Hamilton Stormwater Week 2024

Join us on Monday, August 5 2024 from 6-7:30pm EST at Laidlaw Memorial United Church (155 Ottawa Street North)

In June, Green Venture hosted the Laidlaw Memorial United Church Planting Event, participating in the Living Cities project to bring accessible green spaces to Hamilton! With additional funding from ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s Corporate Community Fund, Green Cities Foundation, Rain Haven, and Tree Canada, we transformed over 2000 sq feet of lawn, pavement, and concrete into an urban green space filled with 500+ native species and trees.

This guided rain garden tour and plant walk will allow you to explore the new rain gardens at Laidlaw Memorial United Church and learn about the design and plant selection from the Landscape Architect, Adele Pierre. Bring any gardening and plant design questions you have and we’ll be happy to answer!

Adele Pierre, Landscape Architect, will be on-site answering questions!

Adele has her:

• Master of Landscape Architecture, University of Guelph
• Bachelor of Music in Performance, University of Toronto
• Diploma in Horticulture, Ontario Agricultural College
• OALA Full Member Seal and Certificate
• ISA Certified Arborist ON 2385A
• Certified Landscape Designer, Landscape Ontario
• Fusion Landscape Professional
• Green Roof Professional

Join us on Tuesday, August 7 2024 from 5:00-6:00pm EST at Niwas​a Kendaaswin Teg/McQuesten Urban Farm

Explore the Niwas​a Kendaaswin Teg/McQuesten Urban Farm and learn from urban gardeners about food harvesting, community-oriented food initiatives, water efficient gardening and more! This event promotes hands on learning as we join with our partners Niwas​a Kendaaswin Teg /McQuesten Urban Farm for some seasonal stewardship on their farm. Seasonal tasks include: weeding, planting and harvesting! Be sure to wear closed-toed shoes and long pants. Bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and a hat!

Join us on Wednesday, August 7 2024 from 6:30-8:30pm EST at the Waterfront Trail for a “Walk and Talk around Bayfront Park (Meet at the BARC Kiosk) 

Join us on an educational and engaging Waterfront Walking Tour in Bayfront Park with the Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC) and Tim Crowley from the City of Hamilton! All are welcome to attend regardless of age or ability. Staff from the Bay Area Restoration Council and the City of Hamilton will guide us on a walk to discuss grey infrastructure in Hamilton (e.g., storm sewers, combined overflow tanks, separate and combined systems), our watershed, and community greening opportunities.

On this guided walk, we will explore the bay, learn more about Hamilton’s stormwater system, and enjoy a leisurely stroll on the trail. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.

Join us on Thursday, August 8 2024 from 6:30-8:30pm EST at St. John the Evangelist (Meet near bike racks) 

Drop by and learn from Norm Newbery and Erinn Turnball about some of the Green Infrastructure features on-site at St.John the Evangelist while also learning about the project’s history!

The Green Infrastructure elements on site, like the rain gardens and the holding tank with pump and soaker hoses, are an excellent demonstration of water management and efficiency in an urban setting! 🌧️💦 The holding tank catches and retains stormwater to distribute through the pump and soaker hoses. Then, these hoses encourage healthier plant growth and water absorption by distributing the water at the root level, generating healthier plants designed and arranged to help hold excess amounts of water year-round!

BONUS: attendees will receive native plant seed packets!

Celebrate the end of Stormwater Week on Friday, August 9 2024 from 5-6:00PM with a fun community education initiative! Join the Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC) and Green Venture as we paint yellow fish onto sewer grates, encouraging local residents to remember the influence that their water runoff has on local waterways, species, and ecosystems. Be prepared to paint and community educate!

The Green Venture rain garden and green infrastructure tour allows you to explore Hamilton’s rain gardens at your own leisure on August 10 or 11th. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from out of town, this tour provides a flexible and immersive way to enjoy the city’s green spaces.

Here are some highlights of what you can expect:

1. Explore at Your Own Pace
2. Learn About Native Plants
3. Understand Rain Garden Features
4. Enjoy Beautiful Green Spaces

A dozen projects across the city will be open to the public. These projects were funded by Green Venture’s Residential Rebate Program.

At some sites, the homeowner will be present to answer your questions. Other sites will be drop-in only and you will receive the full list of addresses via email after you register.