Large Capital Projects
While most exact costs are not yet known, the following ideas likely would require more than $250,000 to implement and they may be multi-year projects.
1 Recreation Centre on Former Prince Philip School Property
Provide additional funds to the $1,000,000 already set aside from previous years’ Participatory Budgeting for the proposed full-service recreation facility and senior centre at the site of the former Prince Philip School property. This will occur in dialogue with Conseil Scolaire Viamonde, the French language public school board.
2 Repair Roads and Sidewalks Throughout Ward 1
Add funding to the City of Hamilton road and sidewalk budget to have additional Ward 1 projects added to the work list. Priorities would be based on the objective study prepared by Public Works.
3 Purchase Property at Alexander Park to Add to Park Space
Allocate funds to purchase the property in the southwest corner of Alexander Park from a private owner, which would reunite the property with the Park. This would be done in dialogue with the current owner.
4 Repave Aberdeen Avenue
Repave Aberdeen Avenue. This project is only financially feasible if underground pipes do not need to be replaced. Pipes would need to be evaluated.
Parks & Recreation
Ideas relating to a City wide, park or neighbourhood master plan are subject to that master plan. Any ideas deviating from the plan require formal public consultations and approval to change the master plan before implementation can be considered.
5 Improve Parks in Kirkendall South
Make improvements to park areas in Kirkendall South, including Beulah Park, Mapleside Park, and Highland Gardens. Enhancements include fixing erosion problems, providing additional benches and picnic tables, leveling the ground for an ice rink, and a grand entrance to Highland Gardens.
6 Improve Lighting in Victoria Park
Improve the lighting at the south end and around the playground of Victoria Park.
7 Enhancements to the Victoria Park Pool
Enhance and upgrade the outdoor pool in Victoria Park.This would be specific funding and separate from the ongoing implementation of the Victoria Park Master Plan.
8 Improve and Beautify Dundurn Park
Improve and beautify Dundurn Park by landscaping, installing new artistic signage, adding an entrance sign on York Blvd., and examining the feasibility of making paths more accessible while respecting heritage.
9 Improvements at Coronation Arena
Improve Coronation Arena by upgrading the arena, by increasing parking and accessibility, and by installing a climbing structure in the playground area.
10 Outdoor Space for Dalewood Middle School and Recreation Centre
Add a natural outdoor classroom space and a natural playground at Dalewood Middle School, including benches and shade trees. This would be done in dialogue with the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) and must comply with the HWDSB Outdoor Design Manual.
11 Upgrade Playground at City Housing Hamilton Complex
Upgrade the basic playground at the City Housing Hamilton Complex at 1884 Main Street West. It would serve children in the whole neighbourhood. This project would need a feasibility study to ensure it meets City criteria before it could proceed.
12 Install Water-Bottle Refilling Stations
Install water-bottle refilling stations at public buildings throughout Ward 1, e.g. libraries and recreation centres.
Public Safety
Ideas relating to a City wide or neighbourhood master plan are subject to the master plan. Any ideas deviating from the plan require formal public consultations and approval to change the master plan before implementation can be considered.
13 Traffic Calming in Kirkendall
Develop a comprehensive traffic calming plan (beyond speed bumps) with an emphasis on pedestrian safety and speed reduction, in dialogue with neighbourhood residents.
14 Traffic Calming in Ainslie Wood
Develop a comprehensive traffic calming plan (beyond speed bumps) with an emphasis on pedestrian safety speed reduction, in dialogue with neighbourhood residents.
15 Traffic Calming in Strathcona
Develop a comprehensive traffic calming plan (beyond speed bumps) with an emphasis on pedestrian safety speed reduction, in dialogue with neighbourhood residents.
16 Upgrade School Crosswalk at Cootes Paradise Elementary School
Upgrade the crosswalk on King Street in front of Cootes Paradise Elementary School to an official “Pedestrian Cross Over” (PXO), with pedestrian right of way.
17 Upgrade School Crosswalk at Earl Kitchener School
Upgrade the crosswalk on Dundurn Street at Earl Kitchener School into an official “Pedestrian Cross Over” (PXO), with pedestrian right of way.
18 Improve Crosswalks in Westdale Village
Upgrade the crosswalk markings across King Street at Paisley Avenue and install a crosswalk across King Street at the island at Paradise Road.
19 Construct Sidewalk on Homewood Avenue
Construct a sidewalk on Homewood Ave. between MacDonald and Linwood Avenues. This would require the road to be repaved in this section as well.
20 Construct Sidewalk on Devon Place
Construct a sidewalk on Devon Place between Longwood Road and Parkside Drive. This would require the road to be repaved in this section as well.
Beautification & Arts
21 Install Benches in Westdale Business Improvement Area (BIA)
Install benches along King Street and Sterling Street. Locations would be chosen in dialogue with the BIA.
22 Install Artist-Designed Bike Racks
Install artist-designed bike racks to be placed strategically throughout Ward 1 as part of the streetscape.
23 Install Art Mural at Churchill Park Clubhouse
Install an art mural on the back wall of the Churchill Park Clubhouse to beautify the wall and discourage graffiti.
24 Upgrade Annual Plantings to Perennial Pollinator Plantings
Upgrade the planting of annual plants to perennials that encourage pollinators throughout Ward 1 where possible.
25 Renovation of the Westdale Theatre
Contribute to the physical restoration of the Westdale Theatre, with a special focus on the preservation of its architectural heritage features, so that the location can become an accessible premier cinema screening experience for art and independent films; a state-of-the-art exhibition space for music, readings, lectures, video streaming, and public meetings; and a community-based cultural and economic hub. This would occur in dialogue with the Westdale Cinema Group, a local not-for-profit organization.
Other Ideas Not Falling Into the Above Categories
26 Westdale Library Improvements
Upgrade, expand, and modernize the existing space.
27 Build Cat Shelters
Provide funding to the not-for-profit Napier Cat Community organization to build cat shelters. The shelters will help expand their trap, neuter, and feeding program to humanely deal with and reduce the feral cat population.
28 Install Additional Bike Racks
Allocate funds to expand the program, in order to install more and better-designed bike racks throughout Ward 1.