Dewitt Access Remains Closed due to Rockfall

Posted on by Councillor Brad Clark

Following a rockfall at Dewitt Hill on the evening of May 10, 2026, the City, in
collaboration with Hamilton Police and community safety partners, made the decision
collaboratively to close Dewitt Road while the area is assessed and secured.
Hamilton Police and City Transportation staff attended the site promptly following
reports of the rockfall. There were no reported injuries or fatalities, no damage to
vehicles and minimal roadway impact as the existing concrete barriers prevented
significant effects on the right of way.


Given the immediate proximity of the rockfall to the railway corridor, Canadian Pacific
Railway has been notified. Minor debris cleanup within the rail right of way has already
been completed in coordination with the Railway Authority, and any additional
remediation, stabilization, or repair work required within or adjacent to the corridor will
continue to be completed in collaboration with CP Rail.


The City’s third-party engineering consultant inspected the site Monday afternoon to
assess the escarpment face and provide recommendations on the stability of the
rockface, whether additional stabilization work is required, whether current safety
barriers remain sufficient in the short term and if additional protective measures should
be considered before the road reopens.

Dewitt Road will remain closed for the remainder of the week as the required interim
remedial rockface measures have been completed, and the fallen rock debris has been
removed. Timing to reopen the road will be predicated on the measures and actions
needed to be taken to ensure it is safe to travel on Dewitt Road.


The City will continue working closely with all relevant agencies and technical experts to
ensure public safety and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Motorists are encouraged to use alternate escarpment access routes while Dewitt Road
remains closed. Delays should be expected in the area until the roadway can be safely
reopened.

Ward 9 Park’s Grass Cutting to be Maintained

Posted on by Councillor Brad Clark

During deliberations of the Mayor’s Budget directions with regard to reducing and eliminating city grass cutting across the city. I raised concerns that the proposed elimination of grass cutting in Albion Estates Park, Aylmer Parkette and Tapleytown Men’s Club Park would be a real loss for local residents and students. I pointed out that these parks are in close proximity between two schools and private residents. I raised the concerns that such a plan would raise the risk of tick bites and possible tick borne illness.

Subsequently, Councillor Tom Jackson and I moved an amendment to pause the reductions for one year during the budget debate. Regrettably, our amendment was defeated by the majority of councillors.

Included in the grass cutting reductions were the following parks and parkettes

a)  Albion Estates Park – grass cutting reduction (park)

b)  Aylmer Parkette – grass cutting reduction (parkette)

c)  Tapleytown Men’s Club Park – grass cutting reduction (park)

Subsequently, I corresponded with the Director of Environmental Services requesting that if the decision to cut grass cutting services to Albion Estates Park, Aylmer Parkette, and Tapleytown Men’s Club Park was solely to reduce costs then I would suggest funding through the landfill royalties. I stated that I remained concerned that these parks are well used by local communities and allowing them to naturalize will like increase the risk of tick exposure, and bites. The Director of Environmental Services responded, I checked with staff and none of these locations are slated for mowing reductions.  While they were on the list initially, they were removed in the final version. No funding needed!

Thank You!

We are grateful that environmental services management and staff reviewed these parks and decided to continue maintaining them as in past years. My residents living close to these parks as well as several hundred students from Billy Green and St Paul Elementary Schools are truly grateful.

Hamilton Conservation Foundation 50/50 Draw

Posted on by Councillor Brad Clark

This 50/50 draw will help the Hamilton Conservation Foundation provide funding through grants for land acquisition, ecological programming, and conservation education programing etc. for the Hamilton Conservation Authority.

Buy your tickets today! Draw happens on June 22, 2026. You can scan the QR code below or click on this link to buy your tickets. Thank you for your support. https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/hamilton-conservation-foundation

5050 Raffle PosterDownload

Valley Park Community Centre Temporary Closure

Posted on by Councillor Brad Clark

Valley Park Community Centre Extended Maintenance Closure

Valley Park Community Centre (970 Paramount Drive) will be closed for three weeks, from Monday, March 23 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, to begin work on the pool basin and waterslide, and to complete gymnasium flooring replacement and lighting upgrades.

The Valley Park Library will remain open during this period.

While the centre will re-open after this three-week period, the pool will remain closed to complete the waterslide replacement and conduct essential lifecycle renewal upgrades to the pool and change-room areas.

Completing this work at one time will allow it to be done safely while minimizing future service and programming disruptions. The pool and changerooms are expected to reopen in early summer 2026.

During this closure, residents are encouraged to attend drop-in and registered programming at nearby locations including Huntington Park, Hill Park, Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Stoney Creek Recreation Centres.

Closure details will be shared on the City’s website:

http://www.hamilton.ca/recprojects