Downtown Subcommittee Meeting Report

The Downtown Subcommittee heard staff reports and delegations on rodent control in Gore Park, downtown noise enforcement, waste receptacles, sidewalk and street repairs, the Main Street Renewal and Redesign Project, pedestrian access enforcement at Jackson and McNab, and downtown beautification items including the Gore Park fountain and the memorial clock tower.

Topics Discussed

1. Rodent control in Gore Park and on municipal property

The committee heard delegations on report PW260009A about rodent management in Gore Park. Delegate Allison Hansen said, "No dog should ever have to go through what Jasper did. Nor should any dog owner feel that their beloved pet is not safe in their own backyard." Doris Clayton described finding what she first thought was a toy, saying, "On closer inspection, I realized it was not a toy, but it was green dog poop."

Delegates argued the city should focus on underlying conditions rather than lethal controls. Hansen said, "Lethal methods, whether poison-based or not, do not resolve the root causes of rodent activity. If food sources, waste, shelter, and access points remain available, the same conditions will continue to attract rodents over time."

Staff said alternatives are being considered, but funding is not yet available. Cynthia Graham, director of environmental services, said, "So currently we don't have the funding available to be able to implement any of the alternative pest control solutions," and said staff would put forward a budget sheet through the 2027 budget process.

2. Noise bylaw enforcement and amplified sound downtown

On report PD25226B, staff outlined how the city responds to noise complaints related to amplified sound and street activity downtown.

Members pressed staff on when amplified sound becomes a bylaw issue. Councillor Mark Tadeson said, "Just because somebody's using an amplification device doesn't mean it's a violation of the bylaw. It would be an assessment of the noise that is being emanated from there." Another councillor suggested a stricter rule, saying, "the bylaw needs to be changed to say that you need a permit to use amplification on city property period."

Councillor Esther Pauls told members they could bring a motion later if they wanted to pursue bylaw changes: "You can reach out to people if you want to propose a motion or get some advice… I'm happy to help you through the motion crafting process."

3. Downtown waste receptacles and street-side recycling

On PW25059A, members discussed replacing open steel-drum bins in parks and public areas with other container types, including Jubilee bins.

A resident said one problem with the current barrels is that "those barrels grow legs and walk," making it difficult to keep them where people actually use them. Councillor Tom Jackson supported replacing them, saying, "We need to get these replacements to happen… part of downtown revitalization, part of supporting people in parks is making sure that we have garbage cans that are better than the simple steel drum."

Members also discussed whether paired garbage and recycling containers would significantly increase costs in key downtown locations.

4. Sidewalks, King Street repairs, and Main Street construction

The committee discussed pedestrian safety and delayed maintenance on downtown streets. Councillor Alex Wilson said, "seniors have literally fallen in broken hips on sections of the sidewalk that are not in good repair." Staff said the city is required to inspect sidewalks every 16 months and repair known hazards quickly. Peter Smolos, manager of roadway maintenance, said, "when we are aware of that issue… we do repair it within 14 days," sometimes using temporary asphalt or grinding before permanent work is funded.

Members also discussed a motion requesting cost estimates for King Street sidewalk repairs, road repaving from Wellington to Queen, and flower bed planting for downtown BIAs.

For the Main Street Renewal and Redesign Project, staff said construction is planned to begin in September and continue through the end of 2027. Brian Hauling, director of engineering services for public works, said staff have already posted project storyboards online and are working with communications and economic development. Rob Cooper added that the city is also considering "enhanced signage… to let people know that businesses are open." Emily, speaking on behalf of businesses, said, "We know what our businesses need. We know what accesses they need for truck deliveries and things like that that may have been missed on the initial design that we saw."

5. Pedestrian access enforcement, fountain and clock tower items

On PED26018B, staff reported on efforts to maintain pedestrian access at Jackson Street West and McNab Street South, including 122 trespass notices and more than 200 staff hours. Member Walsh questioned whether that approach is working, saying, "despite 122 trespass notices and over 200 staff hours, the sidewalks are still blocked." Councillor Tom Jackson similarly asked staff what explanation should be given to the public if the current approach is not producing consistent results.

The committee also dealt with several downtown asset and beautification items. On PW260008, members discussed lighting improvements for the Gore Park fountain. Vice Chair Nrinder Nann said, "we were hoping for winter lighting last year and what you're proposing is winter lighting in 2028." Staff replied that they could bring back costs but did not recommend doing the work now. Members also discussed the fountain's current performance, with Councillor Alex Wilson saying it often "sadly sputter[s]."

On PW26125, staff reported on refurbishment options for the memorial clock tower. Lisa Abbott, director of culture and tourism, said, "Tourism and culture will be happy to assume ownership of the clock tower." Members said any relocation should remain within International Village.

Motions

• PW260009 / PW260009A – Urban pest control information for Gore Park: Report received.
• PED25198 – Flyers and Posters on City Infrastructure: Approved; pilot program to restart citywide.
• PW26113 – Hamilton Night Guides Pilot Project: Received as information.
• King Street cost analysis motion: Introduced requesting cost estimates for sidewalk repairs, road repaving from Wellington to Queen, and flower bed planting; pending.
• PW260008 – Fountain lighting recommendations: Received.

Attendees

• Councillor Cameron Kroetsch
• Councillor Nrinder Nann
• Councillor Alex Wilson
• Councillor Tom Jackson
• Councillor Mark Tadeson
• Councillor Esther Pauls
• Councillor Rob Cooper

The notes provided did not include a complete attendance list, so only members specifically identified in the material are listed above.