civic

Saturday August 3, 2024

The pervasive issue of tent encampments in Ontario, exacerbated by a lack of affordable housing and ineffective local governance, casts a shadow over the notion of civic pride as we approach the Civic Holiday long weekend.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday August 3, 2024

A Crisis of Civic Pride: The Encampment Problem and Ineffective Governance

In the blossoming of spring, the humble tent becomes a poignant symbol of both escape and despair, embodying the struggles of homelessness and the fervent calls for change amidst the tranquility of nature.

May 9, 2024

As Ontarians prepare to enjoy the Civic Holiday long weekend, the very notion of civic pride is overshadowed by a glaring and pervasive issue that has come to define our public spaces: tent encampments. The presence of these encampments in parks and urban areas is not just a local problem but part of a wider North American trend exacerbated by a confluence of factors such as the lack of affordable housing, rising living costs, drug addiction, and mental health crises. The pandemic has only intensified these challenges, revealing the inadequacies of our social safety nets and the inefficacy of our local governance.

Encampments have become stark symbols of a failing system. In cities like Hamilton, Toronto, and Peel Region, parks that were once centre of community and recreation have turned into de facto shelters for those with nowhere else to go. Reports from Hamilton detail how areas like Gage Park and the Delta parquet have been overwhelmed by tents, sparking a range of public safety concerns, including drug use, theft, and violence​ (CityNews Toronto)​​ (The Big Story)​. Similar situations are seen in Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Park and along the Etobicoke Creek Trail in Peel Region​.

Analysis: ‘Compassion fatigue’: Gage Park neighbours frustrated with encampments  The problem is compounded by the lack of decisive action from local politicians who appear more invested in shifting blame than in finding solutions. The continual bickering between municipal leaders and upper levels of government has resulted in a paralysis that prevents meaningful action. In Peel Region, despite recognizing the urgent need for a council-endorsed policy to manage encampments, officials admit that the current approach is unsustainable and heavily reliant on inadequate funding from higher government levels.

As Christmas approaches, a lamentation over broken promises and governmental failures at all levels, particularly in cities, reveals the stark reality of the homelessness crisis in Canada, with blame games and jurisdictional disputes overshadowing the urgent need to legalize housing and address the root causes.

December 20, 2023

This ineffective governance is not limited to any single area but is pervasive across Ontario. In London, for example, local authorities have been criticized for their handling of the encampment crisis, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of safety and cleanliness in their communities​. Similarly, in Kitchener-Waterloo and Windsor, the growing number of encampments and the perceived inaction of local officials highlight a broader failure to address the root causes of homelessness and addiction​ 

Behind the statistics and political debates are real people suffering the consequences of systemic neglect. Encampment residents, many of whom are battling mental health issues and addiction, are left exposed to the elements and vulnerable to violence. The death of two individuals outside Mississauga’s Dundas Shelter starkly underscores the dire need for immediate and compassionate solutions​. Meanwhile, the broader community suffers as well, with residents feeling unsafe and witnessing the decay of once-vibrant public spaces.

As we reflect on the significance of Civic Holiday, it is crucial to remember that true civic pride stems from a community’s ability to care for all its members, particularly the most vulnerable. The current state of affairs demands urgent action. Local governments must stop passing the buck and start implementing concrete measures to provide affordable housing, increase mental health support, and ensure that shelters are adequately funded and accessible. Moreover, there needs to be a concerted effort to develop long-term strategies that address the systemic issues contributing to homelessness and addiction.

The crisis of tent encampments and ineffective governance is a sobering reminder of the work that remains to be done. It challenges us to rethink what civic pride truly means and to demand more from those in positions of power. As we enjoy this long weekend, let us not forget those for whom the notion of a “holiday” is a distant dream, overshadowed by the struggle for basic survival. (AI)

 

Saturday March 11, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 11, 2023

Ask not what your city can do for you…

February 15, 2020

As we sit here surrounded by mounds of snow waiting for the next dump, it’s time to address the infuriating issue of unshovelled sidewalks. Every pedestrian who traverses our city, be it for transportation, exercise, or leisure, knows that the state of our sidewalks in winter is a complete disaster, especially in residential areas. While most property owners diligently shovel their portion of the walkway, there are always a few self-righteous, able-bodied laggards who refuse to do their civic duty.

It’s mind-boggling that some folks have the audacity to claim they don’t use the sidewalks, so why bother clearing them? What kind of backwards thinking is that? Everyone who owns property or works on behalf of someone who does has a collective responsibility to optimize public safety, including keeping sidewalks safe and accessible for everyone. We have an aging population, we’re supposed to be walking more and relying on cars less, and walking is essential for our mental and physical well-being. Yet, these lazy snow shovelling scofflaws obstruct us from taking full advantage of the benefits of walking.

March 11, 2008

Sure, we can rely on local government to enforce the law and issue bills to those who refuse to shovel their sidewalks. However, it’s not that simple. Cities have started ticketing these snow-shovelling delinquents, but the process is slow and ineffective, and the repeat offenders continue to pose a hazard to pedestrians. It’s high time we streamline the complaint process, implement stricter penalties, and make sure these lazybones realize that their actions have consequences.

Furthermore, let’s not forget that lack of physical ability or being away are not legitimate excuses for failing to shovel one’s portion of the sidewalk. There are always ways to get it done, even if it means hiring someone to do it or asking a neighbour for help. It’s time for these able-bodied laggards to stop making excuses and start taking responsibility for their property.

In conclusion, let’s make it clear that ensuring safe and accessible sidewalks is not just a seasonal complaint, it’s a fundamental aspect of public safety, accessibility, and quality of life for all members of the community. We need to hold these lazy, righteous able-bodied laggards accountable and remind them that their inaction has real consequences for the rest of us. So grab a shovel, roll up your sleeves, and let’s clear those sidewalks! (AI)

March 9, 2023 cartoon

Letter to the Editor, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 16, 2023

MacKay on the money

We loved Graeme MacKay’s Saturday cartoon depicting the home with lots of proactive political lawn signs but a sidewalk that is piled with snow, blocking the passage of an elderly pedestrian. It’s easy to have high standards on social justice if one doesn’t have to do anything real like shovelling your sidewalk!

Gretchen Harris, Hamilton

 

 

 

Wednesday February 21, 2007

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 21, 2007

City hall morale worries Eisenberger

As recriminations, investigations and accusations ring through Hamilton City Hall, staff morale is dropping to unprecedented lows.

“From where I sit and what I know, I’ve never seen this before on council,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger yesterday. “I’ve seen a lot, but I haven’t seen it sink to this level. I certainly want to take every possible avenue I have to get us on a much more productive and respectful path.”

The relationship between politicians and staff has been strained in recent weeks, as they have laboured under an ongoing OPP investigation of the licensing department, a separate operational review and an independent investigation of one employee’s harassment and discrimination complaints.

Those complaints led to an investigation that brought about the firing of three senior managers in the licensing department last month. But council voted unanimously last week not to reprimand Councillor Bernie Morelli when the same investigator determined he had harassed and bullied the same employee.

“I want to talk to the employees and let them know that from where I sit, and from where the majority of council is, I believe, that we all want to get to progressive decision-making, in partnership with staff,” the Mayor explained. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)