Latest news with #CityofHamilton
CTV News
5 days ago
- CTV News
City of Hamilton says no personal info shared following another data breach
Hamilton city hall is seen in this file photo. (CTV News Toronto) The City of Hamilton says it has experienced another data breach. In a news release on Wednesday, city officials say internal data was used in an unauthorized setting. However, unlike a breach the city experienced last year at the hands of a ransomware attack, they say this latest one was internal only. 'Residents do not need to take any action as there is no threat to people's personally identifiable information being shared in the public domain,' the release said. 'The breach is considered internal as information was incorrectly shared among city departments.' The release explained that city staff had been copying resident information and data from their recreation software into a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. The city says nearly 134,000 records were imported into the CRM with the intent of 'minimizing the need for property owners to re-enter their address information as part of the Vacant Unit Tax declaration portal.' However, they say that during the transfer process, some data became 'misaligned' between the old and new databases. The release said the city became aware of the mismatch on Feb. 25 this year and all address data was deleted from the new system. No financial data was involved in the data transfer, the city said, and no personally identifiable information was publicly shared. Despite that, the city says it has notified the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) of the internal data breach and residents can submit a complaint with the IPC if they want to.
CBC
08-08-2025
- Health
- CBC
Pier 4 Park Beach closed after blue-green algae confirmed in the water, city says
The City of Hamilton has closed the Pier 4 Park Beach due to confirmed blue-green algae. The city said in a news release on Friday, finding the toxin-producing algae at Pier 4 "serves as a strong indicator that blue-green algae can be present within the broader watershed." People and pets should avoid all contact with the water at the Pier 4 Park Beach shoreline, the city said. The city also recommends washing with clean water immediately if someone comes in contact with the beach water at Pier 4. "People who come into contact with the visible blue-green algae or ingest water containing blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea," said the city in the news release. If anyone has come in contact with the water recently and is experiencing symptoms like headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, should contact their primary care provider. A McMaster University water scientist told CBC Hamilton last year "a small dog could be killed" if it drank water with blue-green algae. "Do not let a dog off-leash near a water body that has blue-green algal blooms because the microcystin toxin is deadly," said Gail Krantzberg, a water scientist and professor in the university's masters of engineering and public policy program. The city also said signs will be posted at the park advising the closure, which will be in effect until the blue-green algae subsides. The algae grows in slow-moving or still shallow, warm water and can produce an "offensive" smell as it decays, the city said. In December, city staff presented preliminary research into ways to help mitigate blue-green algae blooms after it caused putrid smells for several weeks last summer. The report recommends testing out several "experimental treatments" — like circulating the water, introducing aquatic plants that absorb nutrients and limit sun exposure, and skimming the blooms off the surface — to help prevent or remove the rotting mats of algae but cautioned residents this is not the type of problem with a quick fix.
CBC
14-07-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Heat warning continues for Hamilton and area, with humidex values of 35 to 40 expected for several days
A heat warning is in effect for Hamilton, Niagara, Brant and area with humid weather expected to blanket the region for most of the week. Environment Canada says daytime temperatures are predicted to reach near 29 to 32 C, with humidex values expected to be 35 to 40 and lasting possibly until Thursday. "The humidity is expected to ease somewhat Monday with more humid conditions returning on Tuesday. A shift in the weather pattern late this week will likely end this multi-day period of heat and humidity Thursday night," the weather agency said. Environment Canada is urging people to take action to protect themselves and others. "Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone, multiple times a day," the agency said. "Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water." City offering 'cool places' Meanwhile, the City of Hamilton extended its heat warning on Sunday. The city is partnering with community agencies to respond to the heat by offering "cool places" to go during all stages of a heat event. These locations can be identified by a "Cool Down Here" sign at the entrance, the city says. As part of the heat response plan, regularly scheduled Open Swims at all City of Hamilton indoor and outdoor pools will be free of charge. The city says there are many spray pads, additional cool places and outdoor pools across Hamilton. The city has provided the following tips to reduce your risk of heat-related illness: Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages on hot days. Go to an air-conditioned place. Visit a designated cool place listed on Dress to protect from the heat. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing. Wear a hat or take an umbrella to keep your head cool and don't forget sunscreen. Take it easy. Limit physical activities (walking, running, gardening, etc.) during the day. If rescheduling activities to dawn or dusk when it may be cooler, protect yourself with insect repellant as mosquitoes are more active at such times. Check labels to apply. Cool off. Take a cool bath or shower. Keep your living space cool. Close your blinds or curtains. Open windows to let air circulate when using a fan. Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures in a car can become life-threatening within minutes. Check on your neighbours and family. Landlords can help to decrease the risk of heat-related illness for with tenants to determine if units have adequate cooling. If not, provide tenants with onsite access to a cool space.
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Hamilton headaches: Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway closed this weekend
Workers perform maintenance on the Lincoln M. Alexander in Hamilton, Ont. in this undated image. (Courtesy: City of Hamilton) Anyone travelling through Hamilton will need to avoid one of the most popular routes through the city. The Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway, colloquially known simply as the LINC, is closed this weekend for annual general maintenance and asphalt repairs. The eastbound lanes between Gold Links Road to the Upper Red Hill Valley Parkway off-ramp are closed from Friday at 8 a.m. until Monday at 5 a.m. Meanwhile, the westbound lanes are closed from the Red Hill Valley Parkway to Mohawk Road from Friday at 10 a.m. to Monday at 5 a.m. Detours are in place along Mohawk Road and Stone Church Road, but drivers should expect delays due to the heavy traffic volume. The maintenance work includes spot resurfacing and asphalt repairs, milling and paving some sections of the road, graffiti removal, bridge and signage repairs, pavement markings, ditchings, catch basin cleaning and vegetation maintenance. The work was originally supposed to take place from May 30 to June 2, but was rescheduled because of weather conditions.
CBC
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
Linc to be closed for maintenance this weekend after several delays
After being rescheduled multiple times, routine maintenance is set to close Hamilton's Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Several other temporary road closures are in effect in the city this week, including on Garner Road in Ancaster and Upper James Street on the Mountain. The Linc closure will take place starting the morning of June 13 and end on June 16 at 5 a.m. It was originally scheduled for May 23 to 26. The roadway will close for annual maintenance from Golf Links and Mohawk roads to the Red Hill Valley Parkway. "Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, use alternate routes during this time, and expect delays and increased traffic on surrounding roads. Motorists are reminded to follow posted detour signs and take extra caution in construction zones," the city said in a news release. Multiple road closures planned for Thursday On Wednesday, a six-week partial lane closure began at Garner and Fiddlers Green roads as part of long-term work to improve the area. Only Westbound traffic will be allowed, according to the city's website. An ongoing lane closure on Twenty Road between Glancaster Road and Garth Street is expected to end Thursday afternoon. There will be a lane closure on Upper James Street, south of Alderlea Avenue between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., for drainage work. There will also be several lane closures between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for work monitoring combined sewer overflows. Those will occur throughout the day at the following locations, the city says: Near East Street N., and King Street E. Near Algonquin Avenue and Thomcrest Boulevard. Near Dundas Street E., and Hamilton Street S. Near Dundas Street E., and Burke Street. Near East Street N., and Hunter Street. Near Stuart Street and Caroline Street N. Near Forsyth Avenue N., and Sterling Street. Near Kenora Avenue and Delawana Drive. Near Forsyth Avenue N., and Sterling Street. Near Homestead Drive and Strathearne Place.
