It's July 3, 2026. 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, you can find information on summer fun in Hamilton, updates on important park projects and roadworks, a Ward 1 Chronicles edition on the Mountain Ave Maternity Hospital, and so much more! There's plenty to discover in The Ward 1 Newsletter!

Get your "copy" fresh from the desktop by subscribing to our mailing list!

• Municipal Election Update
• Groundbreaking for Sacajawea's Indigenous Learners' Residence
• Victoria Park Pool Is Open!
• Main Street Watermain Lining Construction Lane Closures and Restrictions - July 6-10
• Upcoming Consultation on Chedoke Golf Course
• In Case You Missed It: Margaret St and Locke St N Watermain Replacement & Road Design
• HAAA Construction Update
• Hamilton Fire Department Makes Donation to Northern Ontario Indigenous Communities
• Free Summer Programs Return!
• The Municipal Accommodation Tax
• Connecting with Family Doctors
• Ward 1 Chronicles - The Mountain Ave Maternity Hospital
• Opportunities to Participate with Engage Hamilton
• Events

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Municipal Election Update

Nominations for the October 26, 2026, Municipal Election opened on May 1. Councillor Maureen Wilson registered on the first day and, as of last week, officially launched her re-election campaign. If you wish to follow along with the campaign, you can check out her campaign site. Please note this is the only reference to the campaign site, and it is provided for informational purposes only. The campaign site operates separately from this website.

The Ward 1 Newsletter will continue to be published and will serve as a source of city information, community information and updates. We are committed to providing residents with important information about events, notices about municipal work in Ward 1, and other relevant updates to keep you up to date on what's happening in Ainslie Wood, Kirkendall, Strathcona, and Westdale.

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Groundbreaking for Sacajawea's Indigenous Learners' Residence

On June 25, 2026, Ward 1 celebrated the groundbreaking for Sacajawea's Indigenous Learners' Residence at 95 Dundurn Street South. The ceremony, held on the Jackson Street West side of the property, brought together residents and community supporters to mark this important milestone.

Among those in attendance were Sacajawea Executive Director Miranda Rapazzo, Board Chair Dixie Doxtator, Elizabeth Gray of Mohawk College, Justin Lewis, former Director of Hamilton's Housing Secretariat and now Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, Councillor Maureen Wilson, Members of Parliament, and many community partners.

The residence reflects Sacajawea's vision of providing safe, supportive housing for Indigenous post-secondary learners in a location that offers convenient access to multiple educational institutions, public transit, and neighbourhood amenities. Ward 1 is proud to welcome this important addition to the community and the opportunities it will create for Indigenous students for generations to come.

Sacajawea's board chair, Dixie Doxtador (Oneida Nation, Bear Clan of the Six Nations), welcomed the rain that day as an opportunity to cleanse the site as Sacajawea prepares to build a new residence for Indigenous learners. Doxtador told the small gathering that the new residence at 95 Dundurn St S. will be a place where stories begin and, rather than simply a place to stay, a place to belong.

The new development, designed by local firm Invizij Architects in collaboration with SpruceLab, will be a five-storey building with 30 beds for students attending Mohawk College and McMaster University. It will include space for individuals, families, multigenerational households, and learning space. The site will be fully landscaped and designed in collaboration with Indigenous communities. With ample amenities nearby, the Indigenous learners at 95 Dundurn St S. will be able to fully engage with Kirkendall, Ward 1, and all of Hamilton.

Welcome to the community, Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing!

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Victoria Park Pool Is Open!

After a brief delay, the Victoria Park Outdoor Pool is officially open for the season!

The opening was postponed after City staff discovered damage to the pool's emergency phone line. Bell technicians worked quickly to restore service. Under Ontario Public Health regulations, all municipal pools must have a functioning emergency landline so emergency services can be contacted immediately in the event of an incident.

Looking to cool off this summer? In addition to the Victoria Park Outdoor Pool, residents can visit:

• The Coronation Outdoor Pool (81 Macklin St. N.)
• The indoor pool at the Kanétskare Recreation Centre (251 Duke St.), which offers weekday public swims
• The Victoria Park, Churchill Park, and Alexander Park spray pads, all of which are now open for the season

You can also use the City of Hamilton's Rec Finder to locate outdoor pools, wading pools, and other aquatic facilities throughout Hamilton. On especially hot days, the City's spray pads are another great way to stay cool.

For more summer heat safety tips, revisit "Beating the Heat" in our June 19 newsletter.

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Main Street Watermain Lining Construction Lane Closures and Restrictions - July 6-10

Note: July 6, 2026, between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM, Main Street work includes a one-day closure of Locke Street South between Main Street West and Nelson Street for road restoration work

Local access will be maintained for residents from Nelson Street ONLY.
A Flag-Person will assist drivers in accessing their homes during the closure from Nelson Street (North side of the closure)

For all other lane restrictions, see the construction notice site. 

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Upcoming Consultation on Chedoke Golf Course

In 2024, City Council received a comprehensive report on the status of Hamilton's three municipal golf courses. After receiving this report, Council directed staff to explore the best possible use for Chedoke Golf Course while ensuring the lands remain publicly owned in perpetuity. This exploration will consider how the Chedoke lands can accommodate complementary public uses alongside the existing golf course, as well as any changes that could improve stormwater management, access to greenspace, biodiversity, and other important community concerns.

In line with this direction, City staff will soon initiate public consultation on the Chedoke Golf Course. This will be part of a larger report that will be presented to Council for their consideration in early 2027. Consultation will include targeted engagement with stakeholders and community groups, as well as broader City-wide engagement through the Engage Hamilton portal.

Community perspectives on Chedoke will be important to ensure the report reflects the perspectives, opinions, and concerns of Ward 1 residents and residents of Hamilton more broadly. Stay tuned for updates when the Chedoke Golf Course consultation launches in the coming weeks.

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In Case You Missed It: Margaret St and Locke St N Watermain Replacement & Road Design

HAAA Construction Update

To date, the park has been cleared, and upgraded water and sanitary laterals have been installed.

In light of the Canada Day holiday, the HAAA contractor is permitted to work this Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM to make up for lost time.

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Hamilton Fire Department Makes Donation to Northern Ontario Indigenous Communities

Friday morning, the Hamilton Fire Department hosted a ceremony to mark the donation of two surplus fire trucks to First Nations communities in Northern Ontario. 

The City of Hamilton, in partnership with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC) and the Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA), formally recognised the donation of two surplus fire apparatus to help strengthen fire protection capacity in Indigenous communities. 

One fire truck will be sent to Lac Seul First Nations Fire Department. The second will be operated by the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council to support Indigenous communities that lack a fire truck or whose existing vehicle is temporarily out of service, helping ensure emergency response capacity where it is needed most.

Chief Dave Cunliffe finished the celebratory event with an emotional gift of fire helmets to his colleagues from the north. The gifting of a helmet is deeply significant. When a department "presents" or "blesses" a helmet, it typically marks a major career milestone. Today's events certainly qualified.

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Free Summer Programs Return!

School's out, and summer has arrived! As always, Hamiltonians have plenty of ways to get out, get active, and get connected this summer through free programs and a wide range of recreation options. Here are some of the great programs to enjoy:

Supie in the park

Supie - which is celebrating its 117th year - returns this summer, offering free, staff-led drop-in games and activities in parks across Hamilton from June 29 to August 28. Regular programming runs Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. The program supports active play, social connection and accessible recreational opportunities close to home. In Ward 1, you can find Supie programs at:

• Alexander Park (201 Whitney Ave)
• Churchill Park (255 Glen Rd)
• Victoria Park (500 King St W)

A full list of Supie parks, the rules and expectations for participation, and a space to provide feedback on where you think Supie programming should be in the future are all available on the City's website.

A note for those who have asked why a Supie may not be present in their park. Supie locations are now required to have nearby washroom facilities.

Fitness in the Park

Residents are invited to take advantage of free weekly summer fitness programs from June 29 to August 28, 2026. 

Summer at Pier 8

With its mix of family-friendly amenities, and year-round programming, Pier 8 the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors and experience what the waterfront has to offer! Head on down and take advantage of the free rollerskating rink, pull up a lawn chair and take in a free summer jazz and blues concert every Thursday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, or, if you'd like to spend a little extra, grab an ice cream cone from Waterfront Scoops (open daily from 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM) and hop on board the Harbour West Trolley Tour, a fully-narrated 80-minute ride from Pier 8 to Princess Point and back.

Other great outdoor recreation and programs

There is so much to do in Hamilton this summer, from pickleball and golf to the usual fitness and rec programs residents know and love. Check out all the summer fun offered by the City of Hamilton and enjoy!

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The Municipal Accommodation Tax

In 2022, City Council approved By-Law 22-209 that established a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT). The Province of Ontario authorizes municipalities to levy taxes on "transient" accommodation, meaning hotels, motels, inns, resorts, and bed and breakfasts. An MAT allows a municipality to better fund culture and tourism programs, improving the City's appeal to visitors and ensuring residents can take full advantage of a vibrant, community-building cultural scene. All revenue generated through Hamilton's MAT is shared between the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Tourism Development Corporation and is reinvested in destination marketing and tourism development initiatives.

As of July 1, 2026, operators of licensed short-term rentals (STRs), such as accommodations listed on Airbnb, VRBO, and other STR sites, will also be required to collect, report, and remit the MAT. The slides from a virtual information session for STR operators hosted by the City of Hamilton are available for consultation. The first MAT remittance is due on October 15, 2026.

Any STR operator with questions can consult the City of Hamilton's MAT information page or contact the City's MAT liaison at [email protected].

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Need a Family Doctor?

The Hamilton Family Health Team (HFHT) and the Greater Hamilton Health Network (GHHN) Primary Care Network have teamed up to help connect Hamiltonians with family doctors. Working with Health Care Connect and Ontario Health, HFHT and GHHN are offering a service to help Hamiltonians without a family doctor.

If you need a family doctor, sign up with the HFHT/GHHN, and they'll help connect you with care. Check out the HFHT website, give them a call at 365-317-8117, or email [email protected] for more information. Due to the volume of patients, it may take 4-6 weeks to receive a response.

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Ward 1 Chronicles - The Mountain Ave Maternity Hospital

For many years, Hamiltonians who opened their morning newspapers to check the birth announcements would regularly see the same address. Proud parents, announcing the arrival of their child, would take time to thank the staff at an address on Mountain Ave. From a modest home tucked away in Kirkendall, a dedicated staff helped local parents, including some in desperate need of affordable and reliable health care. 

In the mid-1800's, Hamilton, like the rest of Canada, faced problems with maternal health and infant mortality. The sad fact was that disease, infections, and poor hygiene meant that many mothers suffered greatly during and immediately after childbirth, and many babies had a difficult time making it to their 5th birthday.

One group dedicated to charity wanted to help improve the situation for mothers and their children. Just a few years after they founded a congregation in Hamilton, the Salvation Army began looking for a quiet place where they could operate a comfortable maternity hospital. Near the turn of the century, they found the perfect spot: a quiet home on Mountain Ave, which was, at the time, still outside of Hamilton's city limits. The location would provide the Salvation Army with the perfect setting to help mothers through a difficult time in home-like surroundings, nestled in a quiet and peaceful community. 

The facility opened quietly and focused on assisting young mothers in difficult situations. At the time, there was social stigma around people having children without first being married, and many people who chose to do so or were in similar situations faced being ostracised and denied the care they needed. The Salvation Army's Maternity Hospital stepped in to ensure these mothers had the support they needed in a safe and welcoming place. People in need would even write into the Hamilton Spectator asking where they could give birth if they were poor, unmarried, or otherwise unable to find care. The Spec's editors would publish their anonymous letters and, in their responses, direct them to Mountain Ave.

The quality of the care provided, as well as the convenient location for many residents of what was then the far western end of Hamilton, meant that soon parents from all backgrounds began calling on the Mountain Ave Maternity Hospital. Recognising how this could help their charitable work, the Salvation Army soon opened a "private" wing of the hospital for paying patients (in the years before Canada had universal healthcare). In 1920, the Salvation Army announced that their private wing had a long waiting list and that the funds collected would support the charitable portion of the Maternity Hospital for the next year. 

The site's popularity meant that, before long, the Salvation Army had outgrown its little facility on Mountain Ave. An attempt by the Salvation Army to buy the residence of prominent local dentist Dr. J.W. Bell on Arkledun Ave (today demolished as part of the Jolly Cut expansion) fell through when neighbouring residents said they believed the Maternity Hospital should be in a "secluded, isolated location". When their efforts failed, the Salvation Army focused on improving the hospital on Mountain Ave. They expanded the site to include a "home section" that allowed mothers and children dealing with illnesses or complications to remain under their care for up to 9 months after birth.

The Maternity Hospital's annual Christmas fundraiser became a festive event for the whole city, as it opened their doors for a Christmas Novelties Sale. The money raised would ensure that the mothers and children staying there would have a joyful holiday, complete with good food, celebrations, and gifts for the children.

Many local nurses got their start working at the Mountain Ave hospital. One prominent member of the staff was A.M. Ferguson, who spent nine years as a nurse on Mountain Ave before taking a position in Pakistan, where she provided medical care during the country's tumultuous struggle for independence. During a trip back to Hamilton to lecture on her experiences, she fondly remembered caring for local mothers on Mountain Ave.

By the 1940's the Mountain Ave hospital (by then renamed the Women's Home and Hospital) was treating over 100 patients a year in its small facility. After putting it off as long as they could, it was finally time to move. In the 1950's, programs at the Mountain Ave hospital were slowly moved to the Salvation Army's new hospital and mothers' home location at 245 James St S, which was quickly named Grace Haven. Today, the former Grace Haven location is part of the St. Joseph's Hospital complex on Charlton Ave.

At the same time, the Salvation Army was moving to James Street, and another west Hamilton institution found itself in need of relocation. The West Willow Retirement Home had occupied the stately Abbotsford Hall, one of the first homes built in Ainslie Wood, for a few short years before the building was sold. The new owners wanted to demolish Abbotsford to make way for a gas station (the site of the plaza at the corner of Main St W and Broadway Ave today). So the operators of West Willow turned to the Salvation Army, which was keen to sell its Mountain Ave property to fund expansions at Grace Haven. By 1953, the former maternity hospital had been transformed into a rest home for the aged.

West Willow remained on Mountain Ave for 25 years, caring for many prominent Hamiltonians in their old age, including Robert Ryckman, a player with the Hamilton Tigers football team and a member of the Ryckman clan, one of Hamilton's founding families. In 1978, West Willow appealed to the City for permission to expand to comply with fire code regulations. Over the years they had been operating, the facility was in a legal grey area, but new regulations required a substantial expansion of the building to ensure residents' safety. But, by that time, the Kirkendall community had grown rapidly. Far from the bucolic, countryside-like setting that the Salvation Army first moved into at the turn of the century, the home on Mountain Ave was now part of a large and thriving neighbourhood. The expansion was deemed unsuitable for the site, forcing West Willow to close in 1978.

What started as a home for residents became a place where people were born, then where they lived in their golden years, and finally, a home for residents.

Today, the site of the former Salvation Army Maternity Hospital on Mountain Ave is noticeable by the difference in architectural styles of the homes that replaced the building when it was demolished. It serves as a reminder that for many years, our communities housed a mix of uses that we now see in larger, more formal settings. And, importantly, the story of the Mountain Ave Maternity Hospital shows that there might be a fascinating part of our city's history hidden in your own backyard!

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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:

• Hamilton Customer Experience Survey
  • The City of Hamilton is developing a Customer Experience Strategy to improve how residents, businesses, visitors and community partners access information, services and support. The Strategy will help create a more consistent and user-friendly experience across City services, whether people connect with the City online, by phone or in person. Providing you with a positive and better customer experience helps build trust and confidence between you and your City. Provide your feedback and perspectives through the City's Customer Experience Survey from now until July 10, 2026.

• Hamilton Neighbourhood Plans Review
  
  • Many of Hamilton's Neighbourhood Plans were created between the 1960s and 1990s to help guide local development and land use. Since then, planning policies have changed significantly. Today, growth and development are guided by updated provincial policies, the City's Official Plan and Secondary Plans, and master plans for transportation, parks, and recreation. As a result, many older Neighbourhood Plans are now outdated and may conflict with current planning policies, including those that support a broader range of housing options to help address Hamilton's housing needs. The City is asking residents, landowners, and community partners to help shape the review criteria, which will be used to assess each plan and recommend which plans to keep and which are no longer needed. You can participate in a Virtual Community Meeting from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on July 15 or fill out The Preliminary Review Criteria Survey until July 31, 2026.

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Events - Ward 1

The Summer Shakespearience

• July 6, 2026, to July 31, 2026
• Location: St. Mary's High School, 200 Whitney Ave
• Get thee to the Summer Shakespearience! For students from Grades 7 to 12, the Summer Shakespearience has participants rehearse, exactly as professionals do, to complete scenes from Shakespeare's plays linked by a common theme. Taught by certified teaching professionals, voice, movement, stage combat, improv, and mask experts, and professional actors, this exciting and challenging rehearsal process culminates in a performance for family and friends at a professional theatre in Toronto. This is a FREE experience thanks to generous donors. This is a great experience for the young Thespian in your life.

Blooms for Africa Native Garden Tour

• July 10, 2026, and July 11, 2026, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Location: Across West Hamilton and Dundas
• Blooms for Africa, a Grandmothers to Grandmothers Group of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, is having a Garden Tour of Native Gardens in Dundas and West Hamilton. This evening tour will feature 12 local native gardens where the gardeners will be home to share their stories. This initiative by Blooms for Africa aims to raise $500,000 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the important work they do to help communities in Africa reclaim hope and rebuild resilience. "Passports" to the Native Garden Tour are available at the Wildflower Spa at 150 Locke St S and at locations across Ancaster, Dundas, Waterdown, and Burlington. They can also be obtained by calling 905-527-0470. Passports are $20 cash.

Westdale Live (June–October) 

• Tuesdays from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Location: Westdale Village BIA, Marion St to Paisley Ave
• Head on down to Westdale Village for summer evenings of live music, every week on the patios in the heart of Westdale!

Sundays Unlocked Open Street

• August 16, September 20, and  October 18, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Location: Locke Street BIA, Locke St S, Herkimer St to Hunter St W
• Enjoy the sights, sounds, and shops of Locke Street South during this summer's Sundays UNLocked Open Street. Locke Street South will be pedestrian-only as Locke's merchants and community partners take over the street for a friendly and fun festival.

Local Farmers Markets

• Good things grow in Ontario! Ward 1's delicious and local farmers' markets have returned for the season. 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

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Events - Explore Your City

Woodward Treatment Plant Tours

• July 12, 2026, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
• Location: Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site, 900 Woodward Avenue
• Head on down to the Woodward Ave Wastewater Treatment Plant for a day of learning and fun! Discover how wastewater is treated in this free 45-minute bus tour of the Woodward Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant. There are four tour time slots, and space is limited, so register for your tour today! Then stick around for a ride on a miniature train operated by the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers, Touch-A-Truck activities with Hamilton Water staff, and a self-guided tour of the historic steam-powered 1859 waterworks!

Emancipation Day at Griffin House

• August 1, 2026
• Location: Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum, 64 Sulphur Springs Rd
• Celebrate Emancipation Day at Hamilton's own Griffin House National Historic Site on August 1 with a commemoration of the life and legacy of Enerals Griffin, who broke free from slavery in Virginia and travelled the Underground Railroad to eventually settle in Ancaster. Descendants of Griffin lived on the site for over 150 years, and now, their homestead is an important part of Hamilton's history and the history of the courageous people who walked north to freedom.

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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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!

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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: