Good morning, Hamilton! 👋

This week brought a significant civic milestone as Hamilton officially adopted its 2026 budget with a lower-than-expected tax increase, and the race for Mayor is heating up early, with Keanin Loomis formally announcing his return. A white supremacist group's appearance at City Hall caused shockwaves throughout the community, and a Hamilton police officer who shared extremist content online was confirmed to still be employed by the service.

Here's what you need to know for February 23 – March 1, 2026.

--- Michael Horvath

💰 2026 budget officially adopted, 3.87% tax increase finalized

🏛️ Keanin Loomis enters the 2026 mayoral race

🤬 White supremacist group rallies at City Hall forecourt (Feb 22)

🚔 Hamilton officer who shared extremist posts still employed after investigation

⚡ Quick Hits

🧭 Hamilton at a Glance

🏘️ Neighbourhood Watch

Hamilton's 2026 budget is now official. Mayor Andrea Horwath announced Tuesday, February 24, that the city has adopted the budget, confirming she would not use her strong mayor powers to veto the amendments approved by council.

The final residential tax increase is 3.87 per cent, down from the 4.25 percent cap Horwath initially proposed in January. For the average home assessed at $387,100, that translates to approximately $209 more in 2026, compared to $228 under the original proposal.

"With costs continuing to rise, Hamiltonians are feeling real financial pressure, and that reality shaped every decision in this budget," Horwath said in a statement, adding her direction throughout the process was to "hold the line" and keep affordability front and center.

At a press conference at City Hall, Horwath described the budget as a statement of priorities: "We will protect core services, we will invest in community safety and infrastructure, we will plan responsibly for the future, and we respect the affordability crunch that Hamiltonians are facing."

Key amendments council passed during the 30-day review period included a $3-million deferral to 2027 to cover previously approved development charge exemptions (passed 12-4, giving council a potential supermajority to override any veto), a 3% trim to contingency funds for Public Works ($593,000) and Planning & Economic Development ($182,490), and the cancellation of complimentary meals for councillors and senior staff, saving $25,780. A $706,580 bike bridge across the Red Hill Expressway was also deferred to 2027, as the project was not expected to begin in 2026, regardless.

The 2026 budget maintains core services, including roads, transit, emergency services, parks, and community facilities. Childcare fees have been reduced to $22/day, generating average annual savings of $10,640 per child.

CBC Hamilton story   City of Hamilton budget details   CHCH News coverage

The 2026 Hamilton municipal election just got a lot more interesting. Keanin Loomis officially announced his candidacy for mayor on Wednesday, February 25, outside The Westdale Theatre, immediately framing this race as a rematch with real stakes.

In 2022, Loomis lost to Mayor Andrea Horwath by just 1,663 votes, one of the closest mayoral races in Hamilton's recent history. Horwath won with 59,216 votes; Loomis received 57,553. Since that loss, Loomis served as president and CEO of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC), becoming an outspoken voice on Canadian steel amid U.S. tariff pressures. He plans to step down from that role in May to focus full-time on his campaign.

"I think the mayor is in over her head," Loomis said at his announcement. "She is demonstrating that each and every day." He said his focus will be on housing, infrastructure, and restoring public confidence in city hall leadership, themes that resonated in 2022 and, he argues, are even more urgent now.

The first credible poll of the 2026 race, conducted by Liaison Strategies, shows Loomis at 46 percent among decided voters compared to Horwath's 40 per cent. Horwath confirmed earlier this month that she will seek re-election.

Brock University political scientist Stefan Dolgert told CBC Hamilton that Horwath is "much more vulnerable" this cycle for several reasons, including public perceptions of rising crime (even if police data suggest otherwise) and the general sense that residents are "paying more for less good services." McMaster University political scientist Peter Graefe noted Loomis may face more competition from the right than in 2022, which could complicate his path.

Nomination papers open May 1. The municipal election is set for October 26, 2026.

CBC Hamilton story   The Public Record transcript   CHCH News coverage

Hamilton woke up to disturbing news on Sunday, February 22, after a group identified by police as a white supremacist organization staged an unscheduled protest in the forecourt of Hamilton City Hall. Members of the group, identified by CBC Hamilton as Nationalist-13, were photographed dressed in black, wearing masks, holding a banner bearing the group's name, and performing a Nazi salute.

The gathering alerted Hamilton Police, who attended, but the individuals had already dispersed by the time they arrived. There were no reports of criminal activity. Police stated, "Hate has no place in Hamilton, and we do not tolerate it in any form."

Mayor Andrea Horwath issued a strong condemnation: "I am deeply disturbed to learn that a white supremacist organization descended upon Hamilton City Hall for a gathering glorifying hate. As Mayor, let me be clear: this, in and of itself, is a blatant act of hate." Horwath said she would be meeting with community leaders following the incident.

According to a CBC investigation, Nationalist-13 has become increasingly public over the past year, joining other "active club" groups at anti-immigration protests in Toronto, London, and Hamilton.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hamilton Police at 905-546-4925, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Hamilton Police release   City of Hamilton statement   CBC Hamilton coverage   CHCH News report

A months-long investigation into a Hamilton police officer suspended for sharing racist and extremist content online has concluded, and Const. Renato Greco remains employed by the Hamilton Police Service, CBC Hamilton reported on February 26.

Greco, who has served with Hamilton Police since 2002, was suspended in August 2025 after CBC Hamilton uncovered a pattern of public social media posts under his own name that included content from far-right groups, anti-immigrant messages, and a 2020 post calling for a "coup by Canadian military and police."

The investigation was conducted by the Halton Regional Police Service. Police spokesperson Jackie Penman confirmed in a statement this week that the investigation wrapped up in December and that Greco remains employed in a "non-public facing role." "Beyond that, we cannot speak publicly about an employment or discipline matter involving one of our members," Penman said.

The Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) had previously warned police about Greco in December 2024, before CBC's initial reporting, after community members spotted a vehicle with Diagolon stickers parked outside the downtown police station. The RCMP has labelled Diagolon an "extremist, militia-like organization."

At a January 22 Police Services Board meeting, board member Dr. Anjali Menezes moved a motion calling for an independent external review of the service focused on hate symbols, hate groups, and policing oversight. The motion remains under consideration.

CBC Hamilton story   Original CBC investigation

🌡️ Cold Weather Alert cancelled — The Medical Officer of Health cancelled the Cold Weather Alert that had been in effect since February 23 as temperatures rose above the -15°C threshold. City of Hamilton

🏒 AHL hockey update — With TD Coliseum hosting major events through spring, the expected arrival of the Bridgeport Islanders for the 2026-27 AHL season remains on the horizon. The deal has not yet been formally announced. Daily Faceoff report

🌸 Gage Park Spring Discovery Days — The traditional Spring Tide Bulb Show won't run in 2026, but the City is launching Spring Discovery Days at Gage Park and the Tropical Greenhouse during March Break. City of Hamilton

🗳️ Municipal election nominations — Nomination papers for the October 26 municipal election open May 1 and close August 21. Loomis has confirmed he will file early. Horwath has also confirmed she will run again. City of Hamilton elections

💰 2026 Budget adopted — 3.87% tax increase (~$209 for average home), announced Feb 24 CBC Hamilton

🏛️ Keanin Loomis announces mayoral run, official announcement Feb 25 outside The Westdale Theatre CBC Hamilton

🤬 White supremacist rally at City Hall — Nationalist-13 gathers in forecourt, disperses before police arrive, Feb 22 Hamilton Police

🚔 Greco investigation concluded, the officer who shared extremist posts remains employed in non-public role CBC Hamilton

🌡️ Cold Weather Alert cancelled — Medical Officer of Health lifts alert as temperatures rise City of Hamilton

🏙️ Downtown / Lower City

The City Hall forecourt was the scene of Sunday's white supremacist demonstration. The City has issued a strong condemnation, and Mayor Horwath is meeting with community leaders. Anyone who witnessed or has footage of the incident is asked to contact Hamilton Police at 905-546-4925. 👉 City of Hamilton statement

⛰️ The Mountain

The 2026 budget has now adopted. Mountain residents will see the 3.87% tax increase reflected in property tax bills, translating to approximately $209 more per year for the average home. Core services, including roads, transit, and emergency services, are maintained. 👉 City of Hamilton budget

🌿 Dundas

Nomination papers for the October 26 municipal election open May 1. Dundas-area residents interested in running for council or in understanding the election process can find full details on the City's elections page. 👉 City of Hamilton elections

🏡 Ancaster

Spring Discovery Days are coming to Gage Park during March Break, a new community-focused alternative to the traditional Spring Tide Bulb Show. The Tropical Greenhouse remains a free, warm drop-in for families year-round. 👉 Gage Park Greenhouse

💦 Waterdown

With the Cold Weather Alert now lifted, temperatures are trending upward. Waterdown-area residents watching the mayoral race should note Keanin Loomis confirmed he'll file nomination papers soon after they open May 1. The October 26 election is shaping up to be a competitive rematch. 👉 CBC Hamilton

🏖️ Stoney Creek

The Hamilton Police Services Board is weighing a motion for an independent external review of the service focused on hate symbols and policing oversight, a motion brought forward by board member Dr. Anjali Menezes in the wake of the Greco investigation. Community members can follow board proceedings online. 👉 Hamilton Police Services Board

This week marked a turning point on two fronts: the 2026 budget is now locked in at a lower level than initially feared, which is a genuine win for affordability. And the October 26 election is no longer a distant abstraction. Keanin Loomis's entry makes it a real, contested race.

But it was a heavy week too. The scene at City Hall on Sunday was a reminder that Hamilton's commitment to being a diverse, welcoming city requires active defence, not just statements, but action. The Police Services Board motion for an independent review of hate-related conduct policies is one step worth watching closely.

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Michael Horvath