New hospital funding model 'a shot in the dark,' McMaster study says

A new funding model coming to Ontario hospitals is a "wild card" that could create serious unintended consequences, say McMaster University researchers involved in a sweeping new study. 

The study focuses on a hospital funding approach gaining popularity, and that the Ministry of Health wants to implement here. It would institute new incentives for hospitals to decrease wait times and increase efficiency.

That approach, called "activity-based funding", would grant hospitals a predetermined flat fee for providing an "episode of care" to a patient, like an appendectomy, childbirth or pneumonia. That fixed fee is granted "regardless of length of stay or actual resources used," according to a definition in the study. 

Hospitals typically get funding through a variety of means, including per diem payments, or retrospective reimbursement based on their costs to provide certain care. Under so-called "global budgets," a common model, hospitals receive a fixed amount of funding to pay for all hospital services for a particular period of time, usually a year, usually based on historical data. With that model, it's feared hospitals don't have much financial incentive to foster innovation or increase efficiency.

'The basic message is this is something of a wild card, something of a shot in the dark.'- Gordon Guyatt, distinguished professor in the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McMaster University

The study, published Monday in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE, is the first systematic review of studies conducted around the world about the results of activity-based funding, its authors say.

The 65 relevant studies consulted included research conducted in Australia, Austria, England, Germany, Israel, Italy, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. The U.S. implemented activity-based funding in 1983. 

A few provinces, including Ontario and British Columbia, are actively moving toward this model. 

The study found a wide range of effects and significant variability in the effectiveness of the approach, 

"The basic message is this is something of a wild card, something of a shot in the dark," said Gordon Guyatt, distinguished professor in the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McMaster University and a senior author on the paper. The study's principal investigator was Karen Palmer, a Simon Fraser University adjunct professor in health sciences and science.

Provincial and federal governments undertaking a shift to this mode of funding should know that they is doing so on a "theoretical basis," Guyatt said. "Things don't always work out in the way one is hoping."

David Jensen, spokesman for the Ministry of Health, confirmed that Ontario is developing the activity-based model of funding for hospitals. The ministry launched the model in the 2012-2013 fiscal year with procedures like knee and hip replacements. It's been phasing in more and more "episodes of care", including pneumonia, stroke and neonatal jaundice.

Ultimately, the province plans for 30 per cent of hospital funding to be under a version of the model. 

"The move to activity-based hospital funding will lead to improved patient outcomes through a more consistent use of best practices and a better distribution of resources across the health care system," Jensen said.

The model, which the province calls "Health System Funding Reform," is "focused on delivering better quality care and maintaining the sustainability of Ontario's universal public health care system," Jensen said.

The study showed an increase in patients recovering in community-based facilities, like skilled nursing centres and home care, instead of recovering in the hospital. That may or may not be a bad thing, but the situation highlights a tension about medical decisions being made clinically versus financially. The model could lead to an increase in readmission to the hospital, the researchers found.

"It's not more efficient if they die when they would otherwise not have died," Guyatt said. "It's not a good thing if they get readmitted to hospital."

The researchers also warn policymakers about what could happen to tracking health data. "There is a financial incentive to code patients so they appear as sick as possible, thus maximizing reimbursement," according to the paper.

Guyatt and his fellow researchers aren't saying that the model categorically won't work. But the existing literature shows a program that has met with mixed success depending on context and implementation. 

"The advocates (of activity-based funding) have tended to carry the day," Guyatt said, "and our research was that what the expectations that have been sold may or may not happen." 

Guyatt argues the provincial and federal governments should conduct initial studies of the model, in Canada, before implementing it more widely. 

"It really is a question mark," Guyatt said. "If they were going to say, 'OK, we're going to institute it in two communities, two hospitals,' I would be much more sympathetic." 

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Elementary school kidnapping suspect in police custody

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board pases new rules to keep students safe

CBC News Posted: Oct 30, 2014 5:36 PM ET Last Updated: Oct 30, 2014 5:36 PM ET

Hamilton police are holding a suspect in connection with last week's abduction attempt at Earl Kitchener Elementary school. Here, a police officer stands guard near the school's play area ahead of morning classes. (John Rieti)

The man accused of kidnapping a kindergarten student from Earl Kitchener Elementary School is back in police custody and facing four charges on Thursday night.

Dakota Hart, a 47-year-old Hamilton resident, was apprehended under the Mental Health Act on another matter on Monday, four days after he allegedly led a young boy away from the school before a witness intervened.

Today, police executed a warrant for his arrest after he was released from a mental health facility. Hart has a bail hearing scheduled for Friday morning.

He is charged with one count of forcibly seizing a person, assault with a weapon and two counts of breach of probation.

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board has already made new rules in reaction to the incident. Outdoor staff wear will wear high-visibility vests, use two-way radios and work with police to deliver safety messages to students.

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Eisenberger: 'I don’t want to spend any time looking backwards'

Fred Eisenberger was mayor of Hamilton from 2006 to 2010. But when he ran to regain his seat, he came third, and the job of mayor went to Bob Bratina.

On Monday, four years later, Eisenberger got his job back.

Eisenberger earned 39.9 per cent of the vote. Rounding out the top three were outgoing councillors Brad Clark and Brian McHattie, who tallied 31.5 and 20.4 per cent of the vote, respectively. 

We asked Eisenberger Thursday about what he's done since his victory, appointing new staff, the Pan Am Games and other plans for what he'll do now that he's won.

Have you spoken to (new Toronto mayor) John Tory?

Not yet. As you might expect, I've been dealing with local stuff, but my plan to call him in the next couple of days.

Will you serve on the police services board?

I'm not sure yet.

What are you doing this week?

Lots of media. A lot of cleaning up campaign issues. A lot of connecting with councillors and staff.

What do you think of the overall voter turnout of 34.02 per cent?

It was disappointing and as I've said, I do sense that in part, online voting will help. But I think we need to sit down with our education partners and start talking about educating kids through Grade 1 to Grade 12 that every time there's an election, they engage, they learn about the candidates and they vote. Voting is a learned behaviour and we need to teach our children to fulfill their mandate of actually exercising their right to vote.

Will you use any ideas from (mayoral campaign challengers) Brad Clark and Brian McHattie?

I will certainly look at the platforms. We weren't all that different in terms of what we said. We just said it in different ways. If there are good ideas there we can use, we'll certainly put them into effect.

What will the mayor's role be during the 2015 Pan Am Games in Hamilton?

Clearly the mayor will likely be the official opener and greeter for people that are coming in from around the world. You take a leadership role, a ceremonial role, that highlights the value of the games, and makes sure we're ready, prepared and fully engaged in terms of welcoming all those countries that will come here.

What is the mayor's role with Randle Reef?

My role has been to keep moving forward to ensure that we get that project happening. I was involved in getting the original funding for that in place during my time as mayor. During my time at the Hamilton Port Authority, we were advancing the plans to move the project forward and getting the funding. Now it's time to make sure we get the shovels in the water and get this project started.

Does it dishearten you to see how many projects from four years ago are still issues? 

I'm really not going to get into that time frame. It's about what can do going forward. It's time to look at where we are and what can we do going forward, and how quickly can we do it and what the benefits are going to be for our city. That's what I really want to focus on. I don't want to spend any time looking backwards.

You passed on some files to Mayor Bob Bratina (when he took over as mayor in 2010). What happens now in terms of the transition? Will he give you files as well?

We'll have an opportunity before too long to sit down. He's been busy doing his other work in terms of acclimations on the federal side. [Bratina was just acclaimed to represent Hamilton East-Stoney Creek for the Liberals in the next federal election.] I would encourage him to give me whatever would be useful to be aware of going forward — anything that will enlighten me to make sure I know what the status of a project is. I can also get that from staff. But I think anything that isn't provided there, I would hope that he would provide.

In terms of your staff, have you started thinking about those decisions? You'll need a chief of staff as well. 

Correct. Yes, I have, and we'll be able to announce something shortly.

Any other feelings on your victory since Monday?

No, they're the same. I'm excited. I'm ready to hit the ground running. I'm really looking forward to four years I think are going to be very positive for the city of Hamilton. I sense a very positive mood in the city in terms of the election and the sense that we're on the cusp of some great things. I'm excited.

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Cezanne’s famous apples line Art Gallery of Hamilton walls

It's not every day a curator calls a painter a "crazy mofo." And it's also not every day that 18 paintings by French master Paul Cezanne go on display in Hamilton.

Eighteen masterpieces by Cezanne, the French painter whose brush strokes inspired the likes of Matisse and Picasso, go on display this Saturday at the Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH) as part of the exhibit The World is An Apple: The Still Lifes of Paul Cezanne.

AGH curator Benedict Leca organized the show, which premiered at Philadelphia's prestigious Barnes Foundation this past June. The exhibit marks just the second time these works — loaned from international galleries and collectors, dating from the mid- to late-1800s and worth an undisclosed but enormous sum of money — have hung in the same room. 

'Critics said 'This guy's crazy. He's clearly deranged. Call the police, we've got a psycho on our hands.'- Benedict Leca, AGH curator

Today, the paintings in gilded frames are must-haves for the world's top art museums and line the pages of art history texts. But, Leca said, it's important to remember these were "radical paintings" when Cezanne first showed them in major venues in Paris.

"Critics said 'This guy's crazy. He's clearly deranged. Call the police, we've got a psycho on our hands'," Leca said.

Obviously, Leca — who has studied Cezanne (1839-1906) extensively — disagrees.

"This is like poetry," he said, as he excitedly criss-crossed the room from one painting to another.

"He's making imaginative leaps and he wants you to join him."

So, how do you do that? How do you get the most out of going to this exhibit? Leca has a few suggestions.

Look at every mark

Cezanne is "the ultimate painter's painter," Leca said, and he leaves plenty of hints about how he does his work. While some paintings may appear unfinished at the edges, they're absolutely not. It's a clue, Leca said, to look closer.

"It's essentially a self-portrait. It draws attention to his painting. His technique."

It's more than an apple

AGH curator Benedict Leca, the exhibit's organizer, said pay close attention to paintings that appear unfinished at parts, as they are the painter showing you how his work is done. (John Rieti/CBC)

As the exhibit's title suggests, the humble apple is the star of the show, with some skulls and flowers on display, too. But Cezanne isn't just painting the objects, he's also crafting abstract landscapes within his still life paintings, and playing with colours and shapes.

"He's operating on so many different levels," Leca said.

"This guy authorizes imaginative leaps. He does all sorts of crazy stuff."

Leca recommends looking closely at how Cezanne builds up his oil paintings — particularly of interest are where objects meet the atmosphere around them — and let your imagination run wild from there.

Break the rules

When Cezanne, who lived and worked in Aix-en-Provence, showed his work in Paris he wanted it to be a "stick in the eye" of the city's critics, Leca said.

Compare his works to some other paintings from the time (a few are placed on an adjacent wall to make it easy) and see the painter's rebellious streak.

A sketched self-portrait by Cezanne welcomes visitors to the exhibit. (John Rieti/CBC)

While it's not essential to enjoying the show, it is fun to think that some of the painter's most scorned work of the time sells for tens of millions of dollars today. His painting The Card Players was bought by Qatar's royal family in 2011 for an undisclosed sum believed to be well over $250 million, making it the most expensive painting ever sold at auction.  

Leca didn't get into specifics, but said some high-tech security will be in place during the exhibition. He said he's hoping more than 50,000 people will visit the show during its run at the AGH.  

"This is one of the most famous Cezanne's in the world," Leca gushed, as he stared toward one of the painter's uniquely rendered skulls. Then, almost to himself, "I can't believe they loaned it to me."

The show goes until Feb. 8, 2015 and admission is $10. That also gets you into the rest of the AGH's exhibits, including another new exhibition featuring the work of several prominent local artists.

For those craving more information about Cezanne's work, a detailed catalogue written by Leca is also available.

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Hamilton stadium not ready for Pan Am test soccer events this weekend

This weekend was supposed to be the city's chance to run a high-level soccer tournament in its new Pan Am stadium, to test it out and train volunteers ahead of next summer's scheduled 32 soccer matches in the 2015 Pan Am Games.

But the stadium's not done. This weekend's tournament, the Ontario University Athletics soccer finals, is happening at McMaster instead.

"I wasn't surprised," said John Gibson, a member of the local Pan Am planning committee for soccer. "They haven't met a deadline yet so why would we expect them to meet a deadline now?"

The stadium's developers, Ontario Sport Solutions, have not obtained final "substantial completion" permits from city inspectors. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have been using temporary permits for every home game since the Labour Day opening game against the Toronto Argonauts. The city won't take over operations of the stadium until the substantial completion OK has been given.

That left parts of the stadium unusable for this weekend's tournaments, and also opened the possibility of liability concerns, said Greg Maychak, the city's manager of Pan Am initiatives.

Maychak called the relocation a "minor setback."

"It doesn't create the perfect scenario," Maychak said. "But the good thing is the venue is going to be done months and months prior to the game."

Terence Foran, spokesman for Infrastructure Ontario, said contractors are still working on several parts of the stadium including its elevators, electrical systems, landscaping and finishes.

About 50 volunteers will be on-site at the tournament this weekend in its new venue. They'll still get the chance to work out some of the kinks of working together, marshalling teams, compiling statistics, spotting and refereeing games.

And these volunteers aren't green, Maychak said. They've been hand-picked based on their experience working big games like these before.

But Gibson said it was still disappointing to learn the test event wouldn't be happening at the new stadium.

"There's only so many opportunities to test your skills at what you're doing," Gibson said. "Outdoor soccer doesn't really start till May or June so there isn't really any other big events" that could give the volunteers a chance to practice in the stadium and learn its inner workings in a game-time situation.

Teddy Katz, Pan Am 2015 spokesman, said Infrastructure Ontario is "focused on finishing the remaining work" at the stadium.

"It is unfortunate the OUA test event could not go ahead at the stadium as planned," he said. "This change is not expected to have any impact whatsoever on the facility's readiness or ability to host Pan Am events."

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Stoney Creek man missing since Monday

Harmanjit Singh last seen by a friend

CBC News Posted: Oct 30, 2014 11:40 AM ET Last Updated: Oct 30, 2014 11:41 AM ET

Hamilton police are asking for the public's help in tracking down a missing Stoney Creek man.

Harmanjit Singh's family reported him missing. He was last seen by a friend on Monday in the area of Violet Drive and Centennial Parkway in Stoney Creek.

Both family and police are concerned for his well-being, police say.

Singh is described as east Indian, 19, and around five feet nine inches tall with a medium build and black, spiked hair.

He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, a grey headband and a red baseball cap as well as grey sweatpants, slippers and a shiny black Adidas jacket.

Police urge anyone who sees Singh to call 905-546-2963.

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Neil Bantleman, Canadian in Indonesia, likely to be charged: family

Neil Bantleman, the Canadian man being held in Indonesia after being swept up in a high-profile child sexual assault investigation, will be charged there, his family says.

Bantleman, a 45-year-old from Burlington, Ont., was working as a learning co-ordinator at the Jakarta International Schoo. He has been held without charges for 108 days since being taken into custody in July in connection with allegations that several kindergarten students at the school had been sexually assaulted.

Guy Bantleman, Neil's brother, was shocked by the news of looming charges on Wednesday morning. While he didn't want to speculate on what the charges could be, he said he's worried about the implications it could have. 

The biggest fear is that his brother could be moved to a more dangerous prison with thousands of inmates.

"His safety is of paramount concern to us," Bantleman told CBC Hamilton. 

Bantleman also said criminal charges could reduce the Canadian government's ability to intervene in the case, something his family has been calling for.  

"The developments over the past 12 hours are very disappointing, but also very fluid at this point," Guy Bantleman wrote.

"I would ask that we take time to understand what has happened and how we will continue our fight for justice and freedom."

Bantleman said the police have committed to presenting the charges within the next 48 hours.

Under Indonesian law, Neil Bantleman would have been released after being held for 120 days, something his mother and brother had both expected.

Guy Bantleman said the timing of these charges, after the police and prosecutors handed documents back and forth four times, is "absurd."

He said it could take months before his brother goes to trial.

Neil Bantleman's wife, Tracy, has said she fears for his safety in Indonesia. (Free Neil Bantleman & Ferdi Tjiong/Facebook)

Jakarta police started the high-profile investigation into the Jakarta International School earlier this year. Six janitors were arrested and accused of raping a young boy in a school bathroom in March, the Jakarta Post newspaper reported.

Later, the parents of two other students filed police reports claiming their sons were sexually assaulted by teachers. The newspaper also reported that one complainant, whose family is suing the school for $125 million US, implicated teachers at the school.

In July, Bantleman and Indonesian teaching assistant Ferdinand Tjiong were detained and questioned by police for nine hours. They were never released.

Bantleman's family and school officials have both criticized the investigation, saying authorities lack any evidence.

Still, Bantleman's passport is being held by police, and his detention has been extended numerous times, even though police have not formally charged him.

The Bantleman family has called on the Canadian government to do more to free Neil.

The Department of Foreign Affairs says it is providing consular assistance and is engaged with local authorities about the case.

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Nathan Cirillo-inspired racism 'experiment' ends with sucker punch

In the wake of Nathan Cirillo's shooting death in Ottawa, a Mississauga-based filmmaker staged a "social experiment" in downtown Hamilton to see how people would react to overt racism against Muslim people.

People reacted, all right: the experiment ended with a punch in the face.

"This is based on the events that happened in Ottawa," said Omar Albach, a York University student at the start of a YouTube video called Canadians React to Ottawa Shooting Racism. "We're going to see if people feel safe to be around Muslims or people who look like Muslims."

In the video, a man named Zakaria Ghanem is dressed in a traditional Muslim gown called a Dishdasha or Thobe, while another man, Devin Giamou, berates him in public and says he wouldn't feel safe getting onto a bus with him.

Then the reactions pour in from other people waiting for the same bus who don't know the whole thing is staged.

"You can't stereotype and judge people by their clothes," one man says. "Or their nationalities or anything else, you know what I mean?"

One woman says what happened to Cirillo in Ottawa was "awful and tragic," but doesn't think "that's any reason to persecute someone just because of what they're wearing."

One man objects to Giamou's staged racism so much that he punches him square in the face in the video, near the entrance to Hamilton shopping mall Jackson Square.

'This is a social experiment'

"We never expected that," Albach told CBC Hamilton. "I was standing there filming and just went, 'Did he just get punched?'"

Albach says he immediately ran over to help, and explained that they were conducting a social experiment — and that no one here was harbouring any racist feelings. "They did apologize and said 'we just wanted to stick up for the guy.'"

Omar Albach, 18, organized a "social experiment" in Hamilton last week in the wake of Nathan Cirillo's shooting death in Ottawa. (Havard Gould/CBC)

Albach, 18, says he felt compelled to film the video after seeing what happened to Nathan Cirillo, a Hamilton man who was shot last week while on guard at the national war memorial in Ottawa.

"I was really touched by Nathan Cirillo's death, and I feel like these actions are to be condemned," he said.

The RCMP says it has evidence that gunman Michael Zehaf-Bibeau was driven by ideological and political motives.

The 32-year-old made a video recording of himself just before last week's attack, the RCMP says, and a source familiar with the investigation told CBC's Chris Hall that Zehaf-Bibeau appears to make specific reference to Canada's foreign policy as motivation for his actions and that he praises Allah in the recording. 

Stephen Harper has called Wednesday's shooting a terror attack, and the bloodshed raised fears that Canada is suffering reprisals for joining the U.S.-led air campaign against ISIS extremists in Iraq and Syria.

Zehaf-Bibeau also dealt with addiction

But Albach, who is Muslim, cautions against making links to Zehaf-Bibeau's actions and the Muslim faith. Zehaf-Bibeau told a B.C. judge almost three years ago that he was homeless and wanted to go to jail to help break his drug addiction.​

He lived in B.C. in recent years, walking the streets of Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey, and may have been staying at a Salvation Army shelter in downtown Vancouver as recently as two weeks ago.

Zehaf-Bibeau was also charged with robbery and uttering threats for an incident in Vancouver on Dec. 16, 2011, which court records indicate may have been an attempt to get help. CBC News obtained the psychiatric assessment and audio recordings of Zehaf-Bibeau's court appearances in Vancouver on Dec. 2011 and Feb. 2012.

The psychiatrist, who met with Zehaf-Bibeau at the Surrey Pre-Trial Centre, found that he was fit to stand trial, and explained some of Zehaf-Bibeau's motivation for wanting to be imprisoned.

"The accused is aware of his charge and possible consequences of conviction. He wants to be in jail, as he believes this is the only way he can overcome his addiction to crack cocaine. He has been a devoted Moslem for seven years, and he believes he must spend time in jail as a sacrifice to pay for his mistakes in the past and he hopes to be a better man when he is eventually released," the psychiatrist wrote on Dec. 18, 2011.

Don't reflect Muslim faith

Albach says he doubts Canadians believe that Zehaf-Bibeau's actions are reflective of Muslims as a whole — something his video helps prove, he says.

Cynics might say that Albach cherry picked the responses you see in the video, only choosing people who acted in the way he was wanted — but he says that simply isn't true.

"I know a lot of people edit those things out, but we didn't."

As of Wednesday morning, Albach's video had over 280,000 hits on YouTube. Another viral video he made called Hug a Terrorist from earlier this year has over 332,000 hits on YouTube.

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Tim Hortons takeover by Burger King may be bad for Canada: study

Tim Hortons agrees to Burger King offer 3:12

Tim Hortons agrees to Burger King offer 3:12

Widespread layoffs and strict cost cutting measures could befall Tim Hortons if Burger King's parent company takes over the chain, says a study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

The left-learning think-tank released a scathing review of 3G Capital's past takeovers on Thursday and concluded that the Brazilian private equity firm's track record is predictive of "overwhelmingly negative consequences for Canadians" and the Tim Hortons restaurant chain.

"Without additional strong assurances from 3G Capital that no jobs will be lost ... this may not be in the net benefit of Canada," said CCPA senior economist David Macdonald, who was involved in the preparation of the report.

The policy centre said 3G Capital hasn't made a suitable case for how the merged company benefits Canadians and it's urging the federal government to demand "a better deal" before it approves the transaction.

Included in its analysis is the assumption that the investment company, in its US$11-billion takeover of the Canadian company, would follow a similar playbook to past takeovers.

Report: Private equity firm could force Tim Hortons to layoff 700 employees

The report suggests 3G Capital's debt financing could force Tim Hortons (TSX:THI) to layoff more than 700 employees — or 44 per cent of staff working outside its restaurants — as its tries to manage the debt of the merged company.

The new obligations could pressure Tim Hortons to cut costs, reduce investments and squeeze more from its franchisees, the report said.

The expectations are based on the investment company's track record in past takeovers where thousands of employees were laid off at food company Heinz and beer company Anheuser-Busch.

While Burger King's parent company promised to keep the headquarters of Tim Hortons in Oakville, Ont., there have been "grossly inadequate" workforce commitments that have left no guarantees when it comes to overall employment levels or potential mass layoffs, the report said.

Earlier this week, Canada's Competition Bureau approved the takeover plan to buy Tim Hortons, saying it's unlikely to reduce competition due, in part, due to the large number of fast food competitors.

Possible lost tax revenue of between $355 million and $667 million

While Tim Hortons and Burger King have promised the merger will allow the fast food companies to grow in the U.S. and internationally, the study raises concerns about how 3G Capital could respond if everything doesn't go according to plan.

"If the preferred strategy of expansion in the U.S. doesn't pan out, which has been a longtime problem for Tim Hortons, one of the fastest ways to extract value is by squeezing Tim Hortons," he said an interview.

Some of the possible options to reduce expenses would be to spin off Tim Hortons' distribution and manufacturing centres to a third partly, which could change the quality of its coffee beans or at least give it less control over the process.

The report also suggests the investment firm could shuffle around finances in order to pay fewer taxes in Canada, which could cost the Canadian government between $355 million and $667 million in lost tax revenue over the deal's first five years.

Since the Tim Hortons merger was announced in August, some analysts and franchisees have raised concerns over 3G Capital's reputation for stripping the assets of acquired companies to boost profits.

Desjardins analyst Keith Howlett published a note at the time questioning the "unusual ending to a two-year CEO search and strategic plan" with a takeover from a burger chain.

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Gorilla Cheese gets Dragons' Den deal

On Thursday night's episode of Dragons' Den, one of the dragons bought what Hamilton's Gorilla Cheese was selling.

On the latest episode of one of the CBC's flagship shows, restaurateur Vikram Vij said he'd invest $150,000 in one of the city's most well known food trucks for a six per cent royalty. You can watch the whole episode in the CBC video player here.

Though owner Graeme Smith says he's ecstatic about the news, in a blog post after the show aired, he warned fans and grilled cheese aficionados alike that though a deal was agreed upon during the show, the two sides are still quite a ways apart.

"We are still in due-diligence phase with our funding. It's going quite late, and it's a fact that more than 80 per cent of the deals on Dragons' Den do not make it past due-diligence," Smith wrote. "There is a great possibility that we may not get the funding."

"I have spoken to Vikram since, and he has readied me to expect that it may not come through, as he has his own people to answer to, and they may not necessarily like our past numbers. It doesn't matter how awesome a company is, or how good their grilled cheese is, or how many followers they have on Facebook and Twitter."

Company faced 'hardships in the past'

Smith says he has "learned the hard way" that investors and their accountants are bound by numbers and a businesses' history, and Gorilla Cheese has had "hardships in the past."

Gorilla Cheese made $375,000 in sales in 2012, but after paying for staff, supplies and expenses, the company only profited $575.

Smith also said the dissolution of the business' founding partnership with Scott and Susan Austin forced him to downsize. The pair left to start their own business, Roux Commercial Kitchen and Food Truck Commissary on Burlington Street.

But even with the hard business reality staring him in the face, Smith says lots of good has come out of the show, regardless of what happens.

He couldn't even remember most of what happened during the episode, save for the drive home. "From that point, I only remember driving Gord home, and screaming "VIKRAAAAM!!!" repeatedly at the top of my lungs while honking the horn in dead traffic on the Gardiner Expressway," he wrote.

Opening storefront location

Smith also had more good news in the post, saying that Gorilla Cheese is opening a storefront location at the former Poco Loco building at 131 Ottawa St. N.

"The new Ottawa Street location will take Gorilla Cheese to the next level, and is what I intended Gorilla Cheese to be since I first came up with the idea almost 20 years ago," he said. "Our menu for both the truck and the take-out will be greatly expanded with the possibilities that a bigger kitchen can provide."

Smith and his former partners launched the company after he was laid off from U.S. Steel back in 2011. The company offers a variety of Grilled Cheese options and has become a staple at local festivals.

Smith was also an advocate encouraging Hamilton to change its food truck bylaws.

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Police searching for man after sexual assault on Wentworth Stairs

Hamilton police are searching for a suspect after a sexual assault on the Wentworth Stairs last week.

It happened around 5:30 a.m., when a woman was running the stairs, which are next to the Jolley Cut. On her way up, she saw a man standing at the top.

According to police, she remembered seeing the man in the same spot two weeks before.

The man stared at the woman as she reached the top of the stairs and attempted to talk with her. The suspect then grabbed her buttocks, police say.

The woman told him she was going to call the police – but when she looked back towards the stairs, he ran off.

Hamilton police is asking anyone with information to call Det. Michelle Moore of the Sexual Assault Unit at 905-540-5545.

"Sharing the details of this assault is intended to give the community information, and people are encouraged to trust their instincts," a police news release reads.

For confidential support of victims of sexual assault, call the Sexual Assault Centre 24-hour support line at (905) 525-4162 or visit www.sacha.ca.

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Cpl. Nathan Cirillo mourned at funeral in Hamilton

Procession and service for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo 1:02:59

Procession and service for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo 1:02:59

Cpl. Nathan Cirillo honoured by military unit 2:24

Cpl. Nathan Cirillo honoured by military unit 2:24

Tears flowed freely in downtown Hamilton on Tuesday as Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was gunned down while standing guard at the National War Monument in Ottawa, was honoured with a regimental funeral in his hometown.

Cirillo's funeral procession arrived at Christ's Church Cathedral in just before noon as thousands of onlookers stood silently in the streets to pay their respects to the young soldier. Cirillo's mother Kathy sobbed as she was helped to her seat by members of her son's regiment, overcome with grief as his flag-draped casket was carried inside.

Cirillo's young son, Marcus, followed behind his father's casket, wearing the regiment's cap.

Lt.-Col. Lawrence Hatfield, the commanding officer of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, described the funeral procession as the regiment's "most sacred task."

"A soldier has fallen. An Argyll has fallen. And we, the regiment has been given the honour of taking care of the fallen," Hatfield said.

"He was a brother in arms."

The church was full of politicians, members of the military and friends and family of the 24-year-old. Outside, thousands of Hamiltonians stood almost motionless and quiet in the streets, watching the procession of an estimated 4,500 military members as well as police and emergency service members as it moved through downtown Hamilton.

'He understood. He knew what he was protecting and what he was preserving.'—Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Not far away at FirstOntario Centre, several hundred attendees filled three sections of the arena as overflow seating to watch the service on large screens. Inside the arena, people sat, stood, recited prayers and followed the service in the same was as if they were inside the cathedral.

During the ceremony, Rev. Canon Robert Fead thanked Cirillo's family for "allowing Canada to share in their grief."

"Now, he is Canada's son," Fead said. "He gave his life at the most sacred and hallowed ground in this country. His bravery, his sacrifice, is not in vain."

Cirillo's cousin Jenny Holland shared stories about her life with a man she said has become "Canada's hero." She described Cirillo as a young boy, full of boundless energy and excitement. Later in life, he became a "meticulous" man with a passion for military history and the outdoors, she said.

"His contagious smile and endless laughter were some of the reasons he made friends so easily," Holland said. She also spoke about how much Cirillo's son adored him.

"Not only was he his father," she said. "He was his friend."

Harper praises Armed Forces for dedication

Prime Minister Stephen Harper addressed the congregation as well, praising the men and women of the Armed Forces for protecting Canada's ideals — and Cirillo for keeping watch over one of our country's most "sacred spaces."

"For as long as these ideals have been the foundation of our country, it has been our men and women in uniform who have been in the end, their ultimate guardians," Harper said.

Most people can't truly understand what it means for members of the military to guard the National War Memorial, and the reverence inherent in that site, Harper said.

"But those chosen for that sought-after assignment … they understand," Harper said. "He understood. He knew what he was protecting and what he was preserving."

After the ceremony, NDP Tom Mulcair said it's important that all Canadians come together on a day like this. "It's a day to honour a fallen soldier and we're thinking first and foremost for the members of his family and his friends here in this wonderful community that's showing such love and support for them," Mulcair said.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau echoed that sentiment.

"It's incredibly touching to see so many people gathered to support Cpl. Cirillo, his family and his brothers and sisters in arms," Trudeau said. "It's a moment for us to reflect on the values that he stood on guard for when he was slain and remember we need to continue to honour those values and those principles in this extraordinary country."

'Your Argyll family will not forget you'

The entire country, Harper said during the funeral, was both better for Cirillo's life and diminished by his loss. "I know Canadians everywhere join me in praying for his family," he said. The prime minister also had a wish for Cirillo's son. "May his young son, Marcus Daniel Cirillo, find comfort in knowing our entire country looks up to his dad."

Lt.-Col. Hatfield said Cirillo embodied strength and character and was "loyal, tough, loving and true."

"His family knew it, his regiment knew it, and now Canadians know it," Hatfield said.

"Rest in peace, Cpl. Cirillo. Your Argyll family will not forget you."

Soon after, the bagpipes played Amazing Grace and Cirillo's casket was solemnly led out of the church, as a second procession moved through the streets. He was buried at a private interment at a nearby cemetery.

Mourners came from far away to pay last respects. Some broke into spontaneous applause and renditions of O Canada as the men and women of the Armed Forces walked by. The procession made its way through the city using a "slow march," a rare and difficult step meant as a sign of respect for a fallen soldier. 

There were police on almost every corner in the downtown core near the church where the service took place, and many people standing on the edge of the procession route were wearing poppies. Just steps away at the James Street Armoury, tributes have continued to pour in since Cirillo was killed last week. A massive Canadian flag was suspended from two fire trucks over the procession route.

Fund to support the families

An online fund has been set up to collect donations for the families of Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent. Organizers say all of the money raised will be distributed evenly between the two families. They hope to raise $750,000.

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The loss of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo drew people of Hamilton closer

Cpl. Nathan Cirillo funeral moments 3:02

Cpl. Nathan Cirillo funeral moments 3:02

In the hours after a shooting in Ottawa last Wednesday, Hamilton learned one of her own had fallen.

Friday night, the city flanked Main Street, thousands quietly singing O Canada as his body came home.

And on Tuesday, six days after the shooting, the city played host to another procession: The regimental funeral for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, 24, a native of Hamilton's east end.

'Now we have a real person who was standing on guard that we can think about.'- Mayor Bob Bratina 

It was Canada's loss, but these six days have shown it was acutely Hamilton's. And Tuesday, Hamilton took pride in hosting a grieving nation.

Downtown Hamilton was full, the mood heavy, the streets quiet Tuesday morning. Dark grey clouds hung overhead; the air was unseasonably warm. Police stood on every corner, closing roads for blocks in every direction.

The events took place "in the heart of my city, in the heart of my riding and in the heart of every Canadian," said MP David Christopherson as he passed the Armoury on his way to Christ's Church Cathedral where the funeral was held.

Thousands of people flooded downtown, standing sombrely on silent streets to honour their neighbour, one whom many had never met. But still, they felt his kinship. And felt they needed to be there, needed to contribute to the moment, give to it and take something away from it.

"I think because the way everything happened, when we get to the line, 'We stand on guard for thee,' now we have a real person who was standing on guard that we can think about," said Mayor Bob Bratina.

Tuesday morning, two Hamilton firetruck ladders formed an "arch of honour" over the intersection of James and Cannon streets. Firefighters hung a massive Canadian flag from the ladders, a banner over the street where Cirillo's casket would pass.

Police closed streets across much of downtown. The lack of traffic noise added to the unusual feeling of quiet along James Street North, which the city recently dubbed "Veterans Way of Remembrance." James Street has been closed occasionally for Art Crawl events and Supercrawl concerts, but the day's events felt much different.

The sidewalk outside the Armoury where Cirillo's regiment is based was bursting with flowers, cards, candles and flags -- a scene that has drawn neighbours, family and friends every day since his death.

Cirillo's fellow Hamiltonians and Ontarians began lining the streets like a parade, much like they did on Friday when Cirillo's casket came home. They stood, four or five people deep, anticipating the funeral procession that began at the Argyll Commemorative Pavilion at Bayfront Park.

They wore red and Canada scarves and sweatshirts, draped themselves in flags and pinned poppies to their jackets. Some wore Tiger-Cats jerseys.

A spontaneous rendition of O Canada began along both sides of James as helicopters hovered above and mounted police lined up in front of the cathedral.

Jenny Wasilewski, from Stoney Creek, arrived on James St. North a couple of hours before the funeral Tuesday morning to watch the procession. Tuesday was Wasilewski's fourth visit to the shrine that has been growing in front of the Armoury.

This weekend, she brought her 12-year-old grandson. He watched her sign a message and her initials on one of the flags hanging there. And then he walked up to the flag and simply wrote: "Thank you."

A woman writes words of words of condolence on a Canadian flag for Cpl. Cirillo. (Frank Gunn/Canadian Press)

Once the procession had carried Cirillo's casket into the church, several hundred observers walked over to FirstOntario Centre, where the funeral was simulcast live on the arena's TV screens.

The Hamilton Bulldogs, used to playing hockey games in the arena, filed in in suits to pay their respects. A group of friends from the Absinthe club on Hess Street attended, appearing visibly emotional. At least 10 different uniformed groups -- police, military, cadets, RCMP -- stood with their companies on the floor of the arena, watching the screens overhead.

Three full sections of the arena held hundreds of public observers, who seemed to treat the venue as a sacred extension of the church. They sat and stood, recited prayers and followed the service simultaneously with those in the cathedral a few blocks away.

Lieutenant-Colonel Lawrence Hatfield credited the city with easing some of the regiment's burden as they mourn the loss of Cirillo.

"In this, our most sacred task, the laying of rest of Cpl. Cirillo, we have been lifted by the overwhelming support of this country, this warm and embracing city and our brothers and sisters in arms and in uniform," he said in the funeral.

Near the end of the service, the pipe band in the cathedral began playing "Amazing Grace." Some gathered in the arena pulled out handkerchiefs. The uniformed soldiers and police filed out of the arena to join the procession.

Observers watched again as the forces and regiments followed the procession through the streets of Hamilton. Hours after they'd lined the streets, observers went their separate ways.

Cirillo's loss has knit new connections between Hamiltonians -- those who filled the cathedral, those who lined the streets, those who watched in the arena.

"I guess the best way to describe it is all of us who were in there felt that we were a part of something very, very special," Bratina said. "There was a note of history, there was a note of pride, there was a note of terrible grief at such a loss of a young life the way it did and the strange irony that his passing brings so much to a city and country."

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Nathan Cirillo-inspired racism 'experiment' ends with punch to face

In the wake of Nathan Cirillo's shooting death in Ottawa, a Mississauga-based filmmaker staged a "social experiment" in downtown Hamilton to see how people would react to overt racism against Muslim people.

People reacted, all right: the experiment ended with a punch in the face.

"This is based on the events that happened in Ottawa," said Omar Albach, a York University student at the start of a YouTube video called Canadians React to Ottawa Shooting Racism. "We're going to see if people feel safe to be around Muslims or people who look like Muslims."

In the video, a man named Zakaria Ghanem is dressed in a traditional Muslim gown called a Dishdasha or Thobe, while another man, Devin Giamou, berates him in public and says he wouldn't feel safe getting onto a bus with him.

Then the reactions pour in from other people waiting for the same bus who don't know the whole thing is staged.

"You can't stereotype and judge people by their clothes," one man says. "Or their nationalities or anything else, you know what I mean?"

One woman says what happened to Cirillo in Ottawa was "awful and tragic," but doesn't think "that's any reason to persecute someone just because of what they're wearing."

One man objects to Giamou's staged racism so much that he punches him square in the face in the video, near the entrance to Hamilton shopping mall Jackson Square.

'This is a social experiment'

"We never expected that," Albach told CBC Hamilton. "I was standing there filming and just went, 'Did he just get punched?'"

Albach says he immediately ran over to help, and explained that they were conducting a social experiment — and that no one here was harbouring any racist feelings. "They did apologize and said 'we just wanted to stick up for the guy.'"

Omar Albach, 18, organized a "social experiment" in Hamilton last week in the wake of Nathan Cirillo's shooting death in Ottawa. (Omar Albach/Twitter)

Albach, 18, says he felt compelled to film the video after seeing what happened to Nathan Cirillo, a Hamilton man who was shot last week while on guard at the national war memorial in Ottawa.

"I was really touched by Nathan Cirillo's death, and I feel like these actions are to be condemned," he said.

The RCMP says it has evidence that gunman Michael Zehaf-Bibeau was driven by ideological and political motives.

The 32-year-old made a video recording of himself just before last week's attack, the RCMP says, and a source familiar with the investigation told CBC's Chris Hall that Zehaf-Bibeau appears to make specific reference to Canada's foreign policy as motivation for his actions and that he praises Allah in the recording. 

Stephen Harper has called Wednesday's shooting a terror attack, and the bloodshed raised fears that Canada is suffering reprisals for joining the U.S.-led air campaign against ISIS extremists in Iraq and Syria.

Zehaf-Bibeau also dealt with addiction

But Albach, who is Muslim, cautions against making links to Zehaf-Bibeau's actions and the Muslim faith. Zehaf-Bibeau told a B.C. judge almost three years ago that he was homeless and wanted to go to jail to help break his drug addiction.​

He lived in B.C. in recent years, walking the streets of Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey, and may have been staying at a Salvation Army shelter in downtown Vancouver as recently as two weeks ago.

Zehaf-Bibeau was also charged with robbery and uttering threats for an incident in Vancouver on Dec. 16, 2011, which court records indicate may have been an attempt to get help. CBC News obtained the psychiatric assessment and audio recordings of Zehaf-Bibeau's court appearances in Vancouver on Dec. 2011 and Feb. 2012.

The psychiatrist, who met with Zehaf-Bibeau at the Surrey Pre-Trial Centre, found that he was fit to stand trial, and explained some of Zehaf-Bibeau's motivation for wanting to be imprisoned.

"The accused is aware of his charge and possible consequences of conviction. He wants to be in jail, as he believes this is the only way he can overcome his addiction to crack cocaine. He has been a devoted Moslem for seven years, and he believes he must spend time in jail as a sacrifice to pay for his mistakes in the past and he hopes to be a better man when he is eventually released," the psychiatrist wrote on Dec. 18, 2011.

Don't reflect Muslim faith

Albach says he doubts Canadians believe that Zehaf-Bibeau's actions are reflective of Muslims as a whole — something his video helps prove, he says.

Cynics might say that Albach cherry picked the responses you see in the video, only choosing people who acted in the way he was wanted — but he says that simply isn't true.

"I know a lot of people edit those things out, but we didn't."

As of Wednesday morning, Albach's video had over 280,000 hits on YouTube. Another viral video he made called Hug a Terrorist from earlier this year has over 332,000 hits on YouTube.

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Man charged with murder in Burlington apartment death

Man charged with killing a woman police say he was in an intimate relationship with

CBC News Posted: Oct 29, 2014 10:25 AM ET Last Updated: Oct 29, 2014 10:31 AM ET

Elizabeth Nugent was found dead Monday in a Burlington apartment. Police have charged a Markham man with second-degree murder. (Halton Police )

A 41-year-old man is facing a murder charge after a woman's body was found Monday inside a Burlington apartment on Pearl Street. 

The victim has been identified as Elizabeth Nugent, 32. Halton Regional Police say Nugent was a resident of the apartment but the cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Police say the body was found after a man barricaded himself inside the apartment and told officers he had a firearm, and a tactical squad forced entry hours later.

A Markham man has been charged with second-degree murder and is to return to court in Milton on Thursday.

Investigators say the victim and the accused were involved in an intimate relationship.

Homicide investigators are still investigating the case and ask anyone with information to contact Det. Blair Moroso or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 (TIPS).

With files from Canadian Press

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Live coverage of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo's funeral

Cpl. Nathan Cirillo honoured by military unit 2:24

Cpl. Nathan Cirillo honoured by military unit 2:24

Preparing for last salute to Cirillo 5:25

Preparing for last salute to Cirillo 5:25

Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was gunned down while standing guard at the National War Monument in Ottawa, is being honoured today with a regimental funeral in his hometown of Hamilton.

Thousand of people have lined the streets of downtown Hamilton. They started coming long before the procession began Tuesday morning and have stayed through the long, slow walk. Mourners have come from far away to pay last respects. Some have broken into spontaneous applause as the men and women of the armed forces walk by.

The procession makes its way through the city using a "slow march," a rare and difficult march meant as a sign of respect for a fallen soldier. 

The procession itself is estimated to be about 4,500 people long. It contains a collection of police, members of the military and firefighters. An estimated 1,000 service men and women with the armed forces are taking part.

Watch the funeral on CBC News Network or CBCNews.ca.

The funeral at Christ's Church Cathedral in Hamilton is for family and invited guests only, but the public can pay respects by observing the procession that carries the soldier's body through the city's downtown to the church.

Thousands have lined the streets of Hamilton to be part of the ceremony. There are police on almost every corner in the downtown core near the church where the service is taking place. Just steps away at the James Street Armoury, tributes have continued to pour in since Cirillo was killed last week.

A massive Canadian flag has been suspended from two fire trucks over the procession route. Many of the people who are standing on the edge of the procession route are wearing poppies.

Here is what you need to know if you plan to observe the events in person or online.

Funeral

Public attendance at the church will be restricted to family members and invited guests only.

The service will be conducted in the funeral rites of the Anglican Church of Canada. Rev. Rob Fead will conduct the service. The readings chosen for the service are: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Psalm 23 and Matthew 5:1-12a.

Live stream

Other military units, service members and members of the public who want to view the funeral service can do so through a video link at FirstOntario Centre, 101 York Blvd. 

CBC News Network's extensive coverage of the funeral began at 11:00 a.m. ET. CBCNews.ca will also be live streaming the event. You can watch the live stream on this page.

Who will be there

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau are expected to be in Hamilton on Tuesday for the funeral service. 

Hamilton police released preliminary road closure boundaries ahead of Cpl. Cirillo's funeral scheduled for Tuesday. (Hamilton Police Service)

Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina said he expects the dignitaries to include Premier Kathleen Wynne, a number of MPs and members of the Ontario Legislature and Lieutenant-Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell. He said some American military and political dignitaries may attend as well.

Funeral for Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent

Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent funeral will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral de Longueuil. The service is closed to the media. Vincent was killed on Monday Oct. 20 when he was struck by a car while walking through a parking lot in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

Procession 

The procession route for Cirillo's funeral will be open to the public, beginning at the Argyll Commemorative Pavilion at Hamilton's Bayfront Park at 10:30 a.m. ET before heading south along Bay Street North, east along York Boulevard and north along James Street North, concluding at Christ's Church Cathedral.

Cirillo's casket will be carried by pallbearers. A flag, his belt, a bayonet and Cirillo's Argylls badge will be placed on top, said Col. Geordie Elms, the mayor's senior adviser of military heritage and protocol and a former commanding officer of the Argylls.

An escort will lead that procession, and a party of about 40 people will follow behind, along with the rest of the regiment.

Fund to support the families of Cpl. Cirillio and Warrant Officer Vincent

An online fund has been set up to collect donations for the families of Cpl. Cirillo and Warrant Officer Vincent. Organizers say all of the money raised will be distributed evenly between the two families. They hope to raise $750,000.

In memory of Nathan Cirillo

What else to expect

There will be heightened security measures, including restrictions on bags and backpacks for observers.

Road closure

A large portion of downtown Hamilton will be closed to traffic because of the events. Those planning to attend are encouraged to take transit.

There is no parking or stopping on the following roads from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

• York Boulevard between Hess Street North and James Street North.
• James Street North between York Boulevard and Barton Street.
• Hughson Street North between Cannon Street and Barton Street.
• Bay Street North between Bayfront and King Street West.

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Fred Eisenberger wins Hamilton's mayoral election; council adds 5 new faces

Updated

• All incumbents in Hamilton council races win re-election
• Low voter turnout numbers; council becomes more diverse

After four years out of office, Fred Eisenberger has won a second chance at serving as mayor of Hamilton. 

With 100 per cent of the polls reporting, he led with 39.9 per cent of the vote. Rounding out the top three were outgoing councillors Brad Clark and Brian McHattie, who tallied 31.5 and 20.4 per cent of the vote, respectively. Voter turnout was a low 34.02 per cent, down from about 40 per cent four years ago.

​He will lead a council with four new faces and a broader diversity of backgrounds, including the city's first African-Canadian councillor, its first openly gay councillor and adding a fourth woman to council.With his victory in Monday's election, Eisenberger, who was Hamilton's mayor from 2006 to 2010, will be the first person to serve more than one term as chief magistrate in the city's post-amalgamation history. 

In addition to the new faces on council, the public school board is looking at seven new faces out of 11 seats.

In an interview with CBC Hamilton, Eisenberger said it feels "absolutely fantastic" to be the comeback kid, and that he was "thrilled" Hamilton would re-elect their former mayor.

"I've won some (elections) and I've lost some and I can tell you winning is a lot more fun," said Eisenberger. 

He also congratulated fellow front-runners Clark and McHattie and thanked them for their years of service with the city.

He also said the new city council would be looking at the ideas they brought forward to see if the new council could incorporate those ideas.

"We've pretty much talked about the same thing but in different ways," Eisenberger said. "There are many good ideas, and I'm not going to dismiss any of them."

Four new councillors

Matthew Green, 33, has won in the race for Ward 3's council seat. (Supplied Photo)

With the election of four new councillors who ran to fill vacant seats, council will be more diverse in the coming term. Matthew Green, a 33-year-old African Canadian entrepreneur and social activist, will fill the Ward 3 seat that was held by Bernie Morelli from 1991 until his death in January. Aidan Johnson, a lawyer who is openly gay, is replacing McHattie as councillor for Ward 1. And city hall is adding another woman councillor: Arlene VanderBeek, who came out on top in the race to succeed Dundas's Russ Powers. 

"I'm feeling pretty amazed by the work that we put in over the 365 days, culminating in the last 20 minutes," Green told CBC Hamilton about his win on Monday night. "My plan is to continue to do the work that's been started through all the campaign."

Of her election to council, VanderBeek said: "Tonight, the overriding feeling is the number of people who ordinarily never show political stripes, who went out on a limb to support me. That was overwhelming... It just proves to me what we really love about Dundas is that it's such a close community. It brought that home tonight."

Businessman Doug Conley has been elected as councillor of Ward 9, which Clark has represented since 2006. 

Wave of wins for incumbents

All incumbents councillors in the running won re-election, most by huge margins. In the lower city, incumbents Jason Farr (Ward 2), Sam Merulla (Ward 4), Chad Collins (Ward 5) won re-election handily. Merulla picked up  80% of the vote,  Collins 70%, Farr 66%.

Mountain councillors Tom Jackson (Ward 6), Scott Duvall (Ward 7) and Terry Whitehead (Ward 8) also received strong mandates. Flamborough councillors Judi Partridge (Ward 15) and Robert Pasuta (Ward 14) were re-elected, as well as Glanbrook's Brenda Johnson (Ward 11), Stoney Creek's Maria Pearson (Ward 10) and Ancaster's Lloyd Ferguson (Ward 12). 

All of the incumbent councillors vying for re-election won their seats — including Flamborough's Judi Partridge. (Samantha Craggs/CBC)

After months at hinting at his intention to run, Eisenberger officially launched his campaign in late March of this year, just weeks after incumbent mayor Bob Bratina said he didn't plan on seeking a second term.

It was then that Eisenberger said he'd learned lessons since his last stint in office, which saw a protracted debate over where to locate the new Pan Am stadium. He lost his bid for re-election, coming third behind Bratina, the runaway winner, and another former mayor, Larry Di Ianni.

"I was somewhat impatient for change last time around," Eisenberger said in March, while filing his nomination papers. "I'm going to ensure I'm more patient this time around."

In a surprise to some observers, Eisenberger gained the public endorsement of former mayor Larry Di Ianni, whom he unseated in 2006's mayoral contest, in April.

LRT looms large in mayoral election

The plan to install a 13-kilometre, $860-million light-rail transit line across Hamilton's lower city has dominated the headlines over this year's municipal election cycle. Long ambivalent about the proposal, which the province has promised to fund in full, Bratina recently endorsed Clark, a Stoney Creek councillor who has come out as a staunch opponent of LRT. Clark has championed enhanced bus service as a cheaper, more sensible choice for Hamilton's public transportation needs.

Heralding a vision for a "New Hamilton," McHattie positioned himself as the most eager proponent of the LRT development. He said to go back on council's 2013 decision to go endorse the LRT plan – councillors made their support contingent on full funding from the province – would be a missed opportunity for Hamilton.

"It seems Brad Clark wants to let the entire provincial rapid transit investment go to another city," he said earlier in October.

Though a vocal LRT supporter, having advocated for the plan in his previous term as mayor, Eisenberger carved out ideological middle ground between Clark and McHattie, calling for a citizen's panel to assess the proposal.

Eisenberger, who spent two of the last four years as the CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute, has said he's "confident" the panel would end up endorsing the LRT plan. 

New-look school boards

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board will look radically different in the next term. Seven new trustees — including Christine Bingham (Wards 1 and 2), Larry Pattison Jr. (Ward 3), Kathy Archer (Ward 6), Dawn Danko (Ward 7), Jeff Beattie (Wards 9 and 10), Greg Van Geffen (Ward 14) and Penny Deathe (Ward 15) — were elected to seats vacated by last term's incumbents. Ray Mulholland (Ward 4), Todd White (Ward 5), Wes Hicks (Ward 8) and Alex Johnstone (Wards 11 and 12) each held onto their seats.

Three new faces will serve on the Catholic school board. Aldo D'Intino defeated incumbent Sam Agostino in Ward 5. Anthony Perri (Wards 3 and 4) and Joseph Baiardo (Ward 6) won in races where incumbents weren't running. Mark Valvasori (Wards 1 and 2), John Valvasori (Ward 8) and Mary Nardini and Paul DiFrancesco (Wards 9, 10 and 11) were re-elected. Patrick Daly (Ward 7) and Carolyn Cornale (Wards 12, 13, 14, and 15) were each acclaimed. 

Click on the tabs below to check out detailed results for Hamilton's mayoral, council and trustee races. 

Mayor

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Michael Baldasaro	3518
IND	Ejaz Butt	1579
IND	Mike Clancy	821
IND	Brad Clark	38706
IND	Fred Eisenberger	49020
IND	Warrand Francis	278
IND	Nick Iamonico	444
IND	Crystal Lavigne	1910
IND	Brian Mchattie	25020
IND	Michael A. Pattison	763
IND	Phil Ryerson	269
IND	Ricky Tavares	428

Councillor - Ward 1

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Jason Allen	1050
IND	Tony Greco	1024
IND	Aidan Johnson	3030
IND	Brian Lewis	641
IND	Ira Rosen	600
IND	Sandy Shaw	2390

Councillor - Ward 2

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Ed Dallas	143
IND	Jason Farr	4078
IND	Kristina Heaton	658
IND	Ryan Henry	108
IND	John Vail	373
IND	Terri Wallis	786

Councillor - Ward 3

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Ralph Agostino	1229
IND	Maria Anastasiou	93
IND	Bob Assadourian	330
IND	Mark Dimillo	525
IND	Sean Gibson	361
IND	Matthew Green	2852
IND	Jol Hess	21
IND	Eva John	55
IND	Brian Kelly	172
IND	Victor Mejia	42
IND	Byron Wayne Millette	73
IND	Drina Omazic	825
IND	Carlos Pinho	51
IND	Tim Simmons	334
IND	Bernie Szajkowski	41

Councillor - Ward 4

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	John Laurie	230
IND	Sam Merulla	5654
IND	Lorna Moreau	407
IND	Tina Whalen	563

Councillor - Ward 5

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	David Brown	1134
IND	Chad Collins	6138
IND	George Rusich	1133
IND	Larry Storm	170

Councillor - Ward 6

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Tom Jackson	7886
IND	Brad Olynchuk	745
IND	Dan Rodrigues	1125

Councillor - Ward 7

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Keith Beck	1562
IND	Greg Burghall	1065
IND	Scott Duvall	9956

Councillor - Ward 8

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Joshua Peter Czerniga	2870
IND	Terry Whitehead	9364

Councillor - Ward 9

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Lee Austin	81
IND	Doug Conley	1750
IND	Nancy Fiorentino	1381
IND	Cam Galindo	1294
IND	Tone Marrone	194
IND	Geraldine Mcmullen	682
IND	Marie Robbins	1063
IND	Christopher Rosser	52
IND	Frank Rukavina	189

Councillor - Ward 10

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Teresa Difalco	2390
IND	Maria Pearson	4090
IND	Luana Yachetti	568

Councillor - Ward 11

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Brenda Johnson	7873
IND	Vincenzo Rigitano	1561

Councillor - Ward 12

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Grace Bryson	650
IND	Lloyd Ferguson	7313
IND	John F. F. Iachelli	727
IND	Anthony Nicholl	596

Councillor - Ward 13

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Mark Coull	283
IND	Rick Court	1285
IND	Pamela Mitchell	82
IND	Kevin Norton	77
IND	Marc Rhéal Risdale	397
IND	Danya Scime	516
IND	Christeen Urquhart	53
IND	Arlene Vanderbeek	3468
IND	Toby Yull	1988

Councillor - Ward 14

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Steven Knowles	170
IND	Robert Pasuta	3451
IND	Scott Stewart	421

Councillor - Ward 15

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Neil Bos	1724
IND	Judi Partridge	3879

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee - Wards 1 & 2

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Christine Bingham	3337
IND	Chris Erl	1335
IND	Brian Gage	2503
IND	Simon Granat	1739
IND	Ed Sculthorpe	1938

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee - Ward 3

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Michael Adkins	1237
IND	Steven Paul Denault	453
IND	Jeremy Paul Fritchley	315
IND	Erick Monterroza	977
IND	Larry Thomas Jr. Pattison	1587

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee - Ward 4

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Linda Chenoweth	651
IND	Cindy Kennedy	954
IND	Sandra Lindsay	882
IND	Ray E. Mulholland	2410

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee - Ward 5

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Cahl Brown	1162
IND	Todd White	3608

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee - Ward 6

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Kathy Archer	2094
IND	Angie Armstrong	636
IND	Allan Miles	1632
IND	Eamon O'donnell	1542
IND	Tanya Prosser	371

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee - Ward 7

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Dawn Danko	5593
IND	Marlon Picken	1443
IND	Sarah Warry-poljanski	1385

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee - Ward 8

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Wes Hicks	5503
IND	Chris Litfin	2053

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee - Wards 9 & 10

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Jeff Beattie	3260
IND	Stefanie Sheils	2196
IND	Greg Sinasac	1895

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee - Wards 11 & 12

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Mike Bell	3070
IND	Alex Johnstone	5190
IND	Serena Samuel	3986

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee - Wards 13 & 14

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Bob Maton	3644
IND	Greg Van Geffen	5166
IND	Christopher Yendt	701

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee - Ward 15

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Penny Deathe	2137
IND	Nick Lauwers	2126

Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Trustee - Wards 1 & 2

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Al Ptasinskas	367
IND	Mark Valvasori	1774

Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Trustee - Wards 3 & 4

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Louis Agro	409
IND	Frank Ciotti	616
IND	George Harbottle	129
IND	Anthony Mamone	340
IND	Brian Nestor	365
IND	Anthony Perri	1307

Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Trustee - Ward 5

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Sam Agostino	1235
IND	Diane Bubanko	392
IND	Aldo D'intino	1544

Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Trustee - Ward 6

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Joseph Baiardo	1794
IND	Ed Pecyna	1036

Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Trustee - Ward 7

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Patrick Daly	0

Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Trustee - Ward 8

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Tad Brudzinski	408
IND	Sergio Manchia	849
IND	John Valvasori	2875

Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Trustee - Wards 9, 10 & 11

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Paul Difrancesco	5540
IND	Bernard Josipovic	1610
IND	Mary Nardini	5451

Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Trustee - Wards 12, 13, 14 & 15

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Carolyn Cornale	0

Conseil Scolaire Viamonde Trustee

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Malika Attou	96
IND	Pierre Girouard	165

Conseil Scolaire de District Catholique Centre-Sud Trustee

Party	Candidate	Votes	Vote Share (%)	Status
IND	Mulomba Samuel Kalonji	151
IND	Marcel Levesque	612

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