Hamilton’s ‘new era’ of city council sworn in

The inaugural meeting of Hamilton’s newly-elected city council got underway at the Hamilton Convention Centre tonight.

Hamilton city council is officially on the clock and with many new faces at the table, Mayor Andrea Horwath says she’s ready to usher in a new era.

“I feel humbled because I know the challenges are city is facing,” Horwath said.

Horwath and 15 councillors swore their oaths during their inauguration at the Hamilton Convention Centre and during the mayoral address, Horwath spoke of a transparent city hall and priorities like tackling hate, greener transportation, better roads, and housing.

“We need to quickly develop a plan so Hamiltonians get the most thoughtfully developed plan to implement new housing developments possible. We need more housing, particularly affordable housing,” Horwath said.

Despite a promise not to touch Greenbelt lands, the Ford government says consultation is set on removing more than 7,000 acres of farmland including areas Hamilton and Niagara, a decision that sparked protest from some on council.

Horwath says local MP Filomena Tassi informed the city will receive funding from Ottawa’s rapid housing initiative.