City Council Update: Investments in Safety, Housing, and Digital Services

A city update reported investments in road safety, winter sidewalk clearing, housing support and digital access to municipal services. Measures included reducing school-zone speed limits from 40 km/h to 30 km/h across Hamilton's 227 neighbourhoods, expanding sidewalk snow clearing to more than 866 kilometres, providing $5.37 million in rent and utility assistance, and adding shelter and supportive-housing spaces.

Topics Discussed

• SAFER STREETS AND WINTER MAINTENANCE: School-zone speed limits were reduced from 40 km/h to 30 km/h across Hamilton's 227 neighbourhoods. Sidewalk snow clearing expanded from 397 kilometres to more than 866 kilometres, with priority given to transit routes and bus stops. The city also reported repairing approximately 75,000 potholes.

• HOUSING AND SHELTER SUPPORT: The Housing Emergency Fund provided $5.37 million to more than 4,000 households facing rental and utility arrears. Shelter capacity increased by 80%, adding 272 beds, 97 supportive-housing units and 43 transitional-living spaces. The update stated: "The Housing Emergency Fund provided $5.37 million to more than 4,000 households facing rental and utility arrears, helping people stay housed and giving families greater stability. Shelter capacity increased by 80% adding 272 beds along with 97 supportive housing units and 43 transitional living spaces, giving more people a safe place to stay and access to supports."

• INFRASTRUCTURE FOR HOUSING GROWTH: The update cited $572 million in provincial infrastructure funding to support infrastructure required for new housing development and affordability.

• DIGITAL CITY SERVICES: Residents can use my.hamilton.ca to report neighbourhood issues, request city services and track requests. The city also introduced or expanded online systems for residential permit and local business licence applications.

• SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT: The Hamilton Business Centre conducted more than 5,200 consultations to help entrepreneurs navigate municipal regulations.

Motions

No motions were identified in the transcript excerpt.