The LRT Subcommittee met to establish a comprehensive monitoring framework for tracking the impacts of Hamilton's Light Rail Transit project. The committee approved a baseline system with 38 indicators across five ward areas along the LRT corridor, with annual reporting planned starting in 2027. The meeting focused on expanding the monitoring program to include air quality during construction, detailed business tracking, and additional equity indicators for racialized communities and vulnerable populations.

Topics Discussed

LRT Impact Monitoring Framework Established

The city presented a baseline monitoring system with 38 indicators to track how the LRT project affects communities along the corridor. The framework covers five change tracking areas (one per ward) aligned with Major Transit Station Areas. Staff emphasized that "changes we will observe over years can be attributed to many LRT unrelated factors such as city programs, policies, regular capital maintenance works." The program will provide annual reports starting in first quarter 2027, with data covering social, environmental, economic, and cultural changes.

Air Quality Monitoring Debate

Councilor Casar raised concerns about the absence of air quality metrics, noting that modal shift improvements are "quite relevant" and citing Paris as an example of "transformative" improvements. Staff initially resisted, stating "tracking emissions during construction...may not be a very useful indication" and that monitoring "would be subject to resources and additional sensors to be installed." However, multiple council members pushed back, with one emphasizing that "the people who live in the area will be breathing it in regardless." The committee ultimately directed staff to include air quality monitoring during all three phases: before, during, and after construction.

Business Impact and Equity Tracking

Council members requested granular data on business closures and openings, particularly for racialized business owners. Member Mayo noted concerns about "the demise" of historically Black businesses, stating "There has been historically center of black businesses...we've seen less and less of those business driving." Council acknowledged that "zero chance that no businesses will close" during construction, as this has happened in "every LRT project around the world." The committee wants to track which specific businesses close in which areas to better "lessen the impact and mitigate" effects during construction.

Housing Affordability and Displacement Concerns

Data revealed that only 60.1% of households in Ward 1 have access to affordable rental accommodation. Member Mayo proposed adding eviction data as a key indicator, noting it is available "quite frequently" and "right down to the postal code level" through justice system records. Staff acknowledged limitations in available data, noting that CMHC rental data is "not available at the neighborhood level" needed for LRT impact monitoring. The committee requested additional rental unit data including unit types, bedroom counts, and costs to establish baseline conditions.

Program Rebranding for Public Clarity

Councillor Crutch raised concerns that the phrase "change tracking" causes public confusion, as it sounds like document editing. The committee voted to rename the initiative from "Change Tracking Program for Hamilton LRT" to "Hamilton LRT Social, Environmental, and Economic Indicators" to improve public understanding. Staff confirmed plans to develop an automated dashboard with color-coded maps and filter capabilities, though the current approach remains "very manual" while working toward automation.

Motions

Passed: - Motion to rename the program to "Hamilton LRT Social, Environmental, and Economic Indicators" and expand monitoring to include air quality during construction, detailed business tracking (type and number opening/closing), inequality/poverty measures or eviction data, and equity indicators for residents and business owners (Passed 5-0) - Motion to approve amendments to the outstanding business list (Passed 5-0)

Attendees

• Councilor Casar
• Councillor Crutch
• Councillor Mor Wilson
• Member Mayo
• Member Andress