Hamilton, Ont.’s first female mayor has officially taken the oath of office.
Andrea Horwath was sworn in during the inaugural meeting of the 2022-2026 city council on Wednesday evening at the Hamilton Convention Centre, along with nine new and six returning councillors.
In her opening address, Mayor Horwath pledged to improve access, transparency and accountability at city hall.
“That means a city hall that’s more welcoming to resident’s questions and concerns,” said Horwath. “That means a city hall that proactively maintains and publishes key performance indicators on how its operations are making Hamilton a better place for its residents.”
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Horwath also promised to be inclusive of vulnerable residents while expediting affordable housing projects.
“As we move forward to address our housing affordability challenges”, pledged Horwath, “we will always recognize that safe, healthy, affordable housing is a basic human right.”
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The new mayor’s opening address also touched on various other topics that were front and centre during the recent municipal election campaign, such as addressing as increase in incidents of hate, systemic racism and discrimination, safe streets, economic development and sustainable growth.
“Tonight, we start a journey — a journey of change,” said Horwath.
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