May is blooming with events. Here is a quick recap on what is happening in Ward 1 this weekend and beyond.

Join us for a Ward 1 Town Hall

Join your Ward 1 neighbours for the Ward 1 Hybrid Town Hall with Councillor Wilson and guests. Councillor Wilson will provide a Ward 1 update and answer questions from attendees. Brian Hollingsworth, Director of Engineering Services, will share an overview of major infrastructure projects underway this year and next. The newest Hamilton Police Service Ward Crime Manager will also provide an update on ward activity.

The event takes place on April 30, 2026, at 7:00 PM and is open to residents to attend in person at McMaster Innovation Park, 175, or online via Zoom. Registration is requested for in-person and online attendance.  

McMaster Innovation Park is accessible by walking, cycling, HSR, and by car. Parking is free. 

Event Spotlight: 

Ecolocke and the First Unitarian Climate Action Team invite you to their free Water is Life, not a Commodity! event this Saturday, May 2, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Location: 

The event will open with a water song by the Mohawk mother-daughter team of Marie and Elaina Jones. Then, there will be a variety of speakers, including a short film about the Garner Marsh, updates from the Water Watchers, the City of Hamilton's Watershed Management group, and Green Venture.

There will be activities for children. Please come and help spread the word as we learn more about our local water and ecosystem!

KNA Food Drive This Saturday

The KNA's Fill a Bus, Feed a Family Food Drive

It's Time! The KNA Kirkendall Food Drive takes place on Saturday, May 2.

Did you know? The KNA Fill a Bus Feed a Family Food Drive has donated $240,623 lbs of food to Mission Services Good Food Centre since 2007!

Food Donation Bags have been delivered to every Kirkendall household. If you didn't receive a bag or you would like an extra one, email [email protected].

Food drive collection volunteers will circulate through the neighbourhood this Saturday morning. If you wish to participate, please place your bag on your doorstep by 10:00 AM

Alternatively, if you are away on the date, or you missed the pick-up time, you can drop your bag at any one of the drop-off depots:

• Coldwell Banker – 1-318 Dundurn St S
• FLO Aesthetics Nails Laser – 141 Locke St S
• Dundurn Market – 346 Dundurn St S
• Locke Street Branch – Hamilton Public Library – 285 Locke St S
• Picks & Sticks Music – 140 Locke St S

Most requested donation items

• Personal hygiene: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, menstrual products, household cleaning and laundry products
• Pantry items: health cereals, oatmeal packets, pancake mix & syrup, peanut butter, flour, rice, school-friendly snacks for kids, apple sauce, fruit cups, nut-free granola bars, canned tomatoes, dried beans/lentil/chickpeas, canned veggies (low salt), pasta & pasta sauce, beans in tomato sauce, canned tuna, crackers,
• Baby items: formula, diapers (sizes 3, 4, & 5 are most needed)

You can also donate directly to Mission Services, send an e-transfer to [email protected] (include your name & address for a receipt) or visit mission-services.com/kirkendall.

The first weekend in May offers Hamiltonians a chance to get out and explore their community in fun, unique, and interactive ways. This year, residents can take in some of Hamilton's most iconic buildings through Doors Open or participate in guided Jane's Walk tours of historic communities.

Doors Open

Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The theme of this year's edition of Doors Open is "Forged in Sound", highlighting how music has shaped and been shaped by this incredible city. There are 43 wonderful Doors Open sites across Hamilton, and six Doors Open locations in Ward 1 this year so be sure to plan ahead and bring your curiosity as you explore all Hamilton has to offer! Doors Open Schedule

Jane's Walks

Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, 2026

Jane's Walk is an annual festival of free, citizen-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs, the author and urban advocate who encouraged urban dwellers to get out, get involved, and get their eyes on the street. This year, 13 interesting, informative, and free Jane's Walks are happening across Hamilton, with six Jane's taking place right here in Ward 1. Walk Schedule

Events - Ward 1

KNA Compost Sale

• May 9, 2026, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
• Pre-order your compost today at [email protected]. The KNA would like to extend thanks to Monaghan Mushrooms, D'Orazio Infrastructure, and Blessings Christian Church for their support.

Youth Town Hall

• May 9, 2026, from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Location: Hamilton City Hall (71 Main St W).
• The City of Hamilton, in partnership with Model City Hall, is excited to host the 2026 Hamilton Youth Townhall, a free, full-day civic engagement event for youth aged 14–29 from across the City of Hamilton. This interactive event gives participants a “youth-only access pass” to City Hall, where they can participate in specialised workshops on civic learning, engage in conversations with members of council, and gain insight into opportunities for civic engagement. This is a unique space for youth to ensure their voices are heard and valued in local government.

Thinking Beyond the Market Movie Screening and Discussion

• May 10, 2026, from 2:00-4:30 PM
• Location: The First Unitarian Church of Hamilton, 170 Dundurn St S
• Join ACORN Hamilton, The First Unitarian Church of Hamilton, and the Hamilton Community Benefits Network for a screening of Dr Brian Doucette's film "Thinking Beyond the Market". Dr Doucette's film explores innovative housing projects that challenge the current thinking on how we live. From using public land to build non-market housing in Kitchener and Whistler, and inspiring Indigenous-led projects in Vancouver, to strong tenant protections and rent control in British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, the examples featured in this film demonstrate how many important solutions are making a difference in communities big and small! Reserve a spot and enjoy this unique new film!

Stronger Together: Seniors' Safety and Connection Workshop Series

• May 14, June 11, June 18, and June 25, 2026, from 10:00-11:30 AM
• Location: St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 320 Charlton Ave W
• Join St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church and the Martin Fund for the Stronger Together senior workshop series. Learn practical tips on fraud prevention, wellness, and personal safety, with helpful resources to take home and opportunities to connect with others in the community. On April 30, the Hamilton Police Service will join to discuss scams. On May 14, learn how to age well from Shalem Mental Health Network. On June 11, RBC will be on hand to discuss fraud prevention, and on June 18, learn about how to go from victim to advocate after a scam. RSVP by emailing [email protected], by phone at 905-522-0602, or by filling out an online form. 

Dundurn Historic Kitchen Garden Spring Opening

• May 16, 2026, from 12:00 -4:00 PM
• Location: Dundurn National Historic Site, 610 York Blvd
• Come celebrate the official spring opening of Dundurn Castle's Historic Kitchen Garden for the 2026 growing season! Explore the sights and smells of spring with free self-guided tours and sensory prompts. Drop by for family-friendly activities in Sophia’s Garden, Dundurn's child-focused and interactive garden featuring plants selected to inspire kids to engage with nature.

KNA Yard Sale

• May 30, 2026
• Register your location today. Sign up here for the KNA Yard Sale!

Events - Explore Your City

Mental Health Week 2026 Community Kick-Off Celebration

• May 5, 2026, starting at 11:30 AM
• Location: City Hall Forecourt, 71 Main St W
• Each year, during the first full week of May, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) branches across the nation celebrate Mental Health Week.  This year’s theme is Better Connection = Better Mental Health! This year's Community Kick-Off is an outdoor BBQ and information fair inclusive of all members of the community. Hamilton Community Service Agencies provide information booths and activities to promote awareness of the local services available for people with mental health and substance use concerns.

Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music

• Now to Friday, December 31, 2026
• Location: Tourism Hamilton Visitor Experience Centre, 28 James St N
• Celebrate Hamilton's thriving music scene and the journey of music-making with "Punching In", an exhibit curated by Hamilton Civic Museums in collaboration with the Hamilton music community! Learn about the contributions of promoters, venue owners, songwriters, photographers and sound engineers to your favourite Hamilton songs, and revel in the nostalgia of iconic Hamilton concerts and music venues, past and present. The exhibit will highlight local musicians, including Jackie Washington, Boris Brott, Terra Lightfoot, and the Arkells, as well as the industry that helps to create and share this music. 

Follow along for timely Ward 1 Updates via:   

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