What you can and can’t do in Hamilton this Victoria Day long weekend
Hello long weekend.
Can we call you that?
Our first long weekend of summer 2020 is here and here's how we can celebrate Victoria Day weekend.
It looks like a typical first long weekend of summer where you leave camping early because of the rain. Looks like a high chance of showers most of the weekend.
Saturday could be the exception with partly sunny skies and a high of 19 C in the forecast. Expect some fog early in the morning as Friday's rain moves out of town. Environment Canada is calling for showers to come back Sunday and remain until Monday when skies will hopefully clear up by the evening. At least we are out of the frost zone.
Sorry, Hamilton has put a ban on all fireworks, including backyard displays for this weekend and that will continue through Canada Day until July 4. Hamilton's ban includes sparklers. Burlington does not have a ban but is discouraging residents from family firework displays and asking them to adhere to the city's bylaw that regulates the sale and use of fireworks.
You can join in on some virtual fireworks Monday at 8 p.m. Join neighbours across Ontario for an exciting fireworks experience in augmented reality (AR) and help set the world record for the largest simultaneous AR event ever. On May 18 at 8 p.m., you'll be able to view the virtual fireworks with the snapd HUB app. Log on early so you can set yourself up. https://snapd.com/victoriaday/
AGH SPRING SHOW
The 2020 Art Sale Online continues until May 24. The annual fundraiser of the Art Gallery of Hamilton includes paintings, photographs and prints of about 60 artists in a variety of styles and subjects. Visit aghartsales.com and you can virtually immerse yourself and support the local art scene.
FORE
Golf courses are opening like hot summer umbrellas. They'll have you covering the greens before you can say FORE! Check with your favourite course and find out when you can tee off. Physical distancing is required.
PARKS AND TRAILS
Getting off your couch got a little easier this week.
The Royal Botanical Gardens announced Friday that a few trails will open Saturday. Those RBG trails include: Hendrie Valley Sanctuary trails, trails on the south shore of Cootes Paradise and Rock Chapel Sanctuary/Berry Tract trails. All trailhead parking areas remain closed. Cycling and running on RBG trails is prohibited. North Shore Cootes Paradise Sanctuary trails remain closed until further notice.
The Hamilton Conservation Authority opened seven popular natural areas as of May 13. Keep your physical distance and follow the provincial physical-distancing guidelines. You are now allowed to walk, hike or bike at 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 previously reopened last weekend and remain accessible.) Most narrow hiking trails and conservation areas with waterfalls attached are still off-limits, however. Remember to use the washroom before you go. Public amenities are not open. Spencer Gorge, Dundas Peak, Tiffany Falls and Devil's Punch Bowl remain closed. (City-owned Albion Falls is also off-limits, and bylaw officers have been busy ticketing visitors on many weekends.) Some Hamilton-area natural lands governed by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority have also reopened for passive use, including the Binbrook Tyneside trail (but not the main Binbrook park) and the Binbrook Tract. For a full list, check out npca.ca/parks.
DRIVERS
Travelling the 401 on Saturday night? Note the 401 will be closed between the Highway 6 exits. The 11-hour closure is expected to begin Saturday night as a bridge is demolished.
RAMADAN
A special online virtual Ramadan event is happening on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The event will be taking place in Hamilton, with various Canadians, dignitaries and politicians participating online. The event features messages from prominent leaders as well as special presentations about the importance of fasting and Ramadan. You can stream it by visiting the live broadcast at VirtualRamadan.ca.
OPEN AND CLOSED
Most retailers, including the ones with curbside pickup, will be closed Monday for the Victoria Day holiday.
All Hamilton and Burlington municipal offices, civic museums and libraries remain closed. In Hamilton and Halton, garbage collection moves to the next pickup day all week. There is no change to garbage pickup in Niagara. Check your waste collection calendar.
The HSR and Burlington Transit will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule. Call HSR information at 905-527-4441 for details. GO Transit will also run on a holiday schedule. For GO information, call 1-888-438-6646.
Hamilton Farmers' Market is closed Sunday and Monday.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com