What’s open and closed and what you can and can’t do this long weekend in Hamilton
Why it's that sweet, sweet long weekend once again. And for this one we've got more than just the Queen to celebrate.
Firstly, it's looking like a hot one, highs of 27 C will be reached on both Saturday and Sunday, along with a slight chance of showers. Let's hope those hold off and we can all get that summer fantasy we've been needing. Monday will be sunny with a high of 18 C.
Premier Doug Ford announced the opening of outdoor spaces starting Saturday, so you're free to frequent parks, have a picnic with the fam and golf to your heart's (or shoulder's) desire.
Remember to wear a mask in public areas for safety - even if you've got that first vaccine shot - and to continue practising safe distancing.
Great outdoors
Hamilton conservation areas and trails are open, as are provincial parks for day use, but washrooms are closed. Overnight camping will not be allowed until June 2. If you're looking for some waterfall action reservations are required at Dundas Peak/Tew Falls and Webster Falls.
Thursday's announcement has reopened basketball courts, baseball diamonds, boat launches and marinas, bike trails and skate parks, golf and its lesser cousin Frisbee golf, lawn bowling, playgrounds, tennis and other sports fields. Pools and splash pads will remain closed. Gatherings of five are now permitted, however if you're not of the same household, continue to practise safe distancing.
Out for a drive
In case you're planning for a nice drive outside the city limits here are a few things you could stop at.
-If you're in the Glanbrook area there's a plant sale happening Saturday and Monday at Bellstone Christian School. All proceeds go to the school and it runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with most plants starting at $3 and coming in one-gallon pots. Lines may occur as only 25 per cent capacity in the shopping areas will be allowed due to COVID measures.
-Missing the greasy fare that comes from fairs? This cheesy staple will be available at the Rockton Agricultural Society on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday 12 to 8 p.m. drive-thru contactless pickup offered. Panzerolis baby, the bite-size wonder.
Free the tree
Could your lawn use a lil sprucing up? Is there a devastating lack of greenery in your neighbourhood? The city has a tree planting program for homeowners in the city. You can submit a request online or call 905-546-2489 and a forestry investigator' will assess your property, just make sure you meet the guidelines first. Requests made now will be investigated in late 2021-early 2022 and planted next year.
RBG
The Laking Garden is free to enjoy now until the end of May, they've got flowers to gawk at and lots of space to avoid mankind. Parking will cost you $3 an hour, unless you're a member. The RBG also boasts 27 km of natural trails, and for the price of $30 for parking you can enjoy its beautiful Arboretum and other features. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with final admission of the day at 7 p.m.
Spring cleaning
If you're planning on being productive this weekend, the city is sharing tips on how best to dispose of certain items. All waste from the garden must be put in brown yard waste bags, not the green bin. Any hazardous waste (think chemicals, leftover paint, etc.) you find in your home should be taken to a Community Recycling Centre for safe disposal. Did you know greasy pizza boxes don't belong in the blue bin? The city breaks down this and other common recycling mistakes at hamilton.ca.
What's open and closed
All city of Hamilton administrative offices will be closed. Waste pickup scheduled for Monday will be delayed one day. Library branches are closed.
Most major grocery stores, banks and the LCBO will be closed on Monday. There are some Beer Stores and cannabis dispensaries in the city that will be open.
The HSR will be operating on a Sunday schedule, Tuesday will be back to normal. DARTS will be operating holiday hours. GO Transit will be running on a Sunday schedule.
The farmers' market will be closed Sunday and Monday, back to regular hours on Tuesday.
City of Burlington administration offices are closed on Monday, this includes city hall, Halton court services, and the offices for Roads, Parks and Forestry.
Burlington Transit will operate a Sunday schedule. For real-time bus information and schedules visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca. The downtown terminal at 430 John St. and Specialized Dispatch will be closed.
Delaney Caulfield is a Hamilton-based web editor at The Spectator. Reach her via email: dcaulfield@thespec.com.