Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan

09/01/2026

Congratulations to Nipigon Bay as they officially delist as a Great Lakes Area of Concern! 🎉

This milestone on Lake Superior is the result of decades of hard work to address environmental challenges, restore habitat, improve water quality, and strengthen the health of the Nipigon Bay ecosystem. Lasting environmental restoration takes time, perseverance, and partnerships. In Hamilton Harbour, we continue working toward healthier, more resilient waters and ecosystems.

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this remarkable achievement! 🌱🐟

📢 A major milestone for Great Lakes restoration!

Nipigon Bay has officially been delisted as a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC)—an area in the Great Lakes identified as having experienced high levels of environmental harm.

Since its designation as an AOC in 1987, the has worked with partners and local communities to address historical sources of pollution, improve fish habitat, enhance water quality, and restore ecosystem health in Nipigon Bay.

Following decades of collaboration between the governments of Canada and Ontario under the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health, the Agency is proud to announce that all previously impaired beneficial uses have been restored. 💙

Protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems in the Great Lakes helps protect the Great Lakes as a source of drinking water for tens of millions of people, supporting healthy communities, local economies and the well-being of future generations.

🌊 Learn more: https://ow.ly/QCyH50ZGFkw

Ontario Government

08/25/2026

Mark your calendars—our next free Deep Dive webinar is on September 23 at 5:30 p.m! 🌿🌊

Over the years, Hamilton Harbour lost a lot of wetland and shoreline habitat through infilling and industrialization. In Cootes Paradise and Grindstone Marsh, partners are working to restore these important habitats, manage invasive species, and support a healthier, more resilient ecosystem for fish, wildlife, and people.

Join Tys Theijsmeijer from Royal Botanical Gardens Canada and Nicole Turner from Fisheries and Oceans Canada to learn more about habitat restoration and the work underway to support the harbour’s long-term health.

Register here: https://hhrap.ca/events/deep-dive-webinars/

07/29/2026

Looking forward to this event! Please join us.

07/24/2026

It might be well intended, but feeding wild animals can do more harm than good. Human food isn't healthy for wildlife, and regular feeding can cause animals to lose their natural fear of people, spread disease, and disrupt the balance of local ecosystems.

Whether you’re on the trails or along the waterfront at Hamilton Harbour, please:

🐿️ Enjoy wildlife from a respectful distance
🥜 Keep your snacks to yourself
🗑️ Pack out your garbage and dispose of food waste properly

The best way to feed the animals is by planting native plants, keeping our water clean, and protecting natural areas. Help keep the trails and shorelines healthy for people and animals alike!

07/16/2026

We reeled in the fun at Pier 7 in Hamilton with Learn to Fish! 🎣 Presented by the Government of Ontario, this free program teaches folks all about fishing hands-on, including how to:

🐟 Rig, bait, and cast a fishing line

🐟 Identify local native and invasive species

🐟 Get a fishing licence and follow regulations

Thank you to Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources for leading the weekend event, to our partners Hamilton Water and Bay Area Restoration Council, and to the dozens of enthusiastic participants who joined us to learn all about fishing in Hamilton Harbour!

06/26/2026

Nothing like a summer spent by the water! Kick it off with Free Family Fishing Week. 🎣

No licence is required to fish from June 27 to July 5, but regulations still apply: ontario.ca/page/free-family-fishing

Where is your favourite spot to fish around Hamilton Harbour, and what do you hope to catch? Do you prefer:

🐟 Perch at Pier 8

🐟 Walleye along the Waterfront Trail

🐟 Bluegill by Bayfront Park

Tell us your favourites in the comments below!

06/18/2026

Join us on July 12 for a fishing adventure for all ages! 🎣

Learn to Fish is a free program that teaches new anglers how to fish in Ontario. This fun and engaging 2–hour event teaches you how to fish from start to finish—all equipment provided.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2026-ontarios-learn-to-fish-mobile-hamilton-harbour-fishing-event-tickets-1989400341976?aff=oddtdtcreator

This program is brought to you by the Government of Ontario.

And get your rods ready, because this weekend (June 20-21) is Free Family Fishing in Ontario! No licence required, but fishing rules still apply: ontario.ca/page/free-family-fishing

06/09/2026

Algae are a natural part of aquatic ecosystems, but too many nutrients—especially phosphorus and nitrogen—can lead to excessive growth and harmful algal blooms.

Reducing excess algae is a key goal of Hamilton Harbour's Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae Beneficial Use Impairment. While major progress has been to reduce pollution, nutrient runoff is a challenge across the watershed. 🌿

The City of Hamilton's Watershed Action Plan helps address algae by improving stormwater management, protecting natural areas, and reducing nutrient inputs to local waterways. This summer, the City is also working to improve water quality by using water aerators, circulation systems, and floating wetlands to reduce conditions that can contribute to blooms.

You can help too! Be sure to:
✅ Reduce fertilizer use
✅ Pick up pet waste
✅ Keep leaves and yard waste out of storm drains

Learn more about undesirable algae in Hamilton Harbour on our website: https://hhrap.ca/track-the-progress/

05/29/2026

We had a reel-y fun time fishing at City of Hamilton's Children's Water Festival this week! 🎣 💧

Hundreds of Grade 4 students learned about the Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan and got to know the harbour’s fish community. Students fished, identified species, spotted invasive carp and goldfish, and used the Guide to Eating Ontario Fish to decide what is safe to eat.

Heading out on the water soon? Explore the guide https://www.ontario.ca/page/guide-eating-ontario-fish

05/08/2026

Get out on the water this Mother’s Day weekend! On May 9 and 10, fishing licenses will not be required in Ontario. 🎣

It’s the perfect time to try out a new hobby or take your loved ones out and share the experience! Remember, Ontario’s Fishing Regulations still apply: https://www.ontario.ca/page/free-family-fishing