Construction Season in Full Swing in the Core
If you’ve been out and about downtown over the last month, you’ll likely have noticed a lot of construction activity, especially when it comes to sidewalks. That’s because the City is embarking on a massive program to rehabilitate downtown sidewalks, in part funded from Ward 2 reserves.
Sidewalks are being replaced where there have been cracks, lifting, tilting, and other issues but also to comply with AODA legislation to ensure that curb cuts (where sidewalks slope down to meet the road) are accessible.
Part of the coming construction activity you’ll see downtown over the next year will also be focused on road resurfacing, for some key areas where infrastructure is failing, including -
King Street West - James Street to Bay Street
Catharine Street North - Cannon Street East to Wilson Street
Charlton Avenue West - Queen Street South to James Street South
Hess Street South - Aberdeen Avenue to Main Street West
Hunter Street East - Wellington Street South to Walnut Street South
Forest Avenue - Aurora Street to Wellington Street South
Wellington Street South - Forest Avenue to Charlton Avenue East
Intersection of James Street South and Bold Street
Intersection of King Street West and Summer’s Lane
Intersection of Main Street West and MacNab Street South
There are many other projects planned through the City’s multi year capital budget, and I’ll be discussing them when the budget is released later this year. It’s going to take years to rehabilitate our roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes downtown. That’s due, in large part, to previous Councils keeping taxes so low the City couldn’t maintain our assets.
Being financially responsible with residents’ money is important, but that’s not why we’re in such a desperate situation. Previous Councils have left us with a whopping $5.4 billion infrastructure deficit. In order to begin to plan new work, we first have to chew threw a massive backlog of infrastructure in complete disrepair because of their inaction and irresponsibility.
As the Councillor who has introduced more motions to provide tax savings than anyone else around the horseshoe during this term of Council, I will continue to be fiscally responsible, but not at the expense of our downtown community. We deserve better.
Pier 4 Park Beach Closed Due to Blue Green Algae
On August 8, Pier 4 Park Beach was closed due to the confirmed presence of blue green algae. Despite some warmer weather this summer, there have been fewer algal blooms in Ward 2, in part, due to the measures taken by the City to respond to the motion put forward by Councillor Maureen Wilson and I last year.
Public Health has made the following suggestions about the blue green algae at Pier 4 Park -
Avoid all contact with the water along the shoreline of Pier 4 Park Beach
If you do come in contact with the water, wash yourself off as soon as possible
with clean water
Do not swim or wade (or allow your pets to swim or wade) in any areas where
blue green algae is visible
For more information about blue green algae, read How Algae Impacts the Health of Our Water by Dr. Chris McLaughlin, Executive Director of the Bay Area Restoration Council.
Councillor Cameron Kroetsch on Vacation in August
I will be out of the office on vacation starting Monday, August 11, and will return on Monday, August 25, though there are some things I'll be around for, as I made some commitments a while back.
While I will be checking in from time to time, I will not be replying to emails, phone calls, or social media activity.
If you need to get in touch before August 25, the Ward 2 Team will be around during this time and can be reached by email at Ward2@hamilton.ca or by phone at (905) 546-2197.
Join Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch, the Ward 2 Team, and local community organizations for a summer BBQ and a chance to connect with your neighbours to talk about the issues important to you on Saturday, August 23 at 11:00am at Beasley Park.
And, for those who have asked, yes, I will be at the BBQ, even though it’s during my vacation. Looking forward to it!
Upcoming Meetings and Events
This section lists upcoming Ward 2 public meetings including town halls happening over the next few months. Some of this information may change closer to the meeting dates, including times and locations.
To read Committee and Council Agendas and Meeting Notices, please subscribe to updates directly through the City’s website or visit the City’s Committee Calendar.
For more on what’s happening in the downtown community, check out event listings from The Vibe Hamilton, Hamilton City Magazine’s regular events listing, and the Ward 2 website’s Community Meetings page.
August 23, 2025 - Community BBQ - Beasley Park - 11:00am
September 15, 2025 - Small Business Town Hall - Spice Factory - 6:00pm
October 14, 2025 - CityHousing Hamilton Town Hall - 7:00pm
November 25, 2025 - 2026 City Budget Town Hall - 7:00pm