Hamilton Ward 3 and 9 debate: Data centres, taxes and GFL landfill in focus

Candidates running to represent Ward 3 and 9 debated live on Cable 14 today.

AI data centres, stinky landfills and tax hikes were some of the topics the councillor hopefuls discussed.

In Ward 3, where the incumbent is Coun. Nrinder Nann, a hot topic for the area is the potential of an AI data centre on the waterfront. Nann wants to try to put a pause on it again.

“I think there’s an opportunity in this next term of council to bring back the interim control bylaw. And if I’m re-elected as your Ward 3 city councillor it will be the first motion I move,” Nann said.

“We have our water right there, we have the concerns about noise and pollution. Until those issues are clearly defined and we have clear rules and regulations around them, I don’t want to see this project go ahead,” said Andrew Selman, Ward 3 candidate.

Nann also called out candidate Graham Schreiber for saying drag shows should not be allowed during a street festival.

“And people in drag should not be parading around the streets and having their little freak shows with the exposure to children,” said Schreiber.

“I have drag queens as friends, and yes I am a transsexual female, okay? And that is not called for,” said Kristeen Sprauge, Ward 3 candidate.

During Ward 9’s debate — where the incumbent is Coun. Brad Clark — candidates discussed whether enough has been done for residents who complain about the stench around the GFL landfill on Green Mountain Road.

“And I fought for ensuring that the landfill wouldn’t be expanded again. I fought to close the landfill sooner. And I fought for and secured independent air monitoring that has actually helped the community understand what’s going on,” said Clark.

And tax hikes.

“There are a lot of expenses for the city but they need to be looked at more analytically, and everything should be broken down into what’s necessary, what’s not necessary, and broken down into multigenerational terms,” said Abhijeet Hill, Ward 9 candidate.

Visit Cable 14’s website for the full debates.

The municipal election is on Oct. 26.

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