Author: Councillor Brad Clark

Tomorrow’s increase in the limit on social gatherings from five people to ten people is exciting news for extended families who wish to gather for small celebrations, dinners or simply want to get together. But, we must still do our part and remain vigilant about our public health precautions as the virus is still active in Ontario.

Remaining cautious will help protect your family and loved ones. While you may be young and the virus may have a limited impact in your health, it has been devastating to our seniors and chronically ill residents. Moreover, we still do not understand why some children and young adults have succumb to the virus. So, please remember to:

• self isolate if you feel ill in any manner
• wear a mask to protect others from your germs
• cough and sneeze into your elbow
• wash hands with soap and water
• avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes (entry points for virus)
• avoid hand shaking
• wipe down hard services with anti-bacterial solutions or wipes
• use common sense

The Linc will be CLOSED this Friday June 12^th (starting at 1 p.m.) until Sunday June 14^th (finishing before 11 p.m.). 

The westbound expressway closure will start at the Linc’s east end with traffic on southbound Red Hill Valley Parkway being forced off at the exit-ramp to Upper RHVP / Mud St., with next available re-entry to the westbound Linc via the on-ramps at the Mohawk Rd. / Golf links Rd. interchange (thus providing direct access to Highway 403  E. & W.).

Weekend closures on the LINC beginning Friday, June 5, 2020

HAMILTON, ON – In order to complete maintenance on the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway (LINC), the City of Hamilton will be conducting two maintenance weekends this month beginning Friday, June 5, 2020.

The LINC will be closed, one direction at a time, for a whole weekend in each direction. The road will be closed for one weekend in the eastbound direction beginning on Friday, June 5, 2020, and one weekend in the westbound direction beginning on Friday, June 12, 2020.

The eastbound closure will extend from Golf Links Rd to the Upper Red Hill Valley Parkway offramp leaving the eastbound LINC, and the westbound closure will extend from the Red Hill Valley Parkway to Hwy 403 in the west end. While working in the westbound direction, access to the Highway 403 onramps and the Rousseaux St offramp will be reduced to one lane with access available from the Golf Links Rd onramps.

The maintenance work will include:

• Spot repairs to the asphalt
• Some sections of shave and pave resurfacing
• Clearing of catch basins
• Pavement marking replacements
• Repairs to some signage

Dates for the work are weather permitting, however at this time are planned for:

• Eastbound: June 5 at 1 p.m. until June 7 at 11 p.m.
• Westbound: June 12 at 1 p.m. until June 14 at 11 p.m.

Given the nature of the work, these dates may change depending on weather. Updates will be posted at www.hamilton.ca/lincmaintenance and on Twitter @CityofHamilton

Traffic is expected to increase during these maintenance weekends, and motorists should allow extra time and follow signs for detour.

The City of Hamilton thanks residents for their patience and cooperation as we complete these important infrastructure repairs.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a number of changes were necessary to our usual community heat response. Under provincial orders, spray pads and indoor and outdoor pools remain closed. The following locations across the City have been activated as Cooling Places:

• Central Memorial Community Centre,  93 West Avenue South, Hamilton
• Ryerson Recreation Centre, 251 Duke Street, Hamilton
• Norman Pinky Lewis Rec Centre, 192 Wentworth Street North, Hamilton
• Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre, 876 Cannon Street East
• Stoney Creek Rec Centre, 45 King Street West, Stoney Creek
• Rosedale Arena & Senior Centre, 100 Greenhill Avenue, Hamilton
• Hamilton Central Library, 55 York Boulevard, Hamilton

These locations were selected with advice from Public Health on the most at-risk areas within the City  and because the necessary public health measures such as physical distancing could be easily implemented. Cooling Places will only be open during heat events; specific daytime open hours for each site will be confirmed shortly. All locations can be identified by a “Cool Down Here” sign at the entrance and will have water available on-site. Please note that these locations are open to serve as Cooling Places only, not for normal service (i.e. recreation, libraries, etc.)

The Centres are open until 9 pm tonight and tomorrow will operate between 11:00 AM and 9 PM.

The following precautionary measures are in place at the Cooling Places:

• Locations are staffed at the front doors; staff will actively screen and register anyone who attends.
• Active screening will be done daily upon entering for all staff, volunteers and clients. Individuals will also be asked to self-monitor.
• Cooling Places are designed to support physical distancing; individuals will be instructed to physically distance around others. Signage reminding individuals about the importance of physical distancing will also be posted in these locations.
• Locations are stocked with proper hand hygiene supplies (i.e. pump soap, warm running water and paper towels or hot air dryers).
• In addition to routine cleaning, surfaces that have frequent contact with hands will be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
• Clients are encouraged to wear masks/face coverings if possible/available at the Cooling Places.
• Staff are trained on the safe use, care, disposal and limitations of PPE.
• Staff will contact Public Health for specific advice and control measures regarding anyone who displays systems or is suspected to have COVID-19.