the McMASTER STUDENTS UNION
PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION TO THE CITY OF HAMILTON FEBRUARY 2019
the McMASTER STUDENTS UNION
Table of Contents TRANSIT
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STUDENT HOUSING
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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BY-LAWS AND ENFORCEMENT
10
LIGHTING
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TRANSIT RECOMMENDATION • The City of Hamilton should allocate funding towards year-round service of the 51-University bus route. This year, McMaster students contributed $4.13 million into Hamilton’s transit budget. McMaster students form the largest demographic to contribute towards the HSR on an annual basis.1 Given our significant contributions, we believe that funding should be allocated towards year-round service of the 51-University bus route. Currently, the 51-University line runs from September to April and does not operate during the summer months.2 Despite most classes ending in April, many students continue to live in Hamilton as they have found paid employment, are attending summer school, or cannot go home as they are an international student. To discontinue the 51-University line during the summer ignores the needs of the many students still living in Hamilton and disincentivizes other students from choosing to stay in Hamilton during the summer or after they graduate. During the summer, we recommend that the HSR operate the 51-University similar to the current Saturday schedule. Currently, on Saturdays the 51-University operates from 11am-2am with a frequency of 30 minutes between each bus.3 This would require roughly 1,680 service hours for the HSR and would provide students across Ainslie Wood and Westdale a source of reliable transportation during the summer.4 Over the years, McMaster students have increasingly advocated to city council for better transit. In 2017, students ran a #YesLRT campaign highlighting the need for the Light Rail Transit and the benefits it will provide all Hamiltonians.5 Councillors were inundated with numerous emails from students, all highlighting their experiences with transit and highlighting the need for the LRT.6 Given our dedication to civic engagement and our significant contributions to the HSR every year, we believe that year-round service of the 51-University bus line should be prioritized when determining what routes will operate during the summer. 2018 Fare breakdown, City of Hamilton “51 UNIVERSITY”. 2018. Transit. http://www.hamiltontransit.ca/routes/51-university/ 3 http://www2.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/9C5126DA-8233-4A6A-9CBB-51E98F296E0C/0/SEPT14_University.pdf 4 15 hours per day x 120 days in summer = 1,680 5 Craggs, Samantha. 2017. “Mcmaster Students Are On A Pro-LRT Email Blitz, But Will It Make A Difference?”. CBC News, , 2017. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/msu-lrt-campaign-1.4070516. 6 CBC News. 2017. “10 Major Hamilton Institutions Write Letter Supporting LRT”, , 2017. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/lrt-letter-anchor-institutions-1.4036586. 1
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the McMASTER STUDENTS UNION
TRANSIT
Continued
RECOMMENDATION • The MSU believes that the City of Hamilton should eliminate area rating and balance out tax rates amongst the urban and suburban wards. In 2001, City Council passed a motion to implement an area rating system for Transit, Fire, Culture and Recreation.7 Since then, City Council has eliminated area rating for all services except transit.8 Public transit should be an integrated system to help residents travel around their city. But with area rating, the HSR is fragmented and has created a barrier for residents using public transit. Abolishing area rating would allow for a well connected bus service across Hamilton. When determining how to phase out area rating, there are a few different options that council can take. Ryan McGreal, author for Raise The Hammer, created a schedule outlining the details on how to phase out area rating for transit.9 The chart below outlines the tax rates each urban ward would pay over the next 4 years to ensure all residents are equally contributing towards the transit budget.
Area Rating Four-Year Phase-Out Schedule
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8 9
4
Area
Baseline
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Final
Ancaster
0.028%
0.039%
0.050%
0.060%
0.071%
Dundas
0.026%
0.037%
0.048%
0.058%
0.071%
Flamborough
0.030%
0.041%
0.052%
0.062%
0.071%
Glanbrook
0.040%
0.051%
0.062%
0.072%
0.071%
Hamilton
0.095%
0.089%
0.083%
0.077%
0.071%
Stoney Creek
0.027%
0.038%
0.049%
0.059%
0.071%
Craggs, S. (2018). Suburban councillors prepared to fight area rating motion. CBC News. [online] Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/headlines/suburban-councillors-prepared-to-fight-area-rating-motion-1.2967960 [Accessed 16 Dec. 2018]. ”Area Rating”. 2018. Environment Hamilton. https://www.environmenthamilton.org/arearating. McGreal, Ryan. 2018. “Phase Out Area Rating And Boost Transit Revenue”. Raise The Hammer. https://raisethehammer.org/article/3549/phase_out_area_rating_and_boost_transit_revenue.
The McMaster Students Union strongly believes that evenly distributing tax rates will provide the HSR with the ability to reconfigure bus routes and make transit easier to access. In addition, the LRT is scheduled to be operational by 2024 and the BLAST network is scheduled to begin operation in different phases starting from 2017 up until 2041.10 A concern raised when discussing the elimination of area rating is that the service level of transit in the wards that need it the most would decrease, increasing the amount of barriers for residents who rely on public transit.11 Though a fair concern, Hamilton should focus on the long-term goals for transit; any gaps that may be created by the even distribution of transit across Hamilton will be filled shortly after by the forthcoming LRT and BLAST network. Transit is an important factor for young people when determining where to live. When we asked students to rate how they value certain aspects of a city on a scale of 1 to 7 (7 being the most valuable part of their ideal city). Approximately 60% of students rate a community that is easy to get around and does not have long commute times as a 6 or a 7 on said scale. Younger generations are driving less and relying more on public transit.12 We believe eliminating area rating and improving bus routes will be an incentive for students to stay in Hamilton after they graduate, aiding in the City of Hamilton’s efforts to retain talent.13 We, along with all Hamiltonians, deserve to have access to consistent and reliable transit, regardless of the ward in which we live. The MSU believes that the City of Hamilton should follow through with our recommendation and prioritize eliminating area rating during their term on City Council. 11 12
13
McGreal, Ryan. 2018. “Phase Out Area Rating And Boost Transit Revenue”. Raise The Hammer Jaffe, Eric. 2015. “The Clearest Explanation Yet for Why Millennials Are Driving Less.” CityLab. https://www.citylab.com/transportation/2015/07/the-clearest-explanation-yet-for-why-millennials-are-driving-less/398366/ Nestico-Semianiw, Spencer, Saad Syed, and Alexia Olaizola. 2016. “Your City Survey”. Hamilton: The McMaster Students’ Union
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the McMASTER STUDENTS UNION
STUDENT HOUSING RECOMMENDATIONS • The City of Hamilton should move forward with the two-year Rental Licensing pilot project in Wards 1 and 8, allocating $347,463 towards the pilot in the 2019 Budget. Having access to clean, safe, and sanitary housing is a basic right for both permanent Hamilton citizens and student renters alike. There is a great deal of research linking housing as a social determinant of health, validating the connection between substandard housing and poor physical health.14 While pursuing their studies, students deserve to live in a home free of hazards and pests, with appropriate security measures to maintain well-being. However, the quality and accessibility of housing continues to be an issue among students in the Hamilton community. Students have voiced many concerns regarding their rental properties over issues such as: overcrowding, unsafe zoning, lack of fire and safety inspections, inadequate renovations, and absentee landlords.15 These issues are exacerbated by the fact that many students, especially those from low-income backgrounds or those currently learning English, are unaware of their rights as tenants.16 This leaves students vulnerable when searching for housing in Hamilton. As such, the MSU recommends that the City of Hamilton move forward with an investment of $347,463 to hire three full-time employees for its two year Rental Licensing Pilot Program beginning in 2019. The current system for reporting issues with rental properties is complaint-based and involves reaching out to the Landlord and Tenant Board if there is a dispute.17 Students who have pursued this avenue are often frustrated with the length of litigation process and the costs of filing forms to receive their fair compensation.18 Students may choose to avoid this process entirely for reasons such as fear of eviction, or being unable to sacrifice time and energy for what may not always be a favourable result.19 This system is reactive rather than proactive in dealing with tenant-landlord issues. A more proactive approach involves creating a rental licensing system which would require annual inspections of buildings in Hamilton, with the landlord paying a fee.20 A licensing system will also benefit landlords, who will be able to advertise clean, healthy accommodations, as vetted by “Housing and Health” Ontario Medical Review, accessed December 26, 2018, https://www.oma.org/wp-content/uploads/housing_health_aug2013.pdf 15 Kelly Bennett,“‘Overcrowded’ Hamilton House Near McMaster Has 12 Bedrooms,” CBC News, March 23, 2017, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/overcrowded-12-bedroom-hamilton-house-1.4035008 16 Teviah Moro, “Rental licensing pilot gets nod for Hamilton’s student neighbourhoods,” The Hamilton Spectator, September 28, 2018. 17 “Our Tenant Rights Legal Services,” Hamilton Community Legal Clinic, last updated May 31, 2013, https://www.hamiltonjustice.ca/tenant-rights 18 Teviah Moro, “McMaster Renters Chase Compensation,” The Hamilton Spectator, last updated December 21, 2018, https://www.thespec.com/news-story/9094300-mcmaster-renters-chase-compensation/ 19 Ibid. 20 “A State of Disrepair: Hamilton ACORN Tenant Survey,” Hamilton ACORN, last updated September 2018, https://acorncanada.org/resource/state-disrepair-hamilton-acorn-tenant-survey 14
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the City. As well, tenants will be assured of the health and safety of their residence. A rental licensing system, in conjunction with tenant outreach efforts, will ensure that student renters are protected. The City’s Rental Housing Sub-Committee is currently drafting a by-law for a two-year Rental Licensing pilot program in the densely student-populated areas of Wards 1 and 8, which will be brought back to the City in March. The pilot project is anticipated to commence in 2019 and run for a two-year period.21 The projected cost is $347,463 which will be funded from the Tax Stabilization Reserve and annual landlord fees.22 This cost accounts for the three additional administrative staff required to make amendments to Licensing By-law 07-170, as well as other resources such as equipment and vehicles. As a part of this program, landlords would be required to pay a $200 annual fee, consent to inspections, be in compliance with zoning regulations, and show proof of insurance. This will address substandard housing, identify illegal dwellings, and enhance enforcement of regulations to protect the health and safety of residents. As a result, the MSU recommends that the City of Hamilton continue to make the necessary investments in a rental licensing system that would ensure student and tenant safety as a priority. “Rental Housing Sub-Committee Agenda Package,” The City of Hamilton, last updated September 27, 2018, https://pub-hamilton.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=168285 22 “Rental Housing Sub-Committee Agenda Package,” The City of Hamilton, last updated September 27, 2018, https://pub-hamilton.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=168285 21
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the McMASTER STUDENTS UNION
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES RECOMMENDATION • Hamilton should move forth with the Hamilton Urban Fellows program.
Based on results from the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Hamilton Millennials and Community Belonging report, significant proportions of millennial workers have a negative impression of Hamilton, in regards to employment prospects. Specifically, 46% and 30% disagree and strongly disagree respectively, with the notions that Hamilton provides good work opportunities and good networking opportunities.23 Furthermore, a majority of respondents believe that the opportunities perceived to be available to them are becoming more elusive in today’s society.24 In general, many post-secondary graduates, most notably humanities students, settle for entry-level work that does not require a post-secondary degree, due to the limited supply of jobs in their field.25 Millennials today represent 26% of the workforce in Hamilton. What’s more, 70% have at least a bachelor-level degree.26 Notwithstanding the significant contributions of Hamilton’s post-secondary institutions on the wellbeing of the Hamilton community, post-secondary graduates continue to have limited access to work opportunities. Continuing under these conditions and considering the ever-demanding skill-set required in today’s evolving workforce, inadequate employment opportunities in the City of Hamilton for students with post-secondary degrees may hinder Hamilton’s growth and prosperity in the years to come. Suggested in General Issues Committee meetings, the Hamilton Urban Fellows program has been proposed to expand the existing selection of work opportunities for recent graduates seeking employment.27 The program would involve recruiting skilled professionals to Hamilton to presumably help with important functions such as research, policy development, along with the management and delivery of the City’s programming.28 “Hamilton Millennials and Community Belonging.” Hamilton Community Foundation. Accessed January 3, 2019. https://www.hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca/millennialsbelonging/. 24 Ibid. 25 Barbara Fenesi and Faria Sana, “What Is Your Degree Worth? The Relationship Between Post-Secondary Programs and Employment Outcomes,” Canadian Journal of Higher Education 45, no. 4 (2015): , accessed January 3, 2019 26 Martin, Jeffrey, and Wayne Lewchuk. The Generation Effect - Millennials, Employment Precarity and the 21st Century Workplace Publication. Social Sciences, McMaster University. September 2018. Accessed January 3, 2019. https://www.economics.mcmaster.ca/pepso/documents/the-generation-effect-full-report.pdf. 27 Koch, Jodi, and Lora Fontana, comps. Information Report. September 5, 2018. https://pub-hamilton.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=167130, Hamilton. 28 Ibid. 23
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In general, many post-secondary graduates, most notably humanities students, settle for entry-level work that does not require a post-secondary degree, due to limited supply of jobs in their field. In alignment with this program, the City’s Our People and Performance Plan notes that “the City is placing a high priority on attracting, developing, and retaining the next generation of leaders, as retirement rates rise across the municipal sector [and] accelerate the competition for leadership talent.”29 Considering the successes of related programs such as the Toronto Urban Fellows program and the New York Urban Fellows program, there is also reason to believe that this structure would help Hamilton’s growth. Basing the likely outcomes of such an initiative on the results of several others like it, through the adoption of the Hamilton Urban Fellows program, the City of Hamilton could expect to see more onboarding, as well as long-term settlement of highly-skilled professionals seeking jobs in municipal government. With the discussions regarding the adoption of such a program continuing to be set in a precarious stage, the MSU recommends moving forth with this program in the coming years. As per the taxable salary of $75,748.40 earned by each fellow in the Toronto Urban Fellows program, the MSU recommends using this figure as a benchmark for the allocation of funds to set up the program, where a scaling up of the initial annual investment would depend on the program’s outcomes in its early years.30
City of Hamilton. “Our People and Performance Plan.” Publication. Accessed January 3, 2019. http://hamilton.siretechnologies.com/sirepub/cache/2/bdhzz0jyy3hue0zoyzlpsb4s/15967901032019030339556.PDF. 30 Koch, Jodi, and Lora Fontana, comps. Information Report. September 5, 2018. https://pub-hamilton.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=167130, Hamilton. 29
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the McMASTER STUDENTS UNION
BY-LAWS AND ENFORCEMENT RECOMMENDATION •
The City of Hamilton should discontinue the use of additional Environmental By-law Officers in McMaster neighbourhoods and divert some of the funding from this action program to support by-law education initiatives.
The additional Environmental By-Law Enforcement Officers, recently stationed within proximity to the campus of McMaster University, constitutes an large expense for the City of Hamilton, that unfortunately compromises the sense of community felt by students living in the area. Each additional officer assigned to the McMaster neighbourhoods as part of this action program costs $113,000 annually. Fines levied by these individuals are expected to be the means by which the investment is offset.31 Moreover, the additional officers have strained McMaster students’ relationship with the greater Hamilton community and could affect Hamilton’s ability to retain and attract highly-skilled students.32 While the primary objective of implementing additional Environmental By-Law Enforcement Officers within near-McMaster neighbourhoods was to improve voluntary compliance rates of by-laws, other promising solutions exist that have yet to be adopted. With regard to the existing course of action, the MSU maintains that by-law enforcement should seek to be primarily informative and secondarily punitive, as opposed to the reverse. As such, the MSU proposes that the funding for the additional Environmental By-Law Enforcement Officers in McMaster neighbourhoods be diverted to prioritize by-law education initiatives. One such example can be noted in services offered by McMaster’s Student Community Support Network. Through its Peer-to-Peer Program, this volunteer-based service engages student Community Assistants who then patrol McMaster neighbourhoods to provide infraction education to students who are (likely) unknowingly violating City by-laws.33 This service attempts to improve awareness of by-laws to prevent further violations by students and - if scaled up -could achieve better results than the punitive system, while minimizing costs and disunity within community. Alternatively, the City could invest in better promotion of information regarding by-laws in McMaster neighbourhoods to encourage compliance of by-laws and to minimize infraction rates without the use of additional Environmental By-Law Enforcement Officers. Through such actions, the City can expect to save at least $100,000, if not considerably more, due to the relatively low cost that would be incurred in supporting the MSU’s ongoing efforts to improve by-law awareness and compliance. Kelly Barnett and Jason Thorne, comps., Information Report, December 6, 2016, https://pub-hamilton.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=123135, Hamilton. 32 Hastie, Scott. “More By-law Officers Coming to Westdale/Ainslie Wood Area.” The Silhouette. December 4, 2016. Accessed January 03, 2019. https://www.thesil.ca/more-by-law-officers-coming-to-westdaleainslie-wood-area. 33 “ About.” McMaster Students Union. Accessed January 3, 2019. https://www.msumcmaster.ca/services-directory/17-student-community-support-network-scsn/peer-to-peer-program/about. 31
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LIGHTING RECOMMENDATION • The City of Hamilton should approve all capital budget requests related to enhancing street lighting, as well as commission a street light audit in Ward 1 in order to improve safety in predominantly student neighbourhoods.
In a recent survey of McMaster students, approximately half of respondents identified lighting as one of their biggest safety concerns outside of their houses.34 With the majority of students living in Westdale and Ainslie Wood,35 this demonstrates that there is currently inadequate street lighting in these neighbourhoods. In the City’s proposed capital budget, currently $1,150,000 is allocated towards enhancing street lighting through the projects IoT & Smart Cities Street Lighting Strategy Development, Low-Wattage Street Lighting LED Replacement, and Street Lighting Capital Program. The MSU is supportive of these investments, which we hope will bring brighter and more sustainable lighting that will be less likely to require maintenance as a result of lights burning out. Through the Capital Program, the MSU wants a street lighting audit to be conducted in Ward 1, particularly in Westdale and Ainslie Wood neighbourhoods. Students have consistently noted areas being poorly lit as a result of light posts being spread too far apart or being covered by trees. This not only creates feelings of insecurity in these neighbourhoods, but likely contributes to the number of home and vehicle break-ins in student neighbourhoods. A lighting audit would highlight major issues in these neighbourhoods and identify priority locations for new street lights. 34 35
Your City Survey, 2018, McMaster Students Union (unpublished) Your City Survey, 2018
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the McMASTER STUDENTS UNION