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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 4d

Preview of the traffic light coming to Robert Street and James Street North to support the hard working concrete crosswalk installed here years ago. Residents have been asking for this for a long time and I’m happy to be able to move it forward during this term of council. Safety matters. #HamOnt

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 5d

I already moved that motion. I can’t move it twice. And, as someone who moved it and voted in favour, I can’t put it up for reconsideration. Only people who voted against it can do that.

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Reposted by Ward 2 Hamilton

Deanna Allain @deannaallain.bsky.social · 7d

Solidarity with striking CUPW members! Visited the @cupwsttp.bsky.social local 548 picket line this evening to drop off food and snacks on behalf of PSAC Hamilton. Stop by and show your support for CUPW and OPSEU members on strike if you can! ✊🏻 #HamOnt #canlab

Striking CUPW workers taking a photo with PSAC and CUPE members outside a Canada Post facility. There are broken pallets and a burn barrel in the road

An assortment of cereal boxes and muffins in a car trunk with a PSAC union flag in the background

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

Language matters, and so does our shared history and our joint obligations. As we continue to work with First Nations communities, and leadership, its important we approach this work with a deep understanding of the commitments that have been made and our obligations to keep them.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

The Chief of the MCFN explained that, as holders of treaties, with inherent rights, they're not claiming a stake, but exercising their treaty rights. It's an important distinction as the word "stakeholder" can literally refer to those who took land from Indigenous people by staking out boundaries.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

I also want to take this opportunity to share something I've learned in my discussions with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN). At a recent meeting with them, they reminded us they're not "stakeholders" and this word shouldn't be used if we want to engage with them in a good way.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

As European demand for fashionable furs intensified, so did pressure on Indigenous territories and alliances. By the middle of the 17th century, the Neutral were largely displaced, or destroyed. As we acknowledge our obligations as treaty people, it's important to reflect on this history.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

Jesuits in the 17th century described the Chonnonton as valuing individual autonomy and discouraging selfish or status seeking behavior. It was at this time a devastating smallpox epidemic, introduced through European contact, combined with famine, reduced the Neutral population drastically.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

At their height, members of the Neutral Confederacy lived in southwestern Ontario and across the Niagara River into what is now western New York. Much of the population were concentrated around present day Hamilton in large, fortified villages.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

This name, la Nation neuter, was given by the French, who observed that these nations often remained neutral in conflicts between their neighbours. Despite their name, the Neutral maintained a strong warrior presence, responsible for defending their people, territory, and resources.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

The Chonnonton, or "people of the deer," lived in the region that now includes the City of Hamilton. The Chonnonton, along with other Iroquoian speaking nations such as the Aondironon, Wenrehronon, and Ongniaahraronon, formed a political and cultural alliance known as the Neutral Nation.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

Land acknowledgements can also be important in educating the public. Hamilton is situated on the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, and Mississaugas. A question that I hear when I offer a land acknowledgement is "Who are the Neutral people?"

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 6d

This week's heritage post considers the City's Land Acknowledgement in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day, on September 30. Land acknowledgements reflect our obligations to rights and treaty holders across the city we now call Hamilton. #HamOnt

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 7d

The final round of Ward 2 Community Grants for 2025 is open until November 1. Please visit ward2hamilton.ca/grants to apply. Grants are for not for profit organizations. The Ward 2 Team is here to make the application process simple and easy so please reach out if you need support. #HamOnt

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 8d

Beautiful sunrise ceremony this morning with members of Hamilton’s Indigenous community to remember and honour those lives stolen by residential schools. Join me at All Our Relations starting at 1pm today to hear from survivors and elders on this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. #HamOnt

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 9d

With Councillor Rob Cooper officially being sworn in today, here's a new version of my Who Does Want and How To Get in Touch graphic. You can find all the documents at drive.google.com/drive/folder.... #HamOnt

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 9d

The City is recruiting, up to this Friday, October 3, for the CityHousing Hamilton Board (one); Downtown Sub-Committee (three Small Business representatives, at least two along James Street); and the Committee of Adjustment (one with rural experience). Apply at hamilton.ca/committees. #HamOnt

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Reposted by Ward 2 Hamilton

Deanna Allain @deannaallain.bsky.social · 10d

Had a great time at Open Streets in #HamOnt while tabling with @environmenthamont.bsky.social! Saw a lot of friends and we worked together to protect the "green belt" 😉🌱

Deanna holding a green belt while sitting on a stationary bike which generates bubbles in the middle of the street

Deanna taking a selfie with a friend and the "green belt" from Environment Hamilton

Four friends posing for photos with the "green belt" from Environment Hamilton

Cyclists and pedestrians enjoying the road closed to vehicles at Open Streets. One person has a crochet stop sign with leaves that they are pulling in a cart

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 10d

I get it, more than most, politics is tough. Being in public life means being held accountable. I understand that and I'm prepared for it, come what may. I'm not going to stop being honest and transparent though. It's what I ran on and I'm going to keep speaking up.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 10d

As for the rest of it, I think it's pretty funny for a career politician to come after me for "playing politics". Where were her comments about politicking when the fruitless complaint by the police board was dismissed against me earlier this year?

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 10d

And of course I'm enthusiastic about someone else joining. I trust whoever joins to replace the Mayor will take their position seriously and will participate fully in board and committee work. For far too long, a handful of board members have been doing the majority of the work.

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 10d

I stand by what I said in public and by email. If the Mayor can't make it to the meetings, then stepping down is the right thing to do. It still doesn't make sense. She's in charge of her schedule. What's the big scheduling conflict? #HamOnt

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Reposted by Ward 2 Hamilton

Hamilton Naturalists' Club @hamiltonnature.org · 10d

Birding at Bayfront Park 🐦

Join Barry Coombs for a visit to Bayfront Park, where he will lead attendees along this beautiful, paved waterfront trail and point out the birds that make use of the park's greenery and sheltered waters.

📅 Wed Oct 8, 2025 | 5 - 7 PM
📍 200 Harbour Front Rd #HamOnt

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 12d

Thanks to Barry from @birdsonghamilton.bsky.social for taking the Ward 2 Team birding this afternoon. We saw 29 species of birds at Bayfront Park (sorry, no telephoto lens). My favourite was definitely the Eastern Phoebe but there were lots of mockingbirds and yellow rumped warblers. #HamOnt

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Ward 2 Hamilton @ward2hamilton.bsky.social · 12d

Considering all the challenges our city is facing, we need everyone on Council at public decision making tables, big and small. Motions. Debates. Decisions. Those are the things we need to sort out. Clear your schedule. Make it a priority.

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