Welcome to the

Hamilton Conservation Authority

Hamilton Conservation Authority, located at the western end of Lake Ontario, is the area’s largest environmental management agency, and is dedicated to the conservation and enjoyment of watershed lands and water resources.

Permits & Regulation

FAQ’s, links, property mapping, information and advice regarding permits, fees and regulations with regards to HCA.

Conservation Areas

Plan your visit to an HCA conservation area, and discover all of what there is to see and do at our areas.

Stewardship Program

The Hamilton Watershed Stewardship Program (HWSP) works with landowners within HCA’s watershed.

Activities & Recreation

Boating

Hiking

Camping

Ice Climbing

Equestrian

Picnicking

Fishing

Swimming

GeoCaching

Winter Activities

and much more...

Current News

2023 updated banners for website – board meeting agenda-01

Conservation Advisory Board Meeting Agenda December 12

Current HCA News

Conservation Advisory Board Meeting Agenda December 12

Conservation Advisory Board Meeting Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the HCA Main Office, 838 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster This meeting will be held fully virtual via WebEx […]

2023 updated banners for website- NOTICE-01

Upper parking lot closed at HCA Main office December 2-5

Alerts

Upper parking lot closed at HCA Main office December 2-5

Notice: Temporary Parking Lot Closure The upper parking lot at 810 Mineral Springs Road will be closed for maintenance from Monday, December 2, to Thursday, December 5, 2025. Important: Accessible […]

Black Friday HCA Membership Pass Sale

Current HCA News

Black Friday HCA Membership Pass Sale

For a limited time, save $10 on an HCA Membership Pass AND enjoy the remainder of 2024 for FREE! Members receive… Year-round access to HCA areas Exclusive savings Fast entry at HCA gates PLUS! While […]

Board of Directors Meeting Agenda for December 5

Current HCA News

Board of Directors Meeting Agenda for December 5

Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. Hamilton Conservation Authority is now conducting meetings in a hybrid format via an in-person and WebEx platform. All […]

Project Engineer

Job Opportunities

Project Engineer

The Hamilton Conservation Authority currently has a full-time opportunity for a Project Engineer This is a full-time position in the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s (HCA) Watershed Management Services Division, reporting to […]

Canada Post Strike

Alerts, Current HCA News

Canada Post Strike

Due to the ongoing Canada Post strike, HCA mail deliveries may experience delays. During this period, alternative courier services may be utilized to ensure timely delivery. HCA Membership Passes purchased […]

Supervisor, Stewardship & Ecological Services

Job Opportunities

Supervisor, Stewardship & Ecological Services

The Hamilton Conservation Authority currently has a full-time opportunity for a Supervisor, Stewardship & Ecological Services The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is a watershed-based organization established under the provisions of […]

Visitors should be aware of coyotes in Eramosa Karst

Current HCA News

Visitors should be aware of coyotes in Eramosa Karst

A coyote showing signs of protecting its territory has been reported in the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area. Conservation area staff will continue to monitor the area, and signage has been […]

Haudenosaunee deer harvest begins November 4

Current HCA News

Haudenosaunee deer harvest begins November 4

The Haudenosaunee Wildlife and Habitat Authority (HWHA) and Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) have agreed to a Specific Agreement for the 2024 season based on the existing Protocol to address the […]

East Mountain Master Plans & Management Plans

News Archive

East Mountain Master Plans & Management Plans

We want to hear from you! We welcome your comments and feedback to help us draft new ten-year plans for our conservation areas! Master Plans and Management Plans provide a […]

Valens Lake Bridge Fire

Current HCA News

Valens Lake Bridge Fire

Bridge Fire Repairs Update We are thrilled to announce that thanks to our amazing donors and supporters, we’ve successfully reached our fundraising goal for the Valens Lake Fishing Bridge repair! […]

HCA awards local watershed stewards

News Archive

HCA awards local watershed stewards

On Saturday, October 5, the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) hosted the Watershed Stewards Appreciation Day at Fifty Point Conservation Area. This annual event, held in partnership with Conservation Halton (CH), […]

Introducing the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2029

News Archive

Introducing the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2029

We are excited to introduce the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s (HCA) Strategic Plan for 2025-2029. This comprehensive and forward-thinking roadmap will guide our efforts over the next five years, focusing on […]

Spencer Gorge (Dundas Peak, Tew & Webster Falls) reservations in effect to Nov. 10

Current HCA News

Spencer Gorge (Dundas Peak, Tew & Webster Falls) reservations in effect to Nov. 10

Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, which includes Dundas Peak, Tew Falls and Webster Falls, will require an advanced reservation seven days a week, beginning Saturday, September 28 until Sunday, November 10, […]

Reserve now for Westfield’s Halloween Pumpkin Party

News Archive

Reserve now for Westfield’s Halloween Pumpkin Party

Reservations are now open for Westfield Heritage Village’s annual Halloween Pumpkin Party, returning on Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27, from 10 AM to 4 PM. This fun-filled family […]

Ancaster Well Temporary Closure

Alerts, Current HCA News

Ancaster Well Temporary Closure

Ancaster Well Access and C15-08-24 (BR) Bridge 113 Rehabilitation Update – Construction Timeline and Vehicle / Pedestrian Access UPDATE NOVEMBER 22: as a part of the construction process, Sulphur Springs […]

HCA TERMINATION OF WATERSHED CONDITIONS-03

Termination of Flood Watch

News Archive

Termination of Flood Watch

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is advising that the Flood Watch message issued on July 24 has now been terminated.

Invasive Removal with Green Venture

News Archive

Invasive Removal with Green Venture

The Hamilton Conservation Authority is pleased to be collaborating with Green Venture on a series of invasive species removals in urban and suburban Hamilton! There are three separate events as […]

Watershed Stewardship Program Tours

News Archive

Watershed Stewardship Program Tours

Hamilton Conservation Authority and Conservation Halton (CH) are incredibly thankful to the landowners who commit to protecting their property’s natural features. This tour showcases some of the amazing projects residents […]

DZ Septic Truck Driver

Job Opportunities

DZ Septic Truck Driver

The Hamilton Conservation Authority currently has a 1 Year Contract opportunity for a DZ Septic Truck Driver The DZ Septic Truck Driver’s main duty includes the operation of our septic […]

New Wayfinding Signage installed at Eramosa Karst

Current HCA News

New Wayfinding Signage installed at Eramosa Karst

Visitors exploring Eramosa Karst Conservation Area will notice some changes along the trails this summer. Eramosa Karst, located off Upper Mount Albion Road in Stoney Creek, is the first Hamilton […]

Recent Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and New Ontario Regulation 41/24

Current HCA News

Recent Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and New Ontario Regulation 41/24

On April 1, 2024, changes to sections of the Conservation Authorities Act and a new regulation under the Act, came into effect. The new regulation, Ontario Regulation 41/24, Prohibited Activities, […]

HCA Secures Additional Federal Funding for Saltfleet Wetland Restoration Project

Current HCA News

HCA Secures Additional Federal Funding for Saltfleet Wetland Restoration Project

Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is pleased to announce that it has secured an additional $232,389.00 from Environment and Climate Change Canada through the Canada Nature Fund. This fund supports the […]

Celebrating 60 years of Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area!

Current HCA News

Celebrating 60 years of Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area!

Join us in celebrating Westfield’s 60th Anniversary on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, from 12 PM to 4 PM each day. The village will be bustling with activity […]

2023 Annual Report Released

News Archive

2023 Annual Report Released

We are pleased to present our annual report for 2023. As we reflect on the past year, we share with great pride and enthusiasm the remarkable achievements and progress we […]

Adventure is coming to the Dundas Valley

Current HCA News

Adventure is coming to the Dundas Valley

Get your kids outside this summer with an Adventure in the Valley! Register now and join the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s (HCA) Environmental Education team for a week of outdoor fun […]

Living with Coyotes

Current HCA News

Living with Coyotes

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are one of eight members of the Family Canidae found in Canada. Often mistaken for wolves, coyotes are smaller, have shorter legs in relation to body size, […]

HCA Board reacclaims Councillor Brad Clark as Chair

Current HCA News

HCA Board reacclaims Councillor Brad Clark as Chair

Councillor Brad Clark was reacclaimed the new Chair of the Hamilton Conservation Authority Board of Directors during its annual general meeting on February 1. Susan Fielding was reacclaimed as Vice […]

Westfield’s Maple Syrup Season coming soon!

Current HCA News

Westfield’s Maple Syrup Season coming soon!

Come discover Maple Syrup Season at Westfield Heritage Village and see for yourself how sap is turned to syrup! Reservations will open to the public Monday, January 29 at 7AM. […]

Construction of Fifty Point wetland to begin January 2024

Current HCA News

Construction of Fifty Point wetland to begin January 2024

Beginning January 29, 2024, the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) will construct a wetland on the west side of the pond at Fifty Point Conservation Area. The project is expected to […]

	Normal No low water conditions exist.
	Level 1 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 80 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 100 / 70 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 2 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 20 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 60 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 70 / 50 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 3 There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. The Hamilton Water Response Team may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water. Precipitation totals are less than 40 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 50 / 30 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.

	Normal No flood conditions exist.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
	Flood Watch Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
	Flood Warning Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.

Welcome to the

Hamilton Conservation Authority

Permits & Regulation

Conservation Areas

Stewardship Program

Activities & Recreation

and much more...

Current News

Join Our Mailing List!

Current Water Levels

Water Level Explanations

Flood Status Explanations