General Issues Committee approves Hamilton Football Facility Access Program 15-0

General Issues Committee voted 15 to 0, with 1 absent on Hamilton Football Facility Access Program at its Wednesday, July 8, 2026 meeting. The motion carried.

The motion, as recorded in the minutes:

junior and professional football participation; WHEREAS, Hamilton-based football organizations contribute to athlete development and provide recreational and competitive opportunities for residents of all ages; WHEREAS, Hamilton currently does not operate a municipal artificial turf football facility dedicated to community football programming; WHEREAS, the City’s field closure policies during periods of inclement weather can significantly impact football programming on natural grass fields, resulting in cancelled games, disrupted schedules and challenges for leagues hosting visiting teams from outside Hamilton; and WHEREAS, access to reliable football facilities is important to ensuring Hamilton-based teams can train, compete and host events within the City of Hamilton; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: (a) That staff be directed to undertake a review of football facility needs and potential locations for Hamilton-based minor, amateur and junior football programs, in consultation with football stakeholders, and report back to the General Issues Committee with recommendations, including any amendments to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan; and (b) That staff be directed to establish the Hamilton Football Facility Access Program and allocate appropriate available hours at Hamilton Stadium to General Issues Committee July 8, 2026 Minutes – GIC 26-010 Page 15 of 22 Please refer to the July 15, 2026 Council minutes for the disposition of these matters. support Hamilton-based minor, amateur and junior football programming, at no cost to participating organizations, where such use does not displace existing users or contractual obligations and where existing municipal or school-based facilities are unavailable or unsuitable for the intended use, until a reasonable long-term facility solution has been implemented.

Every figure above comes from the official minutes and the recorded vote they contain. The roll call shows how each member voted.