Matthew Van Dongen

6 days ago | thespec.com | Matthew Van Dongen

New federal trade war mitigation measures are just a “starting point” in the battle to preserve a Hamilton steel industry in crisis, promised local Liberal MPs.Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Thursday that Canada would impose new counter-tariffs within a month if negotiations do not result in an end to punishing U.S. duties on steel and the auto industry. U.S. President Donald Trump recently doubled tariffs to 50 per cent on steel imported from Canada.

1 week ago | thespec.com | Matthew Van Dongen

In 2023, the city ended long-standing optional fares for blind residents and those using personal mobility devices in favour of a broader affordability pilot program offering discounted rides to low-income residents. But advocates say that 30 per cent “Fare Assist” discount is not working for poor, disabled residents most in need of help — many of whom can no longer afford to take the bus at all.

1 week ago | thespec.com | Matthew Van Dongen

Thousands of bus commuters are facing significant delays this morning as a result of reported “labour disruption activity” by striking city water workers at the HSR transit garage. Frustrated riders began posting online early this morning about delays of an hour or more waiting for buses across the lower city. It’s the second rush-hour transit delay linked to the water worker strike that began in mid-May. Transit apps warned of “significant delays” on multiple routes.

1 week ago | thespec.com | Matthew Van Dongen

The province says it found “no regulatory compliance issues” after reviewing the city’s response to complaints about murky water last month that spurred a war of words with striking treatment plant operators. More than 50 unionized workers who run Hamilton’s water and sewage plants went on strike in mid-May, prompting the city to use managers and non-union staffers to help keep taps and toilets running.

1 week ago | thespec.com | Matthew Van Dongen

A pond that collects “garbage juice” is to blame for the latest spate of complaints about atrocious odour near a Stoney Creek landfill, according to the facility operator. But some skeptical residents say they believe the problems at the former Taro dump are more serious than a faulty leachate pond — and they want the province to step in to stop the “gagging” stench infiltrating their homes.