Newcomers in Hamilton Empowered to Influence City Budgets

On November 12, 2023, newcomers to Hamilton engaged in a workshop designed to demystify city budgets and empower them to voice their concerns. The event, hosted at the David Braley Health Sciences Centre, was organized by the YWCA, the Refuge Centre for Newcomer Health, and Sisters in Sync. It aimed to provide participants with the tools to advocate for issues affecting their communities.

Among the attendees was Nathalie Joseph, who moved to Hamilton just four months ago. She expressed uncertainty about how her opinions would be valued but felt a significant shift in her outlook following the workshop. Joseph shared her aspirations of becoming a chef and starting her own business while highlighting the difficulties newcomers face in securing housing and education. “We have someone to listen to us,” she stated after the event, emphasizing her newfound resolve to advocate for her community.

Understanding Municipal Responsibilities

Participants were introduced to various municipal issues, including transportation, waste management, and economic development services, as Pascale Marchand, an employee of Ward 4 councillor Tammy Hwang, guided the session. Marchand emphasized how tax dollars fund essential services such as libraries, police, and emergency medical services.

Among those in attendance was Leveny Dorsainvil, who arrived from Haiti just two months prior. He expressed that the information gained would aid in his family’s integration into the community. Dorsainvil was particularly pleased to learn that his taxes could help support education in French, broadening his understanding of civic engagement.

Another participant, Mellon Matha Nakahuki, originally from Uganda, shared her surprise at discovering the limited control municipalities have over rental prices. She noted that the session clarified the necessity of property taxes to fund local services. “I’ve been going to the library, and it is free, and I get things that I want,” she said, reflecting on the value of community services.

Upcoming Opportunities for Engagement

Marchand provided details on how residents can participate in the budget process, including two public delegation sessions scheduled for November 17 and January 19, where they can share their views with city council. This information was crucial for newcomers looking to understand how to influence local governance.

Organizers plan to hold another session focused on youth as part of the YWCA’s Sustainable, Resilient Communities Initiative on November 21, reinforcing their commitment to fostering civic engagement among all age groups.

The city has also made information about its budget available online, aiming for council approval in early 2026. By equipping newcomers with knowledge about municipal operations and advocacy, Hamilton is taking decisive steps to ensure they feel like valued members of the community.