Hamilton city council unites in pushback against provincial changes

Hamilton city councillors demonstrated a rare moment of unanimity during today’s council meeting, passing two motions that called on the provincial government to better consult with local officials before making changes.

Council passed a motion asking staff to research how other municipalities, such as the Niagara Region, Halton and Haldimand County, handle providing services and supports to people experiencing homelessness who are not from their area. 

City staff estimate a fifth of people using Hamilton’s shelters have lived in the city for less than six months.

“All we’re asking for is Hamilton taxpayers to be treated with fairness like every other municipality,” said Coun. Matt Francis. He noted that other communities have policies to return individuals to their home communities to connect with services there.

The motion requests city staff to return in the summer with more information and policy proposals for council to consider.

Mayor Andrea Horwath supported the motion, stating the data is an important tool in asking upper levels of government to cover the costs of supports. 

During the session, Horwath noted that while the province tells municipalities to keep taxes low, “If you paid your bills, we wouldn’t have to pay them for you.”

In another unanimous decision, council voted to stand with school board trustees as the province looks to cap the powers and significantly reduce the role of the elected officials. “The intention is to support our elected officials, which are school board trustees, and ensure that they have that say when it comes to governance and advocacy,” said Ward 4 councillor Tammy Hwang. 

The motion urges the province to conduct an impact assessment and work with school boards to determine what new roles will look like.

In one more letter posted to Queen’s Park, councillors also agreed to voice disapproval regarding the province’s move to amalgamate Ontario’s 36 local conservation authorities into nine regions. 

Coun. Brad Clark said there is fear the merger is an attempt to use conservation lands for development. The ministry has stated no conservation workers will lose jobs. And in a statement to CHCH News, the ministry says the move will modernize permitting and reduce duplications.

This was the final council meeting before nominations open for the municipal election on May 1. The election will take place in October of this year.

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