Hamilton’s city council is facing a strange problem—people have been using a public fountain in Garden Place as a shower.
Councillor Geoff Taylor raised concerns after people were seen bathing in the fountain, which recirculates its water. He pointed out that children also play in the same water, making the situation unhygienic.
However, showering isn’t the only issue in Garden Place. According to Taylor, people have been hanging up clothes and even behaving aggressively in the area. He worries that the behaviour is driving away businesses and visitors.
“Garden Place is supposed to be a place where people relax, but right now, it’s not welcoming,” Taylor said. Some businesses are even considering leaving due to the situation.
To address these issues, Taylor supports stronger rules that give police and city safety officers more power to act. His colleague, Ewan Wilson, has proposed a new bylaw to help enforce order. Instead of issuing fines, which are often ignored, Taylor suggests moving people along when they cause disruptions.
