East Hamilton Trail & Waterfront Link

The East Hamilton Recreational Trail Hub and Waterfront Link will be a critical component in the development of Hamilton’s recreational trail network, stimulating the improved health of Ontario residents through recreational opportunities, habitat restoration and reduction of vehicular trips. This project is a strategic initiative of the Hamilton City Council and supported provincially through the Waterfront Regeneration Trust’s Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail, serving 41 Ontario municipalities. The pedestrian bridge proposed over the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) will create a safe link to the waterfront over the barrier of the QEW traffic lanes. The pedestrian bridge is designed to cross the Red Hill Creek wetland with no impact of related footings to this environmental resource.

This project includes a Recreational Trail Hub at the area’s former landfill sites, which would provide a soccer field, multi-purpose court, and parking as a recreation node.

The East Hamilton Recreational Trail Hub and Waterfront Link has been identified by the WRT, as one of 34 priority projects across Ontario in its “Closing the Gaps” waterfront trail strategy.

The April 25, 2007 presentation of Hamilton’s Trail Master Plan to Hamilton’s Council, noted that its top priority was the provision of trails in east Hamilton, which is under serviced in recreational opportunities. The Queen Elizabeth Highway (QEW) is currently a major barrier for pedestrians and cyclists in East Hamilton who wish to access the Waterfront Trail. The waterfront link proposal would provide a pedestrian / cycling bridge gateway feature over the QEW, to link the Red Hill Valley Trail with the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail.

The pedestrian bridge linkage will greatly enhance direct connections from the east Hamilton communities to the waterfront. This multi-use recreational trail link via the bridge will reduce the need for the public to drive to the Hamilton Beachfront and park their vehicles there

On Friday, October 3, 2008 a sod turning event for this project was held at the location for the initial site of construction start-up. Minister McMeekin, Area MPP Sophia Aggelonitis and Mayor Eisenberger were in attendance. A project sign was erected at the start-up site that includes the illustrated Gateway design and recreational trail route.

The construction of the bridge works are expected to start in late Spring or early Summer. However, in order to facilitate the actual structural work and maintain the Fall 2010 completion target, placement of fill for the north approach trail ramp occurred last Fall. It is necessary for this fill embankment to be allowed to settle for three to four months in advance of the foundation works that will support the bridge

• Project History
• Project Overview
• Rennie Street Site Plan
• Brampton Street Site Plan
• Van Wagners Beach Road Site Plan

Pedestrian Bridge Renderings

• Above Deck View
• Arch Close Up
• East View Day
• East View Night
• Ortho Rendering

• Waterfront Trail User Survey, September 2008
• East Hamilton Recreational Trail Hub and Waterfront Link June 10 PIC Presentation Panels