High water levels and rain continue to cause damage in Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON - May 31, 2017 - Extremely high water levels in Lake Ontario combined with recent rainfall events are continuing to cause damage along Hamilton’s shoreline. Today, the City of Hamilton is starting emergency repairs along the Breezeway Trail near the Burlington Lift Bridge and on the Waterfront Trail near Confederation Beach Park. While the trails remain open, there will be intermittent closures in the coming days to accommodate heavy equipment as required.  

The following is a list of other current closures and impacts resulting from the high water levels and rainfall:

• The East Leg of the Sherman Access is currently closed in both directions while crews remove rocks and a number of overhanging trees with loose roots caused by the wet weather and ground saturation. The City expects the access to remain closed through the weekend.
• The Waterfront Trail is closed between Bayfront Park and Princess Point due to significant flooding and erosion along the trail.
• The piers below the Burlington Lift Bridge are closed in the interest of public safety as a result of waves submerging the concrete piers.
• York Road is closed while crews complete repairs to a collapsed culvert and reconstruct the road in the area. The road is expected to re-open ahead of schedule on Monday, June 5, 2017.
• Sections of the Rail Trail between Wentworth Street S and the Kimberly Stairs are still coned off with signs and caution tape. Pedestrians and cyclists using the trail should be cautious.
• Sports fields and diamonds were closed last weekend due to the wet weather. Most have since re-opened but remaining closures are noted on the City’s website.
• Grass cutting at City parks is delayed in some areas of the city due to ground saturation.
• Spencer Creek Trail, Fifty Road Parkette and Fredrick Parkette are all closed.

In addition, a number of properties and roadways near Lake Ontario are still experiencing flooding. The City is responding in these neighbourhoods to pump water off roadways with a goal of reducing basement flooding impacts. It is expected that this pumping will be required until the lake levels recede.  

“I’d like to thank both residents and City staff for their efforts in responding to the impacts from the high water levels and significant rain we’ve been experiencing in Hamilton over recent weeks. Many other communities in Ontario are experiencing similar situations, especially in neighbourhoods close to the lakefront and other bodies of water. For your own safety, please be cautious around bodies of water and ensure you respect fencing around the closed areas.”  

Mayor Fred Eisenberger

Residents are reminded to be cautious around all bodies of water, and be aware of possible hazards caused by rain and winds.

The City thanks residents for their patience and co-operation as we work toward responding to the impacts from rain and high water levels. Updates will be share via Twitter @CityofHamilton and on www.hamilton.ca