Light Rail Transit Sub-Committee - December 12, 2025

High-Level Summary

The meeting centered on updates and engagement surrounding the Hamilton LRT project, including municipal betterments, public communication, and cross-agency coordination with Metrolinx. Key outcomes included multiple motions approved to receive updates, advance betterment discussions, and formalize public-engagement approaches.

Five Most Important Topics Discussed

1) Municipal Betterments and Engagement for the LRT Project - The process for identifying and funding municipal betterments (public realm improvements, utilities, etc.) was discussed, including how they’ll be integrated into design phases. The dialogue emphasized early integration to avoid costly rework, with fosters for community involvement. - Direct quotes: - “The earlier in the development phase, the higher the chance we're able to incorporate it because we haven't gone too far down the path.” - “Above and beyond project basis scope are municipal betterments either enhancements to the basis scope or additions which will require partial or full city financial contribution.” - Public input channel: ongoing engagement with city service areas and stakeholders; opportunities to provide input via public events and community offices.

2) Eastgate Transit Hub Changes and Public Engagement - Revisions to the Eastgate hub were reviewed, with a year-long public engagement effort (10 information sessions and 75 stakeholder meetings) to satisfy legislative requirements under Ontario regulations. - Direct quotes: - “Hamiltonians deserve a clear and transparent insight into the design process so that we, like you, can understand how the current design came to be.” - “They laid it all out there really and showed how they came to these processes... that’s the kind of information I think would be valuable.” - Public input: emphasis on public open houses, amendment records, and stakeholder feedback during the development phase.

3) Design Progression, Standards, and Transparency - Discussion on how design information is shared, the cadence of updates, and alignment with city standards. There was a push for accessible design-development information and a clear amendment record to justify changes. - Direct quotes: - “We need design plates. We need change tracking to understand where we were and how we're at now. We need to see the decision-making information that they were using.” - “There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to information sharing with the public.” - Public input: targeted consultations with asset owners and stakeholders; ongoing open houses and detail-level documentation (including EPR addenda) to inform residents.

4) Public Engagement with Metrolinx and Community Outreach - Metrolinx engagement was highlighted, including the presence of Metrolinx representatives for the first time, and the need for ongoing community feedback channels (open houses, community office, direct outreach to business and resident groups). - Direct quotes: - “We’re going to make sure that the full city of Hamilton is aware as this project progresses as well given the interest.” - “Would love an opportunity to connect one-on-one in other forums as well to get a better understanding of the groups you're representing.” - Public input: opportunities via community offices, open houses, and ongoing consultations with stakeholders.

5) Public Realm Improvements, DEI, and Community Benefits - The project’s public realm enhancements (public art, urban braille, pedestrianized zones) and DEI targets for job creation were presented as core components of delivering social value and livability along the corridor. - Direct quotes: - “The four-pillar strategy for community benefits is very much intact and an important part of how we deliver this project.” - “Urban braille throughout the entire 14 kilometers... and making International Village a pedestrianized zone.” - Public input: ongoing collaboration with BIAs, chambers, and other business groups; opportunities for residents to provide feedback on these improvements.

File Numbers / Bylaws Mentioned

• Item references and related documents noted:
  • Item 7.1: Hamilton LRT Project Update (presentation and correspondence)
  • PEED 2511A: Hamilton LRT Transit Municipal Betterment Process Update
  • EPR Document (2011) and Addendum (2017) referenced in relation to environmental studies
  • W 510: reference to Stony Creek area context
• These file numbers indicate formal items and reports discussed during the meeting.

Opportunities for Public Input

• Public input channels highlighted in the meeting include:
  • Public open houses and amendment-record reviews for Eastgate changes.
  • Community offices and staff to coordinate input (e.g., community office at 116 King Street East in other sections; ongoing engagement via email, phone, and social media).
  • Direct engagement with Metrolinx representatives and city staff during development and at public forums.

Motions: Passed, Rejected, or Deferred (Titles and Outcomes)

• Motion to Receive Hamilton LRT Project Update (Item 7.1)
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Next Steps: Public records updated; continue updates on project progress.
• Motion to Receive Correspondence from Scott Page (Item 7.1)
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Next Steps: Public record to reflect correspondence.
• Motion to Proceed with Presentation on PEED 2511A (Hamilton LRT Municipal Betterment Process Update)
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Next Steps: Staff to present further details and answer questions.
• Motion to Adopt the Peterborough Model for Community Benefits
  • Outcome: Passed unanimously.
  • Next Steps: Information gathering and local consultations to inform the model.
• Motion to Integrate Social Procurement into City-Led LRT Early Works
  • Outcome: Passed unanimously.
  • Next Steps: City staff to collaborate with Metrolinx to implement social and community benefits in early works.
• Motion to Develop a Communication Strategy for Community Benefits
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Next Steps: Develop and roll out a coordinated communications plan.
• Motion to Ensure Public Input During Detailed Design Phase
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Next Steps: Maintain ongoing stakeholder engagement during the design progression.
• Motion to Hold Questions Until After Presentation
  • Outcome: Approved.
  • Next Steps: Q&A session structured post-presentation.
• Motion to Encourage Regular MetroLinks Attendance at Meetings
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Next Steps: Schedule regular updates (e.g., biannually or quarterly).
• Motion to Approve Public Engagement for Transit Project Changes
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Next Steps: Align engagement with regulatory and city standards; continue public consultations.

Councillors Present

• Councillors: Wilson, Hang, Casar, Francis (virtual), Crutch (virtual), Andress, Kazar, Nan, Huang, Crunch, Springer
• Mayor (present in at least some sections; presiding or participating virtually in others)
• Chair/ Vice Chair roles are noted in several sections

Additional Follow-Up Actions Noted

• Continued collaboration with Metrolinx and the alliance partners to address design updates, betterment evaluations, and public engagement needs.
• Ongoing public outreach including community offices, open houses, and targeted stakeholder consultations; updates to public records as updates occur.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific single-meeting transcript you want emphasized (for example, focus strictly on the Eastgate hub discussion or municipal betterments), and tighten the topic list accordingly.