This project aims to empower low income organizations and individuals to act on their own behalf and in an effective manner to address environmental issues facing their communities.

Why in North Hamilton?

Researchers have identified the north end of Hamilton as a centre of environmental injustice where residents are exposed to higher levels of air pollution and other environmental contaminants.

Threats to north Hamilton communities include chemical contamination, air and water pollution, as well as noise and odours that impair quality of life and reduce property values.

These neighbourhoods generally are lower household incomes and also face challenges in obtaining equitable access to things like adequate transit services, muncipal tree and beautification programs, and effective enforcement of property standards and other bylaws.

Because of the high concentration of industrial facilities near these neighbourhoods, they also have a greater need for attention from government regulatory agencies when it comes to pollution abatement and prevention measures.

While agencies such as the provincial Ministry of the Environment currently serve to monitor and enforce environmental laws in these areas, there are significant advantages to having well-informed, empowered residents able to track and raise awareness of any pollution problems in their neighbourhoods.

The Plan

The project will strengthen and systemize Environment Hamilton's work in neighbourhoods north of Cannon Street by providing information, advice, skills and technical assistance to individuals, community groups and neighbourhood associations.

Our activities will include:

• Developing and circulating narratives from north Hamilton groups and individuals on their experience in successfully addressing their issues.
• Holding public forums and numerous focus groups, workshops and one-on-one discussions to identify and/or address issues of concern to low income communities in north Hamilton.
• Informing residents of their environmental rights, fostering community leaders and providing training in the effective use of regulatory and planning processes.
• Assisting them to monitor potential threats.
• Maintenance of an "environmental hotline" to receive and respond to telephone or email requests from north Hamilton groups and individuals.

We expect that the major activity of this project will be in assistance to and practical training of residents to effectively respond to environmental issues of concern that affect their communities.

Please contact us for details.

Our charitable partner in this project is the Conserver Society of Hamilton and District

Funding for this project is provided by the Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) The views and opinions expressed on this website do not necessarily reflect those of the HCF.