August 2023:

Dear Neighbours,

I hope that you are all keeping cool and comfortable as Summer progresses. Reminder that our local recreation centres, pools and library branch remain fully programmed, accessible and offer many options for you and your household to enjoy this August.

Updates:

  • Birge Outdoor Pool located at 167 Birge St. continues to have free open swim hours from Jun 30th until Sept 4th, every day from 12pm until 2pm; 2:30pm until 4:30pm; and 5pm until 7pm.
  • HSR Fare Assist Pilot Program
    On July 12th, Council received an update on the new HSR Fare Assist Pilot Program that will take effect Jan 1, 2024 to Jun 30, 2026. Through the new program residents will be able to access a 30% discount on single-ride PRESTO fares for the whole family with eligibility based on total household income regardless of age or ability. This will require suspending the existing HSR Temporary Transit Fare Special program and the Ontario Works Affordable Transit Pass for the duration of the pilot. Contact HSR Fare Administration Office by phone: 905-546-2424 ext. 1882 for any questions.
  • Encampment Protocol Update
    Thousands of Hamiltonians provided input through emails, calls, and during the three public meetings in June. Subsequently, a revised Encampment Protocol will be presented to General Issues Committee on August 14th, 2023. The final protocol will not be perfect. It will, however, be a place to build from that applies a human-rights and health-focused lens while we manage the current crisis we face. The real solution remains adequate and supportive housing – which we need all levels of government focused on achieving together.

Upcoming Events:

Ward 3 Office Pop Ups – Aug 17th – 9:30am to noon

To assist residents to connect with my office in-person for support, we run monthly pop-up office hours across Ward 3. The next one will be on August 17th from 9:30am to noon at the new Crown & Press Cafe and Gallery at 303 Ottawa St N.

  • Air Quality Community Workshop – Sept 21 – 6pm to 9pm

To build on the work my office has been acting on the past 4.5 years, and in light of the recent report citing the presence of carcinogens in the air, we will be hosting an informative and action oriented workshop for residents. More details will be in the next issue.

To reach my office, please send an email to ward3@hamilton.ca or call us at 905-546-2702.

Yours in Community,
Councillor Nrinder Nann