HAMILTON, ON – April 9, 2009 – Construction will begin in May to renovate the Hamilton Farmers’ Market and Central Library as part of an initiative to revitalize York Boulevard between Bay and James streets, as well as the Downtown Core.
During construction, the main entrances at York Boulevard to both the Market and Central Library will be closed. Visitors must access both facilities through Jackson Square. Doors are located beside GoodLife Fitness, or any main entrance into Jackson Square may be used.
The Hamilton Farmers’ Market is closed Good Friday, open on Saturday, and then will close from April 12 to 22 to move to a temporary location in Jackson Square near Dollarama and the food court. The Market will re-open for business in the temporary location on Thursday, April 23, 2009 and will remain in that location until the renovations are complete (Fall 2010). All of the regular stallholders will be operating, and the Market hours will remain the same (Tues 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Thurs. 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Fri. 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Sat. 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.).
The Central Library will be open to the public during the renovations. During this time, please visit the new Library storefront in Jackson Square opening soon to pick up hold items and borrow materials. As the main level of Central Library will be inaccessible, all other services and book collections will be moved to the upper floors. The public auditorium will not be available during the renovations.
The Public Works Department’s plans for street and infrastructure improvements to York Boulevard between Bay and James Streets are being coordinated with the renovation of the Farmers’ Market and Central Library facilities, as well as the York Boulevard Streetscape Master Plan. These enhancements will complement the final design of the renovated Farmers’ Market and Central Library. Facility and road construction, as well as streetscape enhancements, are all expected to be completed by fall 2010.
For more information, visit www.hamilton.ca/foodforthought.