Temporary Water Disruption on Monday, August 26
Please be advised that Westdale's water supply will be temporarily turned off for 15 minutes at some point between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Monday morning, August 26. This is to allow for necessary maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Terryberry Branch- Large Format Printer Matte Paper Out of Stock
Matte paper is currently out of stock for the Large Format Printer at the Terryberry Branch Makerspace. Thank you for your understanding.
Phishing Scheme
Please be aware of online phishing attempts impersonating Hamilton Public Library and Library Staff. HPL does not solicit paid freelance opportunities through social media or other messaging applications. HPL does not request personal or banking information through social media or require financial compensation when reviewing job applications. Please report phishing schemes to communications@hpl.ca. If you think you are a victim of fraud, please call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
History of Gore Park
![Flagpole raising in Gore Park, 1959 Flagpole raising in Gore Park, 1959](https://www.hpl.ca/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/L_History_5316_32022194807521.jpg?itok=met350pe)
Other things were happening to the park during the 1950s besides the bird menace. The old fountain installed for the Royal visit in 1860 was finally condemned as unsafe and removed to make way for the three saucer shaped fountains donated by the Kinsmen (48). The flagpole, having been condemned as unsafe, was replaced by a steel one donated to the city by Dofasco.
The 1960s got off to a roaring start with the dedication of the new $20,000 fountains. Prime Minister Diefenbaker was scheduled to come to the ceremony but a blizzard kept him grounded in Ottawa. The Honourable Ellen Fairclough stood in his place (49). During this time period it was decided that Gore Park needed a master plan for a complete change. The Parks Board decided to set up a permanent committee to look into the question. Five committees, four reports and five years after talks commenced in 1962 they were no closer to any acceptable designs for renovation than they had been at the beginning.
![Inaugurating the new fountain in Gore Park, 1960 Inaugurating the new fountain in Gore Park, 1960](https://www.hpl.ca/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/L_History_5316_32022194807539.jpg?itok=x1LL9JDL)
The Parks Board presented their latest proposal in April 1968. It called for replacing the Kinsmen's fountain with a 150 foot long reflecting pool with three spray fountains, planting more flowers, closing Hughson Street through the park and putting a steel picket fence around the park. The final version of that report, presented 12 months later, left Hughson Street open but retained all the other suggestions. The only problem now facing the Board was the fact that there was absolutely no money to do anything proposed. They hoped the money would be available in two years time (50).
![New fountain in Gore Park at night, 1970 New fountain in Gore Park at night, 1970](https://www.hpl.ca/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/L_History_5316_32022194807570.jpg?itok=C4QcGwor)
The renovations were finally budgeted for and slated to start in the summer of 1970. The central focus of the new park would be the new fountain. It was to be an oval with a twenty-five foot spray in the middle and about 25 other smaller jets around it. All benches were to be removed and seats without backs placed at intervals. $135,000 was budgeted for the renovations (51). The fountain was officially turned on October 23, 1970 and worked beautifully. The coloured lights playing on it made quite an impressive sight.