Hamilton City Councillors are at odds following the voting process for the final stage of implementation for the Vacant Unit Tax bylaw, expected to this winter
Amidst the ongoing housing crisis, the Hamilton's city council have been working on the implementation of a vacant unit tax by-law. The vacant unit tax is a one per cent tax increase when a residential unit is noted to be vacant for over 183 days, about six to seven months.
In a communication update released on the city of Hamilton website's dedicated VUT update page, the city expressed their hope is that the tax will discourage Hamilton landlords to leave residential units empty, resulting in more living spaces become available.
The original idea was proposed in 2019 as the vacant home tax, with tangible goals introduced in 2021. These goals included research to understand the implications for such a tax in Hamilton and to consult with those who would be impacted. Through 2022 and 2023 research was undertaken by city of Hamilton staff to inform the proper implementation process that was expected to follow. This initiatve expected to be implemented this winter, by beginning to disseminate declaration forms to the residents of Hamilton.
On Nov. 22, 2023, however, the final vote held to officially approve the bylaw resulted in a tie. The voting for this bylaw was done separately to it’s original scheduled time, as requested by Councillor Tom Jackson, who initially voted against VUT bylaw. The tie has caused VUT to become invalid and the bylaw's implementation plan halted.
The voting process for this bylaw has being criticized by some city councillors, as at the time of voting three councillors were not present, and two of them indicating they were unaware of the separation of the VUT from the rest of items part of the voting. Councillor Nrinder Nann and Councillor Cameron Kroetsch have both publicly voiced their disappointment with the final stage of voting.
"These bylaws could also be put forward in such a way that if a member of Council wanted to vote against them, that member would have to ask for a reconsideration vote. That’s what should have happened yesterday as the enabling bylaw was already the result of a Council decision," said Councillor Kroetsch in statement through X, formerly Twitter.
Currently, the VUT bylaw may still be reconsidered by the city.
On X, Kroetsch also stated he believes there will be one or more votes about the entire situation regarding the VUT tax. More information on the future directions of the VUT bylaw may be disclosed on Dec 13, 2023.
This is an ongoing story.
Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama was removed from caucus following public statements in support of Palestine and now serves her riding as an Independent
On Oct. 23, the Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles released a statement informing the public that Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama had been removed from the caucus. Jama was first elected to caucus in Mar. 2023.
This action was taken following controversial public statements made by Jama in support of Palestinian liberation two days after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
Jama received immediate backlash following her initial statements on X, formerly Twitter, from both the community and her fellow Canadian politicians.
In response to Jama’s initial statements on X, Premier Doug Ford accused her of antisemitism and he called for her resignation from the caucus.
Stiles’ Oct. 23 statement detailed that following Jama’s initial posts and the subsequent backlash, her and Jama were able to reach an agreement to keep her in the caucus. However, Stiles stated that due to multiple “unilateral actions” that have contributed to "an unsafe work environment", the decision to remove Jama from the caucus was finalized.
Despite this decision to remove Jama, Stiles’ statement noted that the NDP would be voting against the Conservative motion to censure Jama. This motion prevents the Speaker of the House from recognizing Jama until a verbal apology is made and deletion of her original social media post.
Several public figures have spoken out in Jama’s defense, including CUPE Local 3906 President Fred Hahn and Ward 2 city councillor Cameron Kroetsch.
Kroetsch released a formal statement on Instagram, calling Jama’s removal “an extreme move, absolutely uncalled for and a terrible attempt by Premier Ford to distract from the shame and scandal his party has perpetuated while in government”.
Many continue to speak out both in support of and against Jama’s removal from caucus.
This is an ongoing story.
City council to vote on the proposed Hamilton Police Services Budget that raised concerns for several council members
Hamilton Police Services board is suggesting a $12 million addition in budget this year. The city council will meet in a public delegation on Monday, Feb. 6 with hopes to set the HPS operating budget for 2023.
Police Chief Frank Bergen says the increase in budget is to account for a growing population and an increasing crime severity in Hamilton. Without an increase in budget to hire new officers, Bergen says the current officer to civilian ratio cannot be maintained.
Police Chief Frank Bergen says the increase in budget is to account for a growing population and an increasing crime severity in Hamilton. Without an increase in budget to hire new officers, Bergen says the current officer to civilian ratio cannot be maintained.
Bergen also claimed that this budget would be 18.5 per cent of Hamilton’s overall spending, the same percentage as in 2022. He also pointed out that seemingly small operation costs add up and specifically mentioned the $134 904 spent by the HPS to enforce the nuisance bylaw during McMaster’s Fake Homecoming.
Although this budget was approved by the Police Services Board, Ward 2 city councillor Cameron Kroetsch has questioned the 6.71 per cent increase due to what he called a lack of prioritizing the voices of Hamiltonians in regard to policing over the past few years.
Although this budget was approved by the Police Services Board, Ward 2 city councillor Cameron Kroetsch has questioned the 6.71 per cent increase due to what he called a lack of prioritizing the voices of Hamiltonians in regard to policing over the past few years.
During the 2020 Hamilton Black Lives Matter protests there were calls for cuts up to 20 per cent of the HPS budget that were met with little consequence; the HPS budget has only increased from the $170,815,160 in 2020. Calls for introducing new operating policies such body cams have also not been met. A rally has been organized for Monday night at 5:30 p.m. to protest the $12 million increase in budget.
Kroetsch asked if community needs, such as experts replacing police officers on scenes for mental health emergencies, were going to be included in this additional $12 million. Bergen responded with the concern that creating a mental health initiative such as this, while beneficial for the community, would not come cheap.
Other council members have expressed concerns with the HPS proposed budget. For example, Ward 4 city councillor Tammy Hwang challenged Bergen about the diversity of hires in the newly proposed 13 officers that would be hired annually over the next 8 years.
If the city council chooses to reject this budget the police services board has the option to propose a new version or to appeal using the Ontario Civilian Police Commission. According to OCPC, the HPS has not filed for an appeal in over 20 years.
This is an ongoing story.
