Welcome to the

Hamilton Conservation Authority

Hamilton Conservation Authority, located at the western end of Lake Ontario, is the area’s largest environmental management agency, and is dedicated to the conservation and enjoyment of watershed lands and water resources.

Permits & Regulation

FAQ’s, links, property mapping, information and advice regarding permits, fees and regulations with regards to HCA.

Conservation Areas

Plan your visit to an HCA conservation area, and discover all of what there is to see and do at our areas.

Stewardship Program

The Hamilton Watershed Stewardship Program (HWSP) works with landowners within HCA’s watershed.

Activities & Recreation

Boating

Hiking

Camping

Ice Climbing

Equestrian

Picnicking

Fishing

Swimming

GeoCaching

Winter Activities

and much more...

Current News

Celebrating 60 years of Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area!

Current HCA News

Celebrating 60 years of Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area!

Join us in celebrating Westfield’s 60th Anniversary on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, from 12 PM to 4 PM each day. The village will be bustling with activity […]

2023 Annual Report Released

News Archive

2023 Annual Report Released

We are pleased to present our annual report for 2023. As we reflect on the past year, we share with great pride and enthusiasm the remarkable achievements and progress we […]

Living with Coyotes

Current HCA News

Living with Coyotes

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are one of eight members of the Family Canidae found in Canada. Often mistaken for wolves, coyotes are smaller, have shorter legs in relation to body size, […]

Ecological Land Classification Technician

Job Opportunities

Ecological Land Classification Technician

The Hamilton Conservation Authority has a seasonal opportunity for a Ecological Land Classification Technician (Summer Position) The Hamilton Conservation Authority is currently seeking Ecological Land Classification (ELC) Technician, for the […]

Ecological Land Classification Coordinator

Job Opportunities

Ecological Land Classification Coordinator

The Hamilton Conservation Authority has a seasonal opportunity for a Ecological Land Classification Coordinator (Contract Position – 24 weeks) The Hamilton Conservation Authority is currently seeking an Ecological Land Classification […]

Aquatic Biology Coordinator

Job Opportunities

Aquatic Biology Coordinator

The Hamilton Conservation Authority has a seasonal opportunity for a Aquatic Biology Coordinator (summer position) The Hamilton Conservation Authority is currently seeking an Aquatic Biology Coordinator, for the Hamilton Natural […]

HCA Main Office Closed April 18 to 21

Alerts, Current HCA News

HCA Main Office Closed April 18 to 21

HCA’s main office in Ancaster, Woodend, will be closed Friday, April 18, and will remain closed through Monday, April 21, 2025. The office will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, […]

Cancelled – May 1 Board of Directors Meeting

Current HCA News

Cancelled – May 1 Board of Directors Meeting

The Board of Dircetors meeting scheduled for May 1 has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting is June 5. For a full list of board meeting, agendas and minutes, please […]

Cancellation – Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety – Inland Lake & River Flooding – April 11,, 2025

Current HCA News

Cancellation – Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety – Inland Lake & River Flooding – April 11,, 2025

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is advising that the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety – Inland Lake and River Flooding message issued on April 8, 2025 has now been […]

Invasive Forest Pest Technician

Job Opportunities

Invasive Forest Pest Technician

The Hamilton Conservation Authority has a seasonal opportunity for a Invasive Forest Pest Technician (2 Summer Positions) This is a summer position in Hamilton Conservation Authority’s (HCA) Watershed Management Services […]

Trail Ambassador

Job Opportunities

Trail Ambassador

The Hamilton Conservation Authority has a seasonal opportunity for a Trail Ambassador (2 positions) Reporting to the Outdoor Environmental Education & Program Specialist, the Trail Ambassador will engage with visitors […]

2024 Annual Report Released

News Archive

2024 Annual Report Released

We are pleased to present our annual report for 2024. As we reflect on the past year, we share with great pride and enthusiasm the remarkable achievements and progress we […]

Cancellation: Flood Watch – Lake Ontario Storm Surge – April 4, 2025

Current HCA News

Cancellation: Flood Watch – Lake Ontario Storm Surge – April 4, 2025

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is advising that the Flood Watch – Lake Ontario Storm Surge message issued on April 1, 2025 has now been cancelled. A separate Flood Watch […]

Arborist

Job Opportunities

Arborist

The Hamilton Conservation Authority currently has a Contract opportunity (18 months) for an Arborist Reporting to the Forestry Coordinator or designate, the Arborist is part of the forestry operations team […]

Biodiversity in Hamilton Open Houses

News Archive

Biodiversity in Hamilton Open Houses

Come and learn about biodiversity in Hamilton! Join us at one of the following events to learn more about the Biodiversity Action Plan, the Natural Areas Inventory, the Watershed Action […]

Important Notice: Delays in Membership Pass Delivery

News Archive

Important Notice: Delays in Membership Pass Delivery

Due to ongoing delays with Canada Post, our usual 8-10 business day delivery timeframe for membership passes is being exceeded in some cases. We understand this may be inconvenient and […]

Reserve now for Dundas Valley Summer Camps

Current HCA News

Reserve now for Dundas Valley Summer Camps

Get your kids outside this summer with an Adventure in the Valley! Register now and join the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s (HCA) Environmental Education team for a week of outdoor fun […]

Summer Employment Opportunities 2025

Current HCA News, Job Opportunities

Summer Employment Opportunities 2025

The Hamilton Conservation Authority invites you to apply to join our team this summer and contribute to the environment and your community. Life in the outdoors is always fun and […]

HCA Board reacclaims Councillor Brad Clark as Chair

Current HCA News

HCA Board reacclaims Councillor Brad Clark as Chair

At its Annual General Meeting on February 6, the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) Board of Directors reaffirmed Councillor Brad Clark as Chair. Susan Fielding was also reacclaimed as Vice Chair. […]

Reserve now for Maple Syrup Season at Westfield!

Current HCA News

Reserve now for Maple Syrup Season at Westfield!

Reservations are now open for this age-old maple syrup-making tradition at Westfield Heritage Village! Step into the heart of maple syrup season on Sundays, February 23, March 2, 9, 16, […]

Wild Waterworks Summer Positions

Current HCA News, Job Opportunities

Wild Waterworks Summer Positions

Make your summer job a summer to remember! Wild Waterworks outdoor waterpark has begun accepting applications for the 2024 summer season. Experience huge waves of Wild Waterworks’ amazing employee perks […]

Reserve now for Dundas Valley March Break camps

Current HCA News

Reserve now for Dundas Valley March Break camps

Do you have kids who like to get out and explore? Love being outdoors? Or want to learn more about the environment? Registration is now open for Adventures in the […]

East Mountain Master Plans & Management Plans

News Archive

East Mountain Master Plans & Management Plans

We want to hear from you! We welcome your comments and feedback to help us draft new ten-year plans for our conservation areas! Master Plans and Management Plans provide a […]

Valens Lake Bridge Fire

Current HCA News

Valens Lake Bridge Fire

Bridge Fire Repairs Update We are thrilled to announce that thanks to our amazing donors and supporters, we’ve successfully reached our fundraising goal for the Valens Lake Fishing Bridge repair! […]

HCA awards local watershed stewards

News Archive

HCA awards local watershed stewards

On Saturday, October 5, the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) hosted the Watershed Stewards Appreciation Day at Fifty Point Conservation Area. This annual event, held in partnership with Conservation Halton (CH), […]

Introducing the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2029

News Archive

Introducing the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2029

We are excited to introduce the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s (HCA) Strategic Plan for 2025-2029. This comprehensive and forward-thinking roadmap will guide our efforts over the next five years, focusing on […]

DZ Septic Truck Driver

Job Opportunities

DZ Septic Truck Driver

The Hamilton Conservation Authority currently has a 1 Year Contract opportunity for a DZ Septic Truck Driver The DZ Septic Truck Driver’s main duty includes the operation of our septic […]

New Wayfinding Signage installed at Eramosa Karst

Current HCA News

New Wayfinding Signage installed at Eramosa Karst

Visitors exploring Eramosa Karst Conservation Area will notice some changes along the trails this summer. Eramosa Karst, located off Upper Mount Albion Road in Stoney Creek, is the first Hamilton […]

Recent Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and New Ontario Regulation 41/24

Current HCA News

Recent Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and New Ontario Regulation 41/24

On April 1, 2024, changes to sections of the Conservation Authorities Act and a new regulation under the Act, came into effect. The new regulation, Ontario Regulation 41/24, Prohibited Activities, […]

HCA Secures Additional Federal Funding for Saltfleet Wetland Restoration Project

Current HCA News

HCA Secures Additional Federal Funding for Saltfleet Wetland Restoration Project

Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is pleased to announce that it has secured an additional $232,389.00 from Environment and Climate Change Canada through the Canada Nature Fund. This fund supports the […]

Celebrating 60 years of Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area!

Current HCA News

Celebrating 60 years of Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area!

Join us in celebrating Westfield’s 60th Anniversary on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, from 12 PM to 4 PM each day. The village will be bustling with activity […]

2023 Annual Report Released

News Archive

2023 Annual Report Released

We are pleased to present our annual report for 2023. As we reflect on the past year, we share with great pride and enthusiasm the remarkable achievements and progress we […]

Living with Coyotes

Current HCA News

Living with Coyotes

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are one of eight members of the Family Canidae found in Canada. Often mistaken for wolves, coyotes are smaller, have shorter legs in relation to body size, […]

Ecological Land Classification Technician

Job Opportunities

Ecological Land Classification Technician

Ecological Land Classification Coordinator

Job Opportunities

Ecological Land Classification Coordinator

Aquatic Biology Coordinator

Job Opportunities

Aquatic Biology Coordinator

HCA Main Office Closed April 18 to 21

Alerts, Current HCA News

HCA Main Office Closed April 18 to 21

HCA’s main office in Ancaster, Woodend, will be closed Friday, April 18, and will remain closed through Monday, April 21, 2025. The office will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, […]

Cancelled – May 1 Board of Directors Meeting

Current HCA News

Cancelled – May 1 Board of Directors Meeting

The Board of Dircetors meeting scheduled for May 1 has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting is June 5. For a full list of board meeting, agendas and minutes, please […]

Cancellation – Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety – Inland Lake & River Flooding – April 11,, 2025

Current HCA News

Cancellation – Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety – Inland Lake & River Flooding – April 11,, 2025

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is advising that the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety – Inland Lake and River Flooding message issued on April 8, 2025 has now been […]

Invasive Forest Pest Technician

Job Opportunities

Invasive Forest Pest Technician

Trail Ambassador

Job Opportunities

Trail Ambassador

2024 Annual Report Released

News Archive

2024 Annual Report Released

We are pleased to present our annual report for 2024. As we reflect on the past year, we share with great pride and enthusiasm the remarkable achievements and progress we […]

Cancellation: Flood Watch – Lake Ontario Storm Surge – April 4, 2025

Current HCA News

Cancellation: Flood Watch – Lake Ontario Storm Surge – April 4, 2025

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is advising that the Flood Watch – Lake Ontario Storm Surge message issued on April 1, 2025 has now been cancelled. A separate Flood Watch […]

Arborist

Job Opportunities

Arborist

Biodiversity in Hamilton Open Houses

News Archive

Biodiversity in Hamilton Open Houses

Come and learn about biodiversity in Hamilton! Join us at one of the following events to learn more about the Biodiversity Action Plan, the Natural Areas Inventory, the Watershed Action […]

Important Notice: Delays in Membership Pass Delivery

News Archive

Important Notice: Delays in Membership Pass Delivery

Due to ongoing delays with Canada Post, our usual 8-10 business day delivery timeframe for membership passes is being exceeded in some cases. We understand this may be inconvenient and […]

Reserve now for Dundas Valley Summer Camps

Current HCA News

Reserve now for Dundas Valley Summer Camps

Get your kids outside this summer with an Adventure in the Valley! Register now and join the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s (HCA) Environmental Education team for a week of outdoor fun […]

Summer Employment Opportunities 2025

Current HCA News, Job Opportunities

Summer Employment Opportunities 2025

The Hamilton Conservation Authority invites you to apply to join our team this summer and contribute to the environment and your community. Life in the outdoors is always fun and […]

HCA Board reacclaims Councillor Brad Clark as Chair

Current HCA News

HCA Board reacclaims Councillor Brad Clark as Chair

Reserve now for Maple Syrup Season at Westfield!

Current HCA News

Reserve now for Maple Syrup Season at Westfield!

Reservations are now open for this age-old maple syrup-making tradition at Westfield Heritage Village! Step into the heart of maple syrup season on Sundays, February 23, March 2, 9, 16, […]

Wild Waterworks Summer Positions

Current HCA News, Job Opportunities

Wild Waterworks Summer Positions

Reserve now for Dundas Valley March Break camps

Current HCA News

Reserve now for Dundas Valley March Break camps

Do you have kids who like to get out and explore? Love being outdoors? Or want to learn more about the environment? Registration is now open for Adventures in the […]

East Mountain Master Plans & Management Plans

News Archive

East Mountain Master Plans & Management Plans

We want to hear from you! We welcome your comments and feedback to help us draft new ten-year plans for our conservation areas! Master Plans and Management Plans provide a […]

Valens Lake Bridge Fire

Current HCA News

Valens Lake Bridge Fire

HCA awards local watershed stewards

News Archive

HCA awards local watershed stewards

Introducing the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2029

News Archive

Introducing the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2029

DZ Septic Truck Driver

Job Opportunities

DZ Septic Truck Driver

The Hamilton Conservation Authority currently has a 1 Year Contract opportunity for a DZ Septic Truck Driver The DZ Septic Truck Driver’s main duty includes the operation of our septic […]

New Wayfinding Signage installed at Eramosa Karst

Current HCA News

New Wayfinding Signage installed at Eramosa Karst

Recent Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and New Ontario Regulation 41/24

Current HCA News

Recent Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and New Ontario Regulation 41/24

HCA Secures Additional Federal Funding for Saltfleet Wetland Restoration Project

Current HCA News

HCA Secures Additional Federal Funding for Saltfleet Wetland Restoration Project

Celebrating 60 years of Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area!

Current HCA News

Celebrating 60 years of Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area!

Join us in celebrating Westfield’s 60th Anniversary on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, from 12 PM to 4 PM each day. The village will be bustling with activity […]

2023 Annual Report Released

News Archive

2023 Annual Report Released

We are pleased to present our annual report for 2023. As we reflect on the past year, we share with great pride and enthusiasm the remarkable achievements and progress we […]

Living with Coyotes

Current HCA News

Living with Coyotes

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are one of eight members of the Family Canidae found in Canada. Often mistaken for wolves, coyotes are smaller, have shorter legs in relation to body size, […]

	Normal No low water conditions exist.
	Level 1 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 80 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 100 / 70 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 2 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 20 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 60 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 70 / 50 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 3 There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. The Hamilton Water Response Team may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water. Precipitation totals are less than 40 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 50 / 30 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.

	Normal No flood conditions exist.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
	Flood Watch Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
	Flood Warning Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.

Welcome to the

Hamilton Conservation Authority

Permits & Regulation

Conservation Areas

Stewardship Program

Activities & Recreation

and much more...

Current News

Join Our Mailing List!

Current Water Levels

Water Level Explanations

Flood Status Explanations