Recreation Overview

In 1938, the Hamilton Harbour Commissioners attention was directed towards the recreational aspect of the Harbour Development Plan. To meet the needs of pleasure boaters and small commercial craft, they constructed a marine railway and dockyard specifically for their use at the foot of James Street. This enterprise provided for the repairs, refitting and winter storage of smaller, privately owned vessels.

Today the marina offers dockage facilities for approximately 250 pleasure craft and houses over 400 vessels in winter storage. In 2003, the Harbour-West Marina celebrated its 65th Anniversary.

1975 saw the HHC launch its Sailing School, perhaps the most significant recreational program on the waterfront. Initially designed for young people who would otherwise lack the opportunity to sail, it was later expanded to include courses for adults and disabled persons.

Following lengthy negotiations with the Federal Government which would allow the school to continue operating under the Hamilton Port Authority letters patent, the school was forced to close its doors on April 30, 2003. Throughout its 27 years of operation, the school consistently received high marks for quality programs. Among the noted achievements, it was recognized in 1993 by the Canadian Yachting Association as the top sailing and power boating training facility in Canada.

Boating School Closure Press Release (84KB PDF file)