Victoria Day fireworks cancelled, but yard waste collection is back
Hamilton is still asking for PPE donations
Hamilton's Victoria Day fireworks display has been cancelled, but yard waste collection is back and drive-through COVID-19 testing has begun as the city continues to balance which events and services to offer during the pandemic.
Here's a look at some of the latest updates from city officials.
Fireworks won't be happening
The fireworks that usually light up the sky above Dundas Driving Park during the May long weekend won't be happening this year.
Officials say the annual display put on by the city and the Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise has been halted this time around because of COVID-19.
City still asking for PPE
The city is also reminding residents it's continuing to collect donations of personal protective equipment — although homemade items won't be accepted.
Anyone wishing to hand over gowns, gloves, swabs and sanitizer for Hamilton's essential workers is asked to email ppe@hamilton.ca or call 905-546-2424 ext. 2257 to make an appointment for pick up or drop off.
Bi-weekly yard waste is back — for now
A temporary leaf and yard waste program began Monday in Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook and Stoney Creek.
Next week collection will take place on the Mountain and across the lower city.
The bi-weekly rotation will continue until late June or longer, says the city.
Residents are asked to have their waste at the curb by 7 a.m. Monday during the week where their pickup is scheduled to happen and the bags and containers will be removed by the weekend.
The service was suspended at the end of March because of reduced staffing. The city says it's still looking at options to add more waste collection staff, including training workers from other divisions.
The drive-through COVID-19 testing centre at Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is open this weekend, an appointment is required to attend - check to see if you should get tested for COVID-19, the testing criteria have recently changed. Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/Mrd5j4Q60n">https://t.co/Mrd5j4Q60n</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HamOnt?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HamOnt</a> <a href="https://t.co/jUIGFCPa4r">pic.twitter.com/jUIGFCPa4r</a>
—@cityofhamiltonDrive-through testing up and running
Hamilton's drive-through COVID-19 testing centre only opened this weekend, but it's already been visited by nearly 70 people, according to the city.
In order to be assessed at the Andreychuk Mountain Arena, people must have a referral from a doctor or Hamilton Public Health.
The centre will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Tuesday.