As we move into the early months of the year, Council is beginning its work on the City’s upcoming budget. This is always one of the most important responsibilities we carry, because every dollar spent ultimately comes from residents and businesses who are already managing rising costs in their own lives.

 

My approach remains consistent. I believe Hamilton must deliver essential services responsibly, keep property taxes as low as possible, and challenge spending that does not clearly deliver value to taxpayers. I will continue to oppose bloated budgets and push for disciplined, evidence-based decision-making that protects affordability for Ward 11 residents.

 

Advocacy also continues beyond City Hall. Earlier this month, I attended the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference to advance priorities important to our community, including more access to Rural Ontario Development business grants, rural infrastructure needs, and provincial support for the 2028 International Children's Games. These conversations matter. Building relationships and keeping Ward 11 visible at the provincial level helps position our community for future investment and opportunity.

 

This newsletter also highlights practical local wins and ongoing work, from improved connectivity at Glanbrook Arena, to sidewalk safety reporting, to transit affordability progress for residents with disabilities. You’ll also find details on the new Ward 11 Community Grant Pilot, which supports small local projects that strengthen connection and wellbeing.

 

Thank you for staying engaged and informed. As always, my priority is to represent the interests of Ward 11 residents clearly, responsibly, and without hesitation.

 

Ward 11

 

When the province changed rules to allow privately-initiated plans to expand Hamilton's urban boundary, it created a problem: someone has to pay for the extra work. At December's council meeting, the question was simple—should developers cover these costs, or should taxpayers?

 

I voted to make developers pay.

 

The proposal would have charged cost-recovery fees to developers submitting urban boundary expansion plans, offsetting the additional staff time and resources needed to process these applications under the province's tight deadlines. Without these fees, Hamilton taxpayers foot the bill for processing plans that, if approved, generate significant profits for private developers.

The motion failed on an 8-8 tie.

 

I worked with homebuilders to craft a motion that industry representatives supported, recognizing that when urban boundary expansion creates windfalls for developers, they should cover the processing costs rather than passing them to residents already facing tax pressures.

 

This issue isn't simple. Housing affordability matters, and industry has legitimate concerns about costs in a slower market. But my position is clear: Ward 11 taxpayers shouldn't subsidize the processing of private development applications that stand to generate substantial returns.

 

This debate will come back. When it does, I'll continue pushing for cost recovery that protects your tax dollars while supporting responsible growth.

 

I spent the early mornings and late nights of January 18–20 traveling back and forth to Toronto on the Go Train to attend at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference and meeting directly with provincial ministers to advance Ward 11 and Rural priorities across Hamilton. Councillors Jeff Beattie, Maureen Wilson and Mike Spadafora joined me on this annual trip.

 

I led discussions with the Minister of Rural Affairs on expanding eligibility for Rural Ontario Development grants. Currently, businesses in Glanbrook qualify for provincial funding, while rural  businesses in Ancaster or Upper Stoney Creek Mountain, sometimes literally across the road, do not. I am advocating to include additional postal codes so all rural businesses in Hamilton can compete on equal footing with rural businesses in our neighbouring municipalities. As a remedy, we provided Minister Thompson with a colour-coded map showing the rural areas and postal codes still not eligible ROD Grants in Hamilton.

 

Cllr Beattie led a delegation on Ensuring Energy Reliability in Economic Growth Areas in Hamilton. I highlighted the recurring problems with ‘brownouts’ In Mount Hope and how that affects our ability to attract or run businesses especially in the Airport Employment Growth District to Minister Lecce.  We have been working on this with HydroOne and they have offered to build a new transformer nearby to meet the growing energy needs of the area.  I stressed the need for the Minister to assist in fast-tracking that solution as it is badly needed. 

 

Additionally, Mike Spadafora led our delegation with local MPP Neil Lumsden, our Minister of Sport regarding provincial funding support for Hamilton's 2028 International Children's Games bid. Hosting this event could see as many as 2,000 young athletes and their families visit our city to compete.  The lasting impacts could add a boost upwards of $10 million to our local economy and foster positive images of Hamilton as a return destination for future tourism with these athletes and their families.

 

Ministers were engaged, highly supportive, and asking thoughtful questions, which is a positive sign for continued dialogue and follow-up.

 

This is how advocacy works: bringing local issues directly to decision-makers and building the relationships needed to move projects forward.

 

 

Many Ward 11 residents have shared concerns about the difficulty of finding a family doctor, particularly in our growing rural communities. A coordinated service through the Hamilton Health Team is helping residents without a primary care provider connect with available doctors in the Hamilton and Haldimand area.

Residents who do not currently have a family doctor can register through Health Care Connect, the Ontario government’s official system. Once registered, the Hamilton Health Team works locally with participating primary care providers to help match residents as opportunities become available.

While this process does not guarantee immediate placement, it offers a clear and structured way for Ward 11 residents to access primary care without having to search on their own.

 

Need help getting started?
Support is available:

Phone: 365-657-3177

Email: attach@hamiltonhht.ca

 

Access to primary care is an important issue for our community, and this initiative represents a practical step toward improving access for residents across Ward 11.

 

The Provincial Junior Hockey League now requires teams to live-stream home games or face significant fines, which created a challenge for rural arenas where internet connectivity is often unreliable and costly.

 

I worked with Glanbrook Junior C Rangers leadership, City staff, and Hamilton Community Enterprises to solve the problem. HCE provides internet service to City facilities, but limited bandwidth can affect performance when many users are connected at the same time.

 

Working with the City's digital and business teams, I helped secure the connectivity and capacity the Rangers needed. As of this month, the hardware is in place and soon home games will be streamed live. 

 

This is a win for players, families, and fans, and it also highlights a broader challenge I continue to work on: improving reliable, affordable rural internet access. While this solution addresses the arena, there is still more work to do across rural Ward 11.

 

Creative problem-solving delivers results while longer-term infrastructure work continues.

 

Local groups and community organizations can now apply for funding through the Ward 11 Youth + Seniors / Community Grant Pilot. 

 

This program offers up to $2,000 per organization to support small projects, events, or initiatives that strengthen connection and wellbeing in Ward 11. Funding supports one-time community activities benefiting youth, seniors, and neighbourhood residents, with a simple and transparent application process. Eligible applicants include registered charities, incorporated not-for-profits, and community groups operating within Ward 11. 

 

Applications are open now and close March 31, 2026. 

Learn more and apply online at marktadeson.ca/communitygrants. 

Questions can be directed to ward11@hamilton.ca.

 

Hamilton offers property tax assistance programs for eligible residents, with applications due March 2, 2026.

 

The Seniors Property Tax Rebate provides tax relief for qualifying seniors and includes an additional Utility Rebate for residents with active metered water accounts.

 

If you've already applied and received the rebate in 2025, you're automatically re-enrolled for 2026—no new application needed. However, if your circumstances change and you no longer meet eligibility criteria, you must notify the City.

 

Some applicants may be asked to re-apply to confirm ongoing eligibility.

 

Application forms and full program details are available at hamilton.ca/tax or by contacting the City's tax department at 905-546-2424.

 

If you live in town and see raised, cracked, or deteriorating sidewalks in Ward 11 neighbourhoods, please report them to my office.

 

Email a photo and address to ward11@hamilton.ca. Mark's office files a report with the Roads department, City staff inspect the area, and identified tripping hazards are marked and either ground down or receive temporary asphalt repairs.

Sidewalks requiring full replacement are added to the City-wide procurement process, with contractors hired to complete work in the summer. Reporting issues now gets them on the list for 2026 repairs.

 

This isn't bureaucracy - it's practical safety work. Damaged sidewalks are accessibility barriers and liability risks. Systematic reporting helps the City prioritize repairs where they're needed most.

 

Mark's office tracks every request to ensure follow-through. By reporting problems when you see them, you make Ward 11 walkways safer for families with strollers, people using mobility devices, and everyone who travels on foot.

 

The system works when residents engage with it. See a problem, send a photo. It's that straightforward.

 

Through my work on the Accessibility Committee for Persons with Disabilities, I advocated for more affordable transit for disabled residents living on fixed incomes.

 

The original request was free transit. The outcome was a permanent 50 percent discount for eligible residents, benefiting more than 14,000 people across Hamilton through the Fare Assist program.

 

I met directly with the Transit Director and brought resident concerns forward throughout the approval process. While it’s not everything advocates hoped for, this represents meaningful progress that improves access to employment, healthcare, and community participation.

 

This work extends beyond Ward 11, and it reflects my commitment to equity and to practical solutions that improve daily life for vulnerable residents across all of Hamilton.

 

A developer-led Public Information Centre was held January 14 for the proposed townhouse development at 2640–2654 Binbrook Road. I requested this additional consultation so residents could raise concerns directly. Strong attendance highlighted issues including parking, tree preservation, and commercial viability. I have advocated for changes with City staff and the developer to improve parking on site.  I fully understand and support the community’s desire for tree preservation and reduced commercial space. I will say this, in discussions with our City Planner and the Developer’s Consultant, I have learned that the influence I have as a Councillor is very limited if projects are consistent with Provincial policies.    

 

Full details are available on the Ward 11 website.

 

Ward 11’s 2025 crime data shows violent crime remained stable, with zero shootings recorded. Property crime, particularly auto theft, continues to be a concern.

 

I work closely with Hamilton Police Service on an ongoing basis, advocating for patrol visibility and Ward-specific support. Community safety remains an active priority.

 

Full statistics and prevention resources are available on the Ward 11 website.

 

Residents often ask why building permits and site plans take months to approve. It's not one form—it's detailed technical review involving multiple departments, provincial requirements, and extensive safety and infrastructure checks.

I break down what actually happens behind the scenes in a new explainer on the Ward 11 website.

The good news: the City is actively working to improve this process. Current initiatives include:

The complexity is real, but so is the commitment to making it work better. Progress takes time, but it's happening.

FAMILY DAY SKATE at Glanbrook Arena 

 

I am sponsoring a free Family Day skate at Glanbrook Arena on Monday, February 16 from 1:00–3:00pm. 

 

Free hot chocolate will be available.  No registration required. 

Bring your skates and join your neighbours for an afternoon on the ice.

Coffee Chat at Knox
 

Our February Coffee Chat welcomes Megan Henshaw from Ronald McDonald House. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful facility right here in our hometown.  

 

On February 4th in order to support Ronald McDonald House we will be collecting deodorant, activity/sticker/colouring books for children and colouring /puzzle /activity books for adults.

Please join us and bring a friend. Everyone is welcome. See you soon.

 

 

 

A twisted fairy-tale pantomime script with a gingerbread house, a wicked witch and more cakes than Bake-Off!

Everyone is celebrating with an enormous feast of cakes & biscuits, & Dame Kitty Kipling is marking the occasion with a towering pyramid of profiteroles. But from there, everything starts to go horribly wrong!

Stinkworth, the Wicked Witch’s sidekick, kidnaps Hansel & Gretel & delivers them to her for dinner. Determined to save them, Dame Kipling gathers a rescue party & ventures into the forest.

 

Will they find the Gingerbread House? Will they be too late? & will they finally get the show-stopping celebration cake they’ve all been waiting for?

 

January 30 – February 15, 2026
🎭 A pantomime by Nick Lawrence
🎬 Directed by Brad Fortman

 

🎟️ Tickets $20 available online:
https://www.onstagedirect.com/buy/performer-info.action?performerId=432

by phone 905-692-5076 or by email tickets@binbrooktheatre.ca
 

Support local theatre and enjoy a great night out with the family!

 

Are you providing care or support in the community to someone with a short- or long-term disability? VON is hosting a free caregiver education session focused on practical self-care strategies on Monday, February 23 from 11:00am–12:00pm at Orchard Court, 2800 Library Lane, Binbrook. The session offers actionable tools for managing caregiver stress and accessing community supports. 

Registration is required. 

To register, contact Sue Williams at suewilliams@glanbrooknph.ca.

Thank you for staying informed and engaged in the work of our community. 

Your questions, feedback, and participation help shape better decisions for Ward 11. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have concerns, ideas, or need support navigating City services.