If there’s one thing that Councillor Ted McMeekin enjoys, it’s serving his community. From running Waterdown’s Chapters Book Store in the 1980s to championing local businesses while Chair of the BIA and executive of the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce, McMeekin’s dedication has never wavered. He’s worn many hats – Mayor of Flamborough, longtime MPP and provincial Cabinet Minister, and now the voice of Ward 15 at Hamilton City Hall. Ted McMeekin says, “I am amazed at how much our community has grown. When I first moved to the area with my wife, the population was about 15,000. Today, it’s more than 40,000.”
Despite the rapid growth, McMeekin is passionate about maintaining Flamborough’s safety and security, while holding on to its small-town charm. He says, “I often sit down and ask residents about their major concerns and if they chose only three, it would be police protection, fire protection, and EMS coverage. All three are scheduled for a significant enhancement.”
Community Safety
The construction of the new, state-of-the-art combined Police/Fire Station is well underway at the corner of Highway 6 and Parkside Drive. When it opens next year, the $60 million facility will be staffed by 40 police officers, and a complement of full-time firefighters. Next door, a new EMS station will also be built. McMeekin says, “It’s an incredible investment in emergency response and I believe the single most important project happening in our community right now. Whether it’s a fire, a medical emergency, or a critical police response, having all these resources in one centralized location means faster, more efficient service for residents of Waterdown and the surrounding communities.”
The new Fire Station will be staffed around the clock by full-time firefighters while volunteer firefighters will enhance the coverage from the existing station on Parkside Drive.
The Police Station will also include a Collision Reporting Centre. Currently, motorists who wish to file an accident report must travel to the East End or Mountain stations.
Faster EMS Response
In addition to the dispatch centre, the EMS station will have two new bays, and a unit dedicated to roaming the rural area to respond to an emergency quickly. It will mean better coverage and greater peace of mind for residents.
The fact that police and fire services will be in one building, emergency dispatch will be quicker and more unified to ensure the best possible emergency response. McMeekin says, “Not two days have gone by since my election as Ward 15 Councillor where these emergency services haven’t been on my mind and where I haven’t been advocating for these services to be enhanced.”
New Recreation Centre
A brand new $25 million recreation centre will soon be built next to the Harry Howell Arena. The 8-acre site has the potential for baseball diamonds, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, and space for meetings and social gatherings. McMeekin says, “This project is about more than health and fitness; it’s about bringing the community together because the social aspect is just as important. It’s important to have a place where people can meet and make friends and do things together.”
The recreation centre is a direct result of community input. McMeekin says, “I like to organize meetings in the community where residents can have the opportunity to articulate their concerns. The most important thing residents can provide is a critique of what is going on in the community because then we can learn how to do things better.”
Community Council
Ted McMeekin stays deeply connected to the pulse of Ward 15 with the help of the 40-member Community Council. This dedicated group acts as McMeekin’s eyes and ears and keeps him informed about what’s happening in the community. McMeekin says, “These are people who love their community and are dedicated every single day to making a difference. About 90% of what I do has its roots in direct and intentional consultation with the community and the Community Council and they give me good advice.”
McMeekin values input and credits the members for making him a more effective Councillor. McMeekin says, “My favorite quote is from Aristotle who once said, “If you want to know if the shoe fits, ask the person who is wearing it, not the person who made it. When you’re stuck, you call a meeting and ask the people what they think. People want to be engaged. They want to know that they’re being heard and that their voice matters.”
McMeekin also keeps his constituents in the loop by informing them about initiatives and opportunities discussed by Hamilton City Council. McMeekin says, “Together we’re building a community that’s safer, more compassionate, and deeply connected.”
A Better Community
The new Police, Fire, and EMS stations are a commitment to faster emergency response times and stronger community protection. The new recreation centre will give residents a place to stay active, build community, and invest in their health. Ted McMeekin says, “Flamborough is a place where everyone wants to come to live. Together, these projects lay the foundation for a vibrant, well-supported community in Hamilton’s fastest-growing area.”
Contact Councillor Ted McMeekin at (905) 546-2713, by email at ted[email protected], or by website.
