As I make my way around town on any given day, to a meeting at Rotary or Flamborough Connects, or just covering local events, I hear quite a few comments about the number of new folks who have moved to the area, and how to make it easier for them to get involved in community life.
There is a huge population, particularly on the east side of Waterdown, who have a vast amount of experience and a fresh perspective that could shape their neighbourhoods in new and exciting ways; on the flip side, there are a ton of great local resources and activities they can take advantage of right here at home that they may not know about. To some there seems to be a disconnect, since many of those who are new to town continue to shop, dine, worship and work elsewhere (Burlington, Oakville and Missisissauga, for example).
Well, any doubt that Flamborough residents are engaged in their community was quickly erased at last week’s meeting hosted by Ward 15 councillor Ted McMeekin. The community council sessions are held regularly; about 30 people - from all sections of the ward and various walks of life - attended the meeting on Thursday evening at the Waterdown Seniors Centre to discuss a host of issues, from the recently passed city budget to local traffic complaints.
This month’s agenda included the councillor’s update on city business and local projects, and a presentation by Kirk Weaver, manager current budgets and fiscal planning for the city. Weaver explained that there are three avenues of funding available to each ward in the city for individual projects; in Flamborough there is about $2 million allotted.
- The Minor Maintenance Capital Program is available to address identified road infrastructure and sidewalk accessibility issues, for example. The councillor works with Public Works staff to submit a proposal to Hamilton city council for approval.
- The Canada Community-Building Fund (aka the Gat Tax Fund) is a one-time allocation of $2 million in federal funds per ward; currently there is about $899,000 left for Ward 15. There are specific application criteria and reporting requirements associated with this program.
- Non-Property Tax Revenues are distributed to each ward from revenues generated by cell tower or hydro contracts, for example. In Ward 15, there is currently $261,000 available. Examples of recent projects supported by this fund include Smokey Hollow Park this year, and Parkside Hills Park on Nisbet Drive in 2025.
Plenty of lively discussion followed Weaver’s presentation, with suggestions for traffic calming, ideas for involving and coordinating local service clubs to provide equipment for parks, and the need to ensure those parks are truly accessible to all families.
Currently, the community council is laying the groundwork to establish working groups to bring the projects to fruition and address issues identified in a recent survey. According to community council coordinator Geoff Allen, the top issue “by far” for respondents is community development and accessibility, followed by a sense of community, the increase in crime, traffic and, finally taxes and infrastructure.
The suggestions for possible committees and subcommittees started flying. It was inspiring to see not only so many great ideas being generated, but also the new connections being formed and the willingness to put in the work propel things forward.
I can’t wait to see what comes next!
