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.
The N.W.T.'s environment minister says communication with the Alberta government has improved since a pair of oil spills several years ago.
The latest data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows an uptick in the amount of fentanyl seized near the American northern border with Canada — but the quantities intercepted remain a tiny fraction of what's coming from Mexico.
The purple toasted cob of corn shines under the afternoon sun as 25-year-old Allison Zhou lifts it up to show her friends on the opening day of the Calgary Stampede. It's ube-flavoured and covered in white and black sesame seeds. The cost? $15.
If you've ever wondered how to navigate the stock market, build a budget or plan for retirement, your first stop might've once been a parent, a trusted friend or an advisor at the bank.
For prospective young pilots intending to join the Allied effort during the Second World War, the Harvard was the ultimate training plane — but it also posed a key test.
There's no doubt that the Churchill Park Music Festival lineup is glittering with star power, with Gwen Stefani added as the latest headliner announced for the St. John's event.
Three people have died in motorcycle crashes on Nova Scotia roads this week.
In the lead-up to Hope Wellness Eco-Resort's first Topless Tuesday of this year, Katie Carson was surprised by a phone call she got from a man concerned about the event.
Gareth West, the alleged leader of a network of grandparent scammers accused of defrauding $30 million from American seniors, has been arrested.
Premier Wab Kinew said Manitoba's accessibility minister will remain in her position after she apologized for swearing into a hot mic about sharing a stage with a sign-language interpreter.
Edmonton city council reluctantly voted to continue a public hearing next week — their vacation period — after Friday evening's debate led to swears being thrown.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency lab tests have confirmed the presence of the highly damaging mollusc disease dermo in oysters from P.E.I.'s Egmont Bay.
Toronto has officially named a laneway in the city's east end after a Black woman who made a big impact on her community in the early 1900s.