Top 5 Hamilton issues to watch for in 2024, according to city council
CBC
Wrapping up a year dominated by efforts to protect Hamilton's greenbelt land, increase affordable housing and improve city services, councillors are looking at a busy 2024.
To find out what will will be a priority in the months ahead, CBC Hamilton asked all 15 councillors and the mayor for the top issue they'll be focused on.
"What a great way to start the New Year — declaring one's number one priority," said Coun. Ted McMeekin (Ward 15).
Hamilton's elected officials delivered a wide range of answers that reflect the diversity of the city. These are the top five areas councillors say they'll be focusing on in 2024:
With the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment surpassing $1,800 a month in December, Coun. Muareen Wilson (Ward 1) and Mayor Andrea Horwath both said they're eager to do more to tackle the affordable housing crisis.
Building off the housing sustainability investment roadmap adopted by council in 2023, Wilson said she'll be "searching for and seizing all opportunities" to construct, acquire and preserve affordable housing.
The city has created a new housing secretariat division and Horwath said its focus will be to team up with nonprofit organizations, "unlock" federal and provincial money and run programs that directly impact the housing market.
Tenant rights is top of mind for Coun. Cameron Kroetsch in Ward 2, where he said 77 per cent of residents rent. He will be setting up a new community tenant council with the first meeting expected before the end of March, he said.
"It's important that I provide space and support to help tenants communicate their concerns and organize their buildings," Kroetsch said.
Converting Main Street from a one-way to two-way street will be a focus for downtown Coun. Nrinder Nann (Ward 3).
She said she wants the city to transform the busy throughway into "a safe and thriving corridor that connects neighbours."
Many of her colleagues, including Stoney Creek Coun. Brad Clark (Ward 9) and Jeff Beattie (Ward 10), said improving public spaces will be a big focus for them, too.
Resurfacing roads, renewing parks and building sidewalks are all planned for Beattie's ward.
"So in short — infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure," said Beattie.
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