New Ward 2 Councillor Jason Farr introduces new host, former Mayor Larry Di Ianni. VIDEO

There's a familiar face that will be taking over at Cable 14 for host and new Ward 2 Councillor Jason Farr. Yesterday there was an announcement by Jason during his last show as host of "For The Record" introducing new host Larry Di Ianni. Di Ianni was unsuccessful in this years mayoral race finishing 2nd to winner Bob Bratina. Check out the video of the introduction and Larry's first episode as host of "For The Record".

Questions answered about the new HOV lanes. Hamilton/Stoney Creek

 Sitting in traffic watching other motorists zip by you in the HOV lane will be frustrating. Below are many questions about the new HOV lanes like. Who enforces the new lanes? What is the fine if caught? What qualifies you for the use of the HOV lanes and many more questions.

1. OPP officers are enforcing HOV lane use and issuing tickets to offenders as part of their regular highway enforcement duties. The OPP conducts HOV lane enforcement by pulling vehicles over on the left shoulder. MTO has constructed special enforcement areas on the left shoulder to provide safe areas from which the police can conduct enforcement.

2 -3 drivers using the lane improperly can be stopped and ticketed by OPP officers monitoring the HOV lane, and will be required to re-enter the general lanes at the next entry/exit zone. The penalty for improper HOV lane use is a fine of $110 and 3 demerit points.

4. At the discretion of a police officer, however
Under Regulation 620/05 of the Highway Traffic Act the following is stipulated:

Use of high occupancy vehicle lanes

2.  No person shall operate a motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle in a high occupancy vehicle lane unless one of the following circumstances exists:

1. In the case of a motor vehicle, the vehicle has at least two persons occupying seating positions.

2. In the case of a commercial motor vehicle,

i. the vehicle has at least two persons occupying seating positions, and

ii. the length of the vehicle or the total length of the vehicle and any vehicle being towed is less than 6.5 metres.

3. The vehicle is a bus.

4. The person is operating an emergency vehicle, as defined in section 144 of the Act, in the performance of his or her duties.

5. The person is operating the vehicle in the lawful performance of his or her duties as a police officer.

6. The person is operating a vehicle owned or leased by the Province of Ontario in the lawful performance of his or her duties as an officer appointed for carrying out the provisions of the Act.

7. The person is operating a vehicle engaged in road construction or maintenance activities in or near the high occupancy vehicle lane.

8. The person is operating a tow truck that has been requested to provide towing or repair services to a disabled vehicle in or near a high occupancy vehicle lane by a police officer, an officer appointed for carrying out the provisions of the Act, or a person driving the disabled vehicle, and operating the tow truck in the high occupancy vehicle lane is necessary to attend at and depart from the location of the disabled vehicle. O. Reg. 620/05, s. 2.

9. The person is operating a motor vehicle to which are attached valid number plates that,

i. are issued by the Ministry,

ii. have green lettering on a white background, and

iii. display the words "GREEN VEHICLE" or "VÉHICULE ÉCOLOGIQUE". O. Reg. 620/05, s. 2; O. Reg. 236/10, s. 1.

New HOV lanes open to Hamilton/Stoney Creek commuters.

The new HOV lanes are finally open to commuters from Hamilton/Stoney Creek. With many residents going out of town to work and putting up with standstill traffic on a daily basis, this should bring some relief to the concerns of greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging more people to car pool which would get rid of unnecessary traffic. I've driven in rush hour traffic to Toronto and back many times and it feels like majority of the cars on the road are single occupants.
Sitting in bumper to bumper traffic may trigger some commuters who make the daily trip to start looking for a car pool buddy. If it saves you an hour on the way to work and an hour on the way home. That's 2 hours that can be spent on important things like family and relaxing.
 The project is getting mixed results. I think its safe to say for the people who will continue to drive alone are going to say that the extra lane should of been open to everyone. The ones who organize a car pool and get to work and home an hour earlier will think its a great idea. Time will tell if the HOV lanes cut back on traffic and greenhouse gas emissions.

Feel free to share if you agree or disagree with this car pool method.

STUDY: Hamiltonians much happier than Torontonians

Hamilton has been in the shadows of Toronto for quite some time. With their big time business, restaurants, sport franchises, job opportunities,money  and many other things that would make you believe Toronto is the perfect place to live and  be happy. That's why the Argos-Tiger Cats game is so important to Hamiltonians. It's our one time to be able to out do Toronto. We've grown accustomed to thinking that Toronto tops Hamilton in many qualities of life categories.
It's actually quite the opposite. In a recent study called,       
does Money Matter: Determining the Happiness of Canadians, Hamilton ranked much higher than its counter part down the QEW. Out of 33 cities studied Hamilton ranked 18th, while Toronto finished dead last in the "happiness" category. To determine rankings, figures were collected in many areas that would determine quality of life. One’s perceived mental and physical health, stress level, sense of belonging to the local community, employment, immigration status, household income and marital status. The average results determined the "happiness" scale.
Hamilton's over all score was 4.28, which was above the Canadian average of 4.24.

Other notables included: Sherbrooke topped the list, while Brantford was 2nd, Guelp was 11th, Hamilton 18th, Kitchener was 20th, St. Catherines was 31st and Toronto was at the bottom of the list at 33rd.

Hamilton Fire sirens attend to a different emergency. VIDEO.

Don't be alarmed by the sirens you heard today, its just Hamilton Emergency Services collecting food for their annual Christmas food drive picking up non-perishable food items. The food collected will help support the 
Stoney Creek Community Food Bank and Winona Food Bank. For those of you who missed it and want to help out . Food donations can also be dropped off at Station 15, 415 Arvin Ave.; Station 16, 939 Barton St.; and Station 17, 363 Isaac Brock Dr. Toy donations will also be accepted. There is a video below for those of you who missed it.

Larry Di Ianni to host Cable 14 show.

 Former Mayor Larry Di Ianni has been chosen by Cable 14 to host "For The Record", a show that airs daily discussing local news features, commentary from the "opinionators" and has weekly updates from councillors. . The spot opened up after veteran Jason Farr was elected to Hamilton City Council at this falls election. Mr. Di Ianni is set to be introduced on Monday's show and set to take over the wheel on Tuesday night.

Local 1005 Union President Rolf Gerstenberger discusses the effects of Social Media during this lockout with US STEEL. VIDEO.

Today Union President Rolf Gerstenberger talked about how Social Media and media in general are affecting this lock out.

US STEEL buses arrive for another shift change carrying salary employees. VIDEO

 This Friday morning meant another shift change for the salaried employees working inside US STEEL to maintain the coke ovens. The video is below:

The rule of thumb is that the locked out workers are only allowed to keep vehicles/buses from entering in 15 minute intervals.  There are cameras just above the picketers to monitor the situation as well as security. If the 15 minutes is surpassed, a court order can be made against Local 1005 that would only allow them 5 picketers.
With the holiday season we hope that this all comes to an end real soon. The members respected the 15 minute period and once the time had expired they let both buses enter without any incidents. 

The PAN AM Host Corporation, looking for PLAN B.

HOSTCO is currently exercising its options and looking for a plan B, just in case a stadium and the PAN AM Games fall through in Hamilton. The City has decided on a Longwood & Aberdeen site, but are 50 million dollars short on securing the deal.  Mississauga, Brampton, Markham and Oshawa have received a letter from Ian Troop to build a stadium if the Hamilton site falls through. All four apparently have expressed interest in building a 5000-6000 seat stadium that could eventually be expanded to 12,000.

If we're 50 million dollars short for funding the Longwood-Aberdeen site, perhaps this could open negotiations to bring other sites back on the table that would be more attainable in regards to cost. "New" council gets sworn in on December 1st, then its back to the drawing board.

Ferris Park Bocce Courts: Investigative report by THE HAMILTONIAN

On October 8th 2010, I received an email about the Ferris Park Bocce Court from a resident who was upset about the lock on the Bocce court that was listed on the City Website as a public court. Her email to me is below.
http://josipovicforward10.blogspot.com/2010/10/ferris-park-public-bocce-courts.html

The full investigative report is available at THE HAMILTONIAN below.

http://www.thehamiltonian.net/2009/11/is-ferris-fair.html

Ex-Hamilton Thunderbird wins National League MVP

It seems just like yesterday Joey Votto was playing at Hamilton's Bernie Arbour Stadium as a 17 year old for the Hamilton Thunderbirds. Having spent 2 years in the Hamilton system on his way to stardom. 10 years later the Cincinnati Reds player was awarded the MVP of the National League with 31 out of  32 first place votes by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. 

Votto finished the year with a .324Avg, 37 homers, 113RBI's and 106 runs. Votto is the third Canadian to win the trophy, he joins the company of Larry Walker and Justin Morneau.

Good to see that Hamilton had a helping hand in developing a National League MVP.

First ever Hamilton Day reception at Queen's Park a success.

 The first Hamilton Day reception at Queen's Park was a success. Premier Daulton McGuinty was in attendace, who spoke to many of the cities politicians, municipal staffers and representatives from the business, health, and post-secondary communities.The main point of the event was to give city reps a chance to meet cabinet ministers and high profile city staffers. Among the things discussed was the PAN AN stadium, LRT funding, Poverty and the importance of manufacturing in Hamilton. It's not a 100%, but many of the delegates stated that they were ready to make Hamilton Day at Queen's Park an annual fixture.

Al Pacino makes stop at Carmen's Banquet Centre Fundraiser.

Tonight "Mr. Scarface" himself, Al Pacino made an appearance at Carmen's Banquet Hall. The $250-a-plate dinner fundraiser raised over $150,000 for Empower Global and Good Shepherd Centres of Hamilton. 1200 showed up to see Mr. Pacino, ranking second for the banquet hall. Only Bill Clinton had a larger attendance. Mr. Pacino answered many questions and announced that he is making a movie with Adam Sandler that starts filming in January. Adam Sandler apparently will be playing a women in that one. Hamilton is one of only 3 appearances Mr. Pacino will be making in North America this year, with Hamilton being his only Canadian stop.

VIDEO: The dangers of Kilbourn Avenue and Highway 8.

Below is a video that shows you first hand the dangers of the intersection on Kilbourn Avenue and Highway 8.
A traffic light is needed to make it safe for drivers, pedestrians and residents of this City.

Bus arrives at US STEEL to relieve workers.

This morning at 720am a relief bus was sent into US STEEL to free about 200 workers who have been locked in the plant operating the Coke Ovens. The group of workers consists of Supervisors and Office workers who have been locked in the plant for the last 2 weeks.

The workers are helping with the upkeep of the coke ovens, if the ovens aren't maintained properly it could cost millions for repair.

For the last 2 weeks, workers have been fed, given cots and televisions.
Having previous work experience in a coke oven environment and US STEEL, I can tell you that after a 12 hour shift I couldn't wait to get out. I can't imagine having to be in that environment for 2 weeks.

As of now it is unclear if another crew will be sent in to replace the ones who are leaving.

There has to be some protocol on how things work here.
What happens if one of the workers has an emergency at home? Get's sick?
This is a very scary situation that can hopefully come to an end with all sides content.

Councillor Maria Pearson Trial Date Set

Today at the John Sopinka Court house, Clr. Maria Pearson's lawyer agreed with Private Prosecutor Jose Pablo Bustamante for a trial date.
The date has been set for February 15th, 2011 at 1:30pm in Court room 320.
Mr. Bustamante alleges that Clr. Pearson broke the Municipal Elections Act in regards to properly filling out her financial statements.

Stadium Location POLL RESULTS!!!

For the last week here at the Community Blog we have been asking readers to vote on their choice for a stadium location. If they had a choice. Well the results are in!!

With 44 votes cast we got a wide range of opinion in the city and the results are a bit surprising.

Coming in 1st was Confederation Park with 23 votes (52%) which is a tad surprising because this option was taken off the table before any research was done on it and was not available for voting at the Council meetings.

The two sites that divided the city were the West Harbour and East Mountain locations. It seemed that these two locations were the prime two picks. Coming in 2nd with 8 votes (18%) of the vote was East Mountian, followed by a very close 7 votes (15%) for the West Harbour that put it in 3rd place.


Currently the City is in the process of coming to terms on a CP-Rails-Aberdeen site for the location. This is the current choice for the stadium which surprisingly got only 4 votes (9%).

It is kind of strange that the current location seems to be the least favorite of the ones offered. There were also 2 votes (4%) for NONE of the locations mentioned.

As of now Council has until February 1st, 2011 to come to a decision and the necessary things like funding and location to make the Pan-Am Games happen.

What do you all think of the current poll? Discuss

Lest We Forget. Rememberance Day November 11th

FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

- John McCrae

My October 14th Email to the HSR in regards to buses for Senior Citizens.

Hello my name is Bernard Josipovic and I am candidate at this years Municipal Election. I was wondering if I can get some help in regards to helping out some senior citizens.
I attended the Stoney Brook apartments and some of the women there were inquiring about getting a bus maybe once a month that would take them to Eastgate square to shop from their area.
They said that many of them don't drive and the bus would fill up no problem. Just wondering if any of you can forward me some information like phone numbers and I pass this along to them so they can get int touch and perhaps help them and the businesses of Eastgate Square.
Let me know, thanks.


I am happy to say that today I got a response regarding the request. HSR Customer Service to me.

Hello Bernard,

Our Planning department has sent the following response to your inquiry.

Stemming from the HSR Operational Review presentation made to Council in October 2009, staff are presently working to provide the City with a plan to improve and develop public transit services in Hamilton over the next five years, consistent with the City’s vision of sustainable development and the Hamilton Transportation Master Plan. A range of route and service improvement options for the 2010 to 2014 time period are being reviewed. Depending upon the availability of funding, some high priority options will be presented to Council for their consideration this year.

Thanks for your interest in The Hamilton Street Railway

Discuss...................

US STEEL SET FOR LOCK OUT!!! ( Official Letter to employees below)

This is going to be a very sad time for many US STEEL employees as the latest final contract offer has been rejected by Local 1005. My friend who is one of 900 plus employees affected has sent me the letter he received from US STEEL in regards to being locked out on Sunday November 8th at 7pm. The letter is posted below:

US STEEL offers last and final contract offer before Saturday deadline.

U. S. Steel has made a new offer to 900 Hamilton workers facing a potential lock out Saturday morning.

It's not clear the terms of the deal and if its any different from the deal that has been offered for the last couple of months.

Ontario Law offers a vote to be done on "final" offers. If this goes to a vote, I think that the majority will vote in favor of keeping their jobs.

What do you think should happen??

UPDATE: Steelworkers president Rolf Gerstenberger says his union is not likely to vote on a final offer presented by U.S. Steel Thursday night.

How Does City Hall Work??

Ever wonder how City Hall works?? Why do we have a Council? What is the job of a Councillor?
I thought you'd never ask.

Why City Hall Matters

City government is the most accessible level of government, and City Council makes decisions that most affect our daily lives – from garbage collection to bus service to policing to the provision of electricity, water, sewers, roads, parks, recreation centres and many social services. Virtually all land use decisions are made by City Council, including permission to build new houses, malls and big box stores. The City also employs over 6000 staff.

Hamilton collects half a billion dollars in taxes each year. These come from everyone who lives in Hamilton. Homeowners, business owners and others who own land in Hamilton pay property taxes directly to the City. People who rent also pay property taxes, but through their landlord. About 20% of the average rent goes to pay city taxes.

How City Hall Works

Hamilton has 15 city councillors plus the mayor. City Council meets twice per month, normally on the evening of the second and fourth Wednesdays. There are four standing committees of Council as well as numerous smaller special purpose committees, some of which have citizen members.

The standing committees each meet twice per month. The standing committees are composed of seven or eight councillors each. This is where most of the real decision-making and almost all of the debate takes place. These committees make recommendations to Council, which makes the final decision. There is usually little debate at the full Council meetings. The smaller special-purpose committees usually report to one of the standing committees. Meeting times are posted on the City’s website. Click here to check the monthly listings. A list of all the city committees and their council members can be found here.

The agendas for each standing committee, as well as for Council, are required to be posted on the City’s website at least three days prior to the meetings. The agendas include detailed reports from City staff, and these reports are a good source of information about what is taking place in the City. You can read these agendas and reports by going to the City’s website and following the links. You need Acrobat Reader (free download) to do this.

All councillors meet monthly in two other decision-making bodies – the Committee of the Whole and the Board of Health. Their schedules and agendas are posted in the same city website locations as those of the standing committees.