Skip to main content
Home

"I want to" Navigation

  • apply
    Apply
    • Accessible Transit
    • Building Permit
    • Business Licence
    • Film Permit
    • Host an Event
    • Jobs at the City
    • Lottery Licence
    • Marriage Licence
    • Minor Variance
    • Ontario Works
    • Zoning Verification
  • pay
    Pay
    • Administrative Penalty System (APS) Notice
    • Dog Licence
    • Parking Penalty Notice
    • Property Tax
    • Provincial Offences Notice
  • register
    Register
    • Delegate at Council
    • Property Tax eBilling
    • Recreation Programs
  • report
    Report
    • Graffiti
    • Lost & Found Pets
    • Municipal By-law Complaint
  • calendar
    Reserve/Book
    • COVID-19 Vaccine
    • Flu Vaccine
    • Facility Rental
    • Golf Tee Time
    • Hamilton Sign Lighting
  • search
    Search
    • Building Permit Status
    • City By-laws
    • Construction in your area
    • HSR Bus Schedules
    • Property Records
    • The Lobbyist Registry
    • Waste Collection Calendars
  • request
    Contact
    • City of Hamilton Offices
    • City Councillors
    • Mayor's Office
    • Municipal Service Centres
    • City Directory
  • learn
    Stay Informed
    • City News & Notices
    • Council & Committee Meeting Calendar
    • Public Engagement & Consultations
    • Social Media
    • Subscribe to E-Updates
  • watch
    Watch
    • Council Chamber Live Stream
    • Room 264 Live Stream
    • Inside City of Hamilton YouTube

Hamilton Search

Main navigation

  • people People & Programs
    • Adults 55+ Services
      • Age Friendly Hamilton
      • Senior and Older Adult Resources
    • CityHousing Hamilton
      • Applicants
        • Application Process
        • Housing Search
        • Market Rent Housing
        • Student Housing
      • Properties & Development
        • Asset Renewal
        • Development Projects
        • Featured Property
      • Tenants
        • Housing Support Programs
        • Maintenance and Repairs
        • Paying Your Rent
        • Pest Control - CityHousing Hamilton Request
        • Tenant Safety
    • Community Funding & Grant Programs
      • City Enrichment Fund
      • Hamilton Future Fund
      • One-Time Enhancement Grant Relief Program
      • Placemaking Grant Pilot Program
    • Early Years & Child Care
      • Child Care Services
        • Child Care Registry
        • Child Care Subsidy Calculator
        • Financial Support for Child Care
        • Ontario Child Care Tax Credit
        • Red Hill Family Centre
      • Early Childhood Education
      • Early Years Services
        • Early Years Community Partners Resources
        • Early Years Programs & Services
        • EarlyON Child and Family Centres Locations
    • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
      • Indigenous Relations
        • Land Acknowledgment
        • Urban Indigenous Strategy
        • Urban Indigenous Strategy Implementation Plan
        • Indigenous Landmarks & Monuments Review
        • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
        • Indigenous Events & Initiatives
        • Indigenous Hub
      • Accessibility Services
        • Accessibility Feedback/Complaint Form
        • Accessibility Guidelines & Policies
        • Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
      • Charter of Rights of Children & Youth
      • Hate Prevention & Mitigation Initiative
    • Financial & Stability Supports
      • Ontario Works
        • Apply for Ontario Works
        • Access your file with MyBenefits
        • Receiving Ontario Works
      • Support Programs
        • Affordable Transit Pass Program
        • Learning, Earning and Parenting Program (LEAP)
        • Dental & Denture Services
        • Free Menstrual Products Pilot
        • Funerals, Burials & Cremations
        • Home Management Program
        • Special Supports Program
        • Snow Angels
        • Holiday Registry
    • Hamilton Municipal Cemeteries
      • Cemeteries Updates
      • Planning Ahead
        • Guide to Services & Merchandise
        • Pre-Planning
        • Start The Conversation
      • Cremation & Burial
        • Burial Options
        • Cremation Options
        • Field of Honour
        • Natural Burial
      • Products & Services
        • Historical Family Search
        • Memorialization Options
        • Monuments & Markers
        • Personalization Options
        • Service Options
      • Our Cemeteries
        • Cemeteries By-laws
        • Cemeteries Directory
        • Historical Walking Tours
        • Remembering Services
    • Housing & Shelter
      • Housing for Newcomers
        • Hamilton Housing Guide
        • Low Income Housing
        • Purchasing a Home
      • Preventing & Ending Homelessness
        • Cathedral Temporary Shelter
        • City of Hamilton Encampment Response
        • Emergency Shelters & Drop-ins
        • Hamilton’s Homelessness Ending Strategy
        • Housing & Homelessness Action Plan
        • Point in Time Connection
      • Supported Housing
        • Applicant and Tenant Review
        • Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit
        • Emergency Repair Program
        • Eviction Prevention
        • Housing Allowances
        • Housing Provider Information
        • Housing Stability & Rent Ready Benefits
        • Ontario Renovates Programs
        • Priority Applications
        • Social Housing
        • Utilities Arrears Program
      • Tenant & Landlord Resources
        • Fire Safety for Rental Properties
        • Landlord Information
        • Landlords Role in Hot Weather
        • Register a Tenant By-law Complaint
        • Rent Supplement Program for Landlords
        • Rental Property By-laws
        • Second-hand Smoke in Shared Housing
        • Tenant Defence Fund Pilot Program
        • Tenant Information
    • Long-term Care
      • Macassa Lodge
      • Residential Care Facilities Subsidy Program
      • Wentworth Lodge
    • New to Hamilton
      • Hamilton Welcomes Ukrainians
      • Healthcare in Hamilton
      • Settlement Services for Newcomers
      • Studying in Hamilton
        • After Graduation
        • Arriving in Hamilton
        • Before You Arrive
        • Connect to Your City
    • Outreach & Education
      • Forestry Outreach & Education
      • Museums Learning Adventures
      • Waste Management Outreach & Education
        • Waste Collection Safety
        • Waste Facilities Educational Videos
        • Waste Management Community Education
        • Waste Management School Presentations
      • Water Outreach & Education
        • Children's Water Festival
        • Water Education Resources
        • World Toilet Day
    • Public Health
      • Alcohol, Drugs & Gambling
        • Alcohol & Drugs
        • Alcohol, Drug & Gambling Services
        • Hamilton Opioid Information System
        • Harm Reduction Services
          • Get Free Naloxone Kits
          • Needle Syringe Supplies and Disposal
          • Street Health Clinics
          • The Van Needle Syringe Program
      • Breastfeeding
        • Breastfeeding Supports
        • Breastfeeding Basics
        • Breastfeeding & Birth Control
        • Breastfeeding Beyond 6 Months
        • Breastfeeding Friendly Places
      • Dental Health
        • Dental Health Bus
        • Downtown Dental Clinic
        • Children's Dental Health
        • Adult & Senior's Dental Health
        • Fluoride
      • Diseases & Conditions
        • Coronavirus (COVID)
          • COVID-19 Data
          • COVID-19 School and Childcare Information
          • COVID-19 Symptoms, Positive Test Results or Close Contact
          • COVID-19 Testing
          • COVID-19 Vaccine
          • COVID-19 in the Workplace
          • Protect Yourself and Others
        • Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
        • Group A Streptococcus (GAS)
        • Influenza (Flu)
        • Tuberculosis
        • Viral Encephalitis & Meningitis
      • Environmental Health & Hazards
        • Animal & Insect-related Diseases
          • Lyme Disease & Ticks
          • Rabies
          • West Nile Virus
        • Climate Change & Air Quality
        • Cold Alerts & Community Response
        • Environmental Illnesses
          • Lead
          • Legionnaires' Disease
          • Radon
        • Heat Warnings & Heat-Related Illness
        • Safe Water Program
        • Sun Safety
      • Food Safety
        • Food Safety at Home
      • Health Care Professionals
        • Dental Programs & Clinic Resources
        • Prenatal, Family & Child Health Referrals
        • Reporting Infectious Diseases
          • Rabies Reporting & Vaccines
          • Tuberculosis Reporting, Guidelines and Resources
        • STI Guidelines, Medication Ordering & Blood Exposure Reporting
        • Smoking & Substance Use Referrals
        • Vaccine Ordering, Cold Chain & Adverse Events Reporting
      • Health Inspection Results
        • Convictions & Orders in Hamilton
        • Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Investigations
      • Healthy Eating
        • Healthy Eating on a Budget
        • How Much Does Healthy Eating Cost
        • Feeding Your Baby & Children
        • Healthy Snacks for Sports
        • Cooking Clubs & After-School Programs
        • Community Food Advisors
      • Healthy Schools
        • Child and Youth Health Atlas
        • Health Resources for Schools
          • Healthy Eating & Nutrition
          • Healthy Sexuality
          • Mental Health Promotion
          • Personal Safety & Injury Prevention
          • Physical Activity Resources
          • Positive School Climate
          • School Dental Screening
          • Sun Safety, Shade and the Importance of Trees
          • Tobacco & Vaping
          • Visual Health Information for Schools
        • Healthy Schools Approach
        • Public Health Nurses in Schools
      • Mental Health Services
        • Child & Adolescent Services
        • Mental Health & Street Outreach Program
      • Parenting Supports
        • Parenting Groups in Hamilton
        • Check-It Out Drop-In Sessions
        • Car Seat Support
        • Home Safety
        • Children's Growth & Development
        • Dealing with Difficult Temperaments
        • Parenting Babies
        • Parenting School Aged Children
          • Bullying
          • Head Lice
      • Physical Activity
      • Pregnancy & Prenatal Health
        • Prenatal Supports
          • Welcome Baby Prenatal Nutrition Program
            • Welcome Baby Members
        • Plan a Healthy Pregnancy
        • Home Visiting Programs
      • Sexual Health
        • Sexual Health Clinics
        • Sexually Transmitted Infections
        • Contraception
      • Smoking & Vaping
        • Quit Smoking
        • Second-hand Smoke
        • Smoke & Vape Free Spaces
      • Vaccines & Immunizations
        • Vaccine Safety
        • Vaccines & Children
        • Reporting Vaccinations
        • School Vaccine Clinics
        • Community Vaccine Clinic
        • Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
          • Bacterial Encephalitis & Meningitis
          • Chickenpox
          • Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
          • Measles
          • Meningococcal Disease
          • Monkeypox
          • Mumps
          • Pertussis or Whooping Cough
        • Flu Vaccine Clinics
      • Visual Health
  • home Home & Neighbourhood
    • Animals & Pets
      • Adopt or Foster a Pet
        • Adoptions
        • Foster an Animal
      • Responsible Pet Ownership
        • Claiming Your Pet from the Shelter
        • File an Animal-Related By-law Complaint
        • Hot Cars and Pets
        • Pet Etiquette on City Properties
        • Responsible Animal Ownership By-law
        • Spay or Neuter Your Pet
        • Vaccinate Your Pet
      • Dogs
        • Dog Parks and Free Running Areas
        • Dog Licence
        • Dog Owners' Liability Act
        • Dog Bite Prevention
      • Cats
        • Community Cats
        • Register Your Cat
      • Lost, Found or Surrender
        • Lost and Found Pets
        • Stray Animals
        • Surrendering an Animal
      • Other Domesticated Animals
      • Wildlife
        • Feeding Wildlife
        • Living with Wildlife
        • Sick, Injured or Orphaned Wildlife
      • Volunteer or Donate
        • Volunteer at Animal Services
        • Donate to Animal Services
    • Emergency Services
      • Emergency Preparedness
        • After an Emergency
        • During an Emergency
        • Emergency Information in Different Languages
        • Preparing for Emergencies
          • Tips for Earthquakes
          • Tips for Flooding
          • Tips for Hazardous Materials
          • Tips for Power Outages
          • Tips for Tornadoes
          • Tips for Winter Storms
      • Fire Department
        • About the Hamilton Fire Department
        • Camp FFIT Hamilton
        • Fire Permits, Inspections, Reports and Services
          • Daycare Inspections
          • Family Fireworks Sales Permit
          • Filming related services
          • Foster Home and Group Home Inspections
          • Open Air Burning Permit
          • Residential and Commercial Inspections
        • Fire Prevention
          • Family Fireworks Safety
          • Fire Prevention on the Farm
          • Holiday Fire Safety
          • Home Fire Safety
          • Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
          • Student Accommodation Safety Tips
          • Winter Fire Safety
        • Fire Safety Education, Public Events and Programs
        • Fire Stations
      • Paramedics
        • About the Hamilton Paramedic Service
        • Make the Right Call in Non-Emergency Situations
        • Medical Emergency Information Program
        • Public Access Defibrillation Program
        • Ambulance Patient Records
        • Hamilton Paramedic Service Master Plan
    • Environmental Stewardship
      • Burlington Street Sewage Spill & Response
      • Chedoke Creek Remediation
        • Chedoke Creek Spill & Remediation Activities
      • Clean & Green Neighbourhood Grant
      • Community Environmental Initiatives
        • Adopt-a-Park
          • Community Improvement Report
        • Community Clean-up Trailer
        • Community Tree Planting
        • Put Waste in the Right Place
        • Reporting Graffiti
        • Team Up to Clean Up
      • Environmental Plans & Strategies
        • Clean & Green Hamilton Strategy
        • Hamilton's Climate Action Strategy
          • Community Energy and Emissions Plan
          • Hamilton’s Climate Change Impact Adaptation Plan
        • Office of Energy Initiatives
        • Urban Forest Strategy
      • Our Harbour
        • Hamilton Clean Harbour Program
        • Current Clean Harbour Projects
        • Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
        • Completed Clean Harbour Projects
      • Pollinators
    • Garbage & Recycling
      • Apartment Waste
        • Apartment Blue Cart Recycling
        • Apartment Garbage & Bulk Items
        • Apartment Green Bin & Composting
        • Property Owners, Managers & Superintendents
      • Blue Box & Recycling
        • Blue Box
        • Gold Box Recycling
        • Recycling
      • Business Waste
        • Business Waste Eligibility
        • Waste Collection for Businesses
        • Waste Directory for Businesses
      • Garbage & Bulk Items
        • Bulk Items and Furniture
        • Garbage
        • Glanbrook Landfill Site
        • Illegal Dumping
      • Green Bin & Composting
        • Backyard Composting
        • Compost Giveaways
        • Composting & Your Green Bin
        • Green Bin
      • Waste & Recycling Facilities
        • Appliances and Scrap Metal
        • Community Recycling Centres
        • Household Hazardous Waste
        • Reuse Shed
      • Waste Collection Schedule
      • Yard Waste
    • Getting Around
      • Active Transportation Benchmarking Program
      • Biking & Cyclists
        • Bike Month
        • Bike Parking Request Form
        • Bike Parking
        • Cycling Groups & Shops
        • Cycling Infrastructure
          • Bay Street Bike Lanes
          • Cannon Street Cycle Track
          • Keddy Access Trail
          • Mountain Climber on HSR for Cyclists
        • Cycling Routes & Maps
        • Cycling Safety & Education
        • Hamilton Bike Share
        • Personal Use Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Program
      • Driving & Traffic
        • CarShare in Hamilton
        • Permanent Road, Alley and Walkway Closures
        • Queen Street Two-way Traffic Conversion
        • Road Closures
        • Taxi Services in Hamilton
        • Temporary Road Use Permits
        • Truck Route Network
        • Vision Zero - Roadway Safety
          • Distracted Driving
          • Neighbourhood Speed Limit Reductions
          • Pedestrian Crossovers
          • Rail Safety
          • Roadway Safety Tools
          • Roundabouts
          • Safe Stopping
          • Seatbelt Safety
          • Slow Down, Move Over for Emergency Vehicles
          • Speeding & Slow Down Zones
          • Winter Driving
      • Parking
        • MTO Accessible Parking Permit Exemptions in Hamilton
        • Municipal Car Parks
        • On-Street Parking
        • Parking Meter or Municipal Lot Parking Request Form
        • Parking Meters & Pay Machines
        • Parking Near Schools
        • Passport Parking App
        • Residential Parking on Private Property
        • Special Event Parking
        • Temporary Regulation Enforcement Request
        • Towing
      • School Zones & Safety Tips
        • Back to School Safety
        • School Crossing Guards
      • Smart Commute
        • Active School Travel
        • Find Your Carpool Match
        • Join Smart Commute
        • Plan Your Trip
        • Safety Tips for Commuting
        • Smart Commute Events
        • Smart Commute Member Organizations
      • Streets & Sidewalks
        • Complete Street Reports for Wards
        • Open Streets
        • Pavement Markings
        • Road & Sidewalk Maintenance
        • Sidewalk Snow Clearing
        • Snow Clearing
        • Street Lighting
        • Traffic Island Beautification
      • Walking & Pedestrians
        • Accessible Pedestrian Signals
        • Pedestrian Safety
    • HSR
      • Accessible Transit
        • ATS Eligibility & Registration
        • Accessible Low Floor Buses
        • DARTS
        • Taxi Scrip Program
      • Fares
        • Fares & Photo IDs
        • PRESTO Cards
        • PRESTO E-Tickets Mobile App
        • Transfers & Connections
      • Riding with HSR
        • #ReadytoRide
        • Using HSR
        • Bikes on Buses
        • Customer Service
        • Bus Stop Seat Pilot
        • Help Us (Re)envision the HSR
        • HSR Customer Research Panel
      • Schedule & Route Tools
        • Schedules & Detours
        • Special Event Buses
        • Trip Planning Tools
        • HSR myRide On-Demand
        • Trans-Cab
        • Ti-Cat Ticket to Ride Program
    • House & Home
      • Basement Flooding
        • Basement Flooding Preparedness
        • Protective Plumbing Devices
        • Protective Plumbing Program
        • Sewer Lateral Management Program
      • Gardens & Trees
        • City Trees
        • Free Tree Giveaway
        • Invasive Species
        • Pesticide Alternatives
        • Private Trees
        • Rain Barrel Sale
        • Street Tree Planting Program
        • Tree Diseases
        • Tree Ownership
        • Water Efficient Lawns & Gardens
        • Watering Restrictions
      • Home Water Services
        • Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project
        • Frozen Pipes
        • Lead Water Service Replacement
        • Lead in Your Drinking Water
        • Low Water Pressure
        • Service Line Warranty Program
        • Shutting Off Your Water
        • Water Efficient Homes
        • Water Meters
        • Water Rates
        • Water Service Line Replacement
      • Pest Control
        • Bed Bugs in the Workplace
        • Bed Bugs
        • Cockroaches
        • Landlord Pest Control Responsibilities
        • Rats
      • Private Wells & Cisterns
        • Cistern Maintenance & Water Testing
        • Private Wells
        • Well Maintenance & Water Testing
        • Well Water After a Flood
        • Arsenic limits in Drinking Well Water
        • Naturally Occurring Lead in Bedrock
        • PFOS and Propylene Glycol
      • Property
        • Encroachment Agreements
        • Lot Grading & Drainage
        • Property Damage
        • Property Survey
        • Property Use By-laws
        • Survey Markings on Your Property
        • University District Safety Initiative
        • Vacant Buildings Registry
      • Water Pollution Prevention
        • Catch Basin & Street Drain Use
        • Downspout Disconnections
        • Emptying Pools & Hot Tubs
        • Flushables
        • Household Fats, Oil and Grease
        • Spills to the Sewer
    • Property Taxes
      • Municipal Accommodation Tax
      • Property Tax Billing
        • Changes to Your Property Tax Bill
        • Pay Your Property Tax
        • Property Tax Due Dates and Penalties
        • Request for Tax Certificate
        • Sale of Properties for Tax Arrears
        • Tax Assistance Programs
        • Understanding Your Property Tax Bill
        • eBilling for Property Tax
      • Understanding Property Tax
        • Area Rating
        • How Property Taxes are Calculated
        • Municipal Tax Competitiveness Study
        • Property Assessment
        • Property Inquiry
        • Tax Calculator
        • Tax Impact Mapping
      • Vacant Unit Tax
    • Tickets, Fines & Penalties
      • Administrative Penalty Notice
      • Parking Penalty Notice
      • Provincial Offences Notice
    • Water, Wastewater & Stormwater
      • Stormwater Management
        • Low Impact Development
        • Stormwater Management Ponds
        • Surface Water Management
        • Surface Water Quality Program
      • Wastewater Collection & Treatment
        • Biosolids Management
        • Monitoring Wastewater Overflows and Bypasses
        • Sewer Lateral Cross-Connections
        • Sewer Systems
        • Wastewater Quality Management System
        • Wastewater Systems
      • Water Treatment & Distribution
        • Community Wells
          • Lynden Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory Officially Lifted
        • Corrosion Control
        • Drinking Water Quality Management System
        • Drinking Water Quality
        • Drinking Water System
        • Hydrant Flushing
        • Low Level Water Conditions
        • Source Water Protection
          • Source Water Protection Restricted Land Use Application
        • Water Fluoridation
  • city Build, Invest & Grow
    • InvestinHamilton.ca
    • Buying & Selling with the City
      • Bids and Tenders
        • Bid Opportunities
        • Fair Wage Policy and Fair Wage Schedule
        • Procurement Policy By-law
        • Professional and Consultant Services Roster
        • Vendor Information
      • Real Estate
        • Inventory of City-Owned Properties
        • Properties for Sale or Lease
          • 1226 Old Golf Links Road, Ancaster
          • 1258 Old Golf Links Road, Ancaster
          • 28 James Street North, Hamilton
          • 288-294 Fruitland Road, Stoney Creek
          • 350 King Street East, Hamilton
          • 435 Carluke Road West, Hamilton
          • 71 Main Street West, Hamilton
          • 89 King Street East, Hamilton
          • 95 Dundurn St. S., Hamilton
          • Piers 5, 6 & 7 West Harbour Development Blocks
        • Real Estate Portfolio Management
    • Construction & Renovation
      • Construction in Your Area
        • Concession St and Mountain Brow Improvements Project
        • Dickenson Road Sanitary Trunk Sewer Project
        • Ferguson Avenue Pump Station Facility Upgrades
        • HDR2A Scenic Reservoir Expansion Joint Repairs
        • Highway 8 Improvements Project
        • Mountain Park Avenue Improvements
        • Satellite City – Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation
        • Wilson Street East Improvements
      • Residential Building & Renovation
        • Apply for a Building Permit Online with ePLANS
        • Building Permit Application Requirements
        • Building Permit Fees
        • Building Permit Review and Approval
        • Building Inspections
        • Hiring a Designer for Building Permit Drawings
        • Property Record Search
        • Residential Construction Requirements for Radon Gas Mitigation
        • Residential Infill Construction
        • Accessory Buildings
        • Porches and Decks
        • Residential Fences
        • Swimming Pools
        • Tents
        • Building & Demolition Permits Activity
    • Hamilton Music & Film
      • Filming in Hamilton
        • Film Permit Process
        • Information for Hamilton Residents and Business Owners
        • Plan Your Shoot
      • Music in Hamilton
        • Musician Support Programs
        • Street Performers
    • Operating a Business
      • Business By-laws
        • Sign By-law
      • Child Care Operators
        • Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement
        • Early Years System
        • Fee Assistance
        • Funding Agreements
        • Funding Opportunities
        • Operator Resources
      • Commercial Water & Sewer
        • Backflow Prevention Program
        • Construction Site and Wastewater Management
        • Sewer Use By-law
        • Small Drinking Water Systems
        • Wastewater Abatement Program
        • Water Hauler
      • EarlyON Child and Family Centre Service Providers
        • Funding Agreements
        • Provider Resources
        • Qualified Teams & Staff Requirements
        • Serious Incident Reporting Policy
        • Services & Responsibilities
      • Health Requirements & Inspections
        • Child Care Centres
        • Cooling Towers
        • Drinking Water Haulers
        • Food Premises & Food Handling
        • Group Homes, Lodging Homes & Funeral Homes
        • Personal Service Settings
        • Public Swimming Pools & Spas
        • Residential Care Facilities
        • Selling Tobacco & E-Cigarettes in Hamilton
        • Smoke and Vape-Free Public Places and Workplaces
        • Tanning Bed Regulation
      • Workplace Policies & Programs
        • Healthy Eating in the Workplace
        • Healthy Workplaces
        • Physical Activity in the Workplace
        • Work Stress Prevention
    • Planning & Development
      • Committee of Adjustment & Delegated Consent Authority
        • Agendas & Notices
        • Land Severance (Consent)
        • Minor Variance
        • Process & Participation for Committee of Adjustment
      • Community Improvement Plans and Financial Incentives
      • Design Review Panel
      • Development Charges
        • Community Benefits Charges
        • Development Charges
        • Parkland Dedication Fees
      • GRIDS
        • Employment Land Review
        • GRIDS 2 and Municipal Comprehensive Review
        • GRIDS 2/MCR Urban Growth Survey
        • Land Needs Assessment
      • Heritage Properties
        • Built Heritage Inventory Strategy
          • Beasley Heritage Inventory Project
          • Downtown Dundas Built Heritage Inventory
          • Landsdale Neighbourhood Inventory
          • Melville Street Heritage Conservation District Study
          • Places of Worship Inventory Review
        • Heritage Designation Process
        • Heritage Mapping & Resources
        • Heritage Permits
        • Heritage Plaques and Markers
        • Heritage Windows
        • Municipal Heritage Register
        • Pre-Confederation Buildings
      • Official Plan
        • Official Plan Review
        • Provincial Planning Matters
        • Rental Housing Protection Policy Review
        • Rural Hamilton Official Plan
        • Secondary Plans In Progress
          • Airport Employment Growth District Secondary Plan
          • Downtown Hamilton Secondary Plan
          • Fruitland-Winona Secondary Plan
          • Waterdown Community Node Secondary Plan Study
          • West Harbour Secondary Plan
        • Urban Hamilton Official Plan
      • Planning & Design Studies
        • Bayfront Industrial Area Strategy
        • Dundas Community Node Study
        • Family Friendly Housing
        • James Street North Mobility Hub Study
        • Mountain Brow Vista Study and Management Plan
        • Pleasantview Area Land Use Study
      • Planning Applications
        • Draft Plan of Subdivision or Condominium Approval
        • Formal Consultation
        • Local Street Naming & Renaming
        • Municipal Addressing
        • Official Plan Amendment
        • Part Lot Control
        • Site Alteration Permit
        • Site Plan Approval
        • Where Development is Happening in Hamilton
        • Zoning By-law Amendment
      • Planning Policies & Guidelines
        • Airport Employment Growth District (AEGD) Wastewater System Capacity Allocation Policy
        • Staging of Development
        • Barrier-Free Guidelines
        • City-Wide Corridor Planning Principles and Design Guidelines
        • Complete Streets Design Manual
        • Comprehensive Development Guidelines and Financial Policies
        • Construction and Material Specifications
        • Coordinated Street Furniture Guidelines
        • Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment Guidelines
        • Environmental Impact Statements Guidelines
        • Financial Policies for Development
        • Guide to Coordinating Integrated Planning Processes
        • Guidelines for Hydrogeological Studies and Technical Standards for Private Services
        • Guidelines for Planning Justification Reports
        • Guidelines for Urban Design Reports
        • Innovative Stormwater Source Control Policy
        • Landscape Design Guidelines for Stormwater Facilities
        • Linkage Assessment Guidelines
        • Masonry Restoration Guidelines
        • Park and Open Space Development Guide
        • Right-of-Way Utility Installation and Permit Manual
        • Road Widening Dedication Procedure Guide
        • Sewer and Water Permit Process and Design Requirements
        • Sidewalk and Roadway Lighting Policy
        • Site Plan Guidelines
        • Standards and Approved Products Listing and Guidelines
        • Storm Drainage Policy
        • Street Naming and Renaming Policy and Guidelines
        • Telecommunication Tower and Antenna Protocol
        • Traffic Impact Study Guidelines
        • Transit Bus Stop Accessibility Criteria & Guidelines
        • Transit Oriented Development Guidelines
        • Transportation Demand Management Land Development Guidelines
        • Tree Protection Guidelines
        • Urban Braille
        • Urban Design Guidelines
        • Waste Requirements for Design of New Developments and Collection
      • Waterfront Redevelopment
        • CHH Jamesville Redevelopment
        • Copps Pier Park
        • Discovery Centre Site Strategy Development
        • Pier 8 Block 16
        • Pier 8 Development
        • Pier 8 Gateway Park
      • Zoning
        • Inclusionary Zoning
        • Interactive Zoning Mapping
        • Residential Zones Project
        • Zoning By-law 05-200
        • Zoning By-laws for the Former Communities
    • Starting a Small Business
      • Business Licences
        • Accessible Taxicab Feedback/Complaint Form
        • Accessible Taxicab Owner Licence
        • By-law to Licence and Regulate Various Businesses
        • Establishment & Mobile Licence
        • Lottery Licence
        • Rental Housing Licensing Pilot Program
        • Temporary Business Licence
        • Trade Licence
      • One Stop for Business
        • Business Facilitation
        • Business Registration
        • Hamilton Business Centre
        • What is One Stop for Business?
        • Zoning Verification and Property Report Application
      • Permits & Inspections
        • Building Permits for Small Businesses
        • Hauled Sewage Program Permits
        • Outdoor Boulevard Café Encroachment Agreements
        • Park Permits for Food Service Vehicles
        • Publication Box Permits
        • Sewer Discharge Permits
        • Sewer and Water Permits
        • Taxicab Inspections
        • Temporary Outdoor Patio Program
        • Temporary Use By-law for Temporary Tents
  • swimming Things To Do
    • TourismHamilton.com
    • Arts & Music
      • Public Art
        • Art in Public Places Policy
        • Century Street Parkette Public Art Project
        • Churchill Park Public Art Project
        • Hamilton the Electric City Public Art Project
        • Keddy Access Trail Public Art Project
        • King William Beacon and Gate Public Art Project
        • Locke Street Marker Public Art Project
        • The Big Picture - Arts Advisory Commission
        • Traffic Signal Cabinet Wraps Public Art Project
        • West Harbour - James Street Plaza Public Art Project
      • Summer Concert Series
    • Festivals & Events
      • Black History Month
      • Events Calendar
      • Fall Garden & Mum Show
      • Hamilton Canada Day at Bayfront Park
      • Hamilton Winterfest
      • Remembrance Day Services
    • Golf Hamilton
      • Chedoke Golf Club
        • Stanley Thompson
      • King's Forest Golf Club
      • Club Memberships
      • Golf Programs
        • Disc Golf
        • Winter Golf
      • Book Tee Times Online
      • Contact Information
    • Hamilton Civic Museums
      • Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site
        • Re-enactment Participant Information
        • Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek
      • Christmas at Hamilton Civic Museums
      • Dundurn National Historic Site
      • Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum
      • Griffin House National Historic Site
      • Group Tour Experiences
      • Hamilton & Scourge National Historic Site
      • Hamilton Children's Museum
      • Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site
        • Scouting and Guiding at Steam
      • Museum Events
      • The Hamilton Military Museum
      • Virtual Tours
      • Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site
    • Parks & Green Space
      • Beach Water Quality
      • Creating & Improving Parks
        • Park Amenity Studies
          • Mountainbrow Trail Feasibility Master Plan
          • Shoreline Inventory and Assessment of City Owned Waterfront Assets
          • Skateboard Park Study
        • Park Projects
          • Albion Falls South Access and Viewing Platform
          • Alexander Park Skate Park
          • Beasley Park
          • Brightside Park
          • Central Park
          • Churchill Park
          • Confederation Beach Park
          • East Mountain Trail Loop
          • Eastwood Park
          • Gage Park
          • Gatesbury Park
          • Gore Park
          • Hamilton Amateur Athletic Association Grounds
          • Mountain Drive Park
          • Mountainbrow Trail
          • Parkside Cemetery
          • Pipeline Trail from Brampton Ave to Grace Ave
          • Roxborough Park
          • Sam Lawrence Park
          • Southam Park
          • Spencercreek Estates Park
          • The Nest Gathering Space
          • Valley Skate Park
          • Victoria Park
          • Woodlands Park
        • Play Your Way
      • Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse
      • Parks & Trails
        • Park Washrooms
        • ParkFinder
        • Permitted Tobogganing Hills
        • Trails Listing
        • Water Drinking Fountains
      • Waterfall Safety
    • Recreation
      • Locations
        • Arenas
        • Recreation Centres & Indoor Pools
        • Seniors Centres & Clubs
        • Spray Pads
      • Programs
        • Adapted and Inclusive Programming
        • Drop-In Programs
          • Drop-In Gym
          • Drop-In Skate
          • Drop-In Swim
        • Outdoor Programs
          • Outdoor Ice
        • Registered Programs
          • Advanced Leadership Programs
          • Swimming Lessons
          • Adapted & Inclusive Registered (3-30 years)
          • Infant/Toddler Registered (0-3 years)
          • Preschool Registered (3-5 years)
          • Child Registered (6-8 years)
          • Child Registered (9-12 years)
          • Youth Registered (12-17 years)
          • Adult Registered (18+ years)
          • Older Adult Registered (55+ years)
        • Older Adult 55+ Programs
        • Camp Kidaca
        • The Centre - Youth Recreation
      • Recreation Job Opportunities
      • Facility Rentals
        • Sports Fields
      • Customer Service
        • Admissions & Memberships
        • How to Register
        • Recreation Assistance Program
        • Recreation Refunds
        • Recreation Video Channel
        • Swimming Policies & Guidelines
    • Venues, Facilities & Bookings
      • Event Planning Information
        • Event Accessibility
        • Event Insurance
        • Event Locations
        • Guide for Event Organizers
        • Municipal Alcohol Policy
        • Reserve Banner Space
      • Tim Hortons Field
        • Stadium Guest Information
        • Stadium Rentals
        • Tim Hortons Field Events
      • Venue Rentals & Packages
        • Birthday Parties
        • Corporate Rentals & Programs
        • Social Gatherings & Functions
          • Indoor Social Gathering Venues
          • Outdoor Social Gathering Venues
        • Wedding Venue Rentals
          • Indoor Wedding Venues
          • Outdoor Wedding Venues
  • council City & Council
    • Accountability & Transparency
      • Integrity Commissioner
        • File a Complaint with the Integrity Commissioner
      • Lobbyist Registry
        • Search the Lobbyist Registry
      • Office of the City Auditor
        • Audit Reports to Committees
        • City Auditor Scope of Work
        • Fraud & Waste Hotline
        • Whistleblower
    • Awards & Tributes
      • Arts Awards
        • Arts Awards Recipients
        • Shirley Elford Emerging Artist Commission Prize
      • Commemorative Park Bench & Tree Program
      • Community in Motion Awards
      • HMHC Heritage Recognition Awards
        • HMHC Heritage Recognition Award Recipients
        • HMHC Heritage Recognition Awards Nomination Form
      • Hamilton Signature Sign
      • Heritage Day Awards
      • Order of Hamilton
      • Senior of the Year Awards
        • Senior of the Year Award Recipients
      • Sport Volunteer Awards
      • Trillium Awards
        • Trillium Award Volunteer Judges
        • Trillium Awards Winners
      • Urban Design and Architecture Awards
        • Sustainable Building Design Panel Discussion
        • Urban Design & Architecture Awards Winners
    • By-laws & Enforcement
      • Search By-laws
      • Frequently Requested By-laws
      • Register a By-law Complaint
      • By-law Violations & Appeals
      • Discharging Firearms in Hamilton
    • City Administration
      • Senior Leadership Team
        • City Manager
        • GM, Finance & Corporate Services
        • GM, Healthy & Safe Communities
        • GM, Planning & Economic Development
        • GM, Public Works
      • City Budget
        • How to Get Involved in the Budget Process
        • Budget 101
        • 2023 Tax & Rate Budget
        • 2022 Tax & Rate Budget
        • 2021 Tax & Rate Budget
        • 2020 Tax & Rate Budget
        • 2019 Tax & Rate Budget
        • 2018 Tax & Rate Budget
      • Financial Results
        • Previous Financial Results
      • International Delegations & Study Tours
      • City Directory
    • City Clerk's Office
      • Construction Liens
      • Freedom of Information & Privacy Protection
      • File a Freedom of Information Request
      • Marriage Services
        • Apply for a Marriage Licence
        • Marriage Certificates
        • Civil Ceremonies
    • Contact Us
      • Municipal Service Centres
    • Council & Committee
      • Council & Committee Meetings
        • Meetings, Agendas & Video
        • Request to Speak to a Committee of Council
        • Committee Listing
        • Conflict of Interest Registry
      • City Council Members
        • Mayor's Office
          • Make a Request
          • City of Hamilton Flag Protocol
        • City Councillors
          • Ward 1
          • Ward 2
          • Ward 3
          • Ward 4
          • Ward 5
          • Ward 6
          • Ward 7
          • Ward 8
          • Ward 9
          • Ward 10
          • Ward 11
          • Ward 12
          • Ward 13
          • Ward 14
          • Ward 15
    • Data & Maps
      • Census Data for Hamilton
      • Internet in Hamilton
      • Open Data
        • Open Data Licence Terms and Conditions
      • Our City Survey
      • Ward Profiles
    • Jobs at the City
      • Applying for a Job
      • Employee Resources
        • Collective Agreements
        • Employee Benefits
        • Pay Information
      • Recruitment Opportunities
        • Bus Operator Recruitment
        • Full Time Firefighter Recruitment
        • Police Constable Recruitment - Lateral Transfer
        • Police Constable Recruitment - New Recruit
        • Primary Care Paramedic Recruitment
        • Roads Winter Operator Recruitment
        • School Crossing Guard Recruitment
        • Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment
      • Student Opportunities
        • High School Co-op Student Program
        • Post-Secondary Student Placements
        • Public Health Post-Secondary Student Placements
        • Summer Student Program
      • Training & Certification
        • Taxi Driver Training
      • Volunteer Opportunities
        • Community Food Advisor
        • Macassa & Wentworth Lodges Volunteers
        • Recreation Division Volunteers
        • Trillium Awards Judges
    • Municipal Election
      • Candidates & Third Party Advertisers
        • Become a Third Party Advertiser
        • Certified Candidates
        • Financial Statements
        • Registered Third Party Advertisers
      • Election Signs
      • Election Resources
        • Election Compliance Audit Process
        • Elections Accessibility Plan
        • Municipal Election Nomination Procedure
        • Municipal Election Third Party Registration Procedure
        • Procedure for Appointment for Voting Proxy
        • Procedure for the Viewing of Election Documents
        • Use of City Resources during an Election Period Policy
      • Election Results & Archives
        • 2014 Election Results
        • 2016 By-Election Results
        • 2018 Election Results
          • 2018 Poll by Poll Election Results for Mayor and Councillors
          • 2018 Poll by Poll Election Results for School Board Trustees
        • 2022 Election Results
          • 2022 Poll by Poll Election Results for Mayor and Councillors
          • 2022 Poll by Poll Election Results for School Board Trustees
        • Candidate Financial Statements
      • Election Compliance Audit Committee
    • News & Notices
      • News Releases
      • Council Communication Updates
      • Ministry Orders
      • Social Media
      • Communications & Media Relations
      • Subscribe to E-Updates
    • Plans & Strategies
      • City Projects
        • Expanding Mobility Choices
        • Light Rail Transit
        • Rapid Ready
        • Ten Year Local Transit Strategy
      • Environmental Assessments
        • Municipal Class EA Process
        • Search Environmental Assessments
      • Master Plans & Studies
        • Biosolids Master Plan
        • Flooding and Drainage Master Servicing Study
        • Hamilton Parks Master Plan
        • Hamilton’s Cycling Master Plan
        • Main Street Two Way Conversion Study
        • Parking Master Plan
        • Pipeline Trail Master Plan
        • Public Art Master Plan
        • Recreation Master Plan
        • Recreational Trails Master Plan
        • Red Hill Valley Parkway and Lincoln Alexander Parkway Feasibility Study
        • Solid Waste Management Master Plan
        • Stormwater Management Master Plan
        • Transportation Master Plan
          • Airport Employment Growth District Transportation Master Plan
          • Ancaster Transportation Master Plan
          • Binbrook Village Neighbourhood Traffic Management Plan
          • Centennial Neighbourhoods Transportation Management Plan
        • Truck Route Master Plan
        • Water and Wastewater Master Plan
        • Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Master Plan
      • Strategies
        • 2016 - 2025 Strategic Plan
          • Term of Council Priorities 2018 to 2022
        • Archaeology Management Plan
        • Asset Management Plan
        • Biodiversity Action Plan
        • Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
        • Consumption and Treatment Services
        • Digital Strategy
        • Hamilton Drug Strategy
        • Hamilton Food Strategy
        • Hamilton Music Strategy
        • Neighbourhood Development
        • Our Future Hamilton
        • Youth Strategy
          • HamOntYouth Steering Committee Over 18 Registration Form
          • HamOntYouth Steering Committee Under 18 Registration Form
icon of a virus/bacteria
Coronavirus (COVID)

Protect Yourself and Others

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. People & Programs
  3. Public Health
  4. Diseases & Conditions
  5. Coronavirus (COVID)
  6. Protect Yourself and Others
  • Diseases & Conditions
  • Coronavirus (COVID)
  • COVID-19 Data
  • COVID-19 School and Childcare Information
  • COVID-19 Symptoms, Positive Test Results or Close Contact
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • COVID-19 Vaccine
  • COVID-19 in the Workplace
  • Protect Yourself and Others
decorative blue banner
Contact Us

For general COVID-19 Vaccine information:

  • Call Provincial Vaccine Info Line at 1-888-999-6488 (TTY 1-866-797-0007)
  • Ask your health care provider
  • Book appointment with SHN to speak with a doctor online or call 416-438-2911 ext. 5738
  • Book appointment with Sick Kids Hospital to speak with a pediatric nurse about COVID-19 vaccines for youth.

For COVID-19 Vaccine booking information:
Call 905-974-9848, option 7

Have flu, COVID or cold symptoms and looking for medical support?
To help reduce pressure at significantly strained local hospital emergency departments, Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) have opened Flu, COVID & Cold Clinics, in partnership with primary care doctors.

For children and youth (17 and younger), learn more about the walk-in clinic at McMaster Children’s Hospital, including hours of operation, go to www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/coldandflu

For those 18+, learn more about the clinic at SJHH’s West 5th Campus, including hours of operation and how to book an appointment, go to www.StJoes.ca/FluCOVIDCold.

We all need to continue being mindful that COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses like flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are circulating in our community, even as public health measures are changing. Understanding your risk and taking actions to protect yourself and others is important to help slow the viral spread.

Risk Assessment

Individuals should assess their own personal level of risk for severe outcomes from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV, and be mindful that there are community members who remain at higher risk for serious outcomes. Check local indicators for respiratory illness transmission in Hamilton.

A person with any of the medical conditions is more likely to get very sick with COVID-19, especially if they are not fully vaccinated. A booster dose is recommended to further reduce risk of severe outcomes.

  • Older age (risk increases for individuals above age 50).
  • Unvaccinated individuals, especially those above age 50
  • Certain cancers
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Chronic lung diseases (e.g., COPD)
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart failure)
  • Dementia
  • Immune-compromised
  • Pregnancy

This list does not include all possible conditions that could make you at higher risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. When making decisions about which activities to participate in, each individual needs to assess their own risk, as well as of those around them.

Public Health Measures
Face Coverings & Masks

You can protect yourself and others by following these steps:

  • Get your flu shot and stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations. Vaccination remains an important way to protect against COVID-19 & influenza.
    • Know what COVID-19 vaccines you are eligible to receive.
    • Find where you can get your flu shot in Hamilton
  • Wearing a well-fitting medical mask indoors, especially when it’s crowded, is strongly recommended.
  • Wear a well-fitting medical mask around others while you recover from respiratory symptoms for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
  • Screening for respiratory symptoms daily and stay home if you are feeling unwell. Take a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms.
  • If you get COVID-19 or the flu, you may be eligible to receive antiviral treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you would be eligible and, if you are, where you can access antivirals if you become infected.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sneeze/cough into your upper sleeve or elbow.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces. A list of cleaners and disinfectants is available on Health Canada’s website.
  • Reduce your risk by avoiding crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. If you do gather with others, open windows to increase ventilation if safe and feasible and keep the length of gatherings short. Reduce your risk further by limiting your social contacts.
  • Do activities when it is less busy.
  • When using shared transportation such as a taxi or car share, lower risk by sitting in the back seat, wearing a mask and opening the window, as weather allows.

Prevent COVID-19 spread when gathering with others: 

  • Do not get together with others if you are feeling unwell, have any COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed to a person with COVID-19.
  • Gatherings are safer outdoors than indoors.
  • The fewer people who gather, the lower the risk of COVID-19.
  • Clean your hands thoroughly and regularly.
  • Open windows to increase ventilation if safe and feasible.
  • Keep the length of the gathering short.
  • You should monitor for COVID-19 symptoms every day and stay home when unwell. Take a COVID-19 test (rapid antigen test or at a testing centre) if you have symptoms.
  • Follow these instructions if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Getting your vaccines against COVID-19 and the flu can help protect you from serious illness, hospitalization, and death.
  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations by receiving all recommended doses. To get a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine, check clinic locations
  • To find out where you can get a flu shot in Hamilton, check clinic locations.
  • It is strongly recommended that you wear a well-fitted mask in all indoor settings, especially when it is crowded.
  • Masks continue to be required in long-term care homes and retirement homes based on Ministry guidance.
  • You should wear a mask at all times when you are outside your home and in public places (including school and child care, unless under two years of age) if you:
    • are recovering from COVID-19 symptoms and are no longer isolating for 10 days from when your symptoms started
    • have tested positive for COVID-19 and do not have symptoms for 10 days from the positive test result
    • have been identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 symptoms and/or a positive test result for 10 days from last exposure
  • Be kind, considerate and respectful of others’ choices.
  • Consider your personal risks and the risks to those around you when making decisions about masking in crowded indoor public spaces.
  • Be prepared that masks may be required if a new variant of concern emerges, or in response to COVID and other respiratory viruses circulating widely.

Poor ventilation in indoor spaces is linked to increased transmission of respiratory infections, particularly if the space is small. Ventilation should be improved whenever possible.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and their filters help to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses by reducing virus particles in the air by:

  • increasing the amount of fresh air that flows into a space (ventilation); and
  • removing virus particles from the air (filtration).

Reduce your risk in indoor spaces when ventilation is poor

  • open windows and doors regularly when possible. If weather, safety or air quality are a concern, open doors or windows for a small amount or for a few minutes at a time.
  • use portable air cleaners
  • use ceiling fans or portable fans positioned away from people and near open windows and doors to bring in fresh air, weather permitting.

Reduce your individual risk in indoor crowded spaces by

  • wearing a well-fitted mask
  • limiting the amount of time spent in the space
  • keeping your distance from others

Cleaning your hands and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can help reduce your risk of getting flu, RSV, COVID-19 and other viruses.

When and what to clean

  • Commonly touched surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis and when visibly dirty. Commonly touched surfaces include door handles, countertops, tables, light switches, faucets, sinks, toilets, and electronics (e.g., cell phones, tablets, keyboards, and remote controls).  

Products to clean with

  • Cleaners break down grease and remove material from the surfaces. They should be used before disinfectants, although some products contain both cleaners and disinfectants. Read the label to know if the cleaning product will also disinfect.
  • Disinfectants have chemicals that kill most germs. Disinfectants should be used after surfaces have been cleaned. Use disinfectants that have a Drug Identification Number (DIN). This is an 8-digit number provided by Health Canada that confirms it is approved for use in Canada.

A list of cleaners and disinfectants is available on Health Canada’s website.

How to clean hard surfaces

  • Follow product labels and manufacturer instructions, including the required contact time for the product to work. For most products, the contact times are included in the fine print on the label.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean first before applying disinfectant.
  • Apply disinfectant and allow it to dry.  
  • Don’t forget to clean electronic devices. Use disinfecting wipes that are safe for electronics. If there are no manufacturer instructions, use 70 per cent alcohol-based wipes.

How to clean soft surfaces (e.g., bedding, towels, and clothing)

  • Follow product labels and manufacturer instructions.
  • Use the warmest temperature setting permitted.

Safety tips

  • Always read product labels and manufacturer instructions.
  • Do not mix chemicals.
  • Store chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
  • Wear protective gear (e.g., gloves) when using products.
  • Ensure good ventilation when using products (e.g. open windows/doors, use fans)
  • Wash hands with soap and water immediately after cleaning or disinfecting.

Visit Public Health Ontario for more information on cleaning and disinfecting.

Antiviral treatment is currently available for individuals at high risk of severe COVID-19+, as determined by a clinician.

  • Individuals who are at high risk of severe outcomes of COVID-19 if they become infected should speak with their health care provider (doctor) to learn about treatment options and develop a treatment plan. Having this information when well, will help individuals know how they can access testing and treatment if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.
  • You can be referred by a health care provider to an in-person COVID Care Clinic to be assessed to receive treatment or you can pick up antiviral treatment at a participating pharmacy  with a prescription.
  • Individuals at high-risk of severe outcomes of COVID-19 are:
    • 60 years of age and older
    • 18 years of age and are immunocompromised
    • 18 – 59 years old with:
      • One or more underlying medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart or lung disease), or
      • Inadequate immunity against COVID-19 from:
        • Not receiving a full primary series of the COVID-19 vaccine
        • Having received a full primary series but no COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection within the past six (6) months
    • For more information, please Ontario’s COVID-19 Testing and Treatment guidance

 

The City of Hamilton’s Face Coverings or Mask By-law 20-155 was repealed on March 21, 2022. Masks are no longer required in enclosed public places in Hamilton. However, individuals should assess their own risk level and consider wearing a mask in certain settings to protect themselves and others.

Do face masks protect you from COVID-19?

Wearing a well-fitted face mask when you are sick protects people who are around you. Since some people who are infected with COVID-19 may have the virus and not know it, whenever people you are going out and might come into close contact with other people, they you should assess your personal level of risk and consider wearing a face mask. When other people wear a well-fitted face mask, they are helping to protect you as well.

Masks can help:

  • contain your respiratory particles
  • prevent or reduce the amount of infectious respiratory particles you inhale, particularly when wearing a well-constructed, well-fitting mask
  • While masks are not required in all settings after international travel, you may still wish to wear one as they are an effective individual public health measure that you can easily implement to protect yourself and others.
  • Unvaccinated children must properly wear a well-constructed and well-fitting mask when in public spaces for the first 14 days after international travel, this includes schools and daycares.
  • For individuals who had COVID-19 or were sick or are close contacts, masks must be worn in public places for 10 days after symptom onset/ last exposure.
  • To continue providing an additional layer of protection for the most vulnerable, masks are required in long-term care and retirement homes based on Ministry guidance, as applicable.
  • Masking is recommended in higher-risk congregate care living settings, such as shelters and group homes
  • Organizations may implement their own masking policies regarding masking requirements
  • Check with your workplace if your employer requires masks
  • Individuals may wish to continue wearing masks in certain settings, based on their own personal risk assessment. Please be kind and respect others’ choices.

Masks or face coverings should

  • Be well fitting.
  • Cover an individual’s nose, mouth and chin, without gaping.
  • Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops.
  • Maintain their shape after washing and drying.
  • Be made of multiple layers consisting of at least 2 layers of tightly woven fabric such as cotton and a third (middle) layer of filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene fabric.
  • Be comfortable to avoid the need for adjustments when wearing.
  • Not contain non-breathable materials such as plastic.
  • Read more on 3 layer non-medical masks
  • Public Health Ontario fact sheet on types of masks

No matter which type of mask you choose, proper fit is a key factor in its effectiveness.

How well a mask works depends on fit. When choosing a mask, keep in mind:

  • masks with a flexible nosepiece may provide a better fit over the nose
  • the fit of the mask can vary depending on the size and features of your face
  • masks with ties or bands that go around the back of the head may provide a better fit
    • if choosing an ear loop-style mask, use one with adjustable ear loops or use the tips below to improve fit

A well-fitting mask should:

  • fit completely and comfortably cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaps and not allow air to escape from edges
  • fit securely to the head with ties, bands or ear loops
  • be comfortable and not require frequent adjustments
  • maintain its shape after washing and drying

Ways to improve fit include:

  • adjusting ties or ear loops
  • adjusting the flexible nosepiece
  • tying knots in the ear loops and tucking the sides of the mask so that it lies flat
  • keeping facial hair and beards shaved or short, if possible, so the mask can fit closely to your face

How to make your mask fit properly

Non-fit tested N95 masks offer similar effectiveness to well-fitted medical/surgical masks; however, three-layer non-medical masks can be more comfortable to wear over longer periods and still offer good protection. Public health follows Ontario Ministry of Health guidance for KN95 and N95 masks.

When wearing a face covering or mask

  • Immediately wash your hands before putting the face covering or mask on, before adjusting it, before taking it off and after taking it off. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash your hands. 
  • Make sure the face covering fits well, covering your mouth, nose and chin. The mask should fit your face, leaving no gaps on the sides.
  • Make sure your face covering or mask is secured to your head with ties or ear loops without the need to adjust frequently. 
  • Ensure that the pleats on the outside are facing down, if your mask has pleats. 
  • Gently mould the metal strip over the bridge of your nose to ensure a close fit, if your mask has one. 
  • Avoid moving the face covering or mask around or touching the covering while using it.
  • Do not share your face covering or mask with others, even within your own household.
  • Do not leave your face covering or mask tucked under your chin, hanging from your ear, or on your forehead.

Replace the face covering or mask as soon as it becomes damp, dirty, damaged or if it has shrunk after washing and drying.

Infographic for steps on how to safely wear a mask or face covering

Filters add an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 by trapping small infectious particles. Filters can be made from:

  • non-woven polypropylene fabric
  • a disposable filter inserted into a pocket on the mask

For masks with a pocket, add a disposable coffee filter, paper towel, or reusable filter cloth. For masks without a pocket, cut/unstitch one end and tuck a filter in between the two layers. Check out how to make your own face covering with a filter.

  • Reusable masks with a non-woven filter layer should be washed daily, and can be washed multiple times.
  • Disposable filters should be changed daily or as directed by the manufacturer.

Wearing a face covering or mask can increase your risk of infection if you touch your face more frequently to adjust it or if you do not wash your hands before putting it on and taking it off.

When taking off a face covering or mask

  • Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and then remove your face covering or mask by pulling the ties or ear loops away from your ears.
  • Put the face covering or mask into a bag to keep it separate from other items until it can be washed or thrown out in a lined garbage bin
  • If your face covering or mask has a removable, non-reusable filter, make sure to remove and throw it out before washing your mask.
  • To wash the face covering or mask, put it directly into the washing machine. Throw out the bag it was stored in. Wash your hands again with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling your face covering or mask.
  • Wash the face covering or mask with other laundry using a hot water cycle. No special soaps are needed.
  • Disposable masks should not be washed, reused or recycled.

When disposing of a damaged/dirty face covering or mask

  • Throw it out into a lined garbage bin.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Do not leave any discarded masks in shopping carts or on the ground.
  • Face shields are meant to be used for barrier protection for the facial area and would not be considered a substitute for wearing a face mask or face covering. Face shields do not provide any filtering against respiratory droplets.  A face shield may protect the wearer against droplets expelled from another person, however, some of these droplets may still be inhaled around the shield.
  • Respiratory droplets expelled by the wearer may escape around the sides of the face shield, which therefore provides sub optimal protection to others.
  • If you choose to wear a face shield, it is recommended - if possible - to wear it in addition to a properly fitted cloth masks.
  • Clear plastic mouth shields are not a suitable face covering since they do not tight fitting around the mouth, nose and chin. Mouth shields allow infectious respiratory droplets to spread outside the mask, and do not help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • As a better than nothing approach, the WHO recommends that if face shields are to be used, the wearer should ensure proper design that covers the sides of the face and extend below the chin. For certain populations, those with mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, deaf and hard of hearing community and children, the WHO supports the use of face shields.
  • Masks with an exhalation valve are not recommended because they may filter dust particles in the air as the person inhales, but they may not filter virus particles or respiratory droplets. This means droplets from a person can be spread in a room, reducing the benefit of the mask.
  • Respirators with exhaust valves are also not recommended. These are intended to make the respirator more comfortable for the person who is wearing it, but they can also allow respiratory droplets to spread in room. 
  • Clear plastic face masks that extend below the chin and wrap around the sides of the face may be considered when communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, to allow them to lip read. However, clear plastic face masks are not recommended for general use, as they do not cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping and cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected between use.
Date modified
January 27, 2023
Was this information helpful?
Home

Footer (primary)

  • People & Programs
  • Home & Neighbourhood
  • Build, Invest & Grow
  • Things to Do
  • City & Council

Footer (secondary)

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • Contact Us
  • Translate

Subscribe to the City of Hamilton’s updates and notifications to stay informed on latest news, events, city services and more!

Subscribe to e-Updates
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

©2022 City of Hamilton