City Council Meeting Summary

High-level summary The council advanced waterfront development and library activation initiatives, approving procedural items and moving forward with a pop-up library project and a North End library branch while planning broad community engagement and feasibility studies. Key decisions included approving the Discovery Center Pop-Up Library report (PD21090), approving funding for the North End library branch, and endorsing a unified waterfront vision with ongoing engagement and operational integration considerations.

Five Most Important Topics Discussed

1) Unified Vision for the Waterfront - The council emphasized creating a cohesive, unified vision for the waterfront to avoid a siloed approach and to ensure coordinated development and activation of the waterfront as a community space. - Quote: “Working with the team on creating a unified vision for the waterfront so that we are breaking down the siloed approach that has been in place until this point.” - Impact: Sets the tone for cross-department collaboration and more integrated waterfront projects moving forward.

2) Discovery Center Pop-Up Library and Cultural Space (File PD21090) - A proposal to transform part of the Discovery Center into an Indigenous-themed pop-up library and cultural space, planned to begin in summer 2026 and potentially become a permanent library presence. - Quote: “The goal of the pop-up concept is to become a vibrant community center destination at the waterfront.” - Next steps indicate feasibility planning and eventual agreements to activate the space by summer 2026 if approved.

3) Programming, Community Engagement, and Cultural Activation - The pop-up would offer traditional library services, programs for multiple age groups, and rotating cultural displays curated with community partners, serving as an anchor activation for the waterfront. - Quote: “The library would serve as a central anchor for that activation and include traditional library services along with programming for various age groups and community events.” - This topic ties into broader engagement goals with residents and community organizations to shape the programming mix.

4) Financial Considerations and Subsidy Requests for North End Library Activation - The Hamilton Public Library (HPL) requested targeted financial relief for 2026 (approximately $130,000) with full cost responsibility transferring in 2027, plus $290,000 in interior improvements. - Quote: “HPL is requesting relief from operating cost contributions for 2026 only, which is estimated at approximately $130,000.” - Impact: Funding decisions will affect operating costs and the scope of 7-day-a-week service and related staffing, cleaning, security, and utility costs.

5) Next Steps for Activation and City-Library Agreements - If the report PD21090 is approved, staff will begin preparing formal agreements between the city and Hamilton Public Library to enable space use and waterfront activation, targeting summer 2026. - Quote: “Subject to council's approval of the report, staff would begin preparing the requisite agreements between the city and library for use of the space bringing activation to the waterfront by this summer.” - Impact: Concrete timelines and legal agreements will shape the pace and governance of the pop-up activation.

Other notable topics touched on in discussion - Waterfront Tourism Opportunities (PED25274) and RFI Process: An update on ongoing efforts to animate the West Harbor waterfront and explore tourism opportunities, with an emphasis on engagement as part of the process. Public engagement concerns were raised by Crutch, and Lisa Abbott stressed that engagement will be part of the next steps.

Opportunities for Public Input - Community members, particularly from the North End Neighborhood Association, will have opportunities to provide input during the next phase of waterfront development engagement. Lisa Abbott noted that engagement with residents and businesses is a key part of the upcoming steps. - Public input mechanisms referenced include ongoing dialogue with the North End Neighborhood Association and broader community engagement sessions as the plans move forward.

Motions and Outcomes 1) Motion: Approval of Agenda - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Next Steps: Proceed with meeting as per the approved agenda.

2) Motion: Approval of Minutes from November 7th Meeting - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Next Steps: Minutes adopted without amendments.

3) Motion/Action: Waterfront Tourism Opportunities Report (PED25274) - Outcome: Report was put on the floor for discussion (status of final decision not specified in excerpt). - Next Steps: Feasibility studies, additional community engagement, and integration considerations for the Waterfront Trust into city operations.

4) Motion: Approve Report PD21090 – Discovery Center Pop-Up Library and Cultural Space Interim Activation - Outcome: Passed (carried by a show of hands). - Next Steps: Staff to prepare city-library agreements to activate the space by summer 2026.

5) Motion: Approve Funding for the North End Library Branch (incremental costs and operating relief) - Outcome: Passed. - Details: The funding request included approximately $130,000 for incremental costs and anticipated $100,000 in related increases; 7-day service impacts and internal improvements were noted.

6) Motion: Reinstatement of Library Services in a Growing North End Neighborhood - Outcome: Passed unanimously (4-0). - Next Steps: Implementation and ongoing engagement with the North End community, including coordination between the North End Neighborhood Association and city staff.

Councillors Present - Mayor Horvath - Councillor Crutch - Councillor Casar

Notes on File Numbers and By-laws Mentioned - PED25274: Waterfront Tourism Opportunities Report - PD21090: Discovery Center Pop-Up Library and Cultural Space Interim Activation

Public Contact and Citizen Input - Opportunities for input will occur during the next waterfront development phase, with North End residents and businesses specifically encouraged to participate. - No direct public email addresses were provided in the materials; input is to be coordinated through the city and library staff as part of upcoming engagement sessions.