Storm Cleanup and Safety Information for Ward 11 Residents

City of Hamilton crews continue to respond to fallen trees, branches and other damage caused by the storm on September 2.

Forestry received more than 200 storm-related calls from across Hamilton and has City crews and four contractors assisting with cleanup. Responses are being prioritized based on public safety.

Reporting fallen trees and branches

To report a fallen tree or large branch on a road, sidewalk or other public property, call the City of Hamilton at 905-546-2489.

Residents cleaning up trees or branches on private property who require professional assistance must use a licensed tree cutter. A list of licensed contractors is available through the City’s Licensed Tree Cutter directory.

Setting out storm debris

There is no limit to the amount of yard waste residents may place at the curb, provided it was generated on their property and meets the City’s collection requirements.

Yard waste should be placed at the curb on your regular waste collection day. Due to the increased volume following the storm, it may be collected later in the week.

Please follow these requirements:

• Use paper yard-waste bags or open-top, reusable rigid containers. Do not use plastic bags.

• Do not use cardboard boxes or blue boxes for yard waste.

• Ensure bags and containers weigh less than 50 pounds.

• Tie branches and twigs together with string in bundles no longer than 1.2 metres (4 feet) and no more than 0.75 metres (2.5 feet) in diameter.

• Individual branches must not exceed 7 centimetres (2.5 inches) in diameter.

• Do not allow branches to stick out of yard-waste bags.

• Do not place leaf and yard waste in the green bin.

Larger branches should be taken to a Community Recycling Centre, where residents can drop off yard waste free of charge.

Downed power lines

Residents should never approach a tree that is touching a power line or has brought down electrical wires. Always assume that downed wires are energized. Stay at least 10 metres away—approximately the length of a school bus—and keep others back.

Report downed power lines or trees touching power lines directly to the appropriate utility:

• Alectra Utilities: 1-833-ALECTRA (1-833-253-2872)

• Hydro One: 1-800-434-1235

Call 911 if there is an immediate danger or emergency.

Additional outage information and safety guidance are available on Alectra’s What to Do During an Outage page.