It's July 31, 2026. The Ward 1 Newsletter is here to provide all the information you need to stay up-to-date with what's happening in your community.

In this edition, find information on the upcoming Chedoke Golf Club consultation, park construction updates, a new free sport equipment rental station in Victoria Park, a Ward 1 Chronicles edition on the rifle range, and so much more. There's plenty to discover in The Ward 1 Newsletter!

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• Chedoke Golf Club Consultation
• Road Construction Updates
• Park Project Updates
• New Free Sport Equipment Rental Stations
• Climate Action Investments
• Staying Safe and Preventing West Nile Virus
• Civic Holiday Schedules
• Ward 1 Chronicles - Rifle Range
• In Case You Missed It
• Opportunities to Participate with Engage Hamilton
• Events

Chedoke Golf Club Consultation

For generations, the Chedoke Golf Club has been an important part of Ward 1. It has provided affordable public golf, welcomed families and beginners to the game, and served as a cherished community landmark. The Chedoke lands have also evolved over time - from the rural "Paradise Farm" past city limits to the initial Hamilton Golf and Country Club lands to the "citizen's golf club" spearheaded by local residents and the Chamber of Commerce. Chedoke has grown and changed, not only as a golf course, but as a destination for passive recreation and not-so-passive winter recreation.  Through its history, Chedoke has accommodated downhill skiing, tobogganing, and winter golf.  As Hamilton continues to grow, the City is taking a thoughtful look at how these publicly owned lands can continue to meet the community's needs while preserving what residents value most.

In 2016, Ward 1 Councillor Aidan Johnson successfully brought forward a motion to dedicate $50,000 in area-rated funding to strengthen community consultation as part of the review. Councillor Johnson's goal was to ensure residents, golfers, neighbours, environmental groups, and other community members have meaningful opportunities to help shape the future of this important public space before any recommendations are considered by Council.

The current review began with the City's 2024 Recreation Review of Hamilton's three municipal golf courses. Following that review, City Council directed staff to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study of the Chedoke Golf Club lands. Council also confirmed that the lands will remain publicly owned in perpetuity. The purpose of the study is NOT to determine whether golf should end at Chedoke. Rather, it is to evaluate whether complementary public uses—such as enhanced greenspace, natural area restoration, biodiversity, community agriculture, stormwater management, or other community amenities—could exist alongside affordable public golf.

Throughout the fall of 2026, the City will undertake background studies and public engagement, including surveys, guided site walks, story maps, stakeholder meetings, and online engagement through the Engage Hamilton portal. The findings will be used to evaluate potential land use scenarios before a final feasibility report is presented to Council in early 2027.

How You Can Get Involved

1. Learn about the study by visiting the Engage Hamilton project webpage, which will go live August 17, 2025, and reviewing the background information and study materials.
2. Participate in public engagement by attending community events, completing the survey, or joining a guided site walk to share your experiences and ideas.
3. Share your feedback with the project team or the Ward 1 office. Whether you value Chedoke for affordable public golf, its natural environment, or its broader community role, your perspective is an important part of this process.

No decisions have been made about the future of the site. This is a feasibility study designed to explore options, understand community priorities, and help Council make informed decisions about lands that have served Hamiltonians for generations.

Road Construction Updates

• Dundurn Street South - Northbound Lane Closure Extended to August 21, 2026

During excavation on Dundurn Street, the contractor for the Dundurn St S development discovered that the existing roadway was constructed with a concrete road base. This was not anticipated as part of the original construction plan and has required additional work to sawcut, excavate, and then properly restore the roadway. The excavated trenches must be restored with concrete road base to match the existing road base and must be securely tied into the existing concrete road base using dowels, followed by concrete placement and curing to ensure the roadway is restored in accordance with City standards. This additional restoration work requires more time than originally anticipated. 

The contractor also encountered an existing concrete foundation within the roadway while completing the excavation on Dundurn Street. This unexpected obstruction required the contractor to modify the excavation approach and work around the foundation safely. Addressing this obstruction resulted in additional delays to the construction schedule.

In addition, existing Bell and gas utility infrastructure was encountered within the roadway that was not identified in the information available to the contractor prior to construction. The contractor was required to adjust and reroute portions of the work to avoid conflicts with these utilities and ensure that the existing infrastructure was protected from damage. Coordinating the work around these unforeseen utility conflicts has also added time to the construction schedule.

These unforeseen site conditions have impacted the original construction schedule and required additional time to complete the remaining work safely and properly restore the roadway. The requested extension is intended to allow the contractor to complete the outstanding work and restore the road in accordance with City requirements. 

The on-site inspector will continue to collaborate with the contractor to ensure that every effort is made to complete the work efficiently so that the road can be reopened to traffic at the earliest opportunity while maintaining the required level of quality and safety.

• Main Street West - Watermain Lining

August 4-7, 2026 - 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM in Ward 1

• Main Street West between Dundurn Street South and MacNab Street South - Excavation Works
• Main Street West between Ray Street South and Caroline Street South - Restoration (Concrete and Asphalt Works)
• Main Street West between Ray Street South and MacNab Street South - Bypass Disconnection and Removal

Lane Closure August 6, 2026

Main Street West at Hess Street South intersection - No northbound traffic on Hess towards George Street

• Westdale Resurfacing Construction Notice for Contract C15-31-26(H)

The first notice of forthcoming resurfacing was sent to residents in Westdale. Residents will receive another notice when work is about two weeks out. Staff have reported that work around schools is the priority to finish that section before school resumes in September. *Note this is resurfacing only on the following streets; 

Westdale South Neighbourhood: Arkell Street – Cline Avenue South to Bond Street South; Barclay Street – Cline Avenue South to Marion Avenue South; South Oval – Newton Avenue to King Street West; Cline Avenue South – King Street West to Main Street West; Newton Avenue – King Street West to Main Street West; Paisley Avenue South – King Street West to Main Street West
Westdale North Neighbourhood: Devon Place – Parkside Drive to Longwood Road North; Kipling Road – Parkside Drive to Glen Road; Paradise Road North- Norwood Road to Desjardins Court: 

• Note: Westdale North is targeted for full reconstruction for most of its roads beginning with Phase 1 in 2029.

Park Project Updates

Ainslie Wood Community Hub at Alexander Park

The Ainslie Wood Community Hub is 95% complete. The building renovation is finished. The final touch is a mural.

The hub may be rented for various purposes, such as senior and youth programs, community events, birthdays, showers, or other events.

There will be a formal opening of the new community space at the end of August, once the mural is complete. 

Alexander Skate Park

The much-anticipated skate park will resume construction on August 10, 2026. Work will continue into late fall, and resume in spring 2027.

Churchill Park

Work on Churchill Park continues. The stair and ramp construction around the washroom structure at Parkside Dr and Devon Pl is progressing well. The outdoor classroom area between the Lawn Bowling Clubhouse and Temple Anshe Sholom is now open (with the exception of areas containing new sod). Additional seating and benches will be installed by late August.

The City of Hamilton's park projects page contains updates about the process of the work and notices of upcoming work.

HAAA Grounds - Park Renewal

Over the next two weeks, work will occur on important water elements for the park. This includes the installation of storm water servicing, general water servicing, and spray pad features. Work will also begin on concrete seat walls and the placement and build-up of the granular base needed for hardscape surfaces.

Information on the background, timeline, and specifics of what's coming to the HAAA Grounds is available on the City of Hamilton's park projects webpage.

   

Radial Park

A new feature has been added to Radial Park at 1 Spruceside Ave. A decorative wrap has been added to the park's electrical box showcasing historical postcards and photos of the Brantford and Hamilton Electric Railway that once ran through the park. The box also includes a historic timeline of the railway and the stops along the route.

   

New Free Sport Equipment Rental Stations

The City of Hamilton is launching 31 free sport equipment rental stations to reduce barriers to access and encourage physical activity. Residents will be able to access free sports equipment rentals through the Equip Sport app, a free app that municipalities around the world are using to connect residents with equipment. Equip Sport has launched in Canada thanks to the financial support of Canadian Tire's Jumpstart Charities. Other municipalities in Ontario, including Ottawa, Toronto, Brampton, Kingston, Kitchener, and Mississauga, have launched similar programs. 

In Ward 1, a free sport equipment rental locker has been installed in Victoria Park. This locker has soccer balls and basketballs that will be available for residents to use through the end of the summer. For anyone looking to access this equipment, simply download the app and follow the instructions provided. Equipment available will be dependent on park infrastructure, field/diamond rental patterns, and geographic distribution, so you may find different equipment provided in different parks across Hamilton.

The sport equipment lockers in Hamilton have been installed and will be maintained and operated at no cost to the City or to residents, having been supported by Jumpstart Charities.

Climate Action Investments

Hamilton City Council recently approved 16 projects that are focused on climate change action across the city. These projects serve as investments in both climate change resiliency and City operations efficiency that will enhance parks, protect the environment, improve quality of life, and reduce pressure on residential taxpayers. These projects include a project to replace inefficient gas water heaters in CityHousing buildings, funding for energy-efficiency retrofits for affordable housing, installing bird-friendly window glazing, expanding Hamilton's tree canopy, funding for toolkits to keep people cool during extreme heat events, and more.

These projects are part of the City of Hamilton's ongoing commitment to the Climate Action Plan Strategy, a City-wide effort to build a more resilient Hamilton and save residents money. These strategic investments in manageable areas will help ensure that we are better prepared for the impacts of climate change and that residents will not be responsible for even greater costs in the aftermath of severe weather events or day-to-day climate change-related impacts.

Staying Safe and Preventing West Nile Virus

This week, the West Nile Virus (WNV) was identified in two batches of mosquitos trapped in the City of Hamilton. Hamilton's Chief Medical Officer of Health has upgraded the WNV risk in Hamilton from "low" to "moderate". 

Most people infected with WNV show no symptoms at all. Older adults and those living with weakened immune systems may develop a more serious and, in very rare cases, life-threatening illness from WNV, with symptoms appearing two-to-14 days after infection.

There are some simple things you can do to prevent the spread of WNV and to keep yourself safe during peak mosquito season. 

Residents can ensure their homes prevent rapid mosquito reproduction by removing standing water from things like bird baths, swimming pool covers, eavestroughs, and old flower pots. Mosquitos lay their eggs in shallow standing water, so removing such sources every seven days prevents their spread. Residents can also report standing water on public property to the City. For personal protection, residents are encouraged to use insect repellent with DEET, repair damaged screens, avoid wearing scented body lotions, colognes, and perfumes when outdoors, and be cautious when spending time outdoors from the evening to the early morning when mosquitoes are most active.

Civic Holiday Schedules

A reminder that Monday, August 3 is a Civic Holiday. As this is a statutory holiday, there will be some changes to usual schedules.

• City of Hamilton municipal offices and recreation centres will be closed for the day
• Outdoor pools and spray pads will be open
  • Coronation Outdoor Pool (81 Macklin St N) will have open swims from 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM
• All Hamilton Public Library locations will be closed
• The HSR will operate on a Sunday schedule

Ward 1 Chronicles - Rifle Range

Today's Rifle Range Rd is one of the most recognizable north-south streets in Ainslie Wood, running from Main St W to the foot of the Niagara Escarpment. Along this important road are major employers like Mondelez, institutions like St. Mary's High School, and neighbourhood gems like Alexander Park. But 100 years ago, Rifle Range Rd was an actual rifle range where the soldiers of the 13th Battalion (today's Royal Hamilton Light Infantry) would practice their marksmanship and socialise during training.

The 13th Battalion was organised in 1862 after colonial authorities worried about the chaos caused by the American Civil War and the growing threat of Irish nationalists in the United States who were members of the secret Fenian Brotherhood, who sought to gain independence for their home country by challenging British authority in North America. On December 11, 1862, the 13th Battalion was created as a "volunteer militia" of seven companies under the leadership of Captain Thomas Bell. The soldiers of the 13th Battalion needed to travel outside of Hamilton for training, often making the long journey east to Grimsby to practice rifling and drills. Just over a year after they were organized, the 13th Battalion was able to secure land closer to home for a rifle range, renting a small plot of land near the intersection of today's King St W and Highway 403. The 13th Battalion put their training to good use, mobilising to repel raids by the Fenians in 1866, but they mainly spent their early days entertaining residents with the stylings of the Battalion's brass band. The band would hold concerts with local organisations and their musical abilities were the talk of the town in the lead-up to the turn of the century.

As Hamilton grew, it became necessary for the 13th Battalion to find a new location to practice their rifling. After renting another plot of land on what is today's Chedoke Golf Course, the Battalion began looking for a permanent home that was accessible, convenient, but remote enough to keep residents safe. By 1899, just as the soldiers of the 13th Battalion were again mobilising to serve in the Second Boer War, they were able to secure a thin strip of land between the Bowman and Binkley family farms in West Hamilton. The land extended from today's Main St W all the way to the Niagara Escarpment, with the Toronto, Hamilton, and Buffalo (TH&B) Railway running through the northern portion of the property. The federal government approved $3,000 for the purchase of the land, and the 13th Battalion struck an agreement with the TH&B to ensure all trains would make a special stop at the rifle range for soldiers who needed to practice.

The rifle range was opened on September 23, 1899. A special train departed Hamilton at 2:15 in the afternoon, bringing spectators and dignitaries through the Village of West Hamilton and onto the rifle range. The wife of Lieutenant Colonel Henry McLaren was given the honour of firing the "first shot" at the range, which she did by pulling a string attached to a positioned rifle. To the surprise of everyone, including Mrs. McLaren, she fired a perfect bullseye. The crowd cheered, and the gathered dignitaries began contributing money to build more facilities on the site. The Spectator reported that the range was "fitted with all the most modern appliances such as telephones" and that the 11 targets between the 500-yard and 1000-yard ranges were in the "latest style". The targets were at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment, around 200 feet (61 metres) high, with protective barriers behind them. A small hut for socializing and a "target hut" were the only buildings on the property. It was the hope that the isolation of the new range would allow the soldiers of the 13th Battalion to practice without interruption for many years.

But Hamilton continued to grow and, soon, the rifle range became a source of frustration for commuters and residents. The completion of the Brantford and Hamilton Electric Railway (also known as the Radial Line) in 1906 meant the range needed to erect sturdy stone walls between its property and the rail line to keep passengers safe. Still, the range carried on. A new clubhouse was built for soldiers in 1902 and was occupied by the range superintendent. From 1905, the superintendent was Alfred Dummer, who lived on the site with his family until the range closed. Dummer was a dutiful caretaker, meticulously maintaining the grounds and ensuring the soldiers of the 13th Battalion had all they needed while practicing at the rifle range. His dedication often came at some personal expense; in 1912, Dummer tried to shimmy up the range flag pole when the flag got stuck. While at the top of the pole, it snapped, sending Dummer tumbling 20 feet to the ground, resulting in a broken arm and bruised shoulder. Within a week, he was back at his post again.

During World War 1, rifling technology improved dramatically, meaning there was little need for a rifle range that had the size and set-up like the one in West Hamilton. Adding to the site's complications, the area around the range was rapidly changing. In 1909, some local farms were purchased by a developer who sought to create a new residential community. What were once the Bowman and Bamburger farms between Emerson St and the rifle range became "Burke's Annex", a new development that offered working people affordable rates for lots, abundant transit options, and a chance to own property in what they called "The Ideal Suburban Survey". By the 1920's, the area was well established, and the new residents grew concerned about the proximity of the range to their homes. To the west of the rifle range, farmers continued to work the land, but complained about the danger posed by poor shots. When the federal government began studying the rifle range to consider expanding or modifying it, local farmers objected, with a group of them telling the Spectator, "that, on more than one occasion, they have had to abandon working in the fields on account of stray bullets."

The range closed briefly in the summers of 1925 and 1926 after homes in West Hamilton and even atop the Mountain were struck by bullets. Petitions began circulating in the community to close the range around the same time as the residents of the Village of West Hamilton began asking for their growing community to be annexed into the City of Hamilton. Not long after, the rifle range closed. A search for a new rifle range in city limits failed thanks to the rapid growth in Hamilton, so the rifle range was once again relocated to Grimsby. By 1930, the Village of West Hamilton had become part of the city, with Hamilton's new western border becoming the edge of the old rifle range property.

In 1948, the City of Hamilton proposed turning a dirt lane on the rifle range land into a fully functioning road for the growing residential and industrial community in the area. A brief dispute between the City and the federal government was settled in 1949, allowing the municipality to purchase the property and open what was originally called "Rifle Range Lane". The street was slowly renamed "Rifle Range Road" in stages, with the final section from Iona Ave to the Escarpment being renamed in 1977. Rifle Range Rd was occasionally still called a "lane" up until the 1990's. When it was first opened, Rifle Range Rd was not fully paved. When Prince Philip School opened in 1953, the City needed to quickly lay cinderblocks down to ensure children could get to school without sinking in the mud along Rifle Range Rd and Whitney Ave. While paving on Rifle Range Rd was complete by the end of the 1950's, many of the other side streets in Ainslie Wood would go unpaved until the 1960's.

The clubhouse where groundskeeper Mr. Dummer and his family lived was torn down in early 1951. Later that year, Hamilton City Council approved a plan to annex the remainder of Ainslie Wood from the Township of Ancaster and incorporate it into the City of Hamilton proper. With that, Hamilton's western border was set until amalgamation in 2001.

Today, the only remnant of the old rifle range is a stone wall along the Chedoke Radial Trail near Princess Falls. But if you stand in Alexander Park and look toward the Escarpment, you might be able to imagine what it was like at the turn of the century when the area was surrounded by farms, the peace of rural life sometimes shattered by the pop of rifle fire and the sounds of the 13th Battalion band practicing for a concert.

Sources for this section came from the Hamilton Spectator archives, Vanished Hamilton III by Margaret Houghton, and West Hamilton, A Village and a Church by David N. Jardine.

In Case You Missed It

The Ward 1 newsletter comes out every two weeks. We include important information for residents about events, policies, and programs that may be of interest. Here are some pieces from past editions that you might have missed:

• Changes to the Municipal Accommodation Tax
  • 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 Hamilton's Municipal Accommodation Tax. The first payment is due on October 15, 2026.
• Free Summer Programs in Local Parks
  • 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. Try out a Supie program, fitness in the park, summer programming at Pier 8, and other great outdoor recreation programs.
• Summer HPL Programming
  • HPL offers programs and special events for all ages, including computer classes, knitting, crafts, book clubs, digital technology and more. Find programs and events and a plethora of other resources at the Hamilton Public Library.

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:

• Rental Housing Licencing Program
  • In August 2021, City Council approved a two-year Rental Housing Licensing pilot program for Wards 1, 8 and parts of Ward 14 in Hamilton. The pilot program required property owners of rental housing with those applicable areas to apply for a licence for each rented unit. The application period ran from 2022-2023, with the Pilot starting January 1, 2024 running until December 31, 2025. The rental housing licensing program is intended to protect the health and safety of tenants and residents by holding landlords and property owners accountable for providing adequate and safe housing options. Now the City of Hamilton is collecting feedback from residents regarding the program. Surveys will close on August 24, 2026, and are targeted toward stakeholders:
    • Tenant/Renter Survey
    • Landlord/Property Management Company Survey
    • General Public Survey

• Hamilton's Economic Development Action Plan 2026-2030
  • This year, the City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Office (EDO) is creating a new 2026-2030 economic development action plan. The previous economic development action plan reported a number of major successes, including the creation of approximately 7.7 million square feet of new industrial and commercial development. $2.5 billion in building permit values, and an estimated 11 percent increase in the number of jobs in Hamilton. Now, the City's EDO is developing a new plan and wants to hear from residents and local business owners to understand how economic changes have affected Hamiltonians. This 20-question survey will help the EDO build an economic development action plan that will guide Hamilton to 2030. The Economic Development Action Plan Survey is open until September 15, 2026.

Event Spotlight - Emancipation Day

Emancipation Day celebrates the abolition of slavery across the British Empire and the vibrant Black community that calls Hamilton home. This year, celebrate the occasion at Griffin House, a National Historic Site at Fieldcote Memorial Park, 64 Sulpher Springs Rd. The event will include 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. This free event is open to all.

Emancipation Day 2026

• August 1, 2026, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Location: Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum, 64 Sulphur Springs Rd (parking is available near the Hermitage Gatehouse)
• Come together on Fieldcote's beautiful seven-acre grounds as we recognize this important day and celebrate the life and legacy of Enerals Griffin, of Griffin House National Historic Site.

Events - Ward 1

Garden Journeys

• August 8-9 & 14-16, 2026; Times vary by garden
• Locations: Various, including 10 gardens in Ward 1
• Close to 60 eco-friendly gardens across Hamilton will be open for you to visit during the Garden Journeys Open Days event, free of charge and without tickets. Meet and talk to gardeners on the journey to build sustainable gardens supporting biodiversity. Each garden is unique and offers a glimpse into what is possible when creativity, care, and nature come together.

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

Events - Explore Your City

Festival of Friends

• July 31-Aug 2, 2026
• Location: Gage Park, 1000 Main St E, Hamilton
• Festival of Friends marks its 50th anniversary with three days of concerts, arts, culture, and community celebration across multiple stages, local vendors, and family-friendly programming - one of Canada's largest and longest-running FREE annual music and arts festivals. For up-to-date festival schedule and information, visit the Festival of Friends website.

Salsa On the Waterfront

• Every Tuesday evening until the end of August. 7:00 PM Start
• Location: Pier 8 - Waterfront Stage, 47  Discovery Dr, Hamilton
• As the sun sets across the water and the exquisite sounds of salsa, bachata, and merengue music fill the air, you will feel like you are on a vacation!
  • All ages are welcome. No partner or experience required.
  • All events begin with a beginner Latin dance lesson at 7:00 PM, followed by social dancing 7:30-10:30 pm
  • Free event, weather permitting

"Celebrating Community" Mural Unveiling

• August 8, 2026, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Location: Meridian Co-Op, 185 Ferguson Ave N
• After a summer of free art workshops hosted by multidisciplinary artist Kinga Zak, the brand new community mural at 185 Ferguson Ave N is ready to be unveiled! This is part of the Celebrating Community placemaking project, which brought together Hamilton's diverse cultures through movement, creativity, and shared expression. Join Zak and community members for an afternoon of barbeque, performances and interactive dances, outdoor painting for kids, chalk art, community games, and more! Tickets are free, but reserve yours now to ensure a spot. 

West Harbour HPL Branch Opening

• August 15, 2026, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Location: West Harbour Hamilton Public Library Branch, 77 Harbourside Way
• Join the HPL for an Opening Ceremony for the new West Harbour branch that centres Indigenous histories and cultures. The Indigenous Opening Ceremony of the West Harbour Branch brings together members from neighbouring First Nations and Hamilton’s urban Indigenous community to share teachings, songs, drumming, dance and more. Note that the West Harbour Branch is now open for users seven days a week. 

Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour

• August 23, 2026, 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
• Location: Woodward Ave Wastewater Treatment Facility
• Hamilton Water is pleased to invite residents to the second Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour of the summer. These tours provide a guided look inside the Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant and the important role it plays in managing wastewater for Hamilton’s communities and Hamilton Harbour. During the free, 45-minute bus tour, visitors will also have the opportunity to see how the facility operates as part of Hamilton’s broader wastewater system. The event includes family-friendly activities, such as "Touch-A-Truck" with Hamilton Water staff, miniature train rides operated by the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers, and self-guided tours of the historic 1859 Waterworks. Spaces are limited, so register today!

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 Chronicles - The Back Stories

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: