🌾 Updated Farm 911: Improving Emergency Access in Rural Hamilton

When seconds count, clear and visible access points can save lives.

The Farm 911 – Emergency Access Point (EAP) program is now active in the City of Hamilton, offering property owners in rural and agricultural areas the opportunity to assign a visible emergency address to existing access points that don’t currently have a civic address—particularly on vacant rural or farm lands.

This initiative is especially important in Ward 11, where many of our properties are large, set back from the road, and may have multiple access points. The EAP program helps first responders locate rural and agricultural properties more quickly in the event of an emergency.

Who’s Eligible?

You can apply for an EAP number if:

• Your property is vacant and doesn’t already have a civic address; or

• You have an existing secondary access point far from your main entrance, and staff determine it could improve emergency access.

Note: These red-and-white EAP signs are not used for mailing addresses and don’t replace a civic address where one is required.

How to Apply

The process is simple:

• Fill out the Farm 911 – Emergency Access Point Application Form at hamilton.ca/addressing.

• Include a site plan or map showing where the access point is.

• There’s no cost to apply.

Once approved, the City will assign your EAP number and provide instructions on how to get your sign fabricated and installed. You can choose to install the sign yourself or have the City handle it.

This program is completely voluntary—but it could be life-saving.

Councillor Tadeson strongly supports this initiative as part of our broader commitment to keeping rural communities safe and ensuring that emergency services can reach every resident as quickly as possible.

For more information or help with your application, reach out to our office any time.

🌾 Farm 911 Policy Updated: Better Emergency Access for Rural Hamilton

Update: The City of Hamilton has recently updated its Farm 911 – Emergency Access Point (EAP) Policy to improve how emergency services can find rural and agricultural properties -especially those with vacant land or multiple entrances. This policy update brings clearer eligibility rules, better signage standards, and a broader scope that includes secondary access points - all with the goal of getting help to the right spot, faster. Councillor Mark Tadeson strongly supports this update, especially for Ward 11 where many properties are large, set back from the road, and not always easy to locate in an emergency.

🔍 What’s New in the Updated EAP Policy?

• Secondary Access Points Now Eligible: If your property already has a civic address but a second driveway or entrance is far enough away, you may now qualify for an EAP sign there too.

• Clear Definitions & Limits: The policy now defines what qualifies as a vacant rural property and clarifies that EAP numbers are not for mail or development permissions.

• New Sign Standards: EAP signs will now be red with white reflective numbers—making them easy to distinguish from traditional green-and-white 911 civic address signs.

• Optional Installation: Property owners can now choose to install signs themselves or request City installation.

🧭 What Is Farm 911?

The Farm 911 – Emergency Access Point (EAP) program lets rural landowners apply for an address marker at entrances that don't currently have one. This could include:

• Vacant farm or rural land, or

• Secondary access points that may be hard to find quickly in an emergency.

The program is voluntary and free - but could make all the difference in an emergency when time matters most.

📝 How to Apply

Applying is easy:

1. Fill out the Farm 911 - Emergency Access Point Application Form at hamilton.ca/addressing

2. Include a site map or sketch

3. No application fee required

   
   

Once approved, the City will assign your EAP number, and you’ll be guided through the signage process.

Councillor Tadeson encourages all eligible Ward 11 property owners to take a look at this updated program. It’s a small step that could have a big impact in the moments that matter most.

Have questions? Reach out to our office - we’re here to help.