Hamilton roads, affordable housing atop Wards 7, 10 election debates

Property taxes, fixing roads and building new affordable housing dominated much of the conversation for candidates in two of Hamilton’s wards today.

Nine candidates fought to get their points across this morning in a lively debate to become the next local representative of Stoney Creek, Winona and Fruitland.

Housing and community developments were a major topic.

“The areas in this city that have been waiting for community growth. And with that delay, we don’t have the community centres that are being planned, we don’t have the road infrastructure. That all has to come together, but you need appropriate staff doing that,” said Ivan luksic, Ward 10 councillor candidate.

Those concerns include a recent City decision to approve a 12-storey rental tower on Dewitt Road, despite opposition from neighbours.

“If you’re proposing to build a nine-storey building right by a daycare centre that already has traffic congestion, you’re bringing forth an element of danger. It’s very real. It’s not ‘not in my backyard,’ it’s a legitimate concern,” said Cal DiFalco, Ward 10 councillor candidate.

“Growth is inevitable, but growth without consultation — that’s unacceptable. Five-hundred plus residents opposed that around Dewitt at the daycare centre,” said Tanjoban Nijjar, Ward 10 councillor candidate.

Eleven candidates in total are vying for the Ward 10 seat that became vacant earlier this month when Councillor Jeff Beattie successfully ran to become the Member of Provincial Parliament for the area.

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Later in the day, two-term Ward 7 Councillor Esther Pauls defended her record on the Hamilton Mountain’s roads and aging infrastructure.

“Rymal Road is getting a five lane. It’s going to be two one-way and two the other way, and a turning  lane. So that is starting, it’s so exciting,” said Pauls.

But candidates Heather Beale and Mark Daly challenged Pauls on the amount of time changes have taken in Hamilton’s most populated ward.

“This is an improvement that’s much-needed on the mountain, this is something I’m certainly hearing from residents,” said Beale.

“Upper Wellington is getting done, Rymal is…,” replied Pauls.

“Are you sincerely arguing that the roads in Ward 7 are in good condition? Is that your position?,” interjected Daly.

“I said they’re getting done,” said Pauls.

“…and as an eight-year councillor, we’re still waiting for something to happen?” asked Daly.

You can watch the full debates on Cable 14’s website, Hamilton Votes 2026.

The municipal election is Oct. 26.