Supporting Local Businesses
Practical solutions for a stronger, more inclusive Hamilton.
Ward 6 is home to a strong skilled-trades community and many outstanding local businesses. Yet too many businesses and storefronts are struggling or closing. Our local businesses are the backbone of our neighbourhoods.
We need to do more to support brick-and-mortar shops and micro-enterprises by keeping City contracts local where possible, and exploring incentives similar to those available through Hamilton's Business Improvement Areas.
I will work toward creating a local business support model, similar in structure to a BIA, that can provide networking opportunities, advertising support, and a stronger, more visible connection between local businesses and the City.
Inflation and changing housing needs are making it increasingly difficult for residents to find affordable, suitable homes. Housing options must better reflect the needs of Hamiltonians.
I will work with City housing services and private builders to encourage a wider range of housing options, including bungalows, multi-generational homes, and fully accessible housing. My goal is to support housing that is attainable and aligned with the realities of today's families and residents.
Over the last four years we have seen an average increase in taxes of 5.3% annually, and no visible return. With job market strain, increased tariffs, and increases to everyday expenses, Hamilton has become unaffordable for many.
It’s easy to blame this on the pandemic or the unreleased financial records, however I believe this has been an issue prior to these events. I am in favour of a tax freeze. City hall needs internal restructuring (Ottawa has 1 manager for 8-15~ workers, Hamilton has 1 manager for 9~ workers), our budget need to be assessed for efficiency and funds redistributed where needed, and the city needs to evaluate how projects are completed to avoid unnecessary expenses.
For many Ward 6 residents it’s a struggle to live in a city that hasn’t taken their needs into consideration. Both visible and invisible disabilities have accommodations that need to be supported to help break down barriers, and create safe inclusive spaces that all residents can enjoy.
Melissa will actively work with community members, and various partners to learn, make change, and update available resources. This includes changes to our transit, city infrastructure, recreational programming, and social and networking opportunities. Eliminating barriers to housing, education, and job supports are also key issues. Disabled voices need to be heard, and amplified in order to create equal access for all residents.
Melissa will advocate for The City of Hamilton to reassess it's Zero Vision Plan, focusing on high-risk areas with a history of collisions and fatalities. She will champion practical improvements that make a real difference, including:
Because safety should never depend on how you choose to travel.
Ward 6 currently has 11 crossovers, but only 3 have lights and signs. The City's Vision Zero plan is focused on preventing fatalities and serious injuries. Following a tragic fatality near multiple elementary schools, we must take meaningful action.
My focus will be on making roads and sidewalks safer for everyone by improving the visibility of crossover lighting, enhanced markings at additional crossings, audible crossings at intersections, protected bike lanes,reconnecting bike lanes,easily accessible sidewalks for mobility users and improving safety and accessibility with longer crossings in high-traffic areas. Safety should never be an afterthought.
Healthy communities start with access to the support people need.
Melissa has seen the lasting impacts of the pandemic on Hamilton families. From rising rates of addiction and mental health challenges, to developmental delays in children, she believes more must be done to strengthen community supports.
As a strong advocate for social services, Melissa will work to expand access to community-based services and advocate for additional crisis intervention and prevention resources.
Since 2020, Hamilton's unhoused population has nearly doubled, now totalling more than 2,100 individuals. We need practical solutions that connect people with the supports they need.
I will advocate for adapting the Canadian High Fidelity Wraparound model and locating new supportive housing facilities close to transit, hospitals, and essential services. Bringing these supports together makes it easier for individuals to access the resources they need and improves the chance of long-term housing stability.
I will also work with community organizations to grow community and outreach supports throughout Hamilton.
Ward 6 has three EarlyON programs providing educational programming and family resources for children ages 0–6. However, these programs currently operate only part-time in the mornings, limiting access for many families and excluding parents with older children from some of the expertise and resources these services provide.
There is also a lack of infant care options within the ward, forcing families to travel long distances, delay returning to work, or seek alternatives that may not provide the same level of support.
I will work with Hamilton's leading childcare and family-service providers to advocate for better hours, more care options, and accessible programming that reflects the needs of today's families.
Ward 6 currently has limited access to addiction treatment, harm reduction, crisis intervention, and prevention services. Some of the closest available services are more than 15 minutes away by vehicle.
With Hamilton in a state of emergency for mental health, homelessness, and opioid addiction since 2023, residents should be able to access essential services closer to home. I will work with local agencies and the City to expand access to these supports, and help ensure residents can get assistance when and where they need it.
Residents aged 60 and over make up 25.6% of Ward 6's population (2021), yet our local recreation centre currently offers only one weekly drop-in program specifically for this age group. Our recreation centres are community assets, and we should be making full use of them.
I will advocate for expanded seniors' programming, including activities such as chair yoga, shuffleboard, cards, and social groups, while keeping programs affordable and accessible.
Seniors deserve opportunities to stay active, connected, and engaged in their community.
I believe a councillor needs to communicate regularly with residents, actively involved within the city, and easily accessible in order to properly address the needs and concerns of all residents.
Through regular town halls, local meetings, and attendance at various events. I will be a highly visible presence within the ward and city. Additional information regarding provincial, municipal and specific ward related issues will be easily accessible through various online platforms and local city establishments.
Proposals to build data centers have raised concerns about Hamilton's future, and Melissa is listening. She believes one of the city's greatest strengths is its proximity to conservation lands and the community's commitment to protect them. She is committed to working alongside local Elders, environment experts, community organizations, and residents to ensure Hamilton's economic growth is balanced with environmental stewardship.
Melissa believes responsible leadership means protecting the environment while ensuring major decision-making reflects the values of the people who call Ward 6 home.
I am against any AI datacenter development on lands where adequate research has not been conducted. This includes, but is not limited to, research into the short- and long-term impacts on public health, the environment, and the local economy.
I support and will fight for a Municipal pause on all AI datacenter approvals and related construction until the appropriate information, planning, and regulatory rules are in place.
