HAMILTON, ON - February 12, 2009 - Construction will begin in March to renovate the Hamilton Farmers’ Market and Central Library as part of an initiative to revitalize York Boulevard between Bay and James Streets. Firm timelines for construction will be announced as soon as they become available.
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 will close for approximately five Market days in March to move to a temporary location in Jackson Square near Dollarama and the food court. The Market will remain open in that location until approximately fall 2010. Moving dates depend on the construction start date, and will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.
The Central Library, excluding the main level, will be open to the public during the renovation project. Once construction begins in March, a new Library storefront in Jackson Square will open for visitors to pick up items on hold and borrow popular material. All other services and book collections will move from the main level to the upper floors of the Central Library. The public auditorium will not be available during the renovation project.
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.