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City staff say it will cost $2.36-million upfront and $138,561 annually to achieve Blue Flag Beach Designation for Hamilton’s Lake Ontario public beach.
In November 2023, City Council directed staff to report on how the City could gain the certification.
The staff report states it will cost $2.36-million for capital improvements for the City to reach Blue Flag status without posting seasonal lifeguards. The capital cost increases to $2.64-million if the City posts seasonal lifeguards.
The primary cost for both scenarios is expanding public washrooms and change rooms at the beach. Each scenario involves improving the beach and adding life-saving equipment.
Additional annual operating costs, without lifeguards, are estimated at $138,561 per year for washroom cleaning, maintenance, and equipment replacement. Seasonal lifeguards will cost approximately $270,000 per year.
Councillors Question Costs
“I have no issue with the Blue Flag program itself. There are certainly many benefits. I am just apprehensive of spending $2 million or over $2 million obtaining the sort of certification,” Ward 5 Councillor Matt Francis stated at the June 9 Public Works Committee meeting.
“That’s why I’m asking for this to be referred back to staff for more detailed breakdown in a serious effort to bring down the costs while still meeting the criteria in order to obtain that Blue Flag status.”
Ward 12 Councillor Craig Cassar agreed, “The work and the benefits of the Blue Flag designation and the costs, the upfront costs jump out of me, especially when we’re looking to try and contain costs.”
Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Nann echoed the sentiment, “it is a pathway towards achieving Hamilton’s first international status Blue Flag beach. And I concur with my colleagues around the table. It is an absolute benefit for us, as a municipality, to pursue it, but perhaps not an urgent one.”
Councillors voted to refer the matter back to staff.
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v. 1.0.0
Published: June 15, 2025
Last updated: June 15, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
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v. 1.0.0 original version