4 waterfalls, a national historic site and a museum all set to open on July 15
Visitors urged to plan waterfall trips on off-peak times such as early in the morning or on weekdays
Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) waterfall areas, with the exception of Spencer Gorge, will reopen to the public on July 15.
The areas reopening include:
- Tiffany Falls.
- Devil's Punchbowl.
- Borer's Falls.
- Felker's Falls.
In a news release on Monday HCA urged visitors to consider planning their trip on off-peak times such as early in the morning or on weekdays.
"If parking lots are full, do not park on municipal roadways. Please return another time," the news release reads.
"All visitors must follow emergency measures and guidelines to allow these areas to remain open safely."
HCA said measures, which will be posted onsite include:
- Practise physical distancing by staying 2 metres (6 feet) apart from other users.
- Do not gather or arrange to meet friends or other groups.
- Pets must be leashed at all times.
- Pack out what you pack in.
"Trail etiquette is always important, and responsible public use will allow us to safely operate these areas," HCA said.
Spencer Gorge and its associated areas will be reopening at a later date, planned for September.
The areas that will remain closed include:
- Dundas Peak.
- Spencer Gorge
- Tew Falls.
- Webster Falls
- Crooks Hollow.
- Spencer Adventure Trail
Members of the public are not permitted on any of these areas or trails and those who access these properties are trespassing.
Municipal Parking Bylaw Enforcement staff will be patrolling to enforce parking restrictions and trespassers may be fined.
Dundurn National Historic Site also opening July 15
Meanwhile, Dundurn National Historic Site — including Dundurn Castle, The Hamilton Military Museum, and The Historic Kitchen Garden — and the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology, are also set to open to the public on July 15, offering modified programming on a Wednesday to Sunday schedule.
Brenda Branch, marketing and promotions officer for the Tourism and Culture Division, said admission tickets are only available online and must be purchased before visiting.
Holders of Hamilton Public Library cards will be admitted free of charge but must reserve a ticket online.
Guests are asked to adhere to physical distancing guidelines while on site and the use of face masks is recommended.
While walk-in visitors will be accommodated where possible, priority will be given to ticket holders, Branch said.
Dundurn National Historic Site and the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology will resume taking bookings for their rental spaces for events beginning July 15. The public are asked to contact the sites directly to inquire about holding an event.
Also, starting July 15, rental venues at Battlefield House Museum & Park, Whitehern Historic House & Garden, Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum, and Ancaster Old Town Hall will accept bookings for events beginning in January 2021, with the proviso that the date will be reserved for the client but that the event itself will be contingent on the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic at the time.
Art Gallery of Hamilton reopens July 16
On Monday afternoon the Art Gallery of Hamilton announced it will reopen to the public on Thursday, July 16.
The Gallery will be free admission throughout the month of July as a thank you to our returning visitors.
"We are deeply grateful to our members, friends, volunteers, and the AGH community for supporting the Gallery over these past four months of uncertainty," said Shelley Falconer, AGH president and CEO.
"Thank you for your cooperation, patience, and understanding. This is a learning process for us all and we hope these measures will help provide a safe and comfortable space for you to enjoy during these challenging times."
The AGH will have adjusted hours and will be open Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. until further notice.
The following exhibitions have been extended until early January:
- Early Snow: Michael Snow 1947 – 1962.
- Artist's Dream: Works of French Symbolism.
Due to this extension, Maud Lewis, Poppa Wilson and Tom Thomson have been postponed until 2021.