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 the Hamilton Conservation Authority.

Conservation Areas

Plan your visit to the Hamilton Conservation Area and discover the many attractions and conservation areas available in the Greater Hamilton region.

Stewardship Program

The Hamilton Watershed Stewardship Program (HWSP) works with landowners in the Hamilton Conservation Authority watershed region.

Activities & Recreation

Boating

Hiking

Camping

Winter Activities

Equestrian

Swimming

Fishing

Picnicking

Ice Climbing

GeoCaching

and much more...

Current News

What You Need to Know

News Archive

HCA Partners with Local Libraries

January 18, 2022

Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is excited to announce a new partnership with the Hamilton Public Library, Grimsby Public Library, and Wellington County Library. HCA has…

Current HCA News, Job Opportunities

Climate Change Coordinator

January 17, 2022

The Hamilton Conservation Authority is hiring a Climate Change Coordinator 2-Year Contract position This is a 2-year contract position in the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s (HCA)…

Current HCA News, Job Opportunities

Skilled Labourer

January 14, 2022

The Hamilton Conservation Authority currently has a 1 Year Contract opportunity for a Skilled Labourer Job Summary The position assists with a wide range of…

Current HCA News, Job Opportunities

Heavy Equipment Operator/AZ Driver

January 14, 2022

The Hamilton Conservation Authority currently has a Full-time opportunity for a Heavy Equipment Operator/AZ Driver Job Summary The position assists with a wide range of…

Welcome to the

Hamilton Conservation Authority

Permits & Regulation

Conservation Areas

Stewardship Program

Activities & Recreation

Boating

Hiking

Camping

Winter Activities

Equestrian

Swimming

Fishing

Picnicking

Ice Climbing

GeoCaching

and much more...

Current News

What You Need to Know

HCA Partners with Local Libraries

Climate Change Coordinator

Skilled Labourer

Heavy Equipment Operator/AZ Driver

Current Water Levels

Water Level Explanations

Flood Status Explanations

	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.