Ancaster Factor

09/04/2026

80's peeps - home by 10 - ;)

09/03/2026

A huge **THANK YOU to the Hydro One crews** who worked so hard today to get Ancaster’s power back on. ❤️⚡

With downed trees, downed lines, hanging wires and some genuinely dangerous conditions on our roads, these crews were out there working through it all to safely restore power to our community.

It’s easy to take electricity for granted—until the lights go out. Today was a good reminder that there are real people out there doing difficult and sometimes dangerous work to get them back on.

From a very grateful community: thank you for showing up, working hard and keeping us safe.

Please stay safe out there—and know that your work today was very much appreciated. 🙏⚡💙

09/02/2026

Hello September,

As summer begins to wind down and the excitement of a new school year approaches, September brings with it a sense of fresh beginnings. Whether you're packing backpacks, settling into new routines, or simply making the most of the season, I hope this issue o􀵵ers a moment to pause, connect, and celebrate the wonderful people who make Ancaster such a special community.

Our cover feature introduces the inspiring story of Nikki Milligan, whose journey is a heartfelt reminder that true happiness begins within. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and embracing life's possibilities, and we're delighted to share it with you.

A sincere thank you to our expert contributors for generously sharing their knowledge and expertise. We are grateful to Paul Jokel of RBC Dominion Securities, Stefan Archuticz of Epoxy Garage, Dan Hamilton of Waffles Construction, and Jean Pierre Verbunt of Ancaster Jewellers for helping educate and inform our readers with valuable insights.

This month, we are also pleased to feature a local business profile highlighting Gilles Bock of GPS Home Improvements, whose dedication and craftsmanship have made a lasting impression in our community. We hope you enjoy getting to know the familiar face behind the business.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to our community contributors who continue to make this magazine possible. We appreciate the ongoing support from the Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum community, Zig Misiak, Jacqui Templeton Muir, Daniel from Canadian Tire for sharing the excitement of this year's Jumpstart Games, and DIBS Rescue for their meaningful contribution. Your stories help celebrate the people, organizations, and events that make Ancaster thrive.

As the busy fall season begins, don't forget to take a look through our community calendar to discover upcoming local events, activities, and opportunities to connect with friends and neighbours.

Thank you, as always, for welcoming Neighbours of Ancaster into your home. We hope this issue inspires you, keeps you informed, and reminds you of the incredible community we are proud to call home.

Wishing all students, parents, teachers, and school staff a wonderful, successful, and safe start to the new school,

Cecilia, Anumeha, Rainy, and Donna

Photo Credit: Donna Waxman Photography
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
905-536-2705
[email protected]

Anumeha Singh Bais
CONTENT COORDINATOR/WRITER
[email protected]

Rainy Whittaker
GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Zig Misiak
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR

Cecilia Tripp
MEDIA PUBLISHER
905-769-8411
[email protected]

08/23/2026

08/20/2026

The deadline to file your nomination is approaching. 🗳️

If you wish to run as a candidate for Mayor, City Councillor or School Board Trustee in the 2026 municipal election, you must file your nomination package in person with the Office of the City Clerk by 2pm on Friday, August 21.

Learn more: hamilton.ca/elections

08/19/2026

See yall this weekend Dundas! Right of front of our best friends the Thirsty Cactus Cantina & Grill 😁📈💥🐷

08/19/2026

Sulphur Springs Road: Occured 4 Times in this Report

Page 3 — Table of contents: “267 Sulphur Springs Road in Hamilton.”
Page 47 — evidence/meeting records: “Sulphur Springs Road in Hamilton” is identified as one of three new items, together with Block 41 and Flato-Wyview.
Page 129 — dedicated section: “267 Sulphur Springs Road in Hamilton,” followed by the finding that the property was considered by the Greenbelt Team but not put forward for removal.
Page 130 — October 21, 2022 meeting material: a note specifically identifies “Lands at 267 Sulphur Springs Road in Hamilton” and says the lands were within the Niagara Escarpment Plan, designated Escarpment Protection.

The page 47 occurrence places Sulphur Springs among the additional properties appearing in the internal Greenbelt-selection material—not merely in a later public submission.

Sergio Manchia of Urban Solutions who filed the Sulphur Springs of the Ancaster Dundas Valley application is mentioned 47 TIMES ~41 titled / 47 literal Developer / Urban Solutions / Urbancore

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

WHAT RESIDENTS SAID ABOUT THE SULPHUR SPRINGS BOUNDARY EXPANSION

The City of Hamilton compiled a 242-page public engagement record concerning the proposed development at 159 & 163 Road in Ancaster (UBE-3).

The proposal sought to expand Hamilton's urban boundary for a 75-home development on lands extending into the Greenbelt and Niagara Escarpment Plan Area.

The public record shows substantial community concern about what could be lost or damaged if these lands were urbanized.

TREES AND NATURAL HERITAGE

Residents raised concerns about extensive tree removal, habitat loss, wildlife, ecological connectivity and the cumulative impact of development next to environmentally sensitive lands.

GROUNDWATER AND THE Ancaster Wells

One of the most serious concerns is groundwater.

The Ancaster Wells, located within the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, depend upon groundwater moving through the surrounding landscape.

The Friends of the Ancaster Springs / Save Our Springs - Ancaster submission warned that additional pavement and other impervious surfaces could reduce groundwater recharge, while excavation, groundwater extraction and contamination could potentially alter the hydrology that sustains the springs.

The submission called for much more rigorous hydrogeological investigation and protection of the groundwater system.

AND NIAGARA ESCARPMENT

This isn't ordinary vacant development land.

The City states that the proposed expansion extends into the Greenbelt Area and Niagara Escarpment Plan Area, including lands designated Escarpment Protection and Escarpment Natural.

DO WE NEED TO EXPAND OUTWARD?

Residents also questioned why Hamilton should sacrifice environmentally sensitive lands when future housing growth can be directed into the existing urban area through infill and intensification.

THE ANCASTER WELLS ARE PART OF OUR NATURAL HERITAGE

The Wells aren't simply a pipe where water comes out of the ground.

They are the visible expression of a much larger groundwater system.

Protecting the spring means protecting the land and groundwater that feed it.

Hamilton Council denied UBE-3 in September 2025. The developer subsequently appealed the refusal to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

The City's 242-page public engagement record demonstrates just how strongly Hamilton residents spoke up for the Greenbelt, Niagara Escarpment, groundwater, wildlife, trees and the Ancaster Wells.

The Friends of the Ancaster Springs / Save Our Spring submission is now part of that official public record.

Once a groundwater system is damaged, we may not be able to put it back.

Protect the land. Protect the groundwater. Protect the Ancaster Wells.

Read the City's full public engagement record here:

https://www.hamilton.ca/sites/default/files/2025-10/ube-application-159-163sulphursprings-public-engagement-summary.pdf