This edition of the Ward 1 newsletter includes:

• Highland Gardens Park - Public Feedback on Improvements
• Infrastructure Updates
• Emergency Safety Closure of York Boulevard Stairs to Waterfront Trail
• Upcoming Closure of Dundurn and York Intersection
• Reminder of Westdale Roadworks
• Labour Disruption Update
• Tree Giveaway
• Judges Needed for the 2025 Hamilton Trillium Awards
• Hamilton Falconwatch Needs Your Help!
• Nominate a Senior of the Year
• Rain Ready Hamilton: New Residential Stormwater Rebate Program
• The 2025 Monarch Awards
• Events

Highland Gardens Park – Public Feedback on Improvements 

This is a gentle reminder that the City is seeking public input on a preferred design for staircase improvements at Highland Gardens Park (55 Hillcrest Ave). The staircase at the foot of Mountain Avenue is an important connection between the neighbourhood and the park. 

Planned improvements include cladding the existing staircase, replacing railings, installing a sitting area at the top of the stairs, improving the crosswalk at Hillcrest and Mountain, and landscaping and tree improvements. 

The designers are soliciting community feedback on a preferred staircase concept, including the railing materials, seating area design, shade options or no shade option, and more. They are also collecting people's favourite memories of the space to better understand what Highland Gardens means to residents. 

The Highland Gardens Park Stair Improvement survey is available now on the Engage Hamilton portal and will remain open until May 30, 2025. 

Infrastructure Updates

As summer gets underway, you will begin to notice more infrastructure projects beginning across Hamilton. Critical work is being done to ensure Hamilton's infrastructure is up-to-date, safe, and working for everyone.

A reminder of this came when Council received an annual report on watermain breaks. Ward 1 had the highest number of watermain breaks in 2024 - 27, representing 16.4 per cent of all breaks in Hamilton, totalling $162,613.26. This is a significant cost to Hamilton's taxpayers and represents the age and state of our infrastructure. Upcoming adjustments to the water rate will help get us to a better spot and ensure that maintenance is done more regularly, so breaks happen less frequently. 

We work to keep Ward 1 residents informed about upcoming infrastructure investments through regular updates on our website and posts sent out in our biweekly newsletter. To ensure residents have the necessary information, we will include a regular "Infrastructure Update" link in each newsletter below the "Events" listings. This page will be kept current, and any anticipated infrastructure investments will be included.

You can also read through a selection of our past posts on major infrastructure investments and updates here:

• April 11, 2025 - Seasonal Maintenance
• March 28, 2025 - Phase 2 of the York Blvd Construction
• November 29, 2024 - Forthcoming Aberdeen and Dundurn road construction
• August 30, 2024 - Barton St Functional Design Study

Emergency Safety Closure of York Boulevard Stairs to Waterfront Trail

During routine maintenance inspections of the York Blvd stairs that lead to the Desjardins Canal portion of the Waterfront Trail, City workers discovered that the retaining wall that runs alongside the stairs is failing and is losing stones. This means that the stairs will have to be closed until further work can be done to ensure the wall can be inspected and a replacement strategy can be developed. Given the complex nature of this problem, staff have informed us that this closure will likely last through to spring/summer of 2026.

We will keep the community informed as further information is provided. Until then, people who want to use the Waterfront Trail are encouraged to access it from Bayfront Park or Princess Point. 

Upcoming Closure of Dundurn and York Intersection

Phase 4 of the York Boulevard infrastructure project requires a full closure of Dundurn St N (Jones St to York Blvd) beginning in mid-June and lasting for approximately six weeks (weather dependent).

During this time, there will be no access to York Boulevard to and from Dundurn St N.

This phase of the project includes a full reconstruction of the sidewalks, curbs, and roadways, including removal of the slip lanes on Dundurn Street North. The full closure will allow these works to be completed safely and promptly.

This closure will be advertised beforehand, and detours will be posted. In the coming weeks, the City's York Boulevard Story Map will include additional details, including the HSR detour.

Reminder of Westdale Roadworks

This is a reminder about the roadworks occurring in Westdale this summer.

This work will involve the following improvements:  

• Resurfacing on Sterling Street, Whitton Road, Oakwood Place, and on Cline Avenue North from Sterling to King  
• Replacing the existing painted bike lanes on Sterling Street with protected bike lanes  
• Adding a raised intersection to Sterling Street and Dalewood Crescent to improve pedestrian safety at a high-crossing intersection  
• Adding a raised HSR pad to the stop at Sterling Street and Forsyth Avenue North  
• Adding independent pedestrian signals to King Street West at Haddon Avenue North  
• Tightening the radii on Cline Street South at King Street West to slow turning traffic and improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists  

The investments will improve the experience of all road users and make an important connection in our community safer for everyone. The City of Hamilton issued construction letters to adjacent residents and noted an on-site inspector available for the duration of the project who can answer any construction-related questions. You can also watch the video from a public meeting on these investments in October 2023. 

Labour Disruption Update

Last December, the City of Hamilton began negotiating with the Hamilton Ontario Water Employees Association (HOWEA), the union representing 55 members who work at Hamilton Water as Water/Wastewater Operators, Millwrights, Electricians, and Instruments & Control Technicians. After several months of negotiations, the HOWEA membership rejected the City's final offer and began a legal strike at 12:01 AM on May 14, 2025. 

During the strike, all essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services will continue uninterrupted, including: 

• Operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Monitoring of drinking water and wastewater systems.
• Collection of all regulatory drinking water and wastewater samples and response and investigation to reported spills.
• Redirection of Waste Haulers from Woodward Avenue to the Upper Ottawa Waste Transfer Station.
• Continued essential services at the Hamilton Water Storefront Operations at 330 Wentworth Street, including permit sales, appointment scheduling, and the sale of waste hauler and water truck tickets (these services will be available both in person at the storefront and over the phone, though purchases made over the phone must be completed using a credit card).

There is absolutely no risk to drinking water's quality, safety, delivery, or monitoring. All regulatory requirements continue to be met. An important change is that the City has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2025 Children's Water Festival, originally scheduled for May 27 to 29.

Information will continue to be updated on the City's Labour Disruption webpage.

Tree Giveaway

There's only one more chance to get a free tree or shrub from the City of Hamilton. Every year, the City gives away a variety of native tree or shrub species to plant in your yard. Select your tree or shrub and register for your pickup date and location at hamilton.ca/treegiveaway.

The last chance to pick up a free native tree or shrub is: 

• Bayfront Park 
  • 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on May 31.

One tree or shrub per property. Pre-registration is required. Upon pickup, residents are asked to bring their driver's licence or property tax bill for confirmation.

Judges Needed for the 2025 Hamilton Trillium Awards

The 2025 Hamilton Trillium Awards is now accepting applications for volunteer judges. The Hamilton Trillium Awards Program is one of North America's oldest and largest beautification programs and has been a Hamilton institution since 1956. This program has promoted and encouraged community pride by recognising excellence in landscape design, maintenance, and effort to beautify properties, positively contributing to the City of Hamilton’s biodiversity. 

Over 150 volunteer judges will review and score the nominated front yard gardens in each ward and award the top 20 highest-scoring gardens in each ward. If you love to garden and have a keen eye for outstanding, biodiverse landscapes, become a volunteer Trillium Awards judge today! To register, visit: www.hamilton.ca/trilliumawards. All training and materials will be provided.

Trillium Award Volunteer Judges Registration will close on June 1, 2025, so submit your application today.

If you have seen any outstanding, biodiverse gardens this year, consider nominating them for a Trillium Award. Learn more by visiting the Trillium Award website. Award nominations close on July 1, 2025.

Hamilton Falconwatch Needs Your Help!

Hamilton Falconwatch is very excited to have four Peregrine falcon chicks in the nest at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel. The two adults, Judson and McKeever are busy feeding their fast-growing chicks. With four juveniles soon taking flight, Falconwatch is looking for volunteers for the month of June to help out with their "Feet on the Street" watch. This is to monitor the chicks' progress shortly after they start jumping up onto the raised outer ledge from the nest area, and until the chicks are flying well, near the end of June. 

Volunteers assist with important tasks like avoiding possibly dangerous “coming to ground” situations, crowd control, monitoring sibling interactions, and assisting with rescues, if necessary. This helps increase the number of chicks that survive and can improve this important population of Hamilton's Official City Bird. Volunteers also collect data for the Ministry of Natural Resources. 

Falconwatch runs in two-hour shifts from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week. The Hamilton Community Peregrine Project page provides more information on the program, how to sign up as a volunteer, and the live FalconCam at the Sheraton Hotel.

Nominate a Senior of the Year

2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Hamilton’s Senior of the Year Awards. Each year, we honour seniors (Hamiltonians 65 years of age or older) who have made outstanding contributions to enrich our community's social, cultural, or civic life. 

Any Hamiltonian 65 years of age or older is eligible for nomination, except those who have already received the award. Residents must have resided within the City of Hamilton for at least five years prior to their nomination and must be current residents. 

The nomination deadline is June 30, 2025. For more information on the Senior of the Year Awards or to nominate an outstanding senior, please see the City’s awards website.

Rain Ready Hamilton: New Residential Stormwater Rebate Program 

Managing stormwater effectively is critical to reducing urban flooding, protecting water quality, and fostering a sustainable urban environment. This new rebate program—from Green Venture in partnership with the City of Hamilton—offers residents funds to adopt Low-Impact Development (LID) solutions like rain gardens, bioswales, rainwater collection systems (rain barrels), permeable paving, and green roofs.  

Hamilton residents can apply for two funding tiers. For more information, please visit Green Venture’s website. Applications close on June 1, 2025. 

The 2025 Monarch Awards

The Monarch Awards were launched in 2016 by the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club and Royal Botanical Gardens. Now, nearly a decade later, the program takes flight again, led by Halton Region Master Gardeners, who are revitalising the initiative with a fresh, inclusive approach.

The Monarch Awards recognise local gardeners transforming their residential spaces into thriving habitats for pollinators, birds, and native plants. The revitalised Monarch Awards feature a simplified application and a supportive evaluation process designed to educate and empower gardeners of all levels. Applications open June 1, 2025, to residential gardeners in the City of Hamilton who personally care for their properties using ecological practices, and remain open until June 30. The award's focus is front gardens that raise awareness of biodiversity, increase the amount and quality of habitat for native flora and fauna, promote sustainable landscapes, and emphasise ecological gardening practices.

For more information or to submit a nomination, please see the Halton Region Master Gardeners.

Events

Touch-A-Truck at Pier 8 

• Saturday, May 24 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM 
• Location: Pier 8 Parking Lot, 47 Discovery Dr
• Join the City of Hamilton in celebrating National Public Works Week with a FREE “Touch-A-Truck” event. This year’s event will allow residents of all ages to literally ‘touch-a-truck’, including snow ploughs, HSR buses, a waste collection packer, and more.  The event also features activities and giveaways for kids, a traffic light demonstration from our Transportation group, painting a snow plow blade, and other fun activities! There is limited parking at Pier 8, so a complimentary shuttle bus is offered between Pier 8 and Bayfront Park.

The McQuesten Family Tour at Hamilton Cemetery

• Sunday, May 25, 2025, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
• Location: Hamilton Cemetery Gatehouse, 777 York Boulevard
• The McQuesten Family Tour, a new free tour in partnership with Cemetery Chronicles, serves as a window into Hamilton's past, offering participants a deeper appreciation for the individuals who shaped the city. The serene setting of the cemetery and the engaging storytelling make this tour both educational and reflective, providing insight into the intertwined history of the McQuesten family and Hamilton. More information is available on the Civic Museums website.

Churchill Park Clubhouse Planning Meeting 

• Thursday, May 29, 2025, 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM 
• Location: Online via Zoom 
• Connect, collaborate, and celebrate community! The Churchill Clubhouse Board invites YOU to be part of something special! We’re planning exciting events and want YOUR ideas, energy, and heart. Join us to learn more about how you can contribute and get involved in your neighbourhood. For a link to the next event’s Zoom meeting, contact the organisers at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Newcomer Day 

• Friday, May 30, 2025, from 12:00-6:00 PM
• Location: City Hall Forecourt, 71 Main St W
• The Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council (HIPC) welcomes ALL residents to Hamilton Newcomer Day.

  Newcomer Day is an annual event dedicated to welcoming newcomers to Hamilton, showcasing essential resources and services, and spotlighting immigrant contributions to our city. This year's event promises to be a vibrant celebration of Hamilton's rich diversity.

The War of 1812 Tour at Hamilton Cemetery

• Saturday, May 31, 2025 and Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
• Location: Hamilton Cemetery Gatehouse, 777 York Blvd
• Join The Hamilton Military Museum, Battlefield House Museum, and Cemetery Chronicles Tours for a free tour of Hamilton Cemetery. Explore the captivating landscape and its rich history during the War of 1812. Journey into the past with tales of the military occupation and immerse yourself in the intriguing narratives of this significant era while history comes alive on this entertaining and informative walking tour! More information is available on the Civic Museums website.

Dundurn Castle's Annual Heirloom Plant Sale

• Saturday, May 31, 2025, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Location: Dundurn National Historic Site, 610 York Blvd
• Looking for some interesting plants for your food or flower garden? Dundurn Castle’s annual plant sale offers a unique collection of heirloom annuals and perennials from the Historic Kitchen Garden, including flowers, herbs, fruit and even "pups" from the gardens' grand blue agaves! The Dundurn plant sale is a pay-what-you-can even with a suggested price of $5/plant. The event will be cash only. More information is available on the Civic Museums website.

Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Community Yard Sale

• Saturday, May 31, 2025
• Location: Various locations throughout Kirkendall. See the map.
• Join the KNA Community Yard Sale this spring. Register here if you're interested, and then the KNA will promote your location on its KNA website, social media sites, and newsletter emails to the Kirkendall neighbourhood. The KNA maps all participating locations and provides a downloadable poster to post near their location. Any questions can be directed to the KNA events team.

Do you need a place to set up your table? Blessings Christian Church has offered its parking to residents who need a place to set up. Email the KNA for details.

Greener Ward 1

Let's do our part in Ward 1 to create healthy, biodiverse neighbourhoods for all living things! Check out Greener Ward 1!

Ward 1 Infrastructure Updates

For up-to-date information on all the infrastructure projects happening in Ward 1, check out our Ward 1 Infrastructure Projects webpage.

Ward 1 Development Information

Here you can find general information on developments and their status in the planning process.

Follow along for timely Ward 1 Updates via:   

• Email: [email protected]
• Tel: 905-546-2416
• On social media: