York Boulevard stairs to Waterfront Trail set to reopen as safety risks deemed low

The stairs leading from Hamilton’s York Boulevard to the the Waterfront Trail are about to reopen.

The steps linking the McQuesten High Level Bridge to the Desjardins Canal have been closed off since May 2025 due to safety concerns.

City staff identified loose stones in a retaining wall near the bottom of the stairs as a hazard.

A structural engineering consultant has now determined the risk is low.

Hamilton’s public works director says the stairs can be reopened immediately, and will be monitored for stone movement.

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