Standing Strong for Community: Advocating for Residents Every Step of the Way

As your Ward 11 Councillor, I want you to know that my number one priority is you. 

Every day, my team and I fight at City Hall to make sure your voice is heard and your needs are addressed. I live here too—I understand the frustration, the delays, and the real-world impacts of ongoing construction. I want to provide you with a clear and honest update on what’s happening in Binbrook, what I’ve been doing on your behalf, and what we can expect in the months ahead.

Binbrook Road & New School Timeline: Why This Project Matters

The construction of Binbrook Road is tied directly to the long-awaited new public school in our community. Cachet Developments is responsible for the road construction, as part of Phase 1 of their development near Fletchers Road South. The school is scheduled for Phase 2—but it can’t begin until Phase 1 infrastructure, including Binbrook Road, is well underway.

That’s why I’ve pushed hard for this roadwork to begin. While the timing is challenging—especially given the delayed completion of the Highway 56 bridge—the sooner this roadwork started, the sooner we can get shovels in the ground for the school. The school board is now targeting a September groundbreaking, and that is in large part thanks to the pressure that our local school trustee Amanda Fehrman and I have maintained on City staff, developers, and the HWDSB for our community and students.

Highway 56 Bridge Delays: What Happened and What’s Next

The bridgework on Highway 56 was meant to be completed last December. Unfortunately, delays with the contractor meant it did not happen. I was informed late last fall and immediately began seeking options to avoid overlapping closures. However, for continuity and contractual reasons, that bridge must be completed now. The good news? A new process for City construction contracts is being implemented to prevent delays like this going forward.

We expect the bridge to be completed by summer 2025 and Binbrook Road to reopen by August 2025.

Detour Issues & Cemetery Road

The detour via Cemetery Road is causing serious congestion. I flagged this with City Staff as soon as I heard Binbrook Road would close. Since becoming Councillor, I’ve repeatedly asked for a turning lane at Cemetery. Staff have not implemented this. In the meantime, I’m asking residents heading into the city to consider using Guyatt Road to relieve some of the pressure. I’ve also asked the City to proactively monitor Guyatt and Cemetery for potholes and maintenance needs during this high-traffic period.

Pumpkin Pass & Community Safety

Speeding and road safety on Pumpkin Pass have been major concerns. I’ve personally driven the area many times, shared your feedback with senior staff, and pushed hard for changes. Here's what’s happening now:

• Temporary speed bumps are being installed

• Digital Speed Indicators will be placed to alert drivers

• Increased police presence has been requested

• Concerns shared with City and Police as they come in!

• Personal email replies to all concerns

The Roads Department follows the Ontario Traffic Manual, meaning all changes must be data-based. Monitoring is happening—and will continue even after initial changes to assess if more action is needed.

Why Some Roads Remain Closed—Even When It Looks Quiet

I’ve received many questions about why certain areas remain closed when it appears no work is happening. The construction contractor is responsible for traffic safety during active construction zones. Even if workers aren’t visible, there may be open pits, unstable ground, and heavy equipment moving through. Safety protocols prevent public access even during lulls to avoid serious hazards.

It’s also critical to note that non-local vehicles have been reported ignoring road closures, moving barricades and using closed roads,  creating dangerous situations for workers. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and threatens the timeline and safety of the entire project.

Final Thoughts: My Commitment to You

I didn’t run for office to sit back while things happened around me. I ran to stand up for you and our community. While I can’t always change the timing of infrastructure projects, I can—and do—fight to get answers, advocate for better solutions, and demand accountability.

If you have further questions or suggestions, I invite you to contact me directly at ward11@hamilton.ca. My team and I read every message, and we bring your concerns forward at every opportunity.

Together, we’ll keep pushing for the safe, well-planned, and responsive community we deserve.

With gratitude,

Councillor Mark Tadeson

Ward 11 – Glanbrook / Hamilton