Scott Hamilton elected to council seat in Cambridge byelection

After nearly a year without a representative at Cambridge city hall, ward 7 has elected Scott Hamilton as its councillor. 

Hamilton won by a mere 31 votes over Connie Cody. Hamilton secured 392 votes to Cody's 361.

There were 1,232 ballots cast and seven other candidates in the running. 

The results are considered unofficial until they're confirmed by the chief returning officer. That's expected to happen on Tuesday.

The byelection was called following the death of Frank Monteiro in October 2019. It was to be held in March, but was delayed because of COVID-19.

"I'm really just humbled that so many voters in ward 7 would put their faith in me and say that I would have the qualities and skills to represent them at city council," Hamilton told CBC News.

He also said he's relieved to be at the end of a campaign that was drawn out by the pandemic. 

"It was difficult for everyone. Every single candidate and volunteer across the board. Everyone is breathing a sigh of relief."

When it comes to his priorities at city hall, Hamilton said there is no single unifying issue in the ward. He said he heard a lot of support for things like zoning bylaws to allow for tiny homes and addressing the opioid crisis, as well as the more "nitty gritty" issues like snow removal and traffic calming. 

His vision, moving forward, is to unify Cambridge with a collaborative approach. 

"It's poised on the verge of greatness," he said. 

"The general issue I think with Cambridge is that it's had a problem, I think it's called driving with the rear view mirror. Sometimes it tries to move forwards by looking backwards, it doesn't take advantage of other particular initiatives or opportunities that other cities do. And I think that sets it back." 

In a statement Monday night after the unofficial results were released, Mayor Kathryn McGarry said she and councillors welcome Hamilton to the horseshoe.

"Frank Monteiro left some big shoes to fill but we know that Scott will hit the ground running, provide dedicated service to the residents of ward 7 and be a passionate advocate for the Cambridge community," she said.

Hamilton previously ran for the NDP in the 2019 federal election.