LRT Infrastructure Handover Protocols Approved - 21 Sep 26

At its final meeting of the council term on Sept. 21, 2026, Hamilton's LRT Subcommittee reviewed agreements governing infrastructure handover and communications between the City, Metrolinx and the province. Members also discussed public participation, construction complaints, emergency access, tree removals, fair-wage requirements and Metrolinx's attendance at committee meetings. Report PED26176 is scheduled for consideration by the General Issues Committee on Sept. 28.

Topics Discussed

LRT AGREEMENTS AND MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE

The subcommittee reviewed Report PED26176, which covers a Commissioning and Acceptance Protocol and a permanent Communications Protocol under the City's agreement with Metrolinx and the Ministry of Transportation. Five of 11 protocols under the 2021 Memorandum of Understanding have been completed.

The commissioning protocol applies to City infrastructure rebuilt or constructed through the LRT project, including water mains, sewers, roads, sidewalks and street furniture. Metrolinx will provide a two-year warranty. The City will not accept infrastructure with unresolved "critical non-conformances," which City Solicitor Dave McKenna defined as "a serious threat to health, safety or security."

Metrolinx will fund six dedicated municipal inspectors: three for roadway infrastructure and three for Hamilton Water. The first roadway inspector is scheduled to start in January 2027.

COMMUNICATIONS, COMPLAINTS AND CONSTRUCTION LIAISON COMMITTEES

The Communications Protocol establishes neighbourhood-level Construction Liaison Committees for residents, businesses and community organizations along the LRT corridor. Metrolinx and the province will lead major announcements about project timelines, contracts, budgets and scope.

The City must provide written notice to Metrolinx before issuing project-related communications or attending engagement events. Hwang criticized that arrangement, saying, "I worry that we're outsourcing all of our communications to Metrolinx where we have very little line of sight into how that stakeholder engagement happens."

Eleni Jalboot said the protocol requires written notice but emphasized that "Metrolinx is responsible for the project delivery, scope, budget, and schedule" and therefore "takes the lead on communications and engagement."

The City can communicate directly about municipal impacts, including road closures, HSR changes and City-funded infrastructure improvements. Metrolinx is expected to acknowledge inquiries within 24 hours and respond within 10 days. Members questioned whether that timeline would be sufficient during major construction.

Member Andress said the subcommittee should operate as a community liaison committee and that Metrolinx should attend every meeting, rather than participating "on an issue-by-issue basis."

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PROCEDURAL RULES

Community representatives said current speaking limits make it difficult to address issues such as affordable housing, local business supports and LRT stop design.

Andress requested a future agenda slot for a Hamilton Community Benefits Network presentation, a review of the City's procedural bylaws and clear rules for speaking time and presentations at hybrid committees.

Kroetsch supported a broader review, saying, "The worst decision I think we could make would be to have a one-off set of rules for this committee." Members referred the recommendations and presentation procedures to the Governance Review Subcommittee.

Wilson also asked how the proposed protocols would serve residents, saying, "How are we protecting and advancing the interests of Hamiltonians?"

CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS, ACCESS AND CITY OVERSIGHT

Staff said Metrolinx must provide four to six months' notice for full road closures and at least 30 days' notice for lane closures. Traffic Control Plans are being reviewed collaboratively, in some cases up to two years in advance.

Members raised emergency-access concerns involving McMaster Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and fire stations. They also discussed blocked sidewalks, driveways and business entrances.

Staff said Metrolinx contractors are responsible for physical changes at construction sites. The City can use its permitting authority to require changes or revoke a permit when construction conditions are not working.

Community representatives cited difficulties experienced during the Eglinton Crosstown project in identifying who could resolve construction problems. Staff said complaints will be recorded through Metrolinx's customer relationship management system, and City staff will also be trained to log issues in the City's system.

Wilson asked who would be responsible for correcting a construction plan that was not working, particularly near sensitive sites such as hospitals, and how elected officials could quickly provide that information.

TREES, FAIR WAGES AND COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Members questioned whether tree removals and compensation would replace the shade and cooling provided by mature trees. Staff said detailed tree-replacement and design requirements will be addressed through a forthcoming Permit, License and Approval protocol.

Member Andrews asked whether Metrolinx contractors would follow Hamilton's Fair Wage Policy when replacing City infrastructure. Staff said Metrolinx, as a provincial agency, is expected to follow provincial procurement standards while complying with municipal bylaws and engineering requirements.

Staff said further information about the Community Benefits Plan could be provided in a future report.

Motions

• July 13, 2026 meeting minutes: Approved.
• Public delegation and presentation procedures: Referred to the Governance Review Subcommittee for consideration during its review of the City's procedural bylaw.
• Information reports returned from the General Issues Committee: Two reports were received by the subcommittee on a show-of-hands vote. The transcript did not identify the report titles or file numbers.
• Report PED26176, Light Rail Transit Agreement Update: Advanced for consideration by the General Issues Committee on Sept. 28, 2026.

Attendees

Councillors identified in the transcript as present or participating:

• Councillor Crutch
• Councillor Kroetsch
• Councillor Andrews
• Councillor Maureen Wilson
• Councillor Hwang
• Councillor Cassar

Community or non-voting participants identified:

• Carl Andress, Hamilton Community Benefits Network
• Mayo, identified in the transcript as a committee member and community representative