• Recreation Master Plan
• Orange Shirt Day
• Serve on City of Hamilton Sub-Committees and Boards
• Greener Ward 1
• Kidical Mass Family Friendly Slow Roll
• Team Up to Clean Up This Fall
• Lights Out for Bird Migration Season
• Opportunities to Participate with Engage Hamilton
• Ward 1 Farmer's Markets
• Events

Recreation Master Plan

Hamilton's Emergency and Community Services Committee received a report outlining the current state of the City of Hamilton's Recreation Master Plan (Report HSC250029). The plan was first introduced in 2022 and included community consultation, projections based on service use, and models designed to help the City of Hamilton plan for future recreational needs. When unveiling the City's updated Recreation Master Plan, staff found that residents of Hamilton want high-quality and accessible park and recreation facilities. These assets are vital community spaces and are crucial for the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Hamilton’s recreation and parks facilities are facing significant funding shortages. Due to years of underinvestment, a considerable maintenance backlog has developed. Recreation facilities alone require $176.7 million, while parks need $133.5 million (in 2025 dollars) just to keep the existing infrastructure in basic working order. These figures cover only upkeep and renewal, with no funds allocated for enhancements or the creation of new recreational spaces to accommodate a growing community.

The age and condition of many facilities make prioritisation of expenditure essential. Urgent health and safety issues must be addressed first. However, the available funding remains far below what is necessary. In 2025, only $8.186 million was allocated for recreation facilities, and a combined total of $7.719 million for parks. Recreation has no reserve fund, and parks funding is split among maintenance, development, and cemetery upkeep.

If funding levels remain unchanged, Hamilton will be unable to renew or upgrade its facilities. Aware of this, staff have developed funding targets and outlined three different investment scenarios. These options are designed to inform future decisions and provide a roadmap for reducing the backlog, ensuring residents have access to safe, accessible, and modern facilities.

• Reactive: maintains the current situation.
• Responsive: aims to address the existing investment backlog
• Proactive: seeks to meet the needs of our growing city

Staff have explicitly warned that the current "reactive" approach is unsustainable and will lead to ongoing deterioration of Hamilton's recreation assets, potentially resulting in unplanned closures. Their report details ambitious proposals to ensure the City of Hamilton can meet the recreation needs of its residents. These proposals require careful study to determine the best course of action to fund these vital assets adequately.

Without sufficient investment, Hamilton's assets risk becoming liabilities. The cost of repairs increases each year that necessary investments are deferred. Just like the roads and wastewater systems, the effects of underinvestment since the mid-2000s are already evident. It is not a coincidence; it is poor fiscal management. Now, Hamilton's recreation staff warn that, without targeted investments to fill the backlog and plan for the future, residents may face reduced recreation options. In some scenarios, fewer facilities may be available.

The positive news for Ward 1 is that recreation asset projects, like the revitalisation of the Victoria Park Outdoor Pool, have been identified as "key capital recreation projects" for the short-term (between 2025 and 2031). However, as Hamilton continues to grow and evolve, timely investments in community recreation facilities are essential. Adequate funding will ensure these facilities can serve the people of Hamilton well into the future.

Orange Shirt Day

September 30 marks Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This year, the community is invited to a day of ceremony and teaching to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Join elders, survivors, and neighbours on Tuesday, September 30 to honour Survivors of residential schools, their families, and the children who never returned home. It is an opportunity for all of us to learn, reflect, and take meaningful steps on the path to reconciliation.

Sunrise Ceremony – 6:00 AM

Afternoon Gathering – 1:00-4:00 PM
Indigenous opening & closing

• Remarks by Elder Norma Jacobs
• Keynote by residential school survivor Leo Nicholas
• Drumming and reflection with Ninjiichaag

 Location: West Harbour James St Plaza at James St N and Guise St E, between Piers 6 and 7. 

More learning opportunities:

• Orange Shirt Day Society
• Phyllis' Story - Orange Shirt Day [Video]
• Woodlands Cultural Centre
• National Film Board Shorts - Residential Schools [Video]
• Residential Schools Canada: A Timeline [Video]
• City of Hamilton Urban Indigenous Strategy

Serve on City of Hamilton Sub-Committees and Boards

Get involved in the decisions being made at City Hall! Recruitment is open for citizen members of three City sub-committees and boards:

• CityHousing Hamilton Corporation Board of Directors (1 Position)
• Downtown Sub-Committee (3 Small Business Representative Positions, at least 2 along James Street)
• Committee of Adjustment (1 Position with Rural experience)

Applications for these positions is open until Friday, October 3 at 4:30 PM.

Interested residents can find more information on the City's committee website, by calling 905-546-2424 ext.4408, or by emailing [email protected].

Greener Ward 1

The fall is a great time to take the Tree Tour of Our Ward 1 Neighbourhoods. Local field botanist and native plant gardener Paul O’Hara, along with Councillor Maureen Wilson, recorded their walk through each of Ward 1's four neighbourhoods. Have a listen and then check out Paul's suggestions for native gardening.

In addition, the City's forestry expert, Lorne, shares information on how to protect your trees through the winter.

Kidical Mass Family Friendly Slow Roll

Kidical Mass is rolling again! Join Cycle Hamilton and partners for the next Kidical Mass ride on Saturday, September 13, 2025! This is a fun, family-friendly, and inclusive ride—no one gets left behind. This ride will be a slow roll from Hess Street School to the Dundurn Castle playground, featuring good vibes, good company, and plenty of smiles. The ride starts at 10:00 AM sharp, rain or shine. There will be juice boxes and a snack at the end for all riders. Tell a friend, bring the family, and let’s roll together!

Team Up to Clean Up This Fall

It's that time of year again. Let's all Team Up to Clean Up and make sure Hamilton's alleys and public spaces are trash-free before the winter snow sets in. 

This fall, there are many ways for you to help keep your community clean. On September 27, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, you can join a Beautiful Alleys-led clean up. Clean ups will start at Powell Park (56 Birch Ave) and at 534 Concession St. Materials will be provided. You can pre-register at [email protected].

Alternatively, you can host your own community clean up! Hamiltonians are encouraged to hold fall clean ups on your own, with your family, or with a group of friends and neighbours. Register at the City's Team Up to Clean Up page two weeks before your planned event and have materials provided for free, including gloves and orange litter bags. Team Up to Clean Up this fall!

Lights Out for Bird Migration Season

Another reminder that bird migration season has begun! This is an important time for many birds, occurring between August and November, as they migrate to their wintering grounds. 

You can help birds arrive safely by turning off non-essential lighting and/or closing blinds at night (11:00 PM to 6:00 AM) from now until mid-November. Many bird species migrate at night and rely on natural cues, such as the moon and stars, for navigation. Artificial lights disorient them, luring them into urban areas where they collide with glass or become exhausted from circling. By turning off or dimming unnecessary lights during migration, cities can help birds navigate safely and conserve their energy for their long journeys.

In addition to turning off non-essential lights at night, you can also help birds this fall by keeping your feline friends indoors and by making your windows bird-safe.

The folks at Bird Friendly Hamilton Burlington offer tips and tricks on how to make your house and community bird-friendly, as well as other resources related to bird conservation efforts.

Opportunities to Participate with Engage Hamilton

The Engage Hamilton portal offers residents an opportunity to participate in shaping the future of our city. Residents can provide important feedback, offer their unique insights, and help inform the direction Hamilton takes.

There are currently some opportunities to participate that may be of interest to Ward 1 residents:

• Vision Zero Action Plan
  • The City of Hamilton is working on a new 2026-2031 Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, improve roadways for all users, and implement road safety initiatives to reduce the societal costs associated with traffic incidents. This 10-minute survey will collect data and public input before a report is provided to the council. Provide your feedback from now until September 30, 2025.

• Safe Apartments
  • A new city bylaw aims to improve apartment building conditions by requiring the annual registration of apartment buildings with two or more storeys and six or more units, conducting building evaluations, and establishing tenant service request processes to ensure that issues inside rental units are addressed. Provide input on your experience with building conditions from now until September 30, 2025.

Ward 1 Farmers Markets

Ward 1's delicious and local farmers' markets are still open for another month! Stop by and pick up some local produce, chat with your neighbours, and meet the people behind your food. This year, Ward 1 has two weekly farmers' markets to choose from:

• The Locke Street Farmers Market - 260 Locke Street South (in the Locke Street Tire and Automotive Parking Lot) - every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• The Westdale Village Farmers Market - King Street West @ Marion Avenue - Every Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Events - Ward 1

Erskine Church Barbeque

• Sunday, September 14, 2025, 11:30 AM
• Location: Erskine Presbyterian Church, 19 Pearl St N
• Erskine would like to invite the community to a free BBQ with live music to celebrate the start of another church year in Strathcona! The party will begin right after the service, at about 11:30 AM. All are welcome!

Common Table Community Dialogue: From Talk to Action

• Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Location: Strathcona Market, 460 York Blvd
• After a full house and amazing energy at our first two events, we’re excited to invite you to the next Common Table community dialogue for September. This month’s theme is “Think Global, Act Local”.  Together, we’ll ask how global challenges - from climate change to conflict and inequalities - ripple into our local communities, and how our local actions can spark wider change. All are welcome. No panels. No pressure. Just open conversation, community connection, and space to imagine what’s possible. Please pre-register for this event.

Bishop Farrell Library and Archives Open House

• Saturday, September 20, 2025, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM and Sunday, September 21, 2025, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Location: Bishop Farrell Archives at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, 698 King St W
• The Diocese of Hamilton and Peace & Justice invite everyone to an open house at the Bishop Farrell Library and Archives. Visit us to see The Saint John’s Bible, learn about our services, and pick up a few good books!

Accessibility Hamilton Alliance Film Festival

• Saturday, September 20, 2025. Multiple Times
• Location: The Westdale Theatre, 1014 King St W, Hamilton
• Please join the Accessibility Hamilton Alliance (AHA!) for their Hamilton Accessibility Film Festival at the Westdale Theatre. This is a free event for Disability History Month, though donations to the Westdale Theatre would be welcome. If you are interested in attending one or all of these movies, please register on The Westdale Theatre website. 
• Show times:
  • The Unbreakable Boy - 10:00 AM
  • Harvey - 1:00 PM
  • Still Alice - 4:00 PM
  • The Sound of Metal - 7:00 PM

Sundays UnLocked

• September 21, 2025 & October 19, 2025 
• Location: Locke Street South, between Hunter Street and Herkimer Street
• Enjoy the sights, sounds, and shops of Locke Street South during this summer’s Sundays UNLocked Open Street. From 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on the third Sunday of the month, Locke Street South will be pedestrian-only as Locke’s merchants and community partners take over the street for a friendly and fun festival.

Cholera & Industrial Heritage Cemetery Tour

• September 28, 2025, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
• Location: Hamilton Municipal Cemetery Gates, 777 York Blvd
• This exciting tour from Cemetery Chronicles explores Hamilton’s journey from a city ravaged by cholera to a site of impressive technological advancement dubbed “The Electric City”. Join for a look into the unique history of technology in Hamilton and the lives of the people who changed the city forever. 

Events - Explore Your City

Supercrawl 2025

• September 12-14, 2025
• Location: James St N
• Supercrawl is back for 2025! Join us for Hamilton's biggest festival of arts, culture, and entertainment. This totally free event includes three days of free concerts, art installations, and vendors from across Canada. Head downtown and check it out!

Park Crawl

• September 13-14, 2025
• Location: John Rebecca Park & Gore Park
• Park Crawl will activate both Gore Park (5:00-11:00 PM) and John Rebecca Park (4:00-6:00 PM) simultaneously on select summer days, offering attendees a variety of free and exciting family-friendly entertainment. The event will take place in both parks on June 13, July 11, August 8 and September 13 + 14.

Open Streets Hamilton

• September 28, 2025
• Location: King St E between John St and Gage Ave
• Open Streets Hamilton is back for the fall, closing King St E so Hamiltonians can experience our city in a whole new way, promoting active living, local businesses, and community connections. Open Streets Hamilton promotes physical activity, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. By opening our streets to people of all ages and abilities, we create opportunities for healthier lifestyles, stronger communities, and a more vibrant city for everyone to enjoy.

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: