The City of Hamilton is closing the Powell Park Community Garden after soil testing revealed elevated levels of contaminants within the fenced growing area.
The closure, described as a “precautionary measure,” follows a failed soil sample that revealed elevated levels of lead, zinc, antimony, and benzo(a)pyrene within the fenced community garden area. These contaminants are commonly found in urban soils.
Powell Park is located south of Barton Street on the west side of Birch Street in Ward 3.
In a memo to City Council, published by the City to comply with Municipal Act open meeting requirements, Director of Environmental Services Cynthia Graham stated the closure is intended “to ensure the protection of the residents who use the community garden to grow and harvest food.”
The City conducted soil testing in August 2025 in advance of a planned park reconstruction project. The results showed elevated levels of some contaminants in an area close to the community garden.
In response to those August findings, the city’s consultant conducted three additional soil samples inside the fenced garden area on March 18, 2026. Two of the three samples met provincial soil safety standards; however, one sample contained elevated levels of contaminants.
After reviewing the findings with public health staff on April 29, senior staff decided to close the community garden for 2026.
The memo states staff are working to determine next steps.
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Published: May 6, 2026
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman
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