Author: Councillor Brad Clark

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.

Westbound lanes of the LINC between the Upper James exit ramp and the Garth St entrance ramp for one night beginning on Friday, May 29.

For Immediate Release
May 27, 2020

Overnight closure on westbound LINC beginning Friday

HAMILTON, ON – In order to accommodate repairs to an overhead sign structure on the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway (LINC), the City of Hamilton will close the westbound lanes of the LINC between the Upper James exit ramp and the Garth St entrance ramp for one night beginning on Friday, May 29.

The overnight closure will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and wrap up at 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 30. 

Motorists should detour around the closure using Stone Church Rd.

The City thanks motorists for their patience and cooperation as we complete these important repairs.

Ward 9 yard waste will be picked up this week. We ask you to place your yard waste at the curb before 7am on Monday and it will be picked up by Friday May 22, 2020.

Normal yard waste pick-ups return May 29

We will return to our normal weekly Friday pick-up on May 29, 2020. Please place your yard waste at the curb with your garbage and recyclables by 7am Friday morning. It will be picked up later in the day.

I am very pleased to see this change in policy to ensure testing of anyone with COVID-19 symptoms. If you have symptoms, please stay home and isolate yourself from contact with household members. Use a sperate room and washroom where possible. Use anti-bacterial wipes or soaps to clean shared facilities.

Seek medical advice from your doctor or Public Health at 905 974-9848. Don’t downplay your condition. This illness can turn serious very quickly.