Happy Family Day, Hamilton! 👋

This week brought heartbreaking news as a 70-year-old woman died after being struck by a vehicle in the lower city, and Hamilton's Forge FC saw their Champions Cup run end in Mexico. But there was also a celebratory moment as hometown NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander invested in TD Coliseum's ownership group.

The City's 2026 budget is nearing final approval, with Council scheduled to vote this Thursday, February 13.

Here's what you need to know this week.

--- Michael Horvath

🚗 Pedestrian dies after being struck at Barton and Kenilworth

🏀 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander invests in TD Coliseum

⚽ Forge FC eliminated from Champions Cup after 4-1 loss in Mexico

📅 2026 budget vote scheduled for Thursday, February 1 

🌡️ Cold Weather Alert cancelled February 9

⚡ Quick Hits

🧭 Hamilton at a Glance

🏘️ Neighbourhood Watch

A 70-year-old woman has died after being struck by a vehicle on Monday morning at the intersection of Barton Street East and Kenilworth Avenue North. Hamilton Police announced her death on Tuesday, February 11.

The collision occurred at approximately 11:33 a.m. on Monday, February 9. The woman was walking southbound through the intersection when she was struck by a Chevrolet Volt that was turning westbound onto Barton Street East.

She was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and later succumbed to her injuries. Police are not identifying the deceased at this time.

The driver of the Chevrolet Volt remained on scene and is cooperating with investigators. The Hamilton Police Service Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Police are asking anyone with information or video footage (including dash-cam or surveillance footage from businesses or residences in the area) to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit.

👉 Hamilton Police investigation

👉 CBC Hamilton coverage

Hamilton-born NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has invested in TD Coliseum, joining the ownership group of the recently renovated arena. Oak View Group announced the investment on Monday, February 9, though financial terms were not disclosed.

The 27-year-old Gilgeous-Alexander plays for the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder and is the league's reigning most valuable player. Last August, he was awarded the Key to the City and had a street named in his honour (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Way) following the Thunder's championship run.

"Becoming part of the ownership group at TD Coliseum is really personal for me," Gilgeous-Alexander said in a statement. "Growing up in Hamilton shaped who I am, so having the opportunity to help build something special in my hometown means everything."

The investment, made through the SGA Foundation (his charitable organization), includes community programming and is framed as a long-term commitment to Hamilton's economic and cultural growth. An atrium inside the venue will be named "Ares Atrium" in tribute to his son.

Mayor Andrea Horwath called the investment "fantastic" and said it signals Hamilton's growing appeal. "This is Shai's city, he's a homegrown athlete," Horwath said. "It speaks volumes to the commitment to our city."

The 18,000-seat TD Coliseum reopened in November 2025 after a $300-million renovation, with Paul McCartney's concert marking the grand reopening.

👉 CBC Hamilton story

👉 CHCH News coverage

Hamilton's Forge FC saw their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup run end Monday night with a 4-1 loss to Tigres UANL in the second leg at Estadio Universitario in Mexico. The aggregate score was 4-1, eliminating Forge from the tournament.

Rodrigo Aguirre scored twice (once in each half) to lead Tigres, while Ángel Correa and Joaquim Henrique also scored for the Mexican side. Forge's lone goal came from veteran striker Brian Wright on a penalty in the 81st minute, but Tigres answered seconds later to restore their two-goal cushion.

After holding Tigres to a scoreless draw in the first leg at Tim Hortons Field, Forge couldn't withstand the second-half onslaught at El Volcán. Tigres dominated possession (over 70%) and outshot Forge 17-9.

This marks Forge's fourth Champions Cup campaign, and each time they've been eliminated in the first round by Mexican opposition. Despite the elimination, Forge became the first Canadian Premier League team to keep a clean sheet in Champions Cup play with their 0-0 draw in Hamilton.

Tigres will advance to face the winner of the FC Cincinnati-Universidad O&M FC series in the Round of 16.

👉 Match highlights (VAVEL)

👉 Inside World Football coverage

Hamilton City Council is scheduled to vote on the 2026 budget this Thursday, February 13, following amendment days on February 6 and 9. The special Council meeting begins at 9:30 a.m.

Mayor Andrea Horwath's proposed budget includes a 4.25% residential tax increase (about $228 for the average home assessed at $387,100). Councillors had 30 days to review and propose amendments.

If Mayor Horwath vetoes any amendments passed by Council, she has up to 10 days to do so. Council then has 15 days to override her veto with an 11-vote supermajority (11 of the 15 ward councillors must vote in favour).

Final budget adoption is expected in February or March 2026.

👉 City 2026 budget details

👉 City meeting schedule

Hamilton's Medical Officer of Health cancelled the Cold Weather Alert on Sunday, February 9, after temperatures rose above -15°C or -20°C with wind chill. The alert had been in effect since February 6.

This was the second Cold Weather Alert cancellation in February, with the previous alert (initiated January 22) cancelled on February 2.

👉 City of Hamilton cold weather alert details

📅 Budget vote Thursday --- Special Council Meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 13 at 9:30 a.m. to vote on the 2026 budget. Watch live on the City's YouTube channel. Meeting details

🏒 AHL hockey update --- With Forge's Champions Cup run over, attention turns to the expected arrival of AHL hockey for the 2026-27 season. The Bridgeport Islanders are reportedly relocating to Hamilton's renovated TD Coliseum. Deal not yet finalized. Daily Faceoff report

🚧 Collision investigation ongoing --- Hamilton Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating Monday's fatal pedestrian collision. Anyone with dash camera or surveillance footage from Barton/Kenilworth area around 11:30 a.m. on February 9 is asked to contact the police. Contact Collision Unit

🚗 Fatal pedestrian collision --- woman dies after being struck at Barton/Kenilworth (Feb 9) Hamilton Police

🏀 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander investment --- joins TD Coliseum ownership group (Feb 9) CBC Hamilton

⚽ Forge FC eliminated --- lost 4-1 to Tigres in Mexico (Feb 10) VAVEL

📅 Budget vote --- Council meets Thursday, Feb 13 at 9:30 a.m. City of Hamilton

🌡️ Cold Weather Alert --- cancelled Feb 9 City of Hamilton

🏙️ Downtown / Lower City

Fatal collision investigation: The intersection of Barton Street East and Kenilworth Avenue North was the site of Monday's fatal pedestrian collision. Police are asking businesses and residents in the area to review surveillance footage from around 11:30 a.m. on February 9. The driver remained on scene and is cooperating. 👉 Contact Police

⛰️ The Mountain

Budget vote Thursday: City Council meets Thursday, February 13 at 9:30 a.m. to vote on the 2026 budget. This is the culmination of weeks of deliberations following Mayor Horwath's proposal for a 4.25% tax increase. Watch the meeting live or review the meeting materials online. 👉 Meeting Schedule

🌿 Dundas

TD Coliseum investment: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's investment in TD Coliseum includes plans for community programming through his SGA Foundation, which will bring more events and opportunities to Hamilton and the surrounding areas. The Ares Atrium (named after his son) will be a dedicated community space. 👉 Learn More

🏡 Ancaster

Pedestrian safety reminder: Following Monday's fatal collision, police remind drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution at intersections, especially when turning. Drivers should always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

💦 Waterdown

Sports update: While Forge FC's Champions Cup run has ended, the team showed resilience by becoming the first CPL team to keep a clean sheet in Champions Cup play. The 2026 CPL season begins in April, and Forge will look to build on its 2025 regular-season championship. 👉 Forge FC

🏖️ Stoney Creek

Collision investigation area: Monday's fatal collision occurred near the Centre on Barton shopping area. The Collision Reconstruction Unit is seeking dash camera footage or surveillance video from motorists or businesses who were in the Barton/Kenilworth area between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on February 9. 👉 Hamilton Police

This week brought difficult news with the loss of life in Monday's pedestrian collision, a sombre reminder of the importance of road safety for drivers and pedestrians alike. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who died.

But there were also moments to celebrate: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's investment in TD Coliseum shows the power of hometown pride and the growing momentum behind Hamilton's cultural revival. And while Forge FC's Champions Cup run ended, they made history as the first CPL team to keep a clean sheet in the competition.

Thursday's budget vote will shape Hamilton's priorities for the year ahead, from infrastructure to public safety to transit. This is local government at work. 📅

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Thanks for reading!

Michael Horvath