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City staff have recommended the reduction of grass cutting in these parks/parkettes in Ward 9 (see graphics below). I have opposed this plan to reduce grass cutting on these properties without any public consultation. Staff are proposing a reduction in grass cutting in urban right of ways from 12 cycles to 9 cycles.

If you oppose this reduction in services, please write to the Mayor and Councillors to clerk@hamilton.ca

Please find below additional information regarding the proposed grass-cutting changes as provided by General Manager Jackie Kennedy.

Q1. What changes are being proposed for grass cutting in urban right-of-way areas?

A1: The City is adjusting its grass cutting schedule within municipal right-of-way areas, which are maintained by contracted services overseen by the Transportation Division of Public Works. The new approach keeps the current cutting cycle during the spring and early summer when grass grows most rapidly, but reduces the frequency later in the season when grass growth slows or becomes dormant. This means fewer cuts in late summer and fall, reflecting periods when mowing has limited visual or functional benefit. The annual cutting frequency will decrease from 12 to 9 cycles, resulting in a budget savings of $105,000. The City can add extra cuts if unusual weather leads to sustained grass growth. These changes are designed to maintain roadway safety, visibility, and urban appearance.

Q2. Will rural roadside mowing be affected by these changes?

A2: No, rural roadside mowing is not impacted by this proposal. It will continue as usual, following established service levels and practices from previous years. Although there were contractor delays in rural mowing in 2025, these issues have been resolved and are not expected to recur.

Q3: Will the changes affect sports fields?

A3: No, sports fields and key open grass areas in parks will continue to be mowed as usual.

Q4. What changes are proposed for grass cutting in City parks, open spaces, and private properties?

A4: The City is proposing to reduce mowing in certain park areas and open spaces, resulting in a budget savings of $250,000. The reductions focus on non-City lands without service agreements and city properties with areas suitable for naturalization, such as spaces next to existing natural areas, woodlands, and unprogrammed spaces. Sports fields and key open grass areas in parks will continue to be mowed as usual. Areas not owned by the City and without agreements will receive notice that mowing will stop, but landowners can discuss establishing a paid service agreement if desired. Existing agreements, such as those with school boards adjacent to parkland, will continue.

Q5. Why are some areas being removed from the mowing program, and what happens next?

A5: To improve efficiency and focus staff on core services, the City reviewed mowing areas and identified some that could transition to naturalized landscapes. These areas, often adjacent to naturalized zones, will be promoted for biodiversity and healthy, native plant communities as part of the Biodiversity Action Plan. Residents will be informed about opportunities to participate in planting events as plans develop. Maps showing the spaces proposed for removal from the mowing program are available, with red dashed areas indicating where mowing will stop. Sports fields and key open spaces will remain part of the regular mowing program.

Q6. How will residents and landowners be notified about these changes?

A6: Landowners of non-City properties currently receiving mowing services without an agreement will be notified that the service will end. They may choose to discuss a formal agreement with the City if they wish to continue receiving mowing services, which would include compensation for the service.

Q7. Where can I find more information or see which areas will no longer be mowed?

A7: All spaces proposed for removal from the parks mowing program are shown in attached PDF map. The red dashed areas indicate spaces that will no longer be mowed. Key open spaces and sports fields will continue to be maintained by the parks team.

Animal control has seen an increase in coyote sightings and complaints since July 27^th, 2025. Reports of aggressive coyote behaviour in Upper Stoney Creek, have been noted in the areas of Eramosa Karst Conservation Area, Valley Park between the pedestrian bridge and Marston as well as Echo Valley. Coyotes are a natural part of our ecosystem. They are usually timid animals, but they are naturally inquisitive and are protective of their dens.

It is important that we all take a few simple steps to keep ourselves, our children, and our pets safe

Why Are Coyotes Here?

Coyotes are highly adaptable animals. They are often drawn to residential areas in search of food, water, and shelter—especially during hot weather or when natural food sources are scarce. They are commonly seen along the Niagara Escarpment and in rural areas, but they have been known to follow water courses like Felker’s Creek into residential areas in search of food and water.

Safety Tips for Residents

Keep pets indoors or supervised
Small dogs and cats should not be left outside alone, especially at dawn or dusk when coyotes are most active.
Secure garbage and compost
Coyotes are opportunistic feeders. Make sure all garbage bins are tightly closed and compost is not left accessible.
Don’t feed wildlife
Feeding coyotes—even unintentionally—makes them lose their natural fear of humans. Never leave pet food, bird seed, or fallen fruit outside which can attract their prey.
Walk dogs on a short leash
Avoid retractable leashes in coyote-prone areas. If you encounter a coyote, stay calm, pick-up small pets, and back away slowly.
Make your yard less inviting
Trim overgrown shrubs, install motion-sensor lights, and consider wooden fencing if you have pets or livestock.
Pets in back yard.

Do not allow your pets to roam free especially in a chain linked yard.

Motion Sensitive Lighting

Using motion-sensitive lights in your yard. Nocturnal wildlife are less likely to be in well-light areas.

If You See a Coyote

Do not run. Instead, back away slowly while trying to haze or scare the coyote off:

Keep any children, small and large dogs close to you.
Make loud noises (clap, shout, or use a whistle)
Wave your arms.

This helps reinforce their natural fear of humans.

Report Sightings

Please report any aggressive behavior or frequent sightings near homes or parks to [Wildlife | City of Hamilton]and to ward9@hamilton.ca or call 905 546-2703

Click here for even more information regarding coyotes.

Together, we can coexist safely with wildlife while keeping our community informed and prepared.

Thank you for helping keep our neighborhood safe!

Mayor’s Budget Direction Leads to Staff Proposed Reduction in Grass Cutting in Three Ward 9 Parks and Parkettes

Coyote Awareness in our Neighbourhood