Getting more housing built faster is top consideration

Adequate and affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues our city is facing. As a longtime resident of this city, I share the mounting frustration, anxiety and worry facing Hamiltonians who continue to grapple with the challenge of finding affordable housing.

It is for this reason that I am compelled to use strong-mayor powers to establish affordable housing units instead of saving parking spots.

I have made no secret of my disappointment at the recent committee decision to preserve parking lots rather than address the urgent need for housing. Despite council’s prior acknowledgment of our city’s serious housing crisis — and the urgency to address homelessness — regrettably, the chance to build new affordable units was not given the priority it demands.

The choice to forfeit the opportunity to establish 67 affordable housing units in favour of saving parking spots is contrary to the very principles council has unanimously upheld time and again around council and committee tables and, I would submit, contrary to the values we uphold as a community.

As mayor, it is my duty and obligation to lead where others stumble. I have always been and will remain committed to ensuring that affordable housing is at the forefront of our priorities, and that it is clearly reflected in our actions.

In the spirit of collaboration, I proactively engaged with community leaders in the downtown Stoney Creek area to hear their concerns firsthand. Many expressed a deep understanding of the need for more affordable housing, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and its impact on our community. However, most felt that when it comes to downtown Stoney Creek, parking spaces should be the priority. Respectfully, I disagree.

The use of surplus municipal lands for affordable housing is a crucial aspect of Hamilton’s Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap. This plan was unanimously supported by council just last year to ensure focus and progress on solving our housing crisis. In exercising my authority, I am aligning our actions with this road map. In this case, the required zoning is in place and can become housing much more quickly than other city lands. We will continue to identify other city lands available to quickly become affordable housing projects.

Housing is a fundamental human right. Housing is also a reflection of our commitment to the well-being of Hamiltonians. To this end, I am initiating the process to move forward with the development of affordable housing on these surplus lands. This aligns with our shared vision of a Hamilton that prioritizes the needs of its residents and fulfils our commitment to address the housing crisis.

I also commit to ensuring veterans are duly honoured in this effort and that we optimize and upgrade other city parking opportunities in the area.

Taking this forceful approach sends a strong message to the other levels of government. When I’m advocating for the city with the premier or prime minister and their local MPPs and MPs, I must be able to confidently assert that Hamilton is doing everything in its power to address the housing crisis.

Local housing providers have told us that their success in applying for federal or provincial funding hinges on being able to demonstrate the city’s commitment to their projects. We must demonstrate that we are prepared to put skin in the game, including financial support. Our commitment to working with our partners on the priority of housing people will bolster our position when seeking support from other levels of government.

While I had hoped to avoid the use of strong-mayor powers, the urgency of the situation and Hamilton’s dire need for affordable housing leaves me with no other option. Getting more housing built faster is the most important and urgent consideration in Hamilton.

We must all work together to build a stronger Hamilton where everyone can have a place to call home.