Building on the success of Minoru Lakes Renewal Phase 1, Phase 2 will further increase the environmental sustainability of the lakes and include enhancements to the drainage canal located south of the lakes.
Green infrastructure improvements at Minoru Park are scheduled to start in fall 2026 and continue until summer 2027. The project will enhance stormwater management, support local habitat and improve the park experience through upgrades to the drainage channel south of Minoru Lakes and construction of a new stormwater detention pond. The work includes widening the channel to increase stormwater capacity, upgraded pedestrian bridges and pathways, and new planting. The detention pond will capture stormwater runoff from surrounding neighbourhoods and provide a sustainable water source for Minoru Lakes.
Minoru Lakes - Phase 2 Plan
Timeline: Construction starts October 2026 | Completion anticipated summer 2027
Since underused space was converted into pickleball courts at Hugh Boyd and South Arm Parks in 2020, the sport’s popularity has grown significantly due to its accessibility and social appeal.
Identified as a priority in the Recreation Sports Facility Needs Assessment, this project will include:
An acoustic specialist was involved in the planning process to help minimize impacts on the surrounding community.
Following public engagement in fall 2025, planning and design are underway for a permanent dog off-leash area at McLean Park.
The new facility will replace the temporary pilot enclosure installed in 2023. Planned features include:
Community Engagement
The City invited community feedback on two options for the location of the small or shy dog area until Monday, October 12, 2026, through Let's Talk Richmond.
The playground at McLean Neighbourhood Park has been renewed to provide an inclusive and engaging play space for children and families in Hamilton.
The renewed playground includes:
climbing, sliding, swinging and spinning features
sensory and imaginative play elements
accessible and inclusive play features
new rubber and engineered wood fiber safety surfacing
The project was completed with support from the Hamilton Community Association and the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund.
The Garden City Park Gathering Space provides a peaceful and reflective place that promotes intercultural understanding and community connection.
The Garden City Park Gathering Space was completed and opened to the public in September 2026, providing a peaceful and welcoming place for people to gather, reflect and connect in Garden City Community Park.
Located in the northwest section of the park, the approximately 430-square-metre gathering space features a small entry plaza with a ginkgo tree, a walkway lined with dedication benches, a circular seating area with a central rock feature, and Peace Poles displaying the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages. The design preserves existing trees and pathways while providing an accessible and inclusive space for park visitors.
The project was initiated by the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset in 2022 and funded through a $300,000 contribution from the Club, in partnership with the City through the Partners for Beautification Program. The Gathering Space builds on the Rotary Club’s long-standing contributions to Garden City Community Park, including the park’s arboretum established in 2009.
The South Dyke Trail Enhancements Project is a key initiative aimed at improving a section of the trail located along the south arm of the Fraser River near Crown Packaging, at 13800 No. 3 Road.
As part of the broader South Dyke Trail network, this gravel multi-use trail serves cyclists, pedestrians, and rollers of all ages and abilities. It connects destinations including London Farm, the No. 3 Road Fishing Pier, and Woodwards Slough.
The existing trail varies from approximately 1.8 to 3 metres wide and passes through environmentally sensitive areas, alongside farm operations, and next to the industrial site at 13911 Garden City Road.
Proposed improvements include:
The trail will remain a gravel multi-use path.
Timeline: Tentative construction is scheduled for fall 2026, pending required permits and approvals.
Following Council endorsement, the City is moving forward with Phase 1 of solar-powered lighting along the Railway Greenway. Detailed design is currently underway, with construction planned for summer/fall 2026.
Phase 1 will install approximately 30 solar lights over two sections of the greenway, covering about 900 metres. These areas were identified as among the darkest based on factors such as distance from existing lighting and proximity to dense vegetation.
The lights will be approximately 4.5 metres high and spaced about 30 metres apart. Measures to reduce impacts on nearby residents and wildlife will include appropriate colour temperature, shielding to limit house-side and upward light spill, and lighting controls.
Phase 1 will serve as a trial to help evaluate the use of solar lighting and inform future phases of work.
Visit the Garden City Lands page for more information about the development of the Garden City Lands Legacy Landscape.
Use this interactive map to explore some of the major Parks Capital Projects being worked on to advance the City’s strategies. Interact with projects of interest through the map or the links.
Explore the 2026 Parks Capital Projects Highlights
Watch this short overview video to learn how the interactive map works.
