Councillor Esther Pauls

This morning there will be a Special Planning Committee regarding the "Private Secondary Plan for the Elfrida Expansion Lands." Though this matter isn't one directly within Ward 7, we are very interested in it as both Hamiltonians and residents of a neighbouring ward.

Join us online for the delegations and discussion starting at 9:30 AM at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Taoye4jh4g4

Look at the beautiful results of hard work in action. What a thrill to watch construction crews making much progress since last September's groundbreaking event!

This exciting redevelopment project by Hamilton East Kiwanis Non-Profit Homes Inc. is a Ward 7 housing intensification project that will offer roughly 40 Rent-Geared-to-Income units; 11 units at or below 67% Average Market Rent and 75 units at or below 125% of Average Market Rent.

I'm very proud of this Hamilton/Ward 7 affordable housing success story!

Kudos to Kiwanis Homes CEO Brian Sibley, City of Hamilton Housing Secretariat Team, the dedicated workers and tradespeople on-site, and everyone involved in this project's imminent success!

A special thank you to the nearby Ward 7 residents who have patiently withstood temporary inconveniences that are often part and parcel of neighbouring construction. 🙏

Striving for a winter 2027 completion, with fingers crossed! 🤞

Mountain Kidz Klub is one of the Mountain's most dedicated community supporters, and I treasure the incredible effort Kathy Archer and her team put into helping others all through the year.

TODAY, be a part of a fantastic Hawaiian-themed summer carnival:
📍Ward 7's Eastmount Community Centre, 115 E 26th St, Hamilton ON
🕙11am - 2:30pm.

🌺E Komo Mai!

In the wake of the tragic passing of a 91-year-old Ward 7 resident who was struck by a vehicle on Tuesday evening near Stone Church Road East and Upper Wellington Street, our community is deeply saddened.

My heartfelt condolences to this dear woman's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

This is a heartbreaking reminder to look out for one another and take care while on our roads.

As fatal and severe e-scooter and Powered Personal Micromobility Device incidents increase in Hamilton and across Canada, I remain committed to addressing this issue as Ward 7 Councillor.

My July 27 Public Works discussion with HPS Sergeant Michael O’Hagan generated significant resident response and concerns voiced. An Aug. 13 Hamilton Spectator report noted that 10 Canadian children died in e-bike/e-scooter-related injuries in 2025. Of 57 cases, 24 involved children aged 10–15, and most involved e-scooters, single riders, roads/sidewalks/pathways, recreational use, no helmet and no adult supervision.

Hamilton permits e-scooters under City By-law 20-269 and Ontario’s pilot program (O. Reg. 389/19), extended to Nov. 27, 2029, but there are rules and by-laws in place.

Hamilton requirements:
• Riders must be 16+; riders aged 16–17 must wear helmets.
• E-scooters must meet provincial requirements: maximum 500W motor and 24 km/h.
• Riders may use roads ≤50 km/h, bike lanes, boulevard multi-use paths (e.g., Keddy Trail), and specifically signed paved multi-use trails.
• Where cycling infrastructure is available, riders are generally required to use it.

Not permitted:
• Sidewalks
• Unpaved/most park paths and trails (with select exceptions only where signage indicates use)
• Controlled-access highways (LINC, Red Hill, Hwy 403, QEW)
• Use of e-scooters for those under 16

Provincial offences include riding under 16 yrs of age, carrying passengers/cargo contrary to regulation, towing or being towed, and operating other than while standing.

Parents: Please understand these laws. Parents may face liability under the Highway Traffic Act and City by-laws when children under 16 ride e-scooters.

Full Hamilton City By-law 20-269:https://www.hamilton.ca/sites/default/files/2022-04/20-269.pdf
Full Hamilton Parks By-law 01-219:https://www.hamilton.ca/sites/default/files/2022-06/01-219-OfficeConsolidation06.15.2022.pdf

I will continue discussions with the City, Hamilton Police Service and Province on what more can be done to address these documented safety concerns.

Church of Praise is holding its Annual Back to School Community Event featuring:

🎒✏️FREE Backpacks & School supplies
🌭🍔FREE Community Barbecue
👩‍👦‍👦👏Family friendly activities

📅Saturday, August 22, 2026
🕛12:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST
📍Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School
1824 Rymal Road East, Hamilton, ON

Admission is FREE, but registration is required.
Registration link: https://rccgchapelofpraise.ca/back-to-school-registration/ .praise