Councillor Esther Pauls

I was absolutely thrilled to recently meet, hug, and celebrate Raquel McIntosh at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) in Ward 7, at a special celebration in her honour after she was named the 2026 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year at this spring's JUNO Awards in Hamilton!

Raquel, an inspiring educator from Hamilton's Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School, has transformed her school's music program through student-led choirs, performances, and opportunities that empower every student both on and off the stage. As the 21st recipient of this prestigious national award, she has received a $10,000 cash prize, a major contribution to her school's music program, a JUNO Award statuette, and grants for additional schools in her honour. What a well-deserved recognition for this extraordinary teacher! 🎶❤️👏

I care deeply about the condition and state of Ward 7 parks and work hard to ensure they're attractive and user friendly. So when I recently stopped by to see the progress of this one firsthand, I was thrilled!! The complete transformation of the T.B. McQuesten Park basketball and tennis courts is in its final stages. This incredible community asset is an enhancement to what was already a true neighbourhood gem—offering a vibrant, modern space for recreation, connection, and active living. And best of all, it's arriving just in time for summer!

Thank you to all the Lime Ridge Mall shoppers and Ward 7 residents that came to see me at my last Pauls in the Mall of the season. I enjoyed the familiar faces and was pleased to see new ones! Great conversation with each person made the afternoon very rewarding.

A very special thank you to for their warm hospitality and assistance with this series!! Sheri, you've been great, as have all mall staff who we've had the pleasure to receive assistance from. 🙏

What a thrill I had this morning welcoming these students from Ward 7’s Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Elementary School. We toured City Hall’s Council Chambers, Mayor Horwath’s wing, and my office. It didn’t take long for my little office to feel like a small Volkswagen with this many young people inside it! I loved each moment! What a joyous start to a busy day ahead.

May we see many of these young people coming back to City Hall in years to come as active citizens and maybe even to serve in local government!

TODAY, join me for another 'Pauls in the Mall' drop-in at Lime Ridge Mall from 1-3pm.

You'll find me near the Telus store at the bottom of the Food Court escalator. I look forward to speaking with you about any Ward 7 concerns you have.

📢 Join me tomorrow for another Pauls in the Mall drop-in at Lime Ridge Mall from 1:00–3:00 PM!

Find the Ward 7 staff and me set up near Telus, at the bottom of the food court escalator.

I welcome your conversation about any Ward 7 issues, concerns, or ideas you'd like to discuss.

We dodged rain and thundershowers and had a very informative Pauls in the Park Community Drop-In last night. Thanks to everyone who took a chance on clear skies to come and listen to Hamilton Police Service update us on police and safety in our ward.

If you missed last night's drop-in, please join me tomorrow for Pauls in the Mall at Lime Ridge Mall, by Telus near the food court.

🌳 Pauls in the Park arrives in Inch Park tonight! Join the conversation with myself, Ward 7 staff, and Hamilton Police Service as we discuss policing and public safety. See you at Inch Park!

📍 TONIIGHT: Tuesday, June 9 | 6:30–7:30 PM
🌳 Inch Park – 400 Queensdale Ave. E.
🚦 Topic: Policing in Ward 7

This is your opportunity to:
✅ Ask questions
✅ Share concerns and ideas
✅ Provide feedback directly to decision-makers
✅ Help shape solutions for a safer, stronger Ward 7

I look forward to meeting you, hearing your thoughts, and working together to build a better community. Whether you live, work, play, or raise a family in Ward 7, your perspective matters!