Downtown Subcommittee Meeting Report - March 2, 2026

Summary

The Downtown Subcommittee tackled Gore Park's wildlife problems, voting to phase out rodenticides and develop new pest control strategies. The committee also addressed gaps in noise enforcement, homelessness concerns at Jackson-McNab, and requested updates on Main Street's two-way conversion timeline.

Topics Discussed

GORE PARK PEST CONTROL (File PW26009): The committee voted to refer back a staff report with instructions to phase out rodenticides, increase signage about wildlife feeding, and develop an education campaign. The park faces two distinct problems: aggressive geese congregating near standing water, and rats attracted by accessible food sources. The Committee Chair noted geese "can become really really aggressive and make that entire part of the park unusable." Staff identified poor drainage as the primary issue, with plans to regrade the park and remove hydrangeas that harbor rat burrows. A delegate from Rodenticide-Free Ontario argued that "killing a colony without eliminating the conditions that allow rodents to thrive simply creates a vacancy for new groups to move in." Council members expressed concern about LRT construction exacerbating the problem, with one member warning: "When LRT construction comes, rats are going to be probably the top issue for downtown once those roads are torn up." The enhanced approach will cost approximately $10,000 for signage, with additional costs for alternative pest control methods requiring new procurement. Staff will report back June 11th.

NOISE COMPLAINT ENFORCEMENT GAPS: Member Wakeford identified a critical service gap in noise enforcement, reporting "at least six instances between April and December" when told "there are no noise officers available for enforcement" between 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Of 178 amplified noise calls in Ward 2, only 63 resulted in confirmed violations, with 63 showing no violation and approximately 94 cases lacking data. The committee requested additional information on complaints received when officers are unavailable, threshold standards for violations, and response times. Staff confirmed average response time in Ward 2 is approximately 15 minutes, but noted the bylaw relies on subjective officer judgment of "unreasonable noise" rather than fixed decibel thresholds. Jackson Square/Two King Street West was identified as a persistent problem location.

HOMELESSNESS AND SECURITY AT JACKSON-MCNAB (File PED26018): The committee discussed a security pilot program heading to full council March 25th, with Vice Chair Braithwaite raising fundamental concerns: "Without there being a defined place for people to go, what we're going to end up doing is really just pushing the situation around the city." Staff revealed approximately 50% of people congregating in the area are actually housed. The location faces issues including sex trafficking, drug use, and exploitation of vulnerable women. Director of Housing Services Michelle Bear explained shelter spaces are available but barriers prevent some individuals from accessing them. Councilor Walsh warned the approach "is just shifting things around" and called for a broader strategy, noting "we can't realistically patrol every single difficult location with dedicated security on an ongoing basis."

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AT KING AND WALNUT (File PW26034): Vice Chair Braithwaite raised concerns about traffic light timing at King Street East and Walnut Street, stating "a lot of people don't report those things and now unfortunately our pedestrians don't report near misses." Staff explained the intersection uses split phasing coordinated across the entire King Street corridor, meaning any adjustment requires changes to all coordinated intersections. The committee voted to refer the matter back to staff for a report on split phase timing solutions, due June 11th or April 9th.

MAIN STREET TWO-WAY CONVERSION: Vice Chair Braithwaite requested a detailed timeline for the Main Street two-way conversion, noting "it's extremely stressful for my businesses right now to make future plans." Construction is scheduled to start this year following budget approval. Staff will provide a granular timeline report June 11th.

Motions

Passed: - Motion to refer Gore Park pest control report back to staff with instructions to phase out rodenticides, increase signage about wildlife feeding, and develop education campaign paired with bylaw enforcement (report back June 11th) - Moved by Councillor Wilson - Motion to refer pedestrian safety at King and Walnut back to staff for report on split phase timing solutions - Moved by Member Walsh, seconded by Member Braithwaite - Motion requesting cost report to restore Jarvis Memorial Clock Tower to operation (report back June 11th) - Seconded by Vice Chair - Motion to clean and activate gardens behind Ferguson Station for Pride performances - Motion regarding Wellington Park fountain repair (work already underway, progress report June 11th)

Deferred: - Street performance policy review deferred to Q4 2026 (may be delayed due to municipal election)

Attendees

• Committee Chair (name not specified in transcript)
• Vice Chair Braithwaite (Ward 2)
• Member Walsh
• Member Wakeford
• Member Wilson
• Councillor Moran
• Mayor Reed (Supervisor of Operations and Enforcement)

Staff Present: - Cynthia Graham, Director of Environmental Services - Mike Field, Acting Director of Transportation - Kelly Beaton, Licensing and Bylaw Services - Michelle Bear, Director of Housing Services

Delegates: - Allison Hansen, Rodenticide-Free Ontario and Bird Friendly Cities Hamilton Burlington