Summary

Hamilton City Council met on March 4th, 2026, with Deputy Mayor Jeff Bey presiding in Mayor Horvath's absence. Council approved $2.3 million in funding for 23 affordable housing units at Acorn Flats in Ward 3, passed a dispute resolution protocol for the light rail transit project, and finalized a historic 12-year land exchange agreement for a new francophone school at 700 Garner Road East. Council also heard concerns about the Red Rose Motel's ongoing crime issues and reports of severe food insecurity affecting residents who struggle to afford groceries after paying property taxes.

Topics Discussed

Acorn Flats Affordable Housing Project (Ward 3)

Council approved $2.3 million in municipal funding for the Acorn Flats development, which will create 23 housing units for families. Director Justin Lewis from the Housing Secretariat explained this was a "one-off" funding approval made before the city created its standard Affordable Housing Development Project Stream application process. Lewis noted that across 30 current housing projects funded through the newer project stream, the city contributes an average of 15% of total project costs. He emphasized this project provides "much needed" family housing units in the city.

Light Rail Transit Dispute Resolution Protocol

Council debated adopting a dispute resolution protocol for the LRT project, which passed 11-2. Councilor Tom Jackson opposed the measure, expressing concern that needing such a protocol indicates underlying problems. He referenced costly legal disputes in Ottawa and called for the $3.4 billion LRT funding to instead "address our infrastructure dilemma, electrify the entire HSR fleet, and increase our public transit, conventional transit system." Councilor Maureen Wilson defended the protocol, stating "it is way cheaper doing it this way than it is in having a protracted legal dispute" and called it "good governance" and "good contract management."

Francophone School Land Exchange Agreement

A historic land exchange agreement was signed on February 25th involving a 14-acre site at 700 Garner Road East for a new combined francophone school, concluding a nearly 12-year process. The francophone community, which has waited over 25 years, will receive a new state-of-the-art combined school facility. The Broughton East community secured 9.5 acres of green space with future recreational amenities under city ownership. For 12 years, local residents lost access to their park due to "no trespass" signs, preventing children from using the playground, splash pad, or playing pickup games. Councilor Tom Jackson highlighted the role of the Broughton East Park Citizens Committee, a 14-member volunteer group formed in 2013 that gathered a 400+ signature petition to save their green space.

Red Rose Motel Crime Issues

Councilor Matt Francis raised concerns about the Red Rose Motel, where the city is considering a purchase due to ongoing violent crime and drug activity. A January 2nd stabbing resulted in attempted murder charges against Joel Benjamin, 34, who was also charged with drug trafficking after significant fentanyl was seized. A co-accused from Toronto was charged with trafficking and proceeds of crime, with $30,000 in gold bars seized. The property has generated 380 violent crimes and drug calls since 2020. Francis stated: "We can't allow this anymore. We can't turn a blind eye to this anymore" and justified the purchase by noting "The cost of emergency resources alone will pay for this site 10fold."

Food Insecurity Crisis

A councilor reported visiting local outreach programs and highlighted a severe affordability crisis. Neighbor to Neighbor is feeding 1,800 families, with residents struggling to afford food after paying property taxes. The councilor noted that "once they pay their taxes there's no money for food." Barton Stone United Church is providing 100 lunches per week to the community, led by Doug Massie.

Motions

• Agenda Approval with Amendments - Passed unanimously (Item 6.1 added)
• HSC26026 - Acorn Flats Housing Project Funding ($2.3 million) - Passed
• PWC26-003 - Public Works Committee Minutes (February 23, 2026) - Passed 13-0
• PLC26-003 Item 9.1 - PED25255 (2640, 2646, 2654 Benimbrook Road rezoning) - Passed 10-3
• PLC26-003 Item 9.4 - PED2614 (Private tree bylaw and urban woodland bylaw updates) - Passed 8-5
• Item 7.3 and 12.3 - GIC 260004 (General Issues Committee minutes, February 25, 2026) - Passed 13-0
• Item 8.4 - PED26059 (LRT Dispute Resolution Protocol) - Passed 11-2
• AFNA Report AFA26003 (February 26th) - Passed 13-0
• Amendment to W2 Community Grants (AFA25014) - Passed
• PW26040 - Hamilton Waterfront Trust Transition Update - Received and confidentiality maintained
• Bylaws 26-042 through 26-053 - Passed 13-0
• Closed Session Minutes (February 11, 2026) - Adopted

Attendees

Present: - Deputy Mayor Jeff Bey (Chair) - Councilor Tom Jackson - Councilor Matt Francis - Councilor Craig Casar - Councilor Maureen Wilson - Councilor Cooper - Councilor Tatison - Six additional councilors (13 total present for votes)

Absent: - Mayor Horvath (away on city business) - Councilor Han (attending Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board meeting) - Councilor Clark (ill)