It's August 28, 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 updates on road construction projects, a call for new school crossing guards, how to live safely around wildlife, a Ward 1 Chronicles on the Sunken Gardens, and so much more. There's plenty to discover in The Ward 1 Newsletter!

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• Road Construction Updates
• Park Project Updates
• School Crossing Guard Recruitment
• Revised Development Proposal for 925 Main St W
• Truck Route Monitoring Dashboard
• Development Charge Reduction Program
• HSR Route Changes
• Public Comments on a Provincial Assessment Framework for Data Centres
• Campus Move-in Information
• Heritage Recognition Awards
• Clear the sidewalk, please.
• Living with Wildlife in Hamilton
• Tenant Guide
• Ward 1 Chronicles: The Sunken Gardens
• In Case You Missed It!
• Opportunities to Participate with Engage Hamilton
• Events

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Road Construction Updates

Night Work on Dundurn St S and Main St W

Last weekend, the Dundurn St S northbound lane reopened. The contractor reopened quickly but still has a few outstanding items to complete. As such, there will be night work.

As part of the ongoing servicing work associated with the development at 95 Dundurn St S, Rankin Construction will complete work at the intersection of Main St W and Dundurn St S during nighttime hours. The work is currently scheduled for Monday, August 31 and Tuesday, September 1, weather permitting. Night work is required at this location to reduce impacts to traffic on Main St W and to allow the work to be completed safely. Residents should expect increased construction noise, lighting and construction activity while the work is underway. The contractor will make every effort to complete the work as efficiently as possible and minimise disruption to the surrounding neighbourhood.

Further details are available in the construction notice which was distributed to nearby residents.

Westdale Resurfacing

Resurfacing work in Westdale South will be completed between August 24 and November 30, 2026, weather permitting. The City of Hamilton has entered a contract with Green Infrastructure Partners Inc. to complete works for ongoing infrastructure upgrades under contract C15-31-26(H). The work involves repairing concrete curbs and sidewalks (at various locations previously marked out), milling the roadway, and resurfacing with hot mix asphalt. During this time, you may experience some inconveniences such as noise, dust, and restricted traffic movement. 

Work will be completed on the following streets:

• Arkell St – Cline Ave S to Bond St S;
• Barclay St – Cline Ave S to Marion Ave S;
• South Oval – Newton Ave to King St W;
• Cline Ave S – King St W to Main St W;
• Newton Ave – King St W to Main St W;
• Paisley Ave S – King St W to Main St W.

Please note that Westdale North - Kipling Rd, Devon Pl, and the northern section of Paradise Rd N - will follow the south side work. Residents will receive notification letters two weeks before work begins in that section of the community.

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Park Project Updates

Ainslie Wood Community Hub Opening - Hold the Date

The Ainslie Wood Community Association (AWCA) and the City of Hamilton will host an official opening of the new Ainslie Wood Community Hub, located in Alexander Park at 201 Whitney Ave, on Monday, September 15, at 6:00 PM. Speeches, refreshments, and tours of the facility will take place from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Followed by the AWCA community meeting. Come for the refreshments, stay to connect with your neighbours. 

H.A.A.A.

• Work continues on the pathway connection between Charlton Ave W and Kanétskare School. The goal is to complete the pathway by the first day of school, but this depends on other construction, crew availability, and weather. Note that the "softscape" on either side of the path will not be complete at this time - just the pathway.
• Concrete curbs have been constructed for the running track, and it is presently being built up with a granular base.
• The skate dot construction is nearing completion and should be finished in approximately two weeks.
• Curbs at the fitness areas will be installed over the next two weeks, as will the pouring of the bases for light poles.
• The construction of the armour stone wall is ongoing.

Churchill Park

• Concrete work for stairs and ramps adjacent to the washroom building is progressing well. The stairs will remain closed until railings are installed.
• Asphalt, plantings and sod work will take place over the next couple of weeks and fencing will be removed as the areas are completed.
• Any identified minor deficiencies on work previously completed - including sod repairs and installation of armour stone seating at the teaching area - are being addressed.

Alexander Park Skatepark

• Work is underway on sewer connections.
• Site excavations and shoring will follow once this is complete.

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School Crossing Guard Recruitment

Local Planning Applications

Revised Development Proposal for 925 Main Street West and 180 Longwood Road South
DPA-2026-00207

• 2026 Description: Revised proposal: mixed-use development consisting of two towers connected at the base by a 6-storey podium, having a maximum height of 26 and 29 storeys. The proposed development includes 635 residential units, 321.70 m² of ground-floor commercial area, and 435 parking spaces via a four-level underground parking structure. The proposal includes 446 long-term bicycle spaces and 65 short-term bicycle parking spaces, in addition to vehicular parking. Developer Agent's letter to residents within 240 m of the development.  Video presentation of changes found in the recent application
• Applicant Agent: Urban Solutions Planning & Land Development Consultants Inc
• Applicant: Effort Trust
• Website: 925 Main Street West & 150 Longwood Road South - all documents submitted
• City Planner: M. Michiniak ([email protected]) 
• Status: Application received notification;

Public comments are being accepted now until October 7, 2026. Comments can be submitted to the Senior Planner on this file, Mark Michniak, at [email protected].

The Planning Act sets out timelines for approval authorities to make decisions:

• 120 days for official plans and official plan amendments (applicable to this file)
• 90 days for zoning by-law amendments
• 120 days for plans of subdivision
• 90 days for land severances

A public meeting has not yet been scheduled, but the community will be informed when one is organised.

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Truck Route Monitoring Dashboard

In 2022, the City of Hamilton implemented the Truck Route Master Plan Update, incorporating the update's recommendations into Traffic By-Law 01-215. The changes include removing large trucks from areas of the lower city, including sections of King St W, Main St W, and Queen St North and South, to make neighbourhoods safer for all residents and streets safer for all users. A full map of the Truck Route is available here. The primary objective of the changes is to guide trucks onto appropriate roadways, helping mitigate issues such as noise pollution and vibration and enhancing safety for vulnerable road users.

This year, the City has updated how residents can access information about the Truck Route and truck-related activity around Hamilton. Information on complaints received, inspections, corridors of concern, heatmaps of truck activity, and more are now available on the City of Hamilton's Truck Route Monitoring Dashboard. This dashboard is intended to support understanding of trends and how this information informs future work and priorities.

Residents can also find information on truck-related policies by consulting the Truck Route Network section of the City of Hamilton website. The City also has an online reporting tool for observed incidents where operators do not respect the Truck Route. Residents can also call the Hamilton Police Service non-emergency line at 905-546-4925 to report any trucks violating City by-laws.

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Development Charge Reduction Program

The City of Hamilton has received $572 million in federal and provincial funding as part of the Development Charge Reduction Program, intended to accelerate major infrastructure projects and improve roads, water, and sewer capacity. The funds allow the City to halt development charges on new residential developments for three years to incentivise new construction.

This investment will support road improvements in growing communities and expand both the Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Greenhill Water Pumping Station. The latter expansions will allow for up to 97,000 new homes in the area.

The Government of Canada and Government of Ontario announced the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP) initiative as an $8.8 billion cost-shared partnership intended to be delivered over 10 years (2026–2035). The Province administers the DCRP, with federal funding delivered through the Build Communities Strong Fund's Provincial and Territorial stream. DCRP details – including application requirements – were released on June 1, 2026, providing municipalities three weeks to apply before the deadline.

The City of Hamilton's successful application is a positive step in its work towards supporting the building of more housing options for residents.

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HSR Route Changes

On Sunday, September 6, 2026, the HSR will transition from its "summer" schedule to its "regular" schedule. For Ward 1, service on the 6-Aberdeen, 7-Locke, and 8-York bus routes will return to their regular schedules. As well, the 51-University bus will also make its return on Sunday, August 30

In addition, the bus stop on the north side of Main St W at Emerson Ave will be renamed "Main at University" to simplify travel for riders on the 1-King, 5-Delaware, and 10-B-Line routes.

All current and upcoming schedules are available online through the HSR. The City of Hamilton also offers an "HSR Alert" dashboard for detours, stop closures, and other incidents that may impact travel.

On September 2, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, at the Eastgate Square bus terminal (75 Centennial Parkway N), the HSR will celebrate 40 years of the B-Line Express bus route. Enjoy sweet treats, limited edition B-Line swag, and a history exhibit on the B-Line. This event is free to attend and accessible to all residents.

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Public Comments on a Provincial Assessment Framework for Data Centres

The Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade and the Ministry of Energy and Mines are seeking public input on a new "Economic and Strategic Assessment Framework for New Data Centres". 

The Province of Ontario has the power to regulate the specifics of all kinds of data centres. This round of consultations concerns the "strategic pillars" against which new data centre applications will be judged and energy use, both of which are in provincial jurisdiction. The Province is proposing a framework for judging new data centre applications and a new rate class for new data centres.  

Sections 92 and 92A of the Constitution Act, 1867 grant provincial governments authority over nearly all aspects of data centre development, including land management, incorporation, environment, and energy use. Municipalities ensure the effective implementation of provincial policies within their jurisdiction. Municipalities must follow provincial guidelines on these matters. This round of consultation will allow Ontario residents to provide input on provincial policies.

The comment period for the new "Economic and Strategic Assessment Framework for New Data Centres" is open now until September 12, 2026. You can comment online through the Government of Ontario's comment submission portal. If you have any questions, you can reach out to the province's contact at [email protected].

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Campus Move-in Information

This weekend will mark the beginning of move-in for McMaster students.

Residence buildings - including the new Lincoln Alexander Hall on Main St W - will see students move in from Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30, 2026. McMaster staggers move-in by residence building to ensure a smooth process for all new residents. During this time, traffic will increase in the Westdale and Ainslie Wood neighbourhoods, so residents are asked to be patient while students settle into their new accommodations. Residence move-in information is available through the McMaster University website.

Students who live off-campus will also be moving in over the next few weeks. Postcards with important waste collection and recycling information have been mailed to households across west Hamilton. The City of Hamilton waste guide and trash tags will be mailed to student-occupied homes (additional tags and guides are available through the Ward 1 office). By-law will begin proactive waste enforcement between August 31 and September 11, 2026. City staff will be at McMaster Student Union-hosted events in September to speak with students about proper waste management and their responsibility as neighbours.

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Heritage Recognition Awards

Each year the Hamilton Municipal Heritage Committee presents the HMHC Heritage Recognition Awards. Founded in 2007, these awards celebrate the significant contributions of property owners, educators, developers, and volunteers in conserving Hamilton’s heritage. The nomination deadline is September 15, 2026. Nomination forms must be filled out online.

To be eligible for a Heritage Recognition Award, a property must be located in the City of Hamilton and have cultural heritage or interest. There are 12 award categories, including the Heritage Property Conservation Award, the Cultural Heritage Landscape Award, awards for sustainable design, streetscape revitalisation, education in heritage, and more.

Submit a nomination today! For more information, contact the Hamilton Municipal Heritage Committee's legislative coordinator, Matt Gauthier. 

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Clear the Sidewalk, Please.

Every year, the Ward 1 office receives complaints about gardens and bushes impeding the sidewalk. The issue isn't the foliage itself, but when it's left unattended, it tends to fall onto the sidewalks, further reducing an already narrow area. 

Hedges, shrubs, and other plant material are permitted on the boulevards provided they do not interfere with the functioning of the sidewalks and roadways. Hamilton's Fence Bylaw 10-142 referencing hedges and the Streets Bylaw 87-077 state that foliage must not overhang the sidewalk, shoulder or roadway. 

So do your neighbours a solid and make sure your beautiful flora is off the sidewalk; that way more people can come and admire your gardens. 

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Living with Wildlife in Hamilton

The City of Hamilton is seeing a rise in coyote reports as coyote mothers and their young seek out food for the fall and winter months. As a result, coyotes may be more visible and more protective of their young.

Coyotes are not native to Ontario, first appearing in the province in the early 20th century after migrating from the prairies. The coyotes living in this area are generally "Eastern Coyotes", a relatively new subspecies of coyote that came about as a result of coyotes and wolves mating. Coyotes generally live in ravines and wooded areas that protect them from humans and other predators and provide a stable supply of small rodents for their diet. While coyotes are typically active at dusk and throughout the night, they have been known to venture out during the day and do not hibernate, meaning they can be seen year-round.

Coyotes are naturally frightened of humans, though they can rummage through garbage and pose a threat to cats, small dogs, and children that are left alone in yards. If you are approached by a coyote in a public park or on a trail, stay calm and wait until they move on. You can try to make yourself appear larger by shouting, waving your arms, or making loud noises. Do not run from coyotes. In the event that a coyote, dog, or other wild animal is presenting an immediate threat to public safety, residents are encouraged to call the Hamilton Police Service at 911 or Animal Services at 905-574-3433. Coyotes are not the main carriers of rabies, and there is a very low chance of a coyote transmitting the disease to humans. But if residents see a coyote in distress or acting erratically, they are encouraged to call Animal Services at 905-574-3433.

Remember that coyotes are wild animals, but they are still canines that can become comfortable with humans if distance is not maintained. To keep humans, pets, and coyotes safe, properly store household waste, do not leave pet food outdoors overnight, avoid composting meat products, use motion-sensitive lights in yards and gardens, and especially do not feed or approach coyotes.

For other tips on living with urban wildlife, consult the City of Hamilton's Wildlife webpage, which also includes information on bats, foxes, raccoons, and skunks.

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Tenant Guide

As we get closer to "Back To School", it will be time for students and those affiliated with Hamilton's post-secondary institutions to find accommodation close to where they study and work. Early September is also a time for many people to move apartments or find a different home in Hamilton.

Whether you're a student, a renter, or know someone who is a tenant, the City of Hamilton's Tenant Guide is a helpful resource. The Tenant Guide is designed to be a clear, accessible, and practical resource for tenants living in Hamilton, created in consultation with Hamilton renters and community organizations. It reflects Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and local by-laws, while also pointing you toward community-based support and resources available right here in Hamilton. 

The Tenant Guide can help with questions, concerns, or general information on your rights as a tenant. Residents can also contact [email protected] with other questions.

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Ward 1 Chronicles - The Sunken Gardens

If you pass McMaster University on Main St W, one of the first things you'll see is the McMaster Children's Hospital. Its concrete-and-glass façade has been a feature of the community since it opened its doors in 1972. But before the hospital opened, that site was a beloved community feature for another reason. The site of today's McMaster Children's Hospital was once the "Sunken Gardens", a 2.8 hectare (7 acre) park that became a sought-after photography spot for nearly four decades.

The story of the Sunken Gardens begins in 1926 when the McKittrick Company, the developers of Westdale, suddenly went bankrupt. During the court proceedings to address McKittrick's financial liabilities, the City of Hamilton made it clear that the company owed thousands of dollars in back taxes. A deal was struck with McKittrick in which the company would hand over land it owned along the Hamilton-Brantford Highway (today's Main St W) to the City to cover its debts. In 1928, the local Board of Health considered the site, as well as others in Westdale, for a new municipal hospital, but ultimately decided against it, leaving the land open for other kinds of municipal development. At the same time, the City was trying to secure a spot for McMaster University in Hamilton after it decided to move from its original home on Bloor St W in Toronto. McMaster had been soliciting offers from Hamiltonians to relocate since 1921, but the push to move began in earnest when the university's Board of Governors endorsed a move to Hamilton in 1927. With the new property available after the McKittrick bankruptcy, Westdale became the ideal location for the university's new home. To sweeten the deal, the City pledged to build a park in the area for use by residents and students alike. 

The City and McMaster secured the expertise of local landscape architect couple Howard and Lorrie Dunnington-Grubb, who had designed Gage Park. The municipally-owned portion of the university lands would feature a landscaped park with a water feature, sloped terrace paths, ample seating, lush beds of flowers, and a stunning view of McMaster's new campus. Work began in May of 1929.

After the stock market crash in October of 1929, unemployment began to climb, and Hamiltonians needed work. With construction continuing, the City hired out-of-work Hamiltonians to help build the grounds, providing much-needed work while beautifying a growing corner of Hamilton. In total, the Sunken Gardens took over 35,000 cubic metres (46,000 cubic yards) of soil and generous supplies of cement, flagstone tread, and plant life. 

When it was completed, it featured a 43-metre-long (140 feet) lily pond with fountains, cement sun shelters, elaborate flower beds, and a variety of unique plants. Evergreens were brought in from Gage Park and planted in the Sunken Gardens, as well as along the driveway to McMaster University. A Spectator article from the summer of 1930 observed that the Sunken Gardens were "the admiration of thousands of citizens who have taken the trouble to inspect them." Later that year, to better connect McMaster and the Sunken Gardens, the City extended Broadway Ave into campus as "University Ave". This helped to contrast the Sunken Gardens with the surrounding landscape and create a peaceful oasis in west Hamilton.

In 1941, the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) was spun off from the Hamilton Parks Board to become its own incorporated entity. When this happened, the Sunken Gardens were transferred to the RBG, becoming their responsibility as part of their larger holdings along Cootes Paradise and Princess Point. Over the next few years, the Sunken Gardens became a go-to wedding photography spot, with newlyweds bringing their wedding parties to the picturesque grounds to commemorate the day in a beautifully landscaped park.

But the Sunken Gardens also attracted some bad apples. In the 1950's, local youth would get up to mischief in the park. "Gangs" of teens would sometimes nab unsuspecting pedestrians or students and throw them in the lily pond. And, those with access to vehicles would sometimes ram the cement structures or decorative archways in the park. The superintendent of the RBG told the Spectator that the "Sunken Gardens is the worst area of all Botanical Gardens property for vandalism." The area continued to grow and, in 1953, the Sunken Gardens got a new neighbour: the Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH) moved into a brand new building at the intersection of Main St W and Forsyth Ave S, facing Traymore Ave.

By the 1960's, space in west Hamilton was getting hard to find. The RBG transferred much of its land in the area, including the Sunken Gardens, to McMaster to help facilitate their expansion in 1963, just before the university announced that a $35 million grant had been approved by the province to build a new medical school and hospital on campus. Campus planners and city officials originally sought to preserve the gardens and the Art Gallery by re-routing King St W to curve south, run between the Sunken Gardens and the AGH, and meet Main St W. City Council rejected that plan, as it would have required a major realignment of city streets and was strongly opposed by the Art Gallery. Instead, King St W traffic was diverted along Dalewood Ave and Haddon Ave S; the AGH was set on relocating downtown, and in 1967, McMaster announced it would build its new medical centre over the Sunken Gardens.

The plans were initially held up when residents complained to the province that the sale of the RBG lands to McMaster included restrictions that would not allow them to build a hospital on the site. Even before the matter was settled, McMaster announced plans to remove the gardens. During the first weekend of May 1968, McMaster invited residents to take whatever they could from the Sunken Gardens, as long as they could carry it away on their own. Residents took everything, from the flagstones to the concrete ornaments to the smallest shrubs. By the time they were done, the Sunken Gardens were little more than an open dirt pit. Members of City Council were angry that the Sunken Gardens were uprooted without their knowledge, and the university said residents had given their "consent," but they did not advertise it widely, quickly changed their policy, and required written permission to take anything from the site. But the residents that did get pieces of the Sunken Gardens were aware of the importance of what they brought home; as of 2023, one of the lilac bushes rescued from the gardens still lives in a backyard on Hamilton Mountain.

The lands around campus were widely excavated that year, with large trenches dug to test the water table, lay new pipes, and make sure the infrastructure was in place to support a new hospital. This required the university to build a temporary bridge across Sterling St so students could access Wentworth House, then the headquarters of the McMaster Student Union (MSU). In a cheeky nod to the work being done on campus, the students dubbed the bridge the "Sunken Gardens Memorial Bridge" and charged users 9 cents to traverse it (to support the MSU's fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Association). By the fall of 1968, the Sunken Gardens were no more. It would take four years to complete McMaster's hospital and medical school.

The Sunken Gardens were a popular park in Westdale from 1929 to 1968, hosting countless strolls, wedding photo shoots, and quiet afternoons of contemplation for weary McMaster students. While they may be gone now, pieces of the gardens live on across the city and in the photos taken by residents over the years.

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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 interest you. Here are some pieces from past editions that you might have missed:

• Air Quality and Black Soot
  • Recent stories about "black soot" and other industrial pollutants in Hamilton have led some residents to ask important questions. Residents can report incidents to Ontario's Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP). Residents can also check out the resources provided by Environment Hamilton on air quality as it relates to industrial production.
• Lights Out For Bird Migration
  • You can help birds migrate safely by turning off non-essential lighting and/or closing blinds at night (11:00 PM to 6:00 AM) from now until mid-November. Many bird species migrate at night and rely on natural cues like the moon and stars for navigation. The folks at Bird Friendly Hamilton Burlington have tips and tricks for making your house and community bird-friendly, as well as other resources on bird conservation efforts.
• 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.
• 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.

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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:

• Chedoke Golf Course Lands Review
  • The City of Hamilton is inviting residents and community groups to share your input and experiences, which will play an important role in identifying priorities, values and ideas for the future of the Chedoke Golf Course lands. The City of Hamilton has owned and operated the Chedoke Golf Course lands for over 100 years and will continue to in the years to come. This land will remain a public asset and will not be sold for development. As part of this review, the City is exploring a range of feasible future uses for these lands beyond golf as a primary use, in response to several factors including evolving community needs, climate resilience, change in the discourse around the way municipal golf course lands are used, and the growing demand for accessible green and recreation space. Survey submissions will be accepted until October 2, 2026. In addition, two free guided walking tours will take place on September 16 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM and September 20 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. 
• 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 several 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.

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Events - Ward 1

Bach Elgar Choir Auditions

• September 7, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and September 8 and 15, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Location: Melrose United Church, 86 Homewood Ave
• Sing with the Bach Elgar Choir! Be a part of something wonderful. Want to sing Handel, Purcel, and more? Audition for the 26/27 Bach Elgar Choir season. Auditions are being held September 7, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and September 8 & 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Melrose United Church, Hamilton. Visit bachelgar.ca/join-us for details and to register.

Kidical Mass Family Friendly Slow Roll

• September 12, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM
• Location: Victoria Park Playground, Locke St N and Florence St
• Peddle on over to Victoria Park for fun, family-friendly and inclusive "Kidical Mass" ride to Super Crawl! The ride will take it slow, keep everyone together, and make sure no one gets left behind. Just good vibes, great company, and plenty of smiles along the way. Juice boxes and granola will be available for all riders at the end. Just bring your bike, your helmet, and your biggest smiles!

Sundays Unlocked Open Street

• 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.

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!

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

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

Ability First Accessibility Fair 2026

• September 4, 2026, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Location: Hamilton City Hall, 71 Main St W
• The City of Hamilton and the Accessibility Committee for Persons with Disabilities invite community members to the 5th annual "Ability First" Accessibility Fair on the forecourt of Hamilton City Hall. At the fair, the City's 3rd annual "Accessibility Awards" ceremony will occur. Come by for children's art and activity stations, tactile exploration stations, service dog demonstrations, exhibitors, and so much more!

Touch-A-Truck!

• September 12, 2026, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Location: Pier 8 and the Discovery Centre, 47 Discovery Dr, Hamilton
• The City of Hamilton's Touch-A-Truck event returns! Originally scheduled for May but postponed due to weather, the event will take place on September 12 at the Pier 8 waterfront. The event will showcase a wide variety of City vehicles and equipment. Visitors can enjoy snowplow blade painting, children’s activities and giveaways, prizes, and interactive displays featuring Public Works operations. Come on down to the waterfront and enjoy some of the City's coolest vehicles!

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 Chronicles - The Back Stories

Ainslie's Wood	The Dundurn Gardener's Cottage
West End Weather	Sydney St
The Life and Architecture of Stanley Roscoe	Rolph Gate
The Mountain Ave Maternity Hospital	The Rifle Range

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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: