Brad Clark Report

Backwater valves play an important role in helping protect homes from basement flooding. To ensure they work effectively, they should be checked every three months—or before significant rain events—to make sure they are clear of debris and operating properly. Regular maintenance can make a meaningful difference during heavy rainfall.

Each year, Hamilton Water sends the attached letter to addresses in our system recorded as having backwater valves installed. This year’s mailing will include close to 12,000 properties. As part of Hamilton Water’s ongoing efforts to help residents stay prepared, the outreach also includes print and online ads and posts on social media, ensuring homeowners receive clear, detailed guidance. The letter highlights the importance of maintenance and provides instructions for the two types of backwater valves commonly used in Hamilton.

Through the Protective Plumbing Program, eligible homeowners may receive funding to complete flood protection upgrades such as installing a backwater valve, which helps keep basements dry by preventing potential sewer backups. The program also supports disconnecting downspouts from stormwater or combined sewer systems. Disconnecting a downspout redirects rainwater away from the storm or combined sewer system, reducing strain on the system and lowering the risk of basement flooding.

To learn more about backwater valves, downspout disconnection, and other protective plumbing devices, visit hamilton.ca/backwatervalves.

Starting March 29, 2026, the City of Hamilton will pilot Sunday parking enforcement to address a long-standing service gap and improve safety and fairness across the city. Currently, the City only conducts parking enforcement Monday through Saturday.

This six-month pilot will operate on Sundays between 5:45 a.m. and 10 p.m., addressing a long-standing gap in service. Enforcement will be complaint based, meaning officers will respond to resident concerns rather than proactively ticketing. This approach allows the community to adjust while existing parking rules continue to apply.

The pilot is designed to:

• Improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers by addressing parking issues that block sidewalks, bike lanes, and roadways.
• Enhance customer service by responding directly to resident-reported concerns.
• Collect data on demand, operational impacts, costs, and community response to inform future decisions.

The pilot will use existing Parking Enforcement and Customer Contact Centre resources. Findings and recommendations will be reported back to the Planning Committee in late 2026 to support informed decisions on potential seven-day-a-week parking enforcement.

Please be advised of upcoming temporary occupancies on the Red Hill Valley Parkway during the week of March 23^rd for culvert cleaning and inspection.

Where

1. Location 1 – Red Hill TCP approx. 500m north of Mud St Ramp
   1. Traffic will be reduced to 2 lanes on the Red Hill Valley Parkway Northbound.
2. Location 2 – Mud St Ramp
   1. Shoulder closure. Traffic will be maintained.
3. Location 3 – Dartnall Curl Ramp
   1. Shoulder closure. Traffic will be maintained.

Please note only one traffic setup will be active at any given time.

When

Monday, March 23^rd to Friday, March 27^th.

Please note this work is dependent on the weather. 

Motorists can expect delays in the area during operations. We appreciate your patience while this work is completed.

To help protect large, mature trees that provide public benefits and grow our urban forest, the City is proposing a Harmonized Private Tree By-law and updates to the existing Tree Protection Guidelines and Woodland Bylaws (Regional and Urban). 

What this could mean for property owners: 

• Some tree removals may require a permit 
• Replacement trees may be required in some cases 
• Exemptions would apply for dead or hazardous trees, invasive species, emergency work, and trees too close to buildings 

We are inviting residents to learn more and have their say by attending an in-person event and completing the online survey here: https://engage.hamilton.ca/harmonizedprivatetreebylaw

The results of this consultation will inform the fees, processes and requirements recommended in final By-laws and guidelines that will be before council in summer 2026.

Public Consultation Dates

Date: March 25, 2026
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm, with a formal presentation at 7:00pm
Location: Westmount Recreation Centre, Community Room 3 and 3, 35 Lynbrook Drive, Hamilton, Ontario L9C 2K6

Date: March 26, 2026
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm, with a formal presentation at 7:00pm
Location: Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena, Community Room, Highway 5 West, Hamilton, Ontario L0R 2B0

Date: April 8, 2026
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm, with a formal presentation at 7:00pm
Location: Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre, Entire Café, 876 Cannon Street East, Hamilton, Ontario L8L 0C6

Date: April 16, 2026
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm, with a formal presentation at 7:00pm
Location: Valley Park Community Centre, Community Room 1, 970 Paramount Drive, Stoney Creek, Ontario L8J 1Y2

City staff will be available to answer questions.