Meet Sebastian Popovici – A Fresh Voice for Ward 8

Popovici for Ward 8

Welcome to my campaign website.

I’m Sebastian Popovici, and I’m running to be your next City Councillor for Ward 8.

As an immigrant to Canada, a Canadian Air Force veteran, and the owner of a local business right here in Ward 8—I understand the challenges and opportunities facing our community. I’m proud to live and work in this ward, and I’m stepping forward to bring a practical, community-driven voice to City Hall. I’m running because Ward 8 deserves leadership that’s in touch with the people—someone who understands how to manage a budget, listen to concerns, and deliver real results. My campaign is focused on what matters most:

Safe and Clean Neighbourhoods

Safe and Clean Neighbourhoods

Streets, parks, and public spaces where everyone feels welcome and secure

Affordability and Cost of Living

Affordability and Cost of Living

Advocating for housing solutions and city services that align with the real financial challenges residents face today.

Modern Infrastructure

Modern Infrastructure

Investing in smart, future-ready roads, transit, and community facilities

Safe and Clean Neighbourhoods

Streets, parks, and public spaces where everyone feels welcome and secure

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own community. As your candidate for Ward 8, I am committed to making our neighbourhoods cleaner, safer, and more secure for all residents. Unprovoked attacks—like the recent assault on a senior citizen and attempted child abduction in Dundas—have no place in our ward or city! Drug trafficking and gun violence are threatening the very fabric of our neighbourhoods, and we must take action now. I will fight for stronger community policing, youth engagement programs, and tougher enforcement against organized crime. Ward 8 should be a place where families can walk safely, seniors feel protected, and kids grow up free from fear. Together, we can restore peace and pride in our streets to the Canada we all remember.

Affordability and Cost of Living

Advocating for housing solutions and city services that align with the real financial challenges residents face today.

Hamilton residents are sounding the alarm on affordability. A recent poll shows that 84% believe housing is unaffordable, while 62% cite affordability and 58% rising living costs as their top concerns. At the same time, the city has committed $192 million in 2025 toward housing and homelessness initiatives—including over 1,200 new units of affordable and supportive housing.

Yet despite these record-level investments, the crisis on our streets feels worse than ever. Homelessness continues to grow more visible, and encampments are becoming a harsh reality in more neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the cost of living keeps climbing. Property taxes have risen by over 11% in just two years—costing the average homeowner over $570 more annually—while rent and basic essentials keep soaring. Many residents feel they’re paying more but getting less, facing slower services, longer waitlists, and a city that feels less livable by the day.

Modern Infrastructure

Investing in smart, future-ready roads, transit, and community facilities

Hamilton deserves infrastructure that meets the needs of today while preparing for tomorrow. We must budget wisely and invest smartly—starting with the adaptive reuse of vacant buildings across the city. These underutilized spaces can become vibrant community hubs, affordable housing, small business incubators, or recreational facilities, instead of sitting empty and draining resources. It’s time we prioritize community-first planning, upgrading local facilities so they serve residents of all ages and backgrounds. At the same time, we must ensure that our roads and sidewalks are safe, accessible, and built to last. Potholes and crumbling roadways aren’t just inconveniences—they’re safety concerns and symbols of neglect. By aligning our infrastructure budget with long-term planning and transparency, we can deliver results that support growth, sustainability, and quality of life for all Hamiltonians.

Transparent and Accountable Leadership

Open communication, honest decision-making, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars, with more input from the very residents who are most affected.

As your councillor, I’ll ensure you always know how your tax dollars are spent and why. That means clear budgeting, regular public updates, accessible town halls, and easy-to-understand city information. Accountability isn’t seasonal—it’s every day. I’m not here to play politics; I’m here to change the game. By standing up to waste, backroom deals, and special interests, I’ll work to restore trust in local government and make sure your voice isn’t just heard—it drives real action.

Support for Local Business

Cutting red tape and encouraging economic growth right here in Ward 8

Local businesses are the heart of our economy—and it’s time we make it easier for everyday people to get a fair shot. As an immigrant, veteran, and business owner in Ward 8, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it is for the average person to break into Canada’s tightly controlled and overregulated markets. My goal is to cut through the barriers, making sure opportunities aren’t just reserved for large corporations or well-connected insiders. I’ll push for smarter policies that empower small business owners, startups, and everyday entrepreneurs to succeed—whether it’s through affordable commercial space, simplified licensing, or access to funding and mentorship. At the same time, I believe in finding ways for local businesses to give back to the community while growing their income—because success should be shared. With the right support, we can build a stronger, more inclusive local economy—one where more people can build a future for themselves right here in Hamilton.

Where to Vote

Where to Vote

Eligible Ward 8 Electors can cast their votes at any Poll locations during the dates and times listed.

Advanced & Election Day Polling

DatePolling HoursLocation

Monday, September 15 to Friday, September 19

10 am to 4 pm

City Hall71 Main St W
Room 192/193

Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21 

10 am to 6 pm

Mohawk College, 135 Fennell Ave W
i101 – Kanakti:yo Rotunda, Mc Keil School of Business
St. Charles Adult Ed. (Mountain)150 East 5th St.
Gymnasium
Westmount Recreation Centre, 35 Lynbrook Dr.
Gymnasium
Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena, 25 Hester St.
Community Room
Courtyard Marriott, 1224 Upper James St.
Lancaster B

Monday, September 22

10 am to 8 pm

Mohawk College, 135 Fennell Ave W
i101 – Kanakti:yo Rotunda, Mc Keil School of Business
St. Charles Adult Ed. (Mountain), 150 East 5th St.
Gymnasium
Westmount Recreation Centre, 35 Lynbrook Dr.
Gymnasium
Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena, 25 Hester St.
Community Room
Courtyard Marriott, 1224 Upper James St.
Lancaster B

These polls are for residents of the specified community or institution only.

Community Poll (for Residents of St. Elizabeth Village only)

DatePolling HoursLocation

Saturday, September 20

10 am to 6 pm

Trillium Clubhouse35 Jaczenko Terrace

Institutional Poll (as determined by MEA s.45(7) – for Residents only)

DatePolling HoursLocation

Monday, September 22

10 am to 12 pm

Sanctuary391 Rymal Rd W

Monday, September 22

1 to 3 pm

The Wellington LTC1430 Upper Wellington St.

Monday, September 22

4 to 6 pm

West 5th Campus, St. Joseph’s Healthcare100 West 5th St.

Donation

INTERAC E-transfer to sebastianforward8@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support.

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