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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 2h

Today, the City is looking into putting public washrooms back in the downtown core, at a cost far exceeding what it would have taken to keep these gems in good repair. And for those asking, they've been filled in and are not salvageable, unfortunately. More on the new plans when I have it.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 2h

By 1983, the washroom hours were cut to save $35,000. Attendant John Speziale remembered making coffee and tea for HSR drivers and even cooking downstairs. One year later, after 72 years underground, the washrooms were unceremoniously covered up during the 1984 Gore Park Fiasco.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 2h

Despite upgrades over the years, the washrooms were increasingly in disrepair. In 1972, Ward 2 Alderman Bill McCulloch argued the $46,000 put aside for maintenance was "the most extravagant waste of money we've ever had" to be spent on "a hangout for perverts".

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 2h

By the 1950s, officials debated whether to invest $15,000 in improvements or close the washrooms as a "disgrace". Architect Stanley Roscoe proposed a stylish redesign to replace the "unsightly superstructures" with modern entrances that would fit better with current building and traffic standards.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 2h

The washrooms had 12 toilets with wooden stalls, marble tiles, and brass detailing. They also had full time attendants, both men and women. In 1916, the men earned $15 per week, while women made just $10.50 per week, a mere 70% of the pay.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 2h

This week's heritage post is about a popular subject I talk to residents about more often than you'd think - the long lost Gore Park washrooms. They were a fixture downtown from 1913 through to the 1980s, first mired in headlines of cost overruns and heated debates. Let's get into it. #HamOnt

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 2h

It's a good point. We've added around 100 more garbage cans to Ward 2 in this term, and we still have a long way to go to make sure there's adequate coverage. A motion to the Downtown Sub-Committee is asking for a report back on how to do this effectively. It will be back early in 2026.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 2d

I’ve spent some time with JP over the years. Glad to hear he’s finally found a home. When we talk about housing first, this is what it looks like. JP will now have a home from which to rebuild his life. Without it, he wouldn’t have the support he needs. Housing is the only solution. #HamOnt

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 5d

Spent the morning talking to small business owners in the International Village. A big theme was wanting to see more programming downtown, so here’s an update on how we’ve upgraded Ferguson Station to make it easier to use. #HamOnt

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

For more information on Bill 33 and how you can get involved in the discussion, visit ofl.ca/action/stop-.... @oflabour.bsky.social

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

Ford continues to appoint Ministers of Education who don't have experience or education in the field, don't have experience in classrooms, and who are keen to toe his party line. Trustees are non partisan, local, elected officials and we need to protect them from this attack.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

The Ford government is using a classic ploy to achieve its goals - (1) destroy an important public institution, like education, by massively defunding it; (2) manufacture a crisis due to a lack of resources and staffing; (3) propose a reactive move that doesn't solve anything.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

Thanks to Ward 2 Trustee @sabreinadahab.bsky.social and Ward 4 Trustee Abby Zaitley for organizing and hosting a Stop Bill 33 Town Hall last night. The Ford government is trying to get rid of school trustees and the community is starting to organize in opposition. #HamOnt

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 11d

Preview of the traffic light coming to Robert Street and James Street North to support the hard working concrete crosswalk installed here years ago. Residents have been asking for this for a long time and I’m happy to be able to move it forward during this term of council. Safety matters. #HamOnt

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 12d

I already moved that motion. I can’t move it twice. And, as someone who moved it and voted in favour, I can’t put it up for reconsideration. Only people who voted against it can do that.

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Reposted by Ward 2 Hamilton

Deanna Allain @deannaallain.bsky.social · 14d

Solidarity with striking CUPW members! Visited the @cupwsttp.bsky.social local 548 picket line this evening to drop off food and snacks on behalf of PSAC Hamilton. Stop by and show your support for CUPW and OPSEU members on strike if you can! ✊🏻 #HamOnt #canlab

Striking CUPW workers taking a photo with PSAC and CUPE members outside a Canada Post facility. There are broken pallets and a burn barrel in the road

An assortment of cereal boxes and muffins in a car trunk with a PSAC union flag in the background

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 14d

Language matters, and so does our shared history and our joint obligations. As we continue to work with First Nations communities, and leadership, its important we approach this work with a deep understanding of the commitments that have been made and our obligations to keep them.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 14d

The Chief of the MCFN explained that, as holders of treaties, with inherent rights, they're not claiming a stake, but exercising their treaty rights. It's an important distinction as the word "stakeholder" can literally refer to those who took land from Indigenous people by staking out boundaries.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 14d

I also want to take this opportunity to share something I've learned in my discussions with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN). At a recent meeting with them, they reminded us they're not "stakeholders" and this word shouldn't be used if we want to engage with them in a good way.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 14d

As European demand for fashionable furs intensified, so did pressure on Indigenous territories and alliances. By the middle of the 17th century, the Neutral were largely displaced, or destroyed. As we acknowledge our obligations as treaty people, it's important to reflect on this history.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 14d

Jesuits in the 17th century described the Chonnonton as valuing individual autonomy and discouraging selfish or status seeking behavior. It was at this time a devastating smallpox epidemic, introduced through European contact, combined with famine, reduced the Neutral population drastically.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 14d

At their height, members of the Neutral Confederacy lived in southwestern Ontario and across the Niagara River into what is now western New York. Much of the population were concentrated around present day Hamilton in large, fortified villages.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 14d

This name, la Nation neuter, was given by the French, who observed that these nations often remained neutral in conflicts between their neighbours. Despite their name, the Neutral maintained a strong warrior presence, responsible for defending their people, territory, and resources.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 14d

The Chonnonton, or "people of the deer," lived in the region that now includes the City of Hamilton. The Chonnonton, along with other Iroquoian speaking nations such as the Aondironon, Wenrehronon, and Ongniaahraronon, formed a political and cultural alliance known as the Neutral Nation.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 14d

Land acknowledgements can also be important in educating the public. Hamilton is situated on the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, and Mississaugas. A question that I hear when I offer a land acknowledgement is "Who are the Neutral people?"

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