City Council Meeting Summary

The meeting concentrated on waterfront redevelopment progress, ongoing activation and programming, and strategic pauses and options for major development projects. Key decisions included approving routine agenda/minutes, pausing certain development blocks until market conditions improve, advancing procurement and design processes, and expanding public reporting and input opportunities for waterfront projects.

Five Most Important Topics Discussed

1) West Harbor Redevelopment Plan Status Update (PD17181I) - Andrea Smith provided a status update on the West Harbor Redevelopment Plan, noting that $105 million of the $140 million capital plan has been approved and used for major waterfront improvements such as a shore wall, breakwater, boat slips, pumping station, public art, and boardwalks. She stated, “Taken all together, these projects have significantly transformed our waterfront and increased publicly accessible spaces.” File: PD17181I. - Public impact: Residents can expect continued implementation and visible waterfront enhancements as the plan progresses toward completion.

2) Waterfront Animation and Programming (Activation of Waterfront Spaces) - The city has organized free waterfront programming since 2021 at COP’s Pier Park and the Discovery Center to attract residents and visitors, including Indigenous People's Day and National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, with live music at Pier 8 that drew thousands. Smith explained, “The goal is to provide a variety of activities co-created with partners and the community.” - Public impact: Increased opportunities for local participation in waterfront events and cultural programming.

3) New Activation Programs for 2025 and Public-Private Partnerships - A 2025 activation program is underway, with a request for proposals issued to coordinate outdoor public events, awarded to Sonic Onion to deliver 10 free arts-focused events next year. Smith stated, “This initiative aims to further enhance the vibrancy of the waterfront and provide diverse cultural experiences.” - Public input: Businesses and non-profits can participate via the RFP process to influence upcoming programming.

4) Pier 8 Development Agreement and Market Conditions - The Pier 8 development, including a long-term agreement with Waterfront Shores, faced market slowdowns; as a result, staff consented to a pause of the development schedule, given the relationship with Waterfront Shores and current authorities. A staff explanation read, “Given the valued relationship with Waterfront Shores and using current delegated authorities and provisions of the development agreement, staff have consented to a pause of the development schedule.” - Public impact: The pause affects timing but preserves the partnership; staff will monitor market conditions and provide updates.

5) Public Input Opportunities and Ongoing Engagement - Opportunities exist for public involvement through the waterfront activation program (Sonic Onion) and ongoing Discovery Center redesign discussions, with Lord Cultural Resources leading design studies and public input integrated throughout. The city notes that public input will be sought as part of the Discovery Center redesign and reuse project, with engagement across Indigenous community partners and local organizations. - Public input channels: Expressions of interest via the RFP process, co-created activities, and formal design review stages will provide avenues for residents to participate.

Note on File Numbers or By-Laws - File: PD17181I (West Harbor Redevelopment Plan Status Update) is explicitly discussed. - Other topics reference blocks, deadlines (e.g., blocks 3 and 6, 18-month deadlines) without specific file numbers in the transcripts provided.

Opportunities for Public Input - Public input opportunities include: - Public participation in the 2025 waterfront activation program via the Sonic Onion contract. - Involvement in the Discovery Center redesign process led by the Hamilton Public Library and Lord Cultural Resources, with input from Indigenous communities and partners. - Opportunities to submit input through the RFP process for outdoor waterfront events in 2025.

Motions Passed, Rejected, or Deferred (titles and outcomes) - Approval of Agenda — Passed. - Approval of Minutes from November 26, 2024 — Passed. - West Harbor Redevelopment Plan Status Update (PD17181I) — Information item; no action motion noted. - Pause on Development on Blocks 3 and 6 — Passed (pause enacted; review to resume when market conditions improve). - Waterfront Shores Development: Motion to Put Report on Floor — Passed (Motion to bring formal report back for discussion). - Motion to Receive the Jamesville Site Report — Passed. - Motion to Introduce RFP for Landscape Architecture Services — Passed (procurement process authorized). - Discovery Drive Park Design — Deferred (design approval pending review and potential public input). - Retractable Bridge Design — Deferred (three designs to be reviewed with cost estimates). - West Harbor Q2 2026 Formal Report — Defeated (2-2 tie; motion did not pass). - Motion to Review Waterfront Development Contracts — Not supported by Councillor Crutch (removed from agenda; no action taken). - Semiannual Reporting on Waterfront Project — Passed (formal semiannual updates established). - Motion to Request Staff Report on Alternative Possibilities for the Project — Pending (staff to prepare analysis; not yet decided).

Next Steps / Follow-Up Actions - Implement the 2025 waterfront activation program by Sonic Onion and continue monitoring West Harbor redevelopment progress (PD17181I). - Maintain ongoing community engagement through the Discovery Center redesign process and waterfront events, with input gathered from Indigenous communities and partners. - Continue discussions with Waterfront Shores on the Pier 8 project, including potential modifications and market-condition considerations. - Finalize and share PDFs of the Discovery Drive park design with council members for feedback; proceed with retractable bridge design options once cost estimates and feasibility are clarified. - Schedule and conduct semiannual updates on waterfront projects and ensure staff provide timely reports on any significant impacts or changes.

Councillors Present - Mayor Horvath - Councillor Casar - Councillor Crutch - Councillor Spaphora - Councillor Gasar - Councillor Kretch - Councillor Sar

(Note: The provided materials include multiple meeting fragments with overlapping participants and some variations in spelling. The list above aggregates the councillors named across sections to reflect likely attendance in the discussed meetings.)