The ongoing saga of the Woodlands Park washroom reconstruction has a new chapter: copper theft despite 24/7 security at the site.
The simple one-storey washroom building was destroyed by fire on January 2, 2024. The fire began in an encampment that the City of Hamilton permitted to be constructed within the building’s overhang.
Following the fire, the City stated it would cost over $1-million to repair the washroom. It took over a year to begin repairs.
The budget increased to $1.3-million, and the expected date of completion was late summer 2025.
Further Delays
In a memo to Council, released to the public, City of Hamilton Acting Director of Corporate Facilities & Energy Management Sam Ciardullo, writes: “The project schedule has been delayed by a number of unexpected factors.”
These include discovery of unexpected damage inside the structure, plumbing changes that required revised permits, delays in receiving materials, and “a series of break-ins at the site” resulting in “the theft of copper piping from the main water line of the building interior, as well as damage to sections of the brickwork.”
The copper theft resulted in flooding, “which affected some electrical components. Power to the building, spray pad, and exterior lighting was temporarily shut off for safety.”
The washroom reconstruction project has involved around a dozen City staff, plus outside consultants.
The City had 24/7 security patrols in place when the break-in occurred. The City has now contracted to have two security guards protecting the building at all times.
There is no update on the project cost.
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: September 8, 2025
Last updated: September 8, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version