City of Hamilton investing in Ward 15 at record level
Waterdown is the fastest growing area in Hamilton, and Ward 15 in general is expected to continue that trend for several years to come. Following forced amalgamation by the province in 2001, many people in Waterdown, Carlisle, Flamborough and Millgrove feel that the City of Hamilton has not invested in Ward 15 commensurate with the value of property tax it pays. I ran a campaign to change that lack of tax fairness. Since my election to City Council in 2022, my goal has been to generate significantly improved investment in our community.
At the three-year mark since taking office, I am very proud to say that this term of City Council has now committed more capital spending in the last 36 months than the previous 21 years – combined. The value of secured and committed investments in Waterdown / Flamborough since 2022 sits at approximately $170 million. We’ve never seen this level of investment before and I’m very proud to have played a role in the significant growth of the capital spending that is flowing into our community.
At present, the single largest project the City of Hamilton has ever funded inside Ward 15 is the new police & fire compound, currently under construction at Parkside Dr. and highway 6. Not just a building, the $60 million compound will dramatically increase fire prevention and response resources, adding multiple vehicles and a dozen full-time fire fighters. Further, an additional 40 officers will be staffed at the compound, significantly increasing police presence in the community.
Our community also needs expanded recreation facilities, which is why a new $30 million recreation centre, located near Harry Howell arena will be another welcome addition to Ward 15. Long overdue, but now well into the design phase, a new rec centre will surely become a centre piece in the lives of local families. As part of the City’s Recreation Master Plan, Waterdown’s new community centre will boast a pool (with multiple tanks), community/program spaces, along with multi-purpose gymnasiums for basketball, volleyball, badminton and pickleball. Public consultation continues and residents will have plenty of opportunity to help develop the specific amenities of the new centre.
Finally, as a collection of individual projects, the City of Hamilton has allocated $75 million in road works / paving, Grindstone Creek bridge repair, sidewalk / multi-use path improvements, sewer and watermain upgrades, as well as multiple new parks in our community. All in, the investment in Ward 15 has never been this strong. As budget 2026 conversations continue at City Hall, my focus remains clear. I will continue to work for the lowest possible tax increase, while simultaneously fighting for maximum investment in Ward 15. Creating tax fairness while bolstering municipal services remains my primary focus as Councillor for Ward 15.
