Hamilton likely has more than 1,000 cases of COVID-19

scotto

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Staff member
Feb 15, 2004
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The Beach Strip
#1
Late Monday, the province closed outdoor recreational spaces such as sports fields, skate parks, playgrounds, dog parks, beaches and tennis courts. It includes private communal outdoor spaces such as those at condominiums.
“The message is pretty clear: Stay at home unless you absolutely have to go out,” said Paul Johnson, director of Hamilton’s Emergency Operations Centre.
The city is blocking off parking lots to trails and other popular outdoor destinations while aggressively ticketing on nearby streets to discourage people from driving to their favourite spots.
“Walk around the block,” said Johnson.
The city is extending its closure of facilities, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and programming until at least May 25. It will hold a virtual town hall on Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Cable 14 or youtube.com/insidecityofhamilton. Submit questions at hamilton.ca/askcovidquestions.
Read whole article;
https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilt...ely-has-more-than-1000-cases-of-covid-19.html
 

scotto

Administrator
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Feb 15, 2004
6,985
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The Beach Strip
#2
Because people can't follow the rules and self distance, the Hamilton Conservation Authority have closed all the parking lots to discourage Hamilton residents from taking walks on the Trail. I notice that some just parked on the side of the road and went for a walk anyway.
Hutch's is only allowing take out and have stacked all their tables so that customers don't think that it is fine to eat outside the restaurant.
The City has closed playground, but for the present time, the parking lots near the canal are still open. That could change.
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scotto

Administrator
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Feb 15, 2004
6,985
218
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The Beach Strip
#3
The Beach store is still open for us but has this sign on the front door.

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And our local pub is doing their part and allowing take-out, thanks to Harry's.

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And this was posted on the side of a house beside the Trail near Woodlands Ave.
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scotto

Administrator
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Feb 15, 2004
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#4

All HCA areas and trails closed


HCA Response to COVID-19
As a result of Provincial direction to close non-essential business operations to support efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, HCA has made the difficult decision to CLOSE all Hamilton Conservation Authority areas to the public, including membership pass holders, as of Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

No day use is permitted in our areas until further notice and those who enter will be trespassing. The City of Hamilton has been made aware of these closures and Parking Enforcement Staff will be enforcing parking bylaws on municipal roadways for those who choose to ignore the closures and park illegally.
This includes HCA owned trails, the Hamilton-to-Brantford Rail Trail, the Dofasco 2000 Trail and the Lafarge 2000 Trail.
HCA will monitor developments as well as provincial and local public health recommendations and reassess on an ongoing basis. The health and safety of our staff, volunteers and community is a top priority for Hamilton Conservation Authority. HCA continues to monitor the rapidly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.
 

scotto

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Feb 15, 2004
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The Beach Strip
#5
Posted with permission from the Hamilton Spectator
___________________________________________________________________
COVID-19 scofflaws in Hamilton told to ‘knock it off’
TM
By Teviah MoroSpectator Reporter
Thu., April 2, 2020

“Knock it off” is the message from the city to troublemakers that have Hamilton bylaw officers scrambling during the coronavirus crisis.
The city has responded to destroyed barricades and signs meant to keep people from congregating in parks, says Paul Johnson, director of the city’s Emergency Operations Centre.

Some are taking advantage of the situation to move ahead with construction projects without building permits or dumping waste illegally.
Meanwhile, more than 300 visitors flocked to Albion Falls on the east Mountain on Wednesday despite the closure of the parking lot, he said.

Johnson said “many, many people” are following direction, but a few troublemakers have bylaw “running ragged” as the city focuses on fighting the potentially deadly virus. “You need to knock that off.”
The province recently gave bylaw officers the ability to disperse crowds larger than five people as efforts to enforce physical distancing intensify.

They can issue tickets of $750 to individuals and court summons for more persistent and serious offenders, which could land jail time or a maximum fine of $100,000.
Residents can report what appear to be illegal large gatherings at 905-546-2489 on Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. After hours or Sunday, they can call the police’s non-emergency line at 905-546-4925. To report non-essential businesses that are operating, call the city at 905-546-2489.
On Thursday, the city announced the Waterfront Trail would now be closed, joining dog parks, golf courses, playgrounds and the escarpment stairs to the list of outdoor spaces off limits to discourage people from congregating.
City bylaw officers are “quite busy” enforcing the new provincial measures to keep groups of people at no more than five and ensure only essential businesses are open, said Monica Ciriello, acting director of licensing and bylaw.
To handle the added workload, the department has “restructured” staff schedules “over a seven-day window,” Ciriello said. Less urgent matters are on the back burner. “I want people to recognize that bylaw is out there doing their job to keep people safe.”
The city’s message comes during a crucial juncture with 127 known local cases as of noon Thursday. However, Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, the city’s medical officer of health, said the total could be as high as 10 times that number.
Here are some key points about the response effort:
  • The closure of city facilities, including parks, playgrounds and sports fields, and suspended programming continues until May 25. Emergency services, such as police, fire and EMS aren’t affected.
  • Emergency workers on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis need personal protective equipment — surgical masks, N95 masks, impervious gowns, gloves, face shields, swabs and hand sanitizer — but no homemade items. Donate via ppe@hamilton.ca or 905-546-2424, ext. 2257.

  • The “general advice” for the general public is not to don masks, Richardson said, noting they increase the tendency for people to touch their face. If people wear gloves, they should be careful, she said, explaining the material could spread the virus. “You’re actually putting yourself at greater risk.”
  • People over 70 with compromised immune systems or underlying conditions are urged to stay home. This means family, friends and neighbours may have to help by picking up essential items like groceries or medication. “Ideally, they don’t have to go out for those types of things,” Richardson said.
TM
Teviah Moro
is a Hamilton-based city hall reporter at the Spectator. Reach him via email: tmoro@thespec.com


 

scotto

Administrator
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Feb 15, 2004
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The Beach Strip
#6
Posted with permission from the Hamilton Spectator
________________________________________________________________________________________

COVID-19 has now closed Hamilton’s popular beachfront trail — what’s next?

By Matthew Van DongenSpectator Reporter
Fri., April 3, 2020timer2 min. read




Hamilton Region

By Matthew Van DongenSpectator Reporter
Fri., April 3, 2020timer2 min. read
The city has closed its popular beachfront path over COVID-19 crowding concerns, further shrinking the outdoor trail options during the pandemic shutdown.
But more closures could be on the way, the city warns, with crowd control “surveillance” beginning on other municipal trails.
Less than a day after telling beach strip residents — but not drive-in tourists — they could still walk on the Lake Ontario-hugging paved path, the city switched gears and formally shut down the trail for everyone mid-Thursday.

Signs and barricades were added at various points along the eight-kilometre paved path that runs from the Burlington lift bridge through Confederation Park. (The harbourfront trail near Bayfront Park remains open, but a portion is under construction.)
Emergency Operations Centre director Paul Johnson warned other paths and trails could also close if users ignore public health pleas to stay at least two metres away from other people to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Bylaw officers will be using “surveillance” and “documenting evidence” of any dangerous overcrowding on other city trails. Council is considering a bylaw that would allow officers to hand out $500 tickets to people who refuse to “physically distance” in those scenarios, Johnson said Friday.
Other popular paths seeing increased usage during the pandemic shutdown include the Red Hill Valley trail in the east end, the harbour trail and the escarpment rail trail.

Conservation authority and Royal Botanical Gardens trails are already closed, as is the Bruce Trail escarpment footpath and all Mountain-climbing stairs.
“We hope we don’t have to close anything more. But we were hopeful we wouldn’t have to close the stairs,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the city originally blocked access to beachfront trail parking lots in the hopes of dissuading drive-in visitors from clogging the waterfront path. It didn’t help. “The situation was just unacceptable,” he said.
On the Hamilton beach strip Facebook page, local residents mourned the loss of trail access.
A few vowed to keeping using the trail — but many said they would respect the ban. “We can do this,” wrote Edwin DeBruyn. “I’ll walk circles in my backyard while looking at the lake and walk the dog on the boulevard.”


https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilt...tons-popular-beachfront-trail-whats-next.html
 

scotto

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 15, 2004
6,985
218
63
The Beach Strip
#7
Worth noting, the City of Hamilton has completely shut down the access to the Beach Trail and parking, but in Burlington it is business as normal. Parking is open and there are plenty of people on the Trail and Burlington side pier. The only closure is the beach.

Hamilton side;
All closed
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Burlington side;
People on the pier (and there were many more)
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People on the Trail
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The parking lot is not closed;
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But the beach is off limits;
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scotto

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 15, 2004
6,985
218
63
The Beach Strip
#8
March 31, 2020

Dear Resident:

During the COVID-19 emergency, my office will remain accessible to you. With City Hall and other municipal facilities closed, my staff (Lucy) and I will be working from home and answering your questions and calls via email and phone. Our contact information remains the same: (905) 546~2.116 or chad.collins@hamilton.ca.

Information regarding the local response to COVID-19 can be found at www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus and www.hamilton.ca/covidclosures. If you have
concerns or questions about possible exposure to COVID-19, please contact the Public Heath Department Hotline at (905) 974-9848 or email phscovid19@hamilton.ca or call your family physician.

This past week my office received a number of calls and emails related to the collection of leaf and yard waste. Please be advised that due to staff absences and self-isolation, leaf and yard collection services are temporarily suspended. In the interim, residents can take their leaf and yard waste materials to the Kenora Community Recycling Centre at no charge. In the interest of everyone's safety, be sure to practice physical distancing (at least 6 feet/2 metres apart) from the workers and wash your hands with soap and warm water when you leave.

Please stay safe and follow the advice of our Public Health Department and local health care professionals. Stay home as much as possible. Only go out when it is essential, and if you do, practice physical distancing from one another.

Your Councillor,
Chad Collins
Councillor, Ward 5
Centennial

City Hall, 71 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 4Y5

Tel. 905 546-2716 Res. 905 545-3737 Fax. 905546-2535 E-mail: Chad.Collins@hamilton.ca
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Support shown by a resident in the 900's.

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scotto

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 15, 2004
6,985
218
63
The Beach Strip
#9
COUNCILLOR CHAD COLLINS - WARD 5 CENTENNIAL

April 22, 2020

Dear Resident:

Further to my letter dated March 31, 2020, please be advised of the following service change.
The City of Hamilton will start a temporary leaf and yard waste curbside collection program this
week. The program change will help the City manage reduced staffing levels resulting from the
COVID-19 emergency. Leaf and yard waste will be collected on a bi-weekly basis in alternating
parts of the City until late June or longer (if required). Collections are scheduled in Hamilton's
lower city on the following dates:
May 11th & 25th
June 8th & 22nd

Please place your yard waste at the curb on the aforementioned dates before 7 a.m., and it will
be collected by the end of the week. Regular household garbage, green bins and blue boxes
should continue to be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on your regular garbage day.



If you require a replacement blue box, green bin or additional waste tags, please contact my
office and I will have them delivered to your home.



For regular City of Hamilton COVID-19 updates please visit www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus and
www.hamilton.ca/covidclosures.



Public Health Services' COVID-19 Hotline: 905-974-9848 or phscovid19@hamilton.ca,



information about financial supports available from other levels of government.to help
individuals and families experiencing challenges due to COVID-19:
www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus/financial-support-individuaIs.


Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you might have.

Your Councillor,

Chad Collins
Councillor, Ward 5
Centennial



Call 905-546-2716 or Email chad.collins@hamilton.ca

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Another resident pitching in;

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scotto

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 15, 2004
6,985
218
63
The Beach Strip
#10
I see a lot of people out today and many are using the Trail and some are on the beach, I would like to know where all these people are parking. Burlington finally closed their Trail parking last week.
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scotto

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 15, 2004
6,985
218
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The Beach Strip
#12
Sunday was one of the nicest days this year so far, checking along the Beach I seen many people on the Trail and even some on the beach. But the parking lot beside Hutch's was an eye opener as people just drove through the barriers into the closed lot.

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scotto

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 15, 2004
6,985
218
63
The Beach Strip
#13
posted with permission from the Hamilton Spectator
_______________________________________________________________________
Hamilton Region
Some Hamilton trails have reopened. Here’s a list what you can — and can’t — do.

By Matthew Van Dongen Spectator Reporter
Fri., May 8, 2020



Some Hamilton trails and parking lots at city parks will reopen for Mother’s Day weekend as health authorities slowly begin to ease pandemic lockdown restrictions.
But a spike in community COVID-19 cases — or a stampede of residents who ignore pandemic physical distancing rules — could force the city to begin “shuttering” trails all over again, warned Mayor Fred Eisenberger Friday.
“If it gets out of hand ... then we would have a problem,” said the mayor after announcing the planned Saturday reopening of the “Breezeway” beachfront path along Lake Ontario as well as several wider Hamilton Conservation Authority paths like the popular Hamilton-Brantford rail trail.

Eisenberger said bylaw officers and conservation staff will be watching trail hot spots to see if users fail to respect the two-metre distancing rules meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
But he stressed residents have largely abided by provincial and local pandemic rules, with only 140 tickets handed out to scofflaws by the city so far. “By and large, our community understands why it’s important to be smart about this.”



City-owned trails and parks:
The eight-kilometre beachfront trail is now open between the Burlington Lift bridge and Confederation Park. The city will also reopen parking lots at parks. The harbourfront trail between Bayfront Park and Cootes Paradise is open, but a portion is under construction weekdays during the day.

Most other outdoor COVID-19 closures remain in place to prevent the spread of the virus — so park playgrounds, sports fields, waterfall destinations like Albion Falls and the escarpment stairs remain off-limits.

The easing of restrictions comes after the provincial government last week outlined a multi-stage plan to gradually ease the pandemic lockdown and restart the economy.
Mother’s Day gatherings?
While you can now take a Mother’s Day walk on the beach trail, provincial emergency bans on gatherings of more than five people remain in place — so skip the party.
Hamilton health authorities still recommend limiting gatherings to members of your own household, said associate medical officer of health Dr. Bart Harvey. But if you do venture out to say hello to family on the weekend, make sure to maintain that “critical” two-metre distancing, he stressed.


Conservation Authority trails:

The Hamilton Conservation Authority will also reopen wider radial trails Saturday that allow for physical distancing, including the Chippewa, Dofasco 2000, Lafarge 2000, Canal Park and Hamilton-Brantford rail trails.
But conservation areas and their amenities remain closed, as do narrower hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, said HCA board chair Lloyd Ferguson. For example, the main rail trail will be open through the Dundas Valley — but offshoots will be roped off.


What you can and can’t do in parks:
— Do
: play catch or kick a ball around with members of your own household. Don’t: play organized sports or use sports fields that are still off-limits.
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— Do: let your kids run around in the park.

— Do: walk or run around a track in your park. Don’t: train in a large group.
— Do: have a picnic on the grass with your family. Don’t: expand your picnic to include more than five people who are not members of your household.
— Do: fly a kite.
— Do: personal fitness like lunges, push ups, jogging. Don’t: use outdoor fitness equipment in parks.
— Do: personal yoga practice. Don’t: hold a group yoga class.

Matthew Van Dongen
is a Hamilton-based reporter covering transportation for The Spectator. Reach him via email: mvandongen@thespec.com
 

scotto

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 15, 2004
6,985
218
63
The Beach Strip
#14
The Trail section along the Beach was opened this morning, around 7pm I took a walk over to have a look at the returning crowds.
Looking north;
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Looking south
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scotto

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 15, 2004
6,985
218
63
The Beach Strip
#15
A few more pictures of the outbreak and the Beach;
This is front line guy at A&A Auto Parts, this is the closest car part store to the Beach;
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Support from Beach Rescue;
Thanks.JPG


And a reminder on the Trail to stay safe;
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scotto

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 15, 2004
6,985
218
63
The Beach Strip
#16
'CLOSED': Burlington bylaw officers show up with bullhorns to clear out this hot spot

By Roland CilliersBurlington Post
Wed., May 27, 2020

Just because it's hot doesn’t mean the rules stop being in effect.

Bylaw officers were at Burlington Beach on May 25, with bullhorns in hand, dispersing the roughly 100 people who had come out to sun tan and swim. Regardless of whether or not attendees respect social distancing rules, going to the beach is a violation of the March 30 COVID-19 provincial declaration of emergency, which closed all beaches in Ontario.

Read whole article;
https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilt...urce=LI&li_medium=thespec_recommended_for_you

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scotto

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 15, 2004
6,985
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63
The Beach Strip
#17
What does Stage 2 mean for the Hamilton area? The latest on what’s open and what’s still closed
By Jennifer MooreHamilton Spectator
Thu., June 4, 2020

Be sure to practise the six-foot physical-distancing rule, wash your hands, wear a mask and don’t touch your face if you do go out. As of Friday, June 12, changes include groups of 10 people or less may gather, preferably outdoors and consistently with the same 10 people.
  • Beaches in the area will start opening on Friday, June 19. Water quality testing will also resume. Beaches include Confederation Beach Park, Burlington Beachway Park and Lake Erie beaches. Niagara Region Public Health has begun onsite assessments of beaches to prepare for re-opening and will begin posting water quality results to the Beach Water Testing in Niagara page on Friday, June 26.

  • Spray pads, 65 of Hamilton’s 68 splash pads will open Friday, June 19. COVID-19 precautions remain in place while using spray pads. These include keeping two metres of physical distance between yourself and others who aren’t in your “social circle”, not gathering in large crowds or groups, washing your hands and not using pools and spray pads if you are sick or showing signs of being sick.



  • Tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, BMX parks, skate parks, cycling tracks and bike trails, baseball diamonds and soccer fields are open. Hamilton sports fields can be used for passive use by families and small groups of five people or less who are physical distancing. Outdoor team sports may resume for training purposes only, with no scrimmages or games. More details on booking Hamilton city fields for training purposes are yet to be announced.

  • At the Bruce Trail, most of the trails are open as of June 2. Closed areas currently include most waterfalls, high-traffic tourism destinations, and some private properties. Some trails are closed. You can find a full list at brucetrail.org.

  • Hamilton Conservation Authority trails are open, including: Christie Lake, Dundas Valley, Eramosa Karst, Fifty Point, Fletcher Creek, Valens Lake and Westfield Heritage Village. Rail trails through the Dundas Valley and in other parts of Flamborough are open.

  • Hamilton’s many trails are open, some of which include: Hamilton Waterfront Trail, The Breezeway Trail, Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail, Bayfront Park Trial, Cootes Drive Trail, Chedoke Radial Recreational Trail, Escarpment Rail Trail, Desjardins Recreational Trail, The Park Corridor along the LINC, Binbrook Tyneside trail and more.



  • Marinas are open or are preparing to open. The boat launch at Bayfront Park is open. Check with your local marina for details.
Entertainment and services:


  • Visits to long-term care homes and retirement residences are allowed as of Friday, June 19. Visitors are required to maintain a physical distance, wear a mask, and must have tested negative for COVID-19 in the past two weeks.


Full story;
https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilt...bout-what-is-open-and-closed-in-hamilton.html

Harry's Pub, one hour before finally opening.
Harrys.JPG
 
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