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

Valens Lake Bridge Fire

Current HCA News

Valens Lake Bridge Fire

Valens Lake’s iconic and beloved fishing bridge caught fire late in the day on Monday, October 7, 2024. Area visitors alerted HCA staff when they spotted smoke and flames under the bridge structure. Hamilton Fire responded and was able to douse the blaze quickly, however, the structure still suffered damages and is temporarily closed. The […]

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), celebrates the exceptional environmental stewardship efforts of local landowners. This year, a total of four recipients were presented with a 2024 Watershed Stewardship Award. Awards […]

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October 17 Budget and Administration Committee Meeting Cancelled

News Archive

October 17 Budget and Administration Committee Meeting Cancelled

The October 17, 2024 Budget and Administration Committee Meeting has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting is on November 21, 2024. For a full schedule of meetings, click here.

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 conserving natural heritage, managing water resources, striving for operational excellence, and connecting people to nature. This plan aims to address the challenges facing our watershed […]

Conservation Area Worker – Christie Lake Conservation Area

Job Opportunities

Conservation Area Worker – Christie Lake Conservation Area

The Hamilton Conservation Authority currently has a 50-week contract opportunity for a Conservation Area Worker Christie Lake Conservation Area The Christie Lake Conservation Area and other related properties are approximately 500 hectares in size. Christie Lake Conservation Area and Spencer Gorge attracts thousands of visitors to their picnic areas, sand beach, and natural areas and […]

Spencer Gorge daily reservations begin September 28

Alerts, Current HCA News

Spencer Gorge daily reservations begin September 28

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, to accommodate the fall colour season. Reservations can be made for 2-hour blocks for the Dundas Park and Tew Falls hike experience, or the Webster […]

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 day will feature pumpkin-themed activities, including traditional Halloween games, a unique craft, and a spectacular showcase of carved pumpkins in the barn. A crazy pumpkin […]

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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 Construction Project Description C15-08-24 (BR) Bridge #113 Rehabilitation, including concrete repairs, crack injections, retaining wall and gabion basket replacement, culvert replacement, distribution slab, road construction, and associated works. The City of Hamilton has contracted this project to […]

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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 part of this series.Volunteers must register online in advance. Event Information Click below for events date, time, location and information. July 26: Felker’s Falls Conservation […]

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 have completed. Participants can hear about their experiences and be inspired to do one too! DateSaturday, July 27, 2024 TimeVarious timeslots available for each location. […]

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 posted to remind visitors of the recent coyote activity. Please respect the coyotes’ home – keep all dogs on leashes, and leashed dogs should be […]

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 waste haulage truck for our HCA owned and operated facilities from April to December each year. The position also assists with a wide range of […]

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 Conservation Authority (HCA) area to feature new trailhead and wayfinding signage. A project that began in 2022, the new trail signage is now installed throughout […]

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, Exemptions and Permits, replaces all previous Conservation Authority development regulations. What are some impacts of the changes? Of particular note in the new regulation are […]

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 protection of Canada’s biodiversity by creating protected and conserved areas and initiatives that help recover species at risk. The additional financial support has been provided […]

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 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee anniversary of Westfield’s opening. A new interactive garden, created to celebrate the occasion, will be open, along with an art […]

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 have made in our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. A key focal point of our watershed management and natural heritage goals […]

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 in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. If your kids love being outdoors, like to explore, and want to learn more about the environment, this is […]

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, and have narrower, pointed snouts. They are a common sight across both rural and urban landscapes, and are often found living in close proximity to […]

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 Chair. The 11-member HCA Board is composed of representatives appointed by the municipalities within the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) watershed, which has ten members from […]

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. This special program will be offered on Sundays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; March Break days Wednesday, March 13 and Thursday, March 14; […]

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Wild Waterworks Summer Positions

Current HCA News, Job Opportunities

Wild Waterworks Summer Positions

Make your summer job a summer to remember! Wild Waterworks outdoor waterpark has begun accepting applications for the 2024 summer season. Experience huge waves of Wild Waterworks’ amazing employee perks and benefits to make your summer even more thrilling! Have fun while you work! Flexible scheduling and part time hours available! Team building and leadership […]

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 help reduce flooding on nearby residential properties associated with Watercourse 11. It will promote the establishment of a self-sustaining fishery in the pond, providing visitors […]

HCA secures final parcel of land to complete Saltfleet Wetland Restoration Program

Current HCA News

HCA secures final parcel of land to complete Saltfleet Wetland Restoration Program

Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is thrilled to announce the successful acquisition of the last parcel of land required to finalize the Saltfleet Wetland Restoration Program. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the Authority’s ongoing commitment to environmental conservation and restoration efforts within the Hamilton region. With the final 95.38-acre parcel acquired on Tapleytown Road, […]

Bruce Harschnitz, a long-time HCA staff member, has died after tragic accident

Current HCA News

Bruce Harschnitz, a long-time HCA staff member, has died after tragic accident

With great sadness, Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) announces the death of Bruce Harschnitz, HCA’s Manager of Conservation Area services. Harschnitz died early Wednesday, November 8, 2023, after being struck by a vehicle while out on a walk. “Bruce was a big part of the HCA family and will be greatly missed by staff, board members […]

Expanding the Westfield Experience: New Trail System Unveiled

News Archive

Expanding the Westfield Experience: New Trail System Unveiled

Hamilton Conservation Authority is thrilled to announce a major enhancement to its trail network by unveiling an extended trail system at Westfield, adding a further 2.4 kilometres of trails. The new trail system now spans a total of 6.7 kilometres, offering visitors a wonderful hiking experience on its 204-hectare (503-acre) property. Nestled in the picturesque […]

HCA Board appoints Councillor Brad Clark as new Chair

Current HCA News

HCA Board appoints Councillor Brad Clark as new Chair

Councillor Brad Clark was acclaimed the new Chair of the Hamilton Conservation Authority Board of Directors during its annual general meeting on August 3. Susan Fielding was acclaimed Vice Chair. The 11-member HCA Board is composed of representatives appointed by the municipalities within the Hamilton Conservation Authority watershed which has ten members from the City […]

Passholders can use alternate entrance on Kelson Road for Fifty Point access

Current HCA News

Passholders can use alternate entrance on Kelson Road for Fifty Point access

Fifty Point Conservation Area now features an additional seasonal entranceway. The entrance is located off Kelson Road. The additional entrance is hoped to ease the traffic concerns at the main entrance off Baseline Road during the peak summer season. The new entrance will operate to Labour Day weekend, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Hours […]

HCA Now Offering Advanced Day Passes

Current HCA News, News Archive

HCA Now Offering Advanced Day Passes

Love getting outdoors, but hate the line? Hamilton Conservation Authority’s (HCA) new advanced day pass lets visitors skip the line for smooth entry into their favourite HCA conservation area! Just in time for the Canada Day long weekend when HCA areas experience heightened visitation, day passes are now available to be purchased online prior 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

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Current Water Levels

Water Level Explanations

Flood Status Explanations