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Burn ban in effect for all HCA properties
Due to open-air burn bans in both the City of Hamilton and the Town of Grimsby, all open-air burning on Hamilton Conservation Authority properties is not permitted. This includes campfires, charcoal BBQs, outdoor wood-burning appliances and the burning of clean wood and brush. Propane BBQs and other liquid fuel cooking appliances are still permitted to be used.

Dofasco 2000 Trail

May 28, 2023: The Dofasco 2000 Trail is currently closed between Third Rd. E and Tapleytown Road. This alert will be removed once the area reopens.

Spencer Gorge

Spencer Gorge, which includes Tew Falls, Dundas Peak and Webster Falls will require reservations on long weekends starting May 20, 2023 and daily through the fall colour season. The area is open on a first come first served basis otherwise.

Christie Lake

Road work will be taking place throughout Christie Lake throughout June. All visitors coming to the park should be aware that there may be some delays getting to various areas, as well as rolling road closures due to the ongoing construction during this time.
Boat rentals at Christie Lake and Valens Lake will not be operating in 2023.

Fifty Point

June 7, 2023: Fifty Point is currently under a burn ban, issued by the Town of Grimsby. This means no fires are permitted in the day use, or campground area. Charcoal barbecuing is also not permitted.
Beginning June 3, the upper beach parking lot will be closed on weekends and holidays. Visitors should be prepared to walk from the other parking lots to reach the beach.
There will be roadwork happening at Fifty Point throughout May and June 2023 and visitors may experience delays.

Valens Lake

June 8, 2023: Valens Lake is currently under a fire ban, issued by the City of Hamilton. This means no fires are permitted in the day use, or campground area. Charcoal barbecuing is also not permitted.
Boat rentals at Christie Lake and Valens Lake will not be operating in 2023.
The Valens Lake Beach Store will continue to be closed through 2023.

Main Office

The HCA Main office is open to the public. Many staff are working hybrid schedules and may not always be in the office. Meetings and appointments should generally take place by phone or video meeting. Learn more.

HCA HST Number

To claim the 2022 Ontario staycation tax credit, you may be asked to provide HCA’s HST number. Although it is not required to claim the credit, it is: HST #1080 83890 RT 0001

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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.