Ward 15 Community Update
The latest issue of the Ward 15 Community Update was mailed to all residents of Ward 15 in early December 2023. Check your mailbox!
Download the PDF version here or view the plain text version below:
Policing Efforts in Ward 15
Hamilton Police Service (HPS) continues to focus attention and resources within Waterdown, Flamborough and Carlisle. In October, Inspector Paul Evans and Sergeant Dave Allchin joined my Community Policing Town Hall, and spoke at length about HPS efforts to curb vehicle thefts in our ward. Actions include increased patrols, multiple task forces, joint and undercover operations, while also proactively stopping vehicles that match the most frequently stolen models, in order to validate ownership. Further, I am pleased to announce that the City of Hamilton will build a new combination police station and fire hall near Highway 6 and Parkside Dr. The joint compound is scheduled to be online between fall 2025 and spring 2026. Advocating for a new police station was a promise I made in last fall’s election, and I am proud to help bring that to fruition for the residents of Ward 15.
Fighting Higher Taxes
Recently, a staff report to Council suggested a 14.2% municipal tax increase for 2024. I stand firmly against such an outrageous suggestion. In fact, I filed a motion asking Council to bind itself to a municipally generated property tax cap of 4% or the rate of CPI - whichever is lower. Half of Council spoke in favour of adopting my motion, and the matter has been referred to budget committee. The fight continues at the budget committee level, and I will leave no room for confusion as to where I stand on this issue. I oppose radical tax hikes, I will not vote for double-digit increases, and I remain focused on seeking better value for the existing tax dollars paid by Ward 15 residents.
Support in Difficult Times
The holiday season reminds us of all things good and precious. As we wish our friends and neighbours the best this time of year, please remember that many in our community are struggling. Food bank use is up 80% and homelessness has doubled since the onset of the pandemic. If you are in a position to help others, please consider donating to the Flamborough Food Bank, Food With Grace Waterdown Food Bank, Food4Kids Hamilton, or perhaps become a Holiday Gift Donor for Flamborough Connects. Flamborough Connects provides a wide array of services and service referrals to the community. Visit flamboroughconnects.ca to learn more or email admin@flamboroughconnects.ca.
Constituency Office Availability
The Ward 15 Constituency Office is here to help serve you. More accessible to Ward 15 residents than City Hall, the Constituency Office is adjacent to the Flamborough Municipal Service Centre desk, located just inside the main doors of the Waterdown branch of the Hamilton Public Library at 163 Dundas St. E. The Ward 15 Constituency Office is available for community members to meet with myself or a Ward 15 Office staff member. We can meet in the office by appointment, or feel free to drop-in Thursdays between 2-8pm to meet with a representative. More broadly, constituents can receive support from the Ward 15 team at anytime by emailing Ted.McMeekin@hamilton.ca.
Building Better Parks in Our Community
Creating public spaces for residents to enjoy with friends and family is a key aspect of good community building. Clear Skies Park and Smokey Hollow Park, will be the next such spaces built in Waterdown. Clear Skies Park will be developed on a 2.7 acre parcel of land at 45 Gunby Blvd. Construction is planned for summer 2024, with a future expansion to be built directly north of the first phase. Coming to the Mountainview Heights neighbourhood is Smokey Hollow Park. It will be located near the water tower at Skinner Rd and Pond View Gate. Smokey Hollow Park is also slated for development in the summer of 2024.
Through the Public Works Committee, I expanded the accessibility of Rockcliffe Gardens Park to include new rubber pathways within and outside the play area, plus a high-back, full support swing.
At City Council, I challenged staff to help close a loop hole that has let real estate developers avoid building parks in newer neighborhoods, as is their obligation but is often being shirked.
I continue to advocate for new parks in our community, while also reinforcing the need for more accessible features in new builds, as well as retrofits and upgrades of existing parks.
Museum of Hope Finds Permanent Home Inside Waterdown Legion
On Remembrance Day, I had the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of the City of Hamilton, during the ceremony organized by the Waterdown Legion. The day was also chosen to mark the grand opening of the Waterdown Museum of Hope. What began as a project to engage Waterdown District High School students in the study of history, is now an internationally recognized museum. It boasts over 1,200 artifacts, ranging from missile shells, medals, letters, and uniforms donated by veterans, to carefully collected artifacts from the Holocaust, such as survivors’ stars and hate propaganda. With the support of Branch 551, along with many local benefactors, and the City of Hamilton, the museum has completed its transition from Waterdown District High School to its new, permanent home inside the Waterdown Legion at 79 Hamilton St. N. It was a privilege to be at the Legion for two very important ceremonies on November 11, as the ribbon cutting event for the Waterdown Museum of Hope followed the annual Remembrance Day ceremony.
