Environmental Sustainability
Mayor's Priorities for the NEXT Hamilton:
5. Environmental Sustainability
Randle Reef: Cleaning-up Randle Reef has been one of my top priorities for many years. It is one of the most significant hurdles standing between our community and de-listing Hamilton Harbour as an "Area of Concern" on the Great Lakes. It will also allow for the establishment of two new wharfs for the Port Authority. With the prospect of nearly 1-billion dollars in benefits awaiting the completion of the remedial action plan, cleaning up our watershed is not just an altruistic, environmental project - it's a practical priority for all of us - one that will have very real and measurable impacts. After years of talk, I established this project as a clear priority to senior governments and in less than two years we have been able to secure $60M in federal and provincial funding towards the clean-up.
Anti-Idling: We need to take concrete steps to reduce air pollution to help improve the quality of life in the Greater Hamilton Area. To that end, we have made a progressive step forward in keep our city clean and green by approving an anti-idling by-law. Under the new by-law, vehicle idling will be limited to three consecutive minutes within a sixty minute period with exemptions in place for extreme temperatures and when idling is part of a vehicle's use for business purposes.
Naturalization/Traffic Island Beautification Program : The City of Hamilton's Keep Hamilton Blooming program transforms asphalt and concrete traffic islands into magnificent flower beds. From May to October each year, traffic islands throughout Hamilton are planted with annual flowers grown in the Gage Park Greenhouses. Plant material is selected for its vibrant colour, interesting form, and tolerance for adverse roadway conditions. All of the islands are designed, planted, and maintained by the City's expert horticulture staff.
Pesticide By-Law: A Pesticide Bylaw to limit the cosmetic use of pesticides in Hamilton was passed by Council on September 26, 2007. The bylaw will take effect in September 2008, but for the first year, enforcement with be focused on an awareness campaign that aims to educate residents about the health risks associated with pesticides, as well as "green alternatives" that can be found on store shelves. This is an important step in improving the health of our environment. The cosmetic use of pesticides is unnecessary as there are an abundance of non-harmful alternatives available. Additionally, it is anticipated that the Province of Ontario will be approving its own legislation to limit the cosmetic use of pesticides which will only help local efforts. For more information click here.
Alternative Transportation: I am a strong supporter of cycling as an alternative mode of transportation. The promotion of cycling is one important step in helping to preserve our environment. Through my role as a board member on Metrolinx, cycling infrastructure in Hamilton got a financial boost from the Metrolinx BikeLinx Program. The funding will be used to install bicycle racks on buses and to provide parking for bicycles in the form of permanent, safe, and secure lockers that will be placed at strategic locations near major municipal and inter-regional transit facilities.
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Mayor's Priorities
