Saira Peesker
Saira Peesker is a reporter with CBC Hamilton, with particular interests in climate, labour and local politics. She has previously worked with the Hamilton Spectator and CTV News, and is a regular contributor to the Globe and Mail, covering business and personal finance.
Latest from Saira Peesker
As comedy troupe known for racist jokes set for Hamilton, venues urged to consider how 'harmful ideas' spread
A comedy troupe known for racist jokes is scheduled for two shows at Hamilton's Levity comedy club next month, in the wake of the cancellation of performances at other Canadian venues following community backlash.
Canada -Hamilton |
4 ridings to watch in the Hamilton-Niagara area this Ontario election
Two Independent MPPs are running against their former parties, one incumbent is stepping down to run federally, and a current mayor is running for MPP. Here are four ridings to watch in the Hamilton-Niagara area.
Canada -Hamilton |
Hamilton council votes to restart ban on tents in parks starting in March
Hamilton councillors and the mayor voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to end the city’s encampment protocol, rules dictating where people in tents could stay and not be forced to move. The vote was on a motion by Ward 14's councillor that noted an Ontario court found clearing park encampments doesn't violate Charter rights.
Canada -Hamilton |
As tiny homes arrive in Hamilton, councillors ask why city bought made-in-China units for $35K each
When City of Hamilton staff agreed to buy 40 tiny homes from a Brantford, Ont., company, they say they didn't know MicroShelters was a new corporation that would go through an American company to order the tiny homes from China.
Canada -Hamilton |
Even with new shelter spots in Hamilton, barriers to leaving tents remain, say encampment residents
Encampment residents say lack of availability isn't the only thing keeping them out of the shelter system. Many say they face barriers to using shelters that include fear of theft and lack of knowledge about the new sites.
Canada -Hamilton |
Want to stop scrolling? New app by and for McMaster students aims to curb device time
LockIn founders say their app helps increase focus and eliminate distractions, while rewarding users with discounts at real-life venues near the Hamilton university.
Canada -Hamilton |
Community rallies around 70-year-old transgender actor who lost teeth in attack near 2SLGBTQ+ bar in Hamilton
Lisa Stroud went without many teeth — and as a result, acting gigs — for seven months after being attacked in March outside The Well, Hamilton's only bar marketed to the local 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Canada -Hamilton |
Hamilton staff to try 'experimental treatments' to reduce harbour's stinky, toxic algae blooms
City staff are working on long-term plans to prevent toxic and smelly algae blooms at the Hamilton harbour – and short-term plans to mitigate blooms when they happen – but are cautioning residents that it’s not the type of problem with a quick fix.
Canada -Hamilton |
Keddy Access Trail, built after cyclist killed there, among Hamilton bike lanes up for provincial review
A separated bike lane up Hamilton Mountain’s Claremont Access – built after a kindergarten teacher was killed while cycling there – is one of at least 16 bike lanes that could be up for review by the province after it passed a bill aimed at protecting car lanes last week.
Canada -Hamilton |
Hamilton man charged in 2022, 2023 sexual assaults after extradition from U.S.
A 22-year-old Hamilton man who was recently extradited from the U.S. to Canada has been charged following a two-year investigation into sexual assaults — one on a trail in 2022 and another during a 2023 home invasion — after forensic evidence found a link between the two.
Canada -Hamilton |