Hamiltonians speak on what’s important to them as election day nears

Municipal elections are just a few days away, and many people across Hamilton, Halton and Niagara have already voted in the early polls.

Election day is Monday, and results will be known that night, which means many new mayors and councillors will be elected, or we could also have some returning politicians.

CHCH News spoke with local residents Friday, asking what is important to them, and what is on their mind days out from the vote.

Almost 20,000 people in Hamilton voted in the advanced polls over the past few weeks, but on Monday many more will be voting on the official election day.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Hamilton’s 2026 municipal election

Whether you’re in Dundas, downtown Hamilton, the east end, or on Hamilton Mountain, there is one common issue that came up when asked what’s important to them when it came to the municipal election: housing.

While local municipalities are partially responsible for housing and development, cities also take care of public safety, infrastructure, transportation, public health, and community and social services.

In Dundas, residents spoke about the importance of accountability, and how some people are handling the lack of affordable housing.

Voters in downtown Hamilton described their desires to be properly represented, and to choose the right advocate for them.

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Others spoke about the need for supporting people addicted to drugs, and worries about the status of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.

Over at Eastgate, residents spoke about the growing grocery prices in Hamilton, and the need for the LRT.

On Hamilton Mountain, people spoke about the desire to remove a stinky dump, finding good housing and access to education.

Voters can choose any voting location in their ward and do not need their Voter Information Card to vote, only one piece of ID with their name and address on it.

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