Emotions run high at Hamilton City Hall as residents grow frustrated with council

Several groups and residents attended the City of Hamilton’s General Issues Committee meeting Wednesday, disappointed and frustrated with councillors.

Emotions ran high as many people, each with different concerns, appeared at the meeting to express their disappointment in the city, and to urge council to listen and learn.

From striking workers, to Hamilton’s homelessness crisis, and the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) charging people with disabilities to ride the bus.

“The city is not built for us, and we need more help from you,” said one person who attended the council meeting.

City Hall was packed with upset Hamiltonians, who want more from those sitting around the council table.

On the topic of workers currently on strike Greg Hoath, the business manager at the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 772, said “shame on the mayor and shame on council – get them back to work and settle now.”

54 trade workers at Hamilton’s water and wastewater facility have been striking for a month.

“If you really care about your employees and you care about the taxpayers, you would settle now,” said Hoath.

Hoath spoke out in the council chambers Wednesday and said the workers want $3 more an hour, to match the pay of other city workers with similar qualifications.

“Council denies us status to speak, so this is the only way we can come in and voice our position,” said Hoath. “They are certified operators in trades – there’s no way the plant, the operations are being managed the same way as when we are there.”

Hoath said they are back to the bargaining table Friday.

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Hamilton’s Fare Sssist HSR program was also up for discussion: it’s a pilot program that offers discounted fares to those with low income, but it began charging people with disabilities to ride the bus, when before they were not required to pay anything.

“It is not working for folks the way it has been implemented,” said another person that attended the council meeting.

Advocacy groups said that not only is it a major financial burden for people with disabilities on fixed incomes, it was also a huge oversight on the City of Hamilton’s part when it comes to accessibility and the actual act of being able to pay a fare for those struggling with mobility, hearing, and visibility issues.

“People shouldn’t miss their appointments, they shouldn’t not go out – it’s not fair for people just because they’re disabled – they don’t live their lives,” said Kayla Leet, an advocate for those with disabilities.

The heated day at council highlighted some of the major issues in the city.

Hamilton Ward 15 City Councillor Ted McMeekin said the city has a lot of listening to do.

“Intentional listening,” said McMeekin. “I think through that listening, we need to identify and articulate options that can better serve all of the people of Hamilton.”

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