Good morning, Hamilton! 👋

This week brought a devastating string of road tragedies, a historic celebration of Black excellence at Liuna Station, and a major economic announcement that positions Hamilton at the centre of Canada's shipbuilding future.

City Council also wrapped up its final budget vote on Wednesday, February 19, putting the 2026 spending plan to rest after weeks of deliberation.

Here's what you need to know this week.

--- Michael Horvath

🚗 25-year-old killed in fatal collision on York Blvd — homicide unit investigating

🚘 52-year-old man killed in two-vehicle crash on Wilson Street

🚢 Hanwha Ocean + Mohawk College + Ontario Shipyards: A made-in-Hamilton shipbuilding future

✨ John C. Holland Awards mark 30th anniversary in style at Liuna Station

📅 2026 budget finalized at Council (Feb 19)

🌧️ Freezing rain grounds Hamilton — schools, city services impacted (Feb 18)

⚡ Quick Hits

🧭 Hamilton at a Glance

🏘️ Neighbourhood Watch

A 25-year-old man is dead following a collision on York Boulevard on the evening of Monday, February 16, and Hamilton Police's homicide unit is now assisting with the investigation.

At approximately 8:47 p.m., emergency services were called to the area of York Boulevard and Old Guelph Road after a vehicle struck a pedestrian. The man was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries and later succumbed to those injuries.

Police investigation determined that two vehicles were travelling eastbound on York Boulevard west of Plains Road West when they 'had an interaction,' causing both to pull over. A passenger exited one of the vehicles to speak with the other driver. 'It is alleged that as the second driver attempted to leave the area, the pedestrian was struck,' police said in a release.

The driver initially fled the scene but later contacted police. A 29-year-old man has since been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and failure to stop after an accident resulting in death. 'The homicide unit is assisting with this investigation to review the evidence and determine whether any additional charges are applicable,' said police spokesperson Adam Kimber.

Police are seeking witnesses and dash camera footage from the area around 8:47 p.m. on February 16.

👉 Hamilton Police investigation

👉 CBC Hamilton coverage

A second fatal collision rocked Hamilton on Tuesday, February 17, when a two-vehicle crash on Wilson Street at the Highway 403 eastbound exit ramp claimed the life of a 52-year-old man.

At approximately 7:33 p.m., a 2025 Jeep Compass travelling westbound on Wilson Street collided with a 2022 Acura MDX that had exited Highway 403 and was attempting to turn left onto Wilson Street. The 52-year-old driver of the Acura was pronounced deceased at hospital. A 43-year-old female passenger in the Acura sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The 29-year-old driver of the Jeep was treated and is in stable condition. 

The Hamilton Police Service Collision Reconstruction Unit attended the scene with assistance from the Forensic Services Branch. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash camera footage from Wilson Street near Highway 403 around 7:30 p.m. on February 17 is asked to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 905-546-4753.

👉 Hamilton Police update

👉 CBC Hamilton coverage

In one of the most significant economic announcements Hamilton has seen in years, South Korean shipbuilding giant Hanwha Ocean signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Great Lakes shipbuilder Ontario Shipyards on Wednesday, February 19, at Mohawk College's Fennel Avenue West campus.

The three-way partnership — which also includes a Letter of Intent with Mohawk College — will establish an embedded shipbuilding training hub at Ontario Shipyards' Hamilton waterfront facility. It spans skilled trades across welding, electrical, millwright, marine mechanics, robotics, and logistics, with student programming expected to launch within 12 to 18 months.

As part of the deal, Hanwha Ocean will support the design and construction of a 35-metre naval training and recruitment vessel that Ontario Shipyards plans to build in Hamilton in 2026. Hanwha Ocean is also working on a project to build up to 12 submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy, with the first expected to be delivered by 2032. 

Mayor Andrea Horwath called the partnerships 'magic for us,' saying they'll help Hamilton contribute to Canada's next industrial revolution. Hamilton Mountain MPP Monica Ciriello described it as an effort that will define the marine industry for 'generations to come.'

The announcement comes one day after the federal government unveiled a 'Build at Home' defence industrial strategy prioritizing domestic manufacturing.

👉 CBC Hamilton coverage

👉 Official MOU press release

Hamilton's Black community came together in style on Sunday, February 15, as the Reverend John C. Holland Awards celebrated their 30th anniversary at the Grand Central Ballroom of Liuna Station on James Street North.

Hosted by the Hamilton Black History Council, the 2026 ceremony handed out a record number of awards, bursaries and scholarships, including 30 Sankofa Pearl Bursaries, 5 scholarships, 3 elementary awards, and 6 adult awards, the most in the event's history. 

Vincent Kuber, who operates the Steel Town Athletic Club (STAC), providing low-cost sports opportunities for racialized youth, received the Community Service Award. Daunte Hillen, a 17-year-old Indigenous student trustee on the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, was also recognized for his advocacy work.

Founding member Evelyn Myrie reflected on the awards' three-decade journey, noting the event has helped 'highlight the contributions, and celebrate the wonderful achievements' of Black people in Hamilton. Current chair Terri Bedminster noted the awards have become increasingly youth-centred over the years.

The ceremony is a cornerstone of Black History Month in Hamilton, drawing hundreds of attendees each year.

👉 CBC Hamilton coverage

👉 John C. Holland Awards website

After weeks of deliberations spanning January 23 through February 19, Hamilton City Council concluded its 2026 budget process at a Special Council Meeting on Wednesday, February 19.

Mayor Andrea Horwath's proposed budget included a 4.25% residential tax increase, approximately $228 more for the average home assessed at $387,100. Among the notable amendments passed by Council: the Hamilton Public Library's budget was increased by 5.25% (adding $373,050 from the levy) in a 9-7 vote, notwithstanding Mayor Horwath's opposition to the library funding request. 

Mayor Horwath has up to 10 days following the final Council vote to veto any amendments she disagrees with. If she does not issue any vetoes, the budget will be deemed adopted. If she vetoes any amendments, the Council has 15 days to override with an 11-vote supermajority.

The budget will also continue the City's enhanced Winter Response Strategy through March 31, 2026.

👉 2026 budget details (City of Hamilton)

👉 How Council voted (The Public Record)

An Environment Canada Orange Warning for freezing rain with accumulations of up to 12 mm and wind gusts reaching 55 km/h prompted the City of Hamilton to close all administrative offices and city facilities at 12 noon on Wednesday, February 18.

Closures included arenas, Hamilton Civic Museums, Municipal Service Centres, City Hall, Community Centres, Golf Courses, and the Gage Park Greenhouse. The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board also closed all schools. VON Meals on Wheels was cancelled, and numerous recreation programs were affected.

The City's Roadway Maintenance team worked overnight to pre-treat escarpment accesses, sidewalks, bike lanes, and transit stops. Operations directly supporting winter weather response continued throughout the day. 

👉 City of Hamilton weather alert notice

🚶 LINC pedestrian death — A pedestrian was struck and killed in the westbound lanes of the Lincoln Alexander Parkway near the Garth Street overpass on Thursday morning, February 19. Police are seeking dash camera footage from motorists who were on the highway around 6:52 a.m. Hamilton Police

🍄 Illegal psilocybin store shut down — Hamilton Police charged a 21-year-old man after shutting down an unlawful storefront in the city's east end selling psilocybin. The Division 2 HEAT Unit began investigating in January 2026. Hamilton Police newsroom

🏙️ Barton-Tiffany Shelter audit released — The City's Office of the Auditor General found a lack of accountability, governance, and oversight in the Barton-Tiffany Temporary Shelter project, including inadequate control over project costs. City of Hamilton news releases

🏒 AHL hockey update — With the 2026-27 season on the horizon, the Bridgeport Islanders are reportedly set to relocate to TD Coliseum. A deal has not yet been officially finalized. Daily Faceoff report

🗳️ October municipal election — Nominations for the October 26, 2026 municipal election open May 1 and close August 21. Most incumbents, including Mayor Horwath, have confirmed they are running. Ward 8 Coun. Rob Cooper continues to weigh a mayoral run. Election information

🚗 York Blvd fatal collision — 25-year-old killed; homicide unit investigating (Feb 16) Hamilton Police

🚘 Wilson Street fatal crash — 52-year-old man killed at Hwy 403 ramp (Feb 17) Hamilton Police

🚢 Hanwha Ocean MOU — Major shipbuilding hub coming to Hamilton via Ontario Shipyards + Mohawk College (Feb 19) CBC Hamilton

✨ John C. Holland Awards — Record 30th anniversary ceremony at Liuna Station (Feb 15) CBC Hamilton

📅 2026 budget vote — Council finalizes spending plan (Feb 19) City of Hamilton

🌧️ Freezing rain closures — City facilities, schools shut at noon (Feb 18) City of Hamilton

Fatal collision on York Blvd: Police are investigating the fatal collision near York Boulevard and Old Guelph Road. The homicide unit is now assisting. Anyone with dash camera footage from around 8:47 p.m. on Monday, February 16, is asked to contact police. 👉 Contact Hamilton Police

Wilson Street crash investigation: The Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating Tuesday's fatal crash at Wilson Street and the Highway 403 exit ramp. Witnesses and motorists with dash camera footage from around 7:30 p.m. on February 17 are asked to come forward. 👉 Report Tips

Budget finalized: Council concluded the 2026 budget process on February 19, following weeks of deliberations and amendments. Mayor Horwath now has up to 10 days to review and veto any amendments passed by Council. Watch the budget page for updates. 👉 Budget details

Pedestrian safety reminder: Three fatal road incidents in less than a week — York Blvd (Feb 16), Wilson Street (Feb 17), and the LINC (Feb 19) are a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Slow down, stay alert, and yield to pedestrians at all intersections.

Shipbuilding opportunity: The Hanwha Ocean–Ontario Shipyards–Mohawk College partnership will create apprenticeships, co-ops, and credentialed training paths in welding, electrical, robotics, and marine mechanics, opening new career opportunities for Hamilton-area students and workers. 👉 Learn More

 🏖️ Stoney Creek

October election watch: With the October 26 municipal election less than nine months away, nominations open May 1. Most incumbents have confirmed they are running, but Ward 8's Rob Cooper is still deciding on a potential mayoral bid. Stay tuned. 👉 Election Information

This week left Hamilton with much to grieve and much to celebrate. Three fatal collisions in the span of four days are a stark reminder of the road safety challenges facing our city. Our thoughts are with all the families affected.

But there were also bright spots: the John C. Holland Awards' 30th anniversary was a landmark evening for Hamilton's Black community, and the Hanwha Ocean–Ontario Shipyards–Mohawk College announcement signals a genuinely exciting new chapter for Hamilton's economic future. Shipbuilding in Hamilton. ⚓ How's that for a comeback story?

The 2026 budget is now in Mayor Horwath's hands for final sign-off, and the October election is closer than you think.

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Stay safe, Hamilton. ✨

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Thanks for reading!

Michael Horvath