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• Aberdeen Ave and Dundurn St S Reconstruction Public Information Meeting
• Margaret St and Locke St N Watermain Replacement Public Information Meeting
• Ward 1 Town Hall Recap
• Night Watermain Work
• Charlton Ave W and Kent St Crosswalk Installation
• CPKC Rail Line Cleanup
• Spring Garden Giveaways
• Only One More Week to Submit a Vacant Unit Tax Declaration
• Ward 1 Chronicles: The Life and Architecture of Stanley Roscoe
• Updates from the Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association
• Opportunities to Participate with Engage Hamilton
• Events

Aberdeen Ave and Dundurn St S Reconstruction Public Information Meeting

The City of Hamilton is launching a major infrastructure renewal project that will see Aberdeen Ave (from Queen St S to Studholme Rd) and Dundurn St S (from Aberdeen Ave to Stanley Ave) reconstructed. This will also include minor road rehabilitation on Dundurn St S from Stanley Ave to Hill St. This will upgrade and modernize aging underground infrastructure, including replacing or upgrading 3 watermains and separating the combined sewer line, provide for the appropriate movement of vehicles, create more welcoming, safe, and accessible public spaces, and improve walking, cycling, and other active transportation opportunities.

The first public information meeting regarding this project will be held on May 19, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM at Saffron Hall, Yugal Kunj – Radha Krishna Temple and Community Centre (375 Aberdeen Ave). City staff will be on hand to answer questions about the preliminary design, receive feedback, and hear comments.

Follow the project storyboard for details and updates.

Margaret St and Locke St N Watermain Replacement & Road Design Online Public Information Meeting

In 2027, the City of Hamilton will replace the existing watermain on Margaret St and on Locke St N (between King St W and York Blvd). The work is part of ongoing efforts to maintain or upgrade critical underground infrastructure.

City will hold a public information meeting where staff will provide an overview of the project scope and timeline, share preliminary designs for above-ground improvements, and answer questions and accept comments from residents. Residents are encouraged to attend the meetings to learn more about the project and share their feedback before construction begins.

The virtual meeting takes place on May 25, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Registration Required

Ward 1 Town Hall Recap

A Ward 1 Town Hall was held on Thursday, April 20, 2026. We want to thank everyone who attended and provided thoughtful comments and questions.

The town hall covered some important updates regarding our community, including:

• Updates on the infrastructure work occurring on Main St W
• Information on the forthcoming reconstruction of Aberdeen Ave and Dundurn St S
• A recap of major park and community space investments
• Crime and public safety updates, common scams to be aware of
• Completed and forthcoming investments in housing across Hamilton and Ward 1

Missed the meeting? No worries, we recorded it. It is housed on the Ward 1 YouTube Channel.

Night Watermain Work

Overnight watermain lining along Main St W from Dundurn St S to Locke St S will continue over the next week. During the listed times, traffic will be restricted to 1 LANE on Main St W and through streets may be closed. Residents are asked to anticipate large machinery, noise, and traffic delays. This work is occurring overnight to minimize traffic disruptions during the day. Water shutdowns may occur, and impacted homes will receive notices.

Intersections impacted along Main St W include Dundurn St S, New St, Strathcona Ave S, Margaret St, Poulette St and Locke St S.  

Please consult the Notice from the City of Hamilton or the Ward 1 website for information on where work will be occurring on May 8 and during the week of May 11 to 16, 2026.

Overnight Closure of the Queen Street Hill

Beckett Drive (Queen St Hill) is CLOSED Sunday night, May 10, 2026, for overnight work beginning at 7:00 PM and ending the next morning by 5:00 AM.

The closure is required for routine maintenance. This temporary overnight closure will allow work to be completed quickly and safely.

The closest alternate route during the temporary closure is James Mountain Rd, which can be accessed from West 5th St on the mountain and James St S in the lower city.

Charlton Ave W at Reginald St Crosswalk Installation

Construction of the two accessible sidewalk ramps and a ladder crosswalk on Charlton Ave W and Reginald St is scheduled for next week.  

A temporary walkway with asphalt ramps will be maintained along the south side of Charlton Avenue West for all pedestrians, including those using assistive devices. Parking will be temporarily unavailable on the south side of Charlton Avenue West between approximately Reginald Street and Kent Street.

On active construction days, southbound traffic on Kent St may be diverted intermittently to alternate routes.

City staff have also reported instances of erratic driving and verbal aggression toward workers in the area. Aggressive behaviour toward City staff or construction crews is unacceptable and creates unsafe conditions for everyone.

Please exercise patience, remain attentive, and treat workers and neighbours with respect while this safety improvement is underway.

CPKC Rail Line Cleanup Dundurn

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), the company that owns the rail lines located in Kirkendall and along the western edge of Strathcona, is planning a cleanup of their line between Dundurn St S and Queen St S on May 10, 2026. Huzzah! Thanks to residents and staff for making this happen.

CPKC asked that we remind residents not to trespass on rail lines, as these are high-traffic corridors that pose a serious threat to personal safety for untrained civilians. Designated CPKC staff will conduct this cleanup. Do your part to keep our community healthy and safe by not dumping household waste on or around rail lines and report any suspicious activity, such as illegal dumping or trespassing, directly to CPKC at their 24/7 emergency line: 1-800-716-9132. CPKC has locally based teams and rail police who can respond to concerns about activity around rail lines.

Illegal dumping on public or private property can also be reported to the City of Hamilton by calling 905-546-2489, emailing [email protected], or filling out an online complaint form.

Spring Garden Giveaways

The spring gardening season is fast approaching! To help residents prepare, the City of Hamilton is holding some free giveaways to make this planting season a little easier.

Free Tree Giveaway

This year, the City of Hamilton was recognized as a Tree City of the World by the Arbour Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This recognition sees Hamilton, along with 22 other municipalities in Canada, celebrated for our civic commitment to expanding and caring for our urban forest. Urban trees cool streets, improve air quality, absorb stormwater, and reduce urban noise.

Residents can do their part to help expand our urban tree canopy by signing up for the City of Hamilton's free Tree Giveaway Program, which is back this year with a new twist: residents can now get two native trees and/or shrubs for their property! 

Every year, the City of Hamilton gives away native shade trees and shrubs to residents to plant on their private property. Planting a native tree on your property helps improve air quality, fight climate change, and increase your property value. 

This year, property owners can get two trees and/or shrubs to plant! All you need to do is bring a valid Ontario Driver's Licence or your property tax bill along when you come to pick up your trees and/or shrubs. Homeowners are responsible for the planting, watering, and maintenance of their trees, so be sure to leaf through some information on tree care and consult OntarioOneCall.ca before you dig on your property.

Pre-registration is required, and pickup happens rain or shine. This year, pick-ups take place at two locations on multiple dates.

Compost Giveaway

The City of Hamilton is also holding a Compost Giveaway. This is a chance for gardeners to pick up high-quality, nutrient-rich compost processed from the Curbside Yard Waste Collection Program. Residents are invited to bring their own shovels and containers to fill up on locally produced compost for FREE!

This year, residents can collect free compost from three locations on multiple dates.

Only One More Week to Submit a Vacant Unit Tax Declaration

The City of Hamilton has extended the deadline to submit a Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration to May 15, 2026.

The VUT was implemented to increase housing supply in Hamilton by encouraging residential property owners to keep their properties occupied rather than leave them vacant. The VUT is an additional tax equal to 1% of a property's current assessed value on any residential unit that was vacant for more than 183 days in the previous year.

All residential property owners are required to declare the occupancy status of their properties for the 2025 tax year. Failure to submit a declaration by the deadline will result in the residential unit being deemed vacant, and the VUT will be applied. To date, 92 percent of Hamilton's homeowners have submitted a declaration.

Declarations can be submitted online, by phone, by email, by mail, or in person at all City of Hamilton Municipal Service Centres. Residents who need assistance completing their declaration can contact the City via email at [email protected] or by calling 905-546-2573.

Ward 1 Chronicles - The Life and Architecture of Stanley Roscoe

Stanley Roscoe transformed Hamilton, working in both public and private practice, and his striking architectural style is still evident across Ward 1 and the City.

Roscoe was born 200 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg in the small town of Franklin, Manitoba. After serving on a corvette and a minesweeper in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II, Roscoe enrolled in an architecture program at the University of Manitoba (UofM). He graduated in 1949 after writing a thesis on the architecture of children's hospitals. This thesis caught the eye of John Douglas Kyles, another veteran who ran the largest architecture firm in Hamilton. Kyles quickly offered Roscoe a job, and the young architect moved east with his family. Upon arriving, they soon settled on Homewood Ave in Kirkendall. Roscoe eventually came across a parcel of land in Ancaster near the Hamilton Golf and Country Club and built a stunning mid-century modern home for his family, one he designed himself. It still stands today as "The Roscoe House".

Roscoe had quickly made a name for himself, working with fellow UofM grads to develop a comprehensive proposal for low-cost, high-quality homes to help Hamilton address its post-war housing crisis. This plan impressed Mayor Lloyd Jackson and, soon, Roscoe's name was at the top of the list to become Hamilton's first City Architect. He was appointed to the role in 1951. Roscoe brought his love of the "International Style" of architecture to the job. This style - defined by minimalism, utility, and many flat, unostentatious surfaces - grew in popularity in the post-war period. 

One of Roscoe's first jobs was to redesign Hamilton's aging firehouses. Instead of building firehouses with sleeping quarters above garages, Roscoe reimagined them as one-floor "no pole" firehouses, allowing firefighters to reach their trucks more quickly and easily. As Roscoe told the Hamilton Spectator, he didn't want firefighters injuring themselves while responding to emergencies, saying, "I would have no part in designing a building where people could get hurt." Today, Fire Station 11 at the corner of Ray St S and George St in Strathcona stands as one of Roscoe's most recognizable "no pole" firehouses. Roscoe designed a similar firehouse - Station 10 - at the corner of Main St W and Norfolk St S in Ainslie Wood, though that particular building was redesigned in 2000 to meet the needs of a growing community.

Roscoe's biggest challenge began to develop even before he was hired. While he was still an undergraduate student, an official report declared that Hamilton City Hall - then at the intersection of James St N, York St, and King William St (an intersection that no longer exists) - no longer met the needs of a rapidly growing and dynamic city. A city committee began looking for sites for a new City Hall the year before he was hired, and, just a few years into his tenure as City Architect, a decision was made to relocate City Hall to Main St W. When it came time to draw up the plans, Roscoe was handed the immense task. Over the next few years, Roscoe and his former champion, Mayor Lloyd Jackson, began to butt heads over the building's design. During a tense meeting, Jackson suggested that Roscoe be dismissed for failing to accommodate the mayor's desire to relocate the entire council chambers from the old City Hall to the new one. City council backed Roscoe and the City Architect's design (with an entirely new council chamber), which became a reality. On November 21, 1960, the new Hamilton City Hall opened to the public. Since then, his design has been cited in architecture textbooks as one of the most exceptional examples of mid-century civic architecture still standing in Canada.

But, just one month before Hamilton's new City Hall opened its doors, Roscoe announced he would be stepping down as City Architect at the end of 1960 to start his own private firm. Upon learning of his decision to step down, Mayor Jackson informed the outgoing City Architect that he had "done a splendid job, despite [our] disagreements." Even though Jackson and Roscoe had different visions for the future of this city, they maintained a collegial and professional relationship, showing that, even despite their differences, they recognized the importance of politicians and staff working closely and respectfully for the betterment of all of Hamilton.

Over the next 37 years, Roscoe continued to make his mark on Hamilton, designing landmarks such as 1 James Street South, 25 Main West (formerly known as the IBM Building), and the Fifty Point Marina. Over the course of his career, both public and private, Roscoe introduced innovations that made his buildings more accessible to people with different abilities, introduced new building materials and construction techniques to save time and money, and ensured each building was a healthy blend of functionality and fabulousness.

Roscoe's architecture dots Ward 1's landscape. In addition to Station 11, during his time as City Architect, Roscoe designed the Chedoke Golf Course Pro Shop in 1953, the Westdale Library in 1957 (originally called "the Western Branch"), and the Churchill Park Lawn Bowling Clubhouse in 1958/1959. And Roscoe's private firm designed the new Strathcona Public School in 1983.

Roscoe passed away in 2010 at age 88, leaving behind a monumental legacy in Hamilton. From the simple residential homes he designed with his private firm to the essential civic buildings we all know and use to this day that he imagined as City Architect, Roscoe's work helped to shape this city. Nowhere is that more evident than in his design of Hamilton City Hall. Upon its opening in 1960, Roscoe outlined his basic philosophy while drawing up the designs: "My object was to give the place dignity," he said, "yet add the human note so essential in municipal government."

When passing a local firehall, library, or school, on your walks through the Ward, take a closer look and see if Roscoe's philosophy - dignity with a human note - can be seen in their design.

The KNA's Annual Compost Sale

The Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association's annual compost sale takes place this Saturday. Volunteers will be on hand to bag compost for you, or you can fill your own container if you bring one along. Bags are $4.50 per bag (well-rounded cubic foot), and there are Green Thumb Deals: 5 bags for $21 or 10 bags for $41.

• Date: May 9, 2026,
• Time: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Location: Blessings Christian Church parking lot (115 Stanley Ave)

The KNA would like to extend thanks to Monaghan Mushrooms, D'Orazio Infrastructure, and Blessings Christian Church for their support.

KNA Food Drive update

Look what you did, Kirkendall! This year, over 16,000 lbs of food were collected by the KNA volunteers who visited doors across the neighbourhood last Saturday. This year's total eclipses 2025 by over 5,000 lbs! Absolutely incredible!

Still want to donate? The KNA is accepting donations at their depot locations until May 10th. Locations are on your bag or visit the KNA website for more info.

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:

• Age-Friendly and Dementia-Inclusive Community Plan 2027-2031
  • Since 2007, Hamilton has been working to make our city more age-friendly. Building on this history and experience, the City wants to hear resident perspectives as it develops Hamilton’s Age-Friendly and Dementia-Inclusive Community Plan for 2027 - 2031. As the community grows and changes, it is important for Hamilton to continue to be a place where people of all ages can live safely, stay active and remain connected. The City of Hamilton wants to hear from residents age 50+ between April 27 and July 5, 2026 through the Engage Hamilton portal. There will also be community conversations and focus groups occurring throughout the month of May.
• HSR Next - Moving Hamilton Forward
  • HSR is moving Hamilton forward with HSR Next, the largest transformation of the city’s transit network in decades. Beginning in fall 2027, HSR plans to roll out the first phase of network improvements designed to make transit faster, more connected and more reliable across Hamilton. Resident feedback will help the HSR understand how these proposed changes may affect your trip and identify opportunities to improve your service. The HSR Next Survey will be available between May 1 and May 22, 2026.
• Road Classification and Right-of-Way Study
  • The City of Hamilton is undertaking the Road Classification and Right-of-Way Study to modernize how our streets are defined, planned, and designed. This work builds on the 2018 Citywide Transportation Master Plan and the Complete Streets Design Guidelines, advancing the City’s goals for safety, sustainability, equity, and climate resilience. The study aims to integrate Complete Street typologies with road classification categories, creating streets that are safe and accessible for all road users. We want to understand your concerns about road classifications and right-of-way dedications in your neighbourhood. Resident perspectives gathered during public information sessions will be used to inform the proposed road classifications and official plan amendments. The Lower City session will be held from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on May 28, 2026 at Hamilton City Hall (71 Main St W). More information can be found on the Engage Hamilton portal.

Events - Ward 1

Thinking Beyond the Market Movie Screening and Discussion

• May 10, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 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 AM to 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 PM to 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.

Kirkendall Neighbourhood Yard Sale

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

Events - Explore Your City

Clothing and Textile Donation Event

• May 9, 2026, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Location: Dundas Community Recycling Centre, 27 Olympic Dr
• The City of Hamilton, in partnership with the Salvation Army Thrift Store, will be holding a clothing and textile donation event at the Dundas Community Recycling Centre this Saturday. This free event provides an opportunity for residents to help keep clothing and other textiles out of landfills and put to good use.  

Youth Townhall

• May 9, 2026, 9:30 AM to 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. If there's a civic-minded young Hamiltonian in your life that you think would benefit from this opportunity to network with other young Hamiltonians and learn more about our municipal government, encourage them to sign up today!

Spring in the Park

• Now until May 18, 2026
• Location: Gage Park, 1000 Main St E
• Residents and visitors can enjoy fresh air and explore nature as more than 60,000 spring blooms transform Gage Park during Spring in the Park! This free, self-guided floral walking experience will showcase some spring favourites in all their colourful glory. Visitors are encouraged to start at the Tropical Greenhouse, where they can pick up a scavenger hunt and set out to explore. Both indoor scavenger hunts in the Tropical Greenhouse and outdoor Spring in the Park scavenger hunts are available, offering interactive activities for visitors of all ages. 

Touch-A-Truck

• May 23, 2026, 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 at Pier 8! This year’s event will allow residents of all-ages to literally ‘touch-a-truck’, including snowplows, Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) buses, street sweepers, hydro excavation trucks, litter vacuums, a loader truck and a line painter truck. Beyond the vehicles, Touch-a-Truck features fun activities and giveaways for kids, such as a traffic light demonstration, animal encounters, paint-a-snowplow-blade, face painting and a live DJ.

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. 

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: