Political Upsets, Media Narratives, and Local Journalism
The upset defeat of US Republican Party House Leader Eric Cantor is one of the most fascinating political stories of the past decade in the United States, the first time a sitting House Leader has been defeated in a primary. It’s all the more surprising to fly-over observers…
Replay: Design Review Panel hearing on Barton/Tiffany and former City Motor Motel
Hamilton’s Design Review Panel will debate the merits of two City of Hamilton proposals today for the use of two expropriated properties: the Barton/Tiffany lands and the City Motor Motel. The meeting begins at 3:30pm, and I will bring you live video. (Note: I just received the agendas…
Council Plays It Favourite Game on Police Lapel Cameras: Dodging The Issue
Norm Dorr, father-in-law of the late Steve Mesic who died in a police shooting last year, stood in front of City Councillors on Wednesday asking them to do something simple – endorse lapel cameras for Hamilton’s police officers. Instead, Council dodged the issue. [![Police Lapel Camera in use…
First Look: New City of Hamilton Website Screencaps
The new City of Hamilton website is close to its beta launch with final Council approval scheduled for Monday. Using Drupal as the CMS, and the Government of Canada Web Experience Toolkit to ensure full accessibility and AODA compliance, the new website will significantly improve the City’s web…
Planning Committee for June 17, 2014
A new rental housing enforcement strategy, new apartment building on Locke Street South, zoning for medical marihuana growing facilities, and delegated authority for “minor alterations” of heritage building – the highlights of today’s Planning Committee meeting. Live coverage starts at 9:30am…
Will Chief De Caire Be Renewed for a Second Term?
The Hamilton Police Services Board is currently in closed session debating the contract renewal of Police Chief Glenn De Caire. De Caire announced in September that he would not seek a second term. A campaign followed to get him to reconsider and last week, the Chief publicly stated…
Board of Health for June 16, 2014
Council meets as Board of Health to decide on creating a “Citizens’ Panel” on fluoridation and vote on formally opposing the proposed gasification process plant in the Sherman Avenue and Burlington Street Area. Councillors will also hear a delegation from a private bed bug control company on the…
Public Works Cmte for June 16, 2014
Public Works Cmte will debate lowering the speed limit on Sanford Ave S, a proposed Gage Park bike park, the Churchill Park land management master plan, and receiving a presentation on transportation planning. Live video starts at 9:30am A lower (40 km/h) speed limit on Sanford Ave S…
The Week Ahead at City Hall for June 16 to 20, 2014
It’s promising to be a very busy week at City Hall next week. I only have 5 of the 8 City agendas for next week, and already I’m hard-pressed to think of a busier week since the budget deliberations in March. [![Five of the Ten agendas for June…
The Ontario Election: What It Could Mean in Hamilton
Ontarians have elected a Liberal majority to lead the province. What does this mean for Hamilton? The biggest change will be oversight of City Hall by Ontario Ombudsman Andre Marin if the Liberals pass Bill 179 as they promised prior to, and during, the campaign. On LRT, we’ll…