Over 100 Attend Public Forum on HART Hub; Operator Promises to ‘Earn Trust’
Homelessness and addiction recovery treatment program will open in early 2026 with 18 beds, with future expansion dependent on zoning approvals.
Hamilton Ambulance Set on Fire by Arsonist at General Hospital Early Sunday Morning
Security footage shows a male-appearing person place an incendiary object in the ambulance cabin before it burst into flames.
Superior Court Denied Zen Lounge Nightclub’s Injunction Request to Reopen
Superior Court makes no determination on merits of post-shooting closure, only that lease agreement’s arbitration clause dictates dispute management.
Meeting Preview: Hamilton Light Rail Transit SubCmte on October 16, 2025
Adding more equity-deserving groups to the LRT committee and feedback to Metrolinx on design are the two primary agenda items.
Hamilton Police Seek 8.62 Per Cent Tax Funded Increase, Double Mayor Horwath’s Budget Directive
HPS still plans to increase spending by nearly 10 per cent, despite Mayor’s “Hold the Line” 4.25 per cent directive.
Hamilton Committee of Adjustment Votes Against Ancaster Intensification
Denial of 40 Church Street application is expected to be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Plus the full summary of the October 9 CoA hearings.
WEEKLY PREVIEW
Week Ahead: Hamilton Civic Meetings and Events for April 21 to 25, 2025
It’s the last week of the federal election campaign and Hamilton’s candidates will debate. Two OLT hearings, two City Hall meetings, and more in TPR’s weekly listing.
Hamilton Civic Affairs Calendar for Friday, October 17, 2025
10:00am Wentworth Lodge Heritage Trust
Online Streaming
Agenda // YouTube Livestream
6:30pm to 8:00pm Community Open House: HART Hub Residential Treatment & Recovery Services
276 Aberdeen Ave (in person)
Microsoft Teams (online participation option)
More information and link to MS Teams
Blogs and Columns
Joey’s Notepad: Liveposts from the October 17 2025 Hamilton HART Open House at 276 Aberdeen Avenue
The liveposts I published during the October 17, 2025, open house regarding Hamilton’s first Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Hub which will be opening at 276 Aberdeen Avenue early in the new year.
Joey’s Notepad: OLT Begins White Church Road Urban Boundary Expansion Case
Council has denied three urban boundary expansion applications, now the Ontario Land Tribunal will decide Hamilton’s fate.
Joey’s Notepad: I’ll miss the October 22 Library Board Meeting
The HPL Board is meeting on the fourth Wednesday of October, instead of the third
How Council Voted
How Hamilton City Council Voted: June 2 to 20, 2025
There were 15 divided votes during the sixth council cycle of 2025 which began on June 2 and ended on June 20.
Newsletter Edition
News Briefs
BRIEF: Hamilton Children’s Museum Reopening on Jan 10, 2026
The museum, located in a historic 1875 farmhouse within Gage Park, is undergoing a $6.7-million expansion and renovation project.
INBOX: Hamilton Fire Stations Open on Thanksgiving Day
Hamilton’s fire department is holding open houses on October 13 between 1pm and 4pm. Food drive donation requested.
NOTED: Garner Road Contractor Went Bankrupt
Ward 12 Councillor Craig Cassar issues update saying work has resumed and work is “expected to be completed by mid-November, weather permitting”
BRIEF: Hamilton Public Library Returns to Pre-COVID Free Printing Limits
HPL also decreases colour per page charge
Recent News
Hamilton Council Says Yes to 12-Storeys at 1570 Main Street West
City staff recommended denial, but Council determined the proposal affordable rent commitment, family units, and proximity to LRT meant it should be approved.
Mayor Horwath to Issue Budget Directive Tomorrow as City Facing Fiscal Cliff
The 2026 budget starts with a projected 8.9 per cent tax hike, drains the City’s discretionary reserves, and guarantees a fiscal cliff for the 2027 budget cycle.
OLT Moving Quickly on Controversial Proposal to Replace Ancaster Woodlot with 17 Homes
OLT orders City and developer to complete issues list by Nov. 3, with hearing dates expected in early 2026. The OLT is likely to overturn Council’s denial.
OLT Deals With Complicated Procedural Disputes Between City and Upper West Side Landowners
OLT orders City to disclose proprietary airport noise modelling data ahead of eight-week urban boundary hearing in April 2026.
City of Hamilton Scrambles to Address Parking Meter ‘Compensation’ Charges for Remembrance Day Parades
New City policy requires Dundas Legion to pay $1,000. Ward 13 Clr Alex Wilson says the City will cover the charge.
City of Hamilton Headcount is now 9,449, up 12% from 2022
49.2 per cent of the expected $106.7-million 2026 operating budget increase (requiring a 8.9 per cent property tax increase) is driven by employee-related costs.
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