It's May 22, 2025. Do you know what is going on in the community? You're in luck! The Ward 1 Newsletter has the information you need.

In this edition, find an invitation to a Margaret/Locke St N watermain replacement meeting, read some updates about Ward 1's park projects, learn how you can participate in the 2026 Trillium Awards or help the Hamilton Community Peregrine Project, and watch an important community safety update recording from a recent Ward 1 townhall. There's plenty to discover in The Ward 1 Newsletter!

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• Margaret St and Locke St N Watermain Replacement Public Information Meeting
• Aberdeen Avenue - Recent Implementation of Traffic Safety Measures
• Park Project Updates
• Growing a Greener Ward 1
• Trillium Awards 2026
• Keeping up with the Falcons
• Community Safety Update
• Westdale Road Resurfacing
• Home Solar Accelerator
• Opportunities to Participate with Engage Hamilton
• Event Spotlight: Bike Month 2026
• Events

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

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.

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Aberdeen Avenue Implementation of Traffic Safety Measures

The City is currently implementing interim roadway safety measures along Aberdeen Avenue between Queen Street and Dundurn Street, as outlined in Public Works Committee Reports PW17021(b) and PW17021(c).

The work includes updated pavement markings, enhanced bus-only lane markings, temporary curb bump-outs, corner radius reductions, additional ladder crosswalks, pedestrian visibility improvements, transit stop accessibility upgrades, and associated signage updates.

These interim measures are intended to improve safety, visibility, accessibility, and roadway operations in the near term while the longer-term reconstruction of Aberdeen Avenue continues through the design process. Residents may notice temporary lane adjustments, parking changes, and short-term traffic disruptions while work is underway.

Several elements of the project, including new ladder crosswalks and pavement marking pre-layout work, were completed in 2025. The remaining work is underway and is expected to be completed within the next one to two weeks, weather permitting.

The interim measures build on several years of roadway safety improvements and pilot projects along the corridor. A multi-year City review of traffic operations, parking activity, and collision data identified improved safety outcomes following implementation of the pilot measures, including reductions in overall collisions and no reported pedestrian or cyclist collisions. The review also identified opportunities for additional traffic-calming and pedestrian-safety improvements, which informed the measures now being installed.

As with any significant traffic change, there will inevitably be a period of adjustment as drivers familiarize themselves with the new roadway configuration. No one underestimates the challenges and frustrations these changes may have created this week. The Director of Transportation Operations has stated that staff will continue to closely monitor the corridor and make adjustments where necessary. Residents are encouraged to share feedback directly with Transportation Operations at [email protected].

Aberdeen Avenue and Dundurn Street South Reconstruction 

City staff hosted a public information drop-in session on May 19. Regardless of tornado warnings, over 150 people came to review Draft One options for the future of the two roads. 

To review the first draft of the designs, visit the project's storyboard and share your thoughts and ideas with the project and consultant as they move forward with draft two.

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Park Project Updates

Victoria Park Tennis Courts

The work on the popular Victoria Park Tennis Courts is nearing completion. The fencing has been installed, the lights have been put up, and the asphalt has been laid. The next steps are to apply the geotextile mesh, which will extend the life of the court, and apply the protective acrylic coating. Each of these steps requires good weather and no rain to ensure they cure. Based on the forecast and the work program, the project is on track to be completed within three weeks. Please note that significant weather events may impact this timeline.

Ainslie Wood Community Hub

Work is progressing on the Ainslie Wood Community Hub, and the project is on track to be completed by the end of June. The playground at Alexander Park is open to the public, and work has been completed on the electrical facilities at the baseball cages.

Alexander Park Skatepark

The skatepark project at Alexander Park was on hold until issues with the water table could be addressed. The design was adjusted to mitigate historical water table levels.  The project is expected to resume this year.

Churchill Park

Work continues on the north staircase and the western park entrance. Access to most of the park (playground, spray pad, sports fields, and most pathways) will be maintained during construction.  

Churchill Field House Washrooms

Beginning in the fall, the seasonal washrooms will be fully renovated to allow year-round access and update their configuration.

HAAA Grounds - Park Renewal

Construction is underway on the HAAA Grounds renewal. Reminder: there will be absolutely no access through the park during construction. Check out our March 13, 2026, newsletter for more information on the anticipated impacts and expected outcomes.

Alternative parks while the HAAA is under construction:

• Multi-age parks: Jackson Street Park and Beulah Park
• Junior play structures: Hill Street and Mapleside parks

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Growing a Greener Ward 1

It's growing season in Hamilton! With residents getting out and flexing their green thumbs, it is important to remember the crucial role native species and pollinator plants play in a healthy, vibrant, and diverse ecosystem. Greener Ward 1 is a great resource for learning how you can contribute to your community's biodiversity. Read about how you can improve biodiversity in your neighbourhood, take a virtual guided tree tour of each of Ward 1's four neighbourhoods, get some tips about smart garden design, and locate some native plant nurseries in the area.

If you are interested in discovering more about what the City of Hamilton is doing, check out the Biodiversity Action Plan, a multi-partner, 5-year plan of action to protect, enhance, explore and restore biodiversity in Hamilton. And you can keep up-to-date with some of the City's Biodiversity Action Plan partners like the Bay Area Restoration Council, the Hamilton Naturalists' Club, and Green Venture.

For the fauna-focused, check out what the City of Hamilton is doing to help birds and pollinators. In 2022, Hamilton became Canada’s sixth certified “Bird Friendly City” and was recently declared an official Bee City by Pollinator Partnership Canada.

Let's grow a greener, more biodiverse Hamilton together!

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Trillium Awards 2026

The Trillium Awards are celebrating 70 years of encouraging community pride by recognizing excellence in landscape design and maintenance. Since 1956 (when the program was called the Hamilton Beautification Award), the Trillium Awards have recognized those Hamiltonians who go the extra mile to beautify properties and make a positive contribution to their community. The Trillium Awards focus on front yards that are easily viewable from public streets and sidewalks. Each year, 20 White Trillium Awards, 1 Pink Trillium Award (for the highest-scoring garden), and 2 Community Trillium Awards are given out per ward, plus the coveted Hamilton-wide Red Trillium Award for the best front garden in the city.

The Trillium Awards committee is accepting applications for the position of judge until June 1, 2026. Nominations for awards are open until July 1, 2026. Judging will occur throughout the summer, and all winners will be posted on the City of Hamilton's website by September 15, 2026. If you have a keen horticultural eye and want to volunteer as a judge, or if you know someone in your community who should be nominated for their spectacular front garden, submit an application or nomination today!

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Keeping up with the Falcons

The Hamilton Community Peregrine Project (HCPP - an initiative of the Hamilton Naturalists' Club) has been hard at work ensuring the chicks of the Sheraton Hotel's resident falcons, McKeever and Judson, are safe and healthy. On May 19, 2026, each of the four chicks was "banded" to ensure they can be monitored and was given a name. This year, the female chicks were named Corktown and Saltfleet, while the male chicks were named Vincent and, in honour of a Ward 1 institution, Dalewood! A video of the banding process is available on the HCPP website.

The HCPP's volunteer falcon monitoring program, "Falconwatch", is hosting a volunteer orientation session at 5:30 PM on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the David Braley Health Sciences Centre (100 Main St W) for those interested in helping. The Falconwatch program involves volunteers operating in two-hour shifts, tracking the movements of the chicks as they make their first flights and are ready to summon help (by radio) for any chick that comes to ground without the strength to take off again. This is an important program that helps to protect these vulnerable chicks and ensure the long-term stability of Hamilton's official city bird. Any interested community member can email [email protected] to RSVP for the volunteer orientation session or to get more information about Falconwatch.

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Community Safety Update

The Hamilton Police Service (HPS) is alerting the public to a scam being perpetrated across Hamilton. Called the "Taxi Scam", it involves two individuals - a fake "customer" and a fake rideshare or taxi "driver" - who will mislead an unsuspecting bystander. They will create a scenario in which the fake customer is unable to pay for their ride and, in a state of exaggerated panic, tries to convince a bystander to use their credit or debit card, which is then stolen and copied.

This scam has been perpetrated in areas around McMaster University. Recently, the HPS have identified cases occurring downtown.

Sgt. Schultz, Ward 1's HPS Crime Manager, provided a detailed update about this scam and other common scams during the recent Ward 1 Town Hall. 

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Westdale Road Resurfacing

This year, roads across Westdale will be resurfaced. Much of this work is possible thanks to funding from the Canada Community Building Fund, a permanent federal government program that provides municipal infrastructure funding and is administered by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. The project is presently in the "design" phase. Upon completion, the project will go out to tender, bids will be reviewed, and a contract will be awarded. Once this process is complete, residents will receive more specific information on when the work will begin on their street.

Nine streets and street sections have been identified for this work. They are:

• Cline Ave S (From Main St W to King St W)
• Newton Ave (From Main St W to King St W)
• Paisley Ave S (From Main St W to King St W))
• South Oval (From Newton Ave to King St W)
• Barclay St (From Cline Ave S to Marion Ave S)
• Arkell St (From Cline Ave S to Bond St S)
• Devon Pl (Parkside Dr to Longwood Rd N)
• Kipling Rd (Parkside Dr to Glen Rd)
• Paradise Rd N (Desjardin Crt to Norwood Rd)

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Home Solar Accelerator

The City of Hamilton's Climate Action Strategy is a plan to help residents prepare for the impacts of climate change. This strategy outlines how the City and community will reach net‑zero carbon emissions by 2050 in an equitable way.

There are many ways residents can improve their climate resilience, but one of the most effective is to consider installing solar at home. The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) - a GTHA-based regional climate agency jointly funded by the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario, and the Government of Canada - has launched the Home Solar Accelerator (HSA) to help those interested in starting a rooftop solar journey. The HSA helps homeowners overcome key barriers to rooftop solar by providing trusted guidance, concierge support, and access to vetted installers – making it easier to act on home electrification and emissions reduction.

Whether you're in it for the savings, the climate impact, backup power, or just tired of watching rates climb, the HSA will show you the numbers for free, provide personalized assessments, dedicated points of contact, and pre-screened installers. If rooftop solar is something you are considering, the HSA can help you understand the costs and commitments.

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Opportunities to Participate with Engage Hamilton

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

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 remain a place where people of all ages can live safely, stay active, and remain connected. The City of Hamilton wants to hear from residents aged 50+ during the period April 27 to July 5, 2026, via the Engage Hamilton portal. There will also be community conversations and focus groups occurring throughout the month of May.
• Auchmar Estate Community Engagement
  • Auchmar Estate is a large property with a storied history, located on Hamilton Mountain at 88 Fennel Avenue, near Mohawk College and St. Joseph's Healthcare. The City of Hamilton is developing a plan for the future of Auchmar Estate and invites the public to help shape it. A vision for redevelopment has emerged that could include a unique mix of for-profit creative enterprises balanced with space for not-for-profit creative activities and community programs. Community members are asked to participate in a survey regarding Auchmar's future until June 30, 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 to create 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.

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Event Spotlight: Bike Month 2026

Bike Month Hamilton is an annual, City-wide celebration held every June that promotes cycling as a healthy, environmentally sustainable, and accessible mode of transportation. Bike Month is a partnership between the City of Hamilton, Cycle Hamilton, and a host of local community organizations and stakeholders. The programming during Bike Month aims to encourage Hamiltonians to choose sustainable and healthy forms of transportation and advance the City's Cycling Master Plan and Accelerated Active Transportation Implementation Plan, which aims to double the number of improved or installed bike lanes and multi-use pathways by 2028. So grab a bike and pedal on over to one of these great events:

City Hall Bike Day

• Hamilton City Hall (71 Main St W), Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM

City Hall Bike Day is a community gathering to celebrate cycling in Hamilton. This family-friendly event features educational booths and opportunities to engage with staff and local cycling organizations. Light refreshments will be provided, and residents are encouraged to cycle to City Hall to join the fun!

Open Streets on King St E

• King St E from John St to Gage Ave, Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Open Streets returns to transform King St E into a vibrant, car-free space for walking, biking, rolling, and community fun. Stretching from John St to Gage Ave, Open Streets is about physical activity, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and enjoying the street! Vendors will be set up at major intersections and landmarks, and the BIAs along King St will host "mini-hubs" showcasing their community and businesses.

Bike for Mike

• Collective Arts (207 Burlington St E), Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Bike for Mike is Hamilton’s annual, city-wide cycle in honour of Hamilton cycling advocate Mike Chamberlain. It aims to help build a city that works for children and where community participation changes how children move through their neighbourhoods. Pick between a 5-to-10 km roll, a 25 km cafe ride, the 50 km classic route, or the 75 km joy ride, register to ride, raise funds, and help support community organizations like Cycle Hamilton and the Daily School Route. All rides start and end at Collective Arts (207 Burlington St E).

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Events - Ward 1

Jackson-Canada Yard and Plant Sale

• May 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Location: 96 Pearl St S
• The Jackson-Canada Crew invite you to drop by a Yard and Plant Sale on Saturday, May 30. Drop by, take a look at some household treasures, and buy a tomato plant or two!

Kirkendall Neighbourhood Yard Sale

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

Stronger Together: Seniors' Safety and Connection Workshop Series

• 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], calling 905-522-0602, or filling out an online form.

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Events - Explore Your City

Touch-A-Truck

• UPDATE: The "Touch-A-Truck" event scheduled for May 23, 2026, has been CANCELLED due to forecasted inclement weather. The City of Hamilton appreciates everyone's understanding and looks forward to seeing everyone again next year.

Hamilton Newcomer Day 2026

• May 29, 2026, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Location: Hamilton City Hall, 71 Main St W
• Hamilton Newcomer Day is a vibrant celebration of diversity, community, and connection. Hosted by the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council, the event welcomes newcomers to the city and offers opportunities to learn about local services, meet community organizations, and celebrate the many cultures that make Hamilton home. Enjoy a full day of programming hosted by emcee Joëlle Kabisoso, with music by MauriiceTheDJ. Don’t miss the Opening Ceremony at 1:30 PM, featuring Indigenous Elder and Knowledge Keeper, NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun (Lyndon George). Plus, visit the Forge FC booth for free tickets to their June 10 International Night, and take part in creating a community mural with Karla-Maria Creativo! Explore a wide variety of organizations, performers, and vendors, and take part in engaging activities for all ages.

Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek

• June 6 and 7, 2026
• Location: Battlefield House Museum and Park, 77 King St W, Stoney Creek
• Witness the re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek on June 6, 1813, a significant turning point in the War of 1812. Bring the whole family for period games, demonstrations, historical music, and food. Visit the merchants and military encampments and discover traditional pastimes. Tour Battlefield House, built in 1789, and explore the 100-foot-tall Battlefield Monument, opened on June 6, 1913. The event features Indigenous programming including a narrated 'Great Peace Game’ of Haudenosaunee Lacrosse prior to each Battle Re-enactment on Saturday. NEW this year is a Drone Light Show at dusk on Saturday that will depict the National Historic Site’s history and interpret the Eagles Among Us sculpture, installed in 2014 to commemorate Indigenous contributions to the War of 1812.

The Hidden Gardens of Durand

• June 20, 2026, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Location: Across Durand
• Experience the hidden gardens of Hamilton’s historic southwest at the 2026 Grand Durand Garden Tour! This exclusive self-guided tour invites you beyond the gates of some of the city’s most historic homes on Saturday, June 20. With past tours selling out quickly, this year’s event is expected to do the same. Tickets are $35 and are available now. Grab a ticket and discover the beauty and elegance of the Durand neighbourhood. For questions/inquiries, please contact the organizers are [email protected].

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. 

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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.

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Ward 1 Development Information

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

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Follow along for timely Ward 1 Updates via:   

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