Minister of Transportation

Continue reading below for more information…

Leaf and Yard Waste Collection on Hold

Curbside pick-up of leaf and yard waste has been suspended until further notice. Continue reading to find out why and what you can do to dispose of your leaf and yard waste.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

Curbside pick-up of leaf and yard waste was suspended on March 24th, 2020 until further notice.

As we are heading into warmer spring weather when we are all outside tidying up our lawns and property, we recognize that the suspension of leaf and yard waste pickup is a major inconvenience for Ward 8 residents.

We are sincerely sorry for the inconvenience, continue reading below…

COVID-19 Virtual Council & Physical Separation (April 8): A Message from Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko

A message from Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko about the COVID-19 pandemic in Hamilton – virtual City Council meetings, enforcement of physical separation requirements and ways to help out.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

We are now mid-way through our fourth week of physical isolation due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

At the time of writing (12:15am April 8th, 2020) Hamilton has 183 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 26 hospitalizations (14%) and 5 deaths (3%).

On a personal note, I now know of one senior relative in hospital with COVID-19 and a close friend who is a frontline healthcare worker, currently recovering at home after being infected while helping others.

As this pandemic progresses, we will all start to hear of more and more stories that touch our lives, our loved ones, friends and neighbours.

COVID-19 is an extremely serious illness that nobody should take lightly or think that they’re not vulnerable.

The virus is here in Hamilton. It is spreading in the community. You are vulnerable. Take all necessary precautions to protect yourself.

Together, we can take care of each other and come out of the other side as a tighter, more caring and resilient community.

Continue reading below…

Look What I Made – Ward 8 Community Challenge: April 8

Please enjoy this week’s “Look What I Made” Ward 8 Community Challenge submissions! We’d love to see what you’ve made too – send us your kids (or your) paintings, sketches, drawings, music, sculpture, skits, dance moves, Lego constructions, sewing, baking, cooking…anything creative, and we’ll feature them on our website and newsletter updates.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

Please enjoy this week’s “Look What I Made” Ward 8 Community Challenge submissions!

Join the Ward 8 “Look What I Made!” Community Challenge – send us your kids (or your) paintings, sketches, drawings, music, sculpture, skits, dance moves, Lego constructions, sewing, baking, cooking…anything creative, and we’ll feature them on our website and newsletter updates.

Just send us a photo or social media link by email to Ward8@Hamilton.ca, or use the tag #Ward8Art on Twitter – please also include a note that says that we have permission to publish your work online.

Continue reading below…

COVID-19 Physical Distancing & Self Isolation (March 31): A Message From Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko

A message from Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko about the COVID-19 pandemic in Hamilton – new physical distancing and self isolation information, use of public spaces, support for local business, staying connected and ways to help out.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

At the time of writing (9:00pm March 31, 2020), it’s been nearly three weeks since the City of Hamilton activated our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), and there are now 101 confirmed cases of COVID-19, nineteen hospitalizations (1 in 5) and one death in Hamilton.

A new epidemiological summary of COVID-19 cases in Canada released by the federal government indicates that 62% of all COVID-19 cases were related to community transmission – and it is important to remember that test results lag current trends and many who are sick are never tested.

In fact, Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health stated today that the actual number of COVID-19 infections in Hamilton is likely more than 1000.

Therefore, it is more critical than ever to stay home, stay safe, limit all non-essential activities and take care of each other – continue reading below…

Look What I Made – Ward 8 Community Challenge

Join the Ward 8 “Look What I Made!” Community Challenge – send us your kid’s (or your) projects and we’ll feature them on our website and newsletter updates. Let’s find creative ways to stay connected while being separated!

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

We’re looking for your paintings, sketches, drawings, music, sculpture, skits, dance moves, Lego constructions, sewing, baking, cooking…anything creative!

Join the Ward 8 “Look What I Made!” Community Challenge – send us your kids (or your) projects and we’ll feature them on our website and newsletter updates.

Continue reading for more information…