Policy Archives - Councillor John-Paul Danko

City launching Sidewalk Snow Clearing Survey

This article, from August 10, contains details about the City’s launching of the Sidewalk Snow Clearing Survey.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

Although we are still dealing with the August heat, the City of Hamilton is looking forward to the snow and ice we will be dealing with in a few months time.

With sidewalk snow clearing a hot topic of debate during the latter stages of 2019 into early 2020, the City is seeking out resident feedback to help measure and better understand the needs and wishes of residents related to sidewalk snow clearing during the winter months.

For more details, please continue reading below…

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Virtual public review of City’s Truck Route Master Plan

This article, from August 9, contains details about the Hamilton Truck Route Master Plan about how the public can help engage in the process.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

The City is looking to engage citizens from all areas of Hamilton, as it works towards the creation of an updated, comprehensive Truck Route Master Plan, taking into consideration the impact truck traffic has on various communities while also supporting Hamilton’s economic prosperity.

The meeting will take place virtually on September 2, from 630-9, where residents will be introduced to the study, seek resident input on the draft vision, goals and principles that will shape the study and collect resident thoughts on the problematic truck areas in the community.

For more details, please continue reading below…

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City to no longer print paper bus tickets

This article, from July 17, contains a press release from the City of Hamilton on the phasing out of HSR paper tickets and passes.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

The City of Hamilton has approved the removal from circulation of paper bus tickets, after City Council voted in favour of implementing the PRESTO fare card system, effectively replacing paper tickets and the monthly pass system.

For more details, please continue reading below…

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City announces members of Mayor’s Taskforce on Economic Recovery

This article, from June 4, includes information about the Mayor’s Taskforce on Economic Recovery.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

With the most diversified economy in Canada, the City is working its way towards rebuilding the local economy. On June 4, Mayor Eisenberger introduced the Taskforce on Economic Recovery, pulling on the vast wealth of diversified experience its task force members are expected to bring to the table with the plan of ensuring economic stability for the city moving forward.

For more details, please continue reading below…

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Hamilton 100 Pivots to 2026 Commonwealth Games Bid

Hamilton has been selected as the preferred Canadian bid City for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

But should Hamilton bid for 2026 instead – or should Hamilton not host the Commonwealth Games at all?

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

Earlier this year, the Hamilton City Council voted to endorse a bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Hamilton was subsequently confirmed as Canada’s preferred candidate city to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

However, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hamilton 100 bid corporation that led Hamilton’s bid for the 2030 games has changed course and indicated that they would now like to bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

For more details, continue reading below…

March 20: Hamilton City Council approves 2020 Tax Operating Budget

This post has the latest press release from the City of Hamilton regarding the passing of the 2020 Tax Operating Budget on March 20, 2020.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

Taking social distancing seriously as well as taking all the necessary health and safety precautions, Hamilton City Council met on Friday, March 20 and approved the 2020 Tax Operating Budget. We have previously touched on the 2020 budget here and here.

For more details, please continue reading below…

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Complimentary Menstrual Products Will Be Available At Westmount Recreation Centre

The City of Hamilton will provide complimentary menstrual products at Westmount and four other recreation centres along with at Hamilton Food Share and local food banks through a new 12 month pilot project.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

I am proud to support Hamilton City Council’s recent decision to provide complimentary menstrual products at five City recreation centres including Westmount Recreation Centre in Ward 8 and through Hamilton Food Share and various local food banks city wide.

For more details, please continue reading below…

Hamilton City Council Trims $750,000 from 2020 Budget Through Service Cuts to Under-Performing HSR Routes

Hamilton City Council recently voted to cut service levels to several under-performing HSR routes. The service cuts are anticipated to save taxpayers $750,000 from the 2020 budget and up to $1.7 million from future budgets.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

Since being elected, I have worked very hard to advocate on behalf of improving transit for Ward 8 residents on the Hamilton mountain.

Behind the scenes, I was able to work closely with City of Hamilton staff to secure an application for $8.5 million in Federal/Provincial funding dedicated to improving transit for Ward 8 and the Hamilton mountain.

I have also consistently advocated for new investments in HSR transit to better serve Ward 8 residents by realigning the existing bus routes through the HSR’s (Re)Envision campaign, and the elimination of the unfair area rating for transit taxation system.

However, I reluctantly voted in favour of the proposed service cuts – continue reading for find out why…

Hamilton City Council Votes Against Becoming a Living Wage Employer

As part of recent 2020 budget deliberations, Hamilton City Council voted against making Hamilton a living wage employer. If accepted, this change would have cost taxpayers $292,550 over a three year phase in.

I am very dissapointed for our City of Hamilton staff and all minimum wage earners across the City that a 3 year phase in of a living wage was rejected by Hamilton City Council.

I believe this was a missed opportunity for Hamilton to take a principled leadership role and set an example for business – sending a message that the people who build wealth are worth more than the minimum.

Please continue reading for further details…

New Life for the Historic Balfour Estate

One of Hamilton’s oldest historical structures looks to finally have some new life (and investment) breathed into it as the picturesque Balfour Estate has potentially found a new tenant.

Pending approval by the Ontario Heritage Trust (OHT), Cardus will lease the property from the City after Council recently voted in favour of moving forward pending the OHT’s approval for “intensity of use” and “adaptive reuse” plans.

For more information, please continue reading below…

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