No hiatus in 2025 for Hamilton’s hanging baskets

But staff will address any safety concerns due to wearing brackets.

City council has told staff to continue Hamilton’s hanging basket program in 2025, but public works says it will attend to any potential safety issues linked to faulty brackets.

The city won’t stop hanging flower baskets above Hamilton streets for a staff review but aims to deal with any faulty brackets that pose safety concerns for unsuspecting passersby below.

Public works staff last week recommended pausing the program in 2025 and conducting a review that focused on safety but also budgetary, environmental and biodiversity issues, including the types of plants used in the baskets.

But the prospect of taking the baskets down for the analysis sparked pushback from the downtown business community and city politicians, leading to council’s compromise Wednesday to keep the floral display from withering.

Staff will attend to any potential safety concerns with worn or rusted brackets, carry on with the review of the $145,000 program and report back to council next year.

“We see the value in the program. We fully appreciate it,” Carlyle Khan, general manager of public works, told council.

The long-running program raises 701 floral baskets above city streets downtown and other commercial areas in the city. The pots weigh between 60 and 75 pounds.

Safety is the “No. 1” issue, said Coun. Brad Clark, asking whether staff can address potential basket mishaps without pausing the program in 2025.

Public works hasn’t done a structural assessment of the brackets but “rust showing and some wear” raised concerns, said Cynthia Graham, director of environmental services.

That pointed to the need for an inspection effort, but there haven’t been any cases of failing brackets or reports of injuries, said Graham, noting staff aimed to be “proactive” in addressing the issue.

Staff have noted the baskets demand more watering than planted flowers and water trucks required to keep them hydrated.

Teviah Moro is a reporter and editor with the Hamilton Spectatorwho specializes in municipal politics, housing and homelessness.Reach him at [email protected].

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