Hamilton Council’s opposition to turning underused parking lots into affordable housing overridden by Strong Mayor powers

A proposal to build a 67 unit affordable housing development two municipal parking lots which have been zoned for development since the early 1990s and are considered under-utilized (at most 80% full) would provide affordable housing to some of the 6,100 people on waitlists in Hamilton.

• 5 Lake Ave S could become a 3-storey building with 24 affordable units
• 13 Lake Avenue South a 5-storey building with 43 units,

Stoney Creek BIA and residents submitted a petition with 1,318 signatures (which was redacted), insisting the lots at 5 and 13 Lake Avenue South were critical for nearby small businesses and medical clinics.

Our community is at risk due to the city of Hamilton’s proposal to build two low-income buildings right in our downtown core. This plan poses serious challenges for our already congested area.

Our downtown core is currently struggling with limited parking availability for existing residents. The influx of new residents will exacerbate this issue and intensify traffic on King Street which runs through the heart of our community.

Change.org petition

8 councillors had opposed the proposal:

• Matt Francis (Ward 5)
• Tom Jackson (Ward 6)
• Esther Pauls (Ward 7)
• Brad Clark (Ward 9)
• Jeff Beattie (Ward 10)
• Mike Spadafora (Ward 14)
• Ted McMeekin (Ward 15)

Coun. Matt Francis and Coun. Jeff Beattie asked staff to also look at the feasibility of building the affordable housing elsewhere, suggesting above the Dominic Agostino Riverdale Community Centre. Beattie said he’s also reviewing other sites in his east Stoney Creek ward.

• Ward 10 Councillor Jeff Beattie pointed out that the 13 Lake Ave. S. property was the site of the original Stoney Creek fire hall and has historical significance to the community.
• Ward 5 Councillor Matt Francis asked for more time to consult with the community on the two properties on Lake Avenue South. Beattie said he was elected on transparency and he wants time to tell the residents. “I know for a fact my residents don’t know about this,”

Immediately following the March 27, 2024, tied vote, Mayor Andrea Horwath issued her first mayoral veto using strong mayor powers, declaring that the need for affordable housing is greater than that for parking. The veto moved the project forward.