Good morning, Hamilton! 👋

This was the week Hamilton officially got its hockey team back. After more than a decade without professional hockey, the New York Islanders confirmed they are bringing their AHL affiliate to TD Coliseum starting next season. It lands in the same week as JUNO Week, a downtown lane-closure update, and a follow-up to the outdoor shelter scandal that left council fuming earlier this year. Here’s what you need to know for this week.

--- Michael Horvath

🏒 Professional hockey is returning to Hamilton: NY Islanders AHL affiliate coming to TD Coliseum (March 19)

🎵 JUNO Week is here: your guide to what’s on March 26–29

🚧 Main Street lane closures begin March 16: six months of construction ahead

🐰 Reminder: Dundas Easter Egg-stravaganza on April 4

⚡ Quick Hits

🧭 Hamilton at a Glance

🏘️ Neighbourhood Watch

After more than a decade without a professional hockey team, Hamilton is getting one back. The New York Islanders and Oak View Group (OVG) announced on Thursday, March 19, their intent to relocate the Bridgeport Islanders, their American Hockey League affiliate, from Bridgeport, Connecticut to Hamilton for the start of the 2026-27 season. The move requires final approval by the AHL Board of Governors, which is expected to be a formality.

The team will play at TD Coliseum, the 18,000-seat venue that recently completed a $300-million renovation and is operated by OVG, the same group that built UBS Arena for the Islanders in New York. The deal is a long-term partnership between the Islanders organization and OVG. A team name, logo, and ticketing information for the Hamilton market will be announced at a later date, once the AHL formally approves the move.

The Bridgeport franchise has been the Islanders’ top AHL affiliate for 25 years, originally as the Sound Tigers and then renamed the Bridgeport Islanders in 2021. Hamilton last had an AHL team in 2015, when the Hamilton Bulldogs (then affiliated with the Montreal Canadiens) relocated to St. John’s. The Bulldogs later returned but moved permanently to Brantford in 2023 when their owners, including Zach Hyman of the Edmonton Oilers, decided against returning to Hamilton after TD Coliseum’s renovation.

Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche, who played for the Hamilton Bulldogs in the 2009-10 AHL season, called the move a major step for the organization. "We are excited to make Hamilton our primary affiliate in the AHL," Darche said. "We look forward to having our top young talent play in front of such a strong fanbase inside the newly renovated, world-class TD Coliseum."

Mayor Andrea Horwath welcomed the announcement: "Hamilton is thrilled to welcome an AHL team to our city. This is an exciting moment for Hamiltonians and a major step forward in building on the momentum we’re seeing in our downtown." TD Coliseum GM Nick DeLuco added that the team’s arrival will help energize downtown and support local businesses.

NY Islanders official release   CBC Hamilton   The Athletic (NYT)

Canada’s biggest week in music officially arrives in Hamilton on Thursday. The 55th Annual JUNO Awards and the full four-day JUNO Week take over the city March 26–29, culminating in the awards broadcast live from TD Coliseum on Sunday, March 29, hosted by comedian Mae Martin. The show airs on CBC and CBC Gem.

Here’s what’s on:

🎸 Thursday, March 26 — JUNO Kickoff Concert: The Music Hall (24 Main St. W.) hosts the official launch at 8 p.m., featuring James Barker Band, Robyn Ottolini, Sacha, Kalsey Kulyk, and The Redhill Valleys. The JUNO Comedy Show also runs at Levity Comedy Club at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., hosted by Zabrina Douglas.

🎹 Friday, March 27 — JUNO Songwriter’s Circle: FirstOntario Concert Hall (1 Summers Ln.) at 8 p.m. This intimate, live-taped event features acoustic performances and candid conversations from JUNO-nominated artists, including Aysanabee, Bahamas, Hayley Gene Penner, and James Barker.

📚 Saturday, March 28 — JUNOFest + Junior JUNOs: JUNOFest transforms Hamilton’s venues into a city-wide music festival with dozens of Canadian artists across multiple stages. Junior JUNOs at Hamilton Central Library (10 a.m.) is family-friendly, hosted by Joojo Paintsil. The JUNO Honouring Ceremony, held at 11:30 a.m. at FirstOntario Concert Hall, celebrates Indigenous creatives. The JUNO Awards Gala streams live at 6 p.m. on CBC Gem.

🏆 Sunday, March 29 — The 55th JUNO Awards Broadcast: TD Coliseum. Performers include Arkells, The Beaches, Daniel Caesar, Sarah McLachlan, Alessia Cara, Allison Russell, Cameron Whitcomb, William Prince, and more. Special appearances from Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Joni Mitchell and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Nelly Furtado. Tickets remain available at ticketmaster.ca.

Hamilton-area nominees to cheer for include Josh Ross, Counterparts, and Daniel Lanois. The show is expected to generate approximately $12 million in economic impact for the city, consistent with the JUNO Awards’ historical average for host cities.

JUNO Awards site   Tourism Hamilton — JUNO guide   CBC Hamilton — what’s on

If you drive, cycle, or take transit along Main Street, expect delays through the fall. As of March 16, the City of Hamilton has begun lane closures along Main Street from Dundurn Street South to Victoria Avenue South for a water main rehabilitation project. Closures are expected to remain in place through late September 2026, roughly six months.

Crews are working to rehabilitate the existing water main to extend its service life and help prevent leaks, according to a March 13 City news release. Lane restrictions will be in place throughout the project area, and the City says traffic delays are expected. Drivers are advised to consider alternate routes through the lower city for the duration.

This project is separate from the larger $26.2-million two-way conversion of Main Street announced last week, which will run from Dundurn to Gage Park and is expected to begin later in 2026 once a contract is awarded. The water main work now underway is preparatory infrastructure work in advance of that larger redesign.

CBC Hamilton   City of Hamilton — Main Street project page

With spring officially here, here’s a timely reminder for Dundas families: the Downtown Dundas BIA’s annual Easter Egg-stravaganza is coming up on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM throughout the historic downtown core. Free parking is available all day.

The free, family-friendly event features the Little Tracks Petting Zoo at Eccles Auto Service (121 King Street West), live music by Mr. Ben from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the Easter Bunny roaming downtown for photos and treats, and a balloon twister with complimentary hot apple cider.

Shoppers can also visit more than 60 participating downtown merchants for the "Hop In To Win" promotion, featuring in-store draws for plush bunnies and other prizes. Draw takes place on April 4, with winners contacted afterward.

Downtown Dundas BIA

🏒 AHL Board approval pending — The Islanders’ intent to relocate is now before the AHL Board of Governors for formal approval. Bridgeport plays its final home game on April 12 vs. the Hartford Wolf Pack. The new Hamilton team name, colours, and ticket information will be announced after that approval. NY Islanders release

🌈 Cardi B’s Hamilton show still has tickets — The Grammy Award-winning rapper is bringing her Little Miss Drama Tour to TD Coliseum on March 31, and Hamilton tickets remain available (cheapest at approximately $118). Cardi B called out her "Banadians" on social media for not selling out the date at the same pace as Toronto. CBC Hamilton

🏛️ Hamilton Public Library requires card for Central Branch entry — Starting March 16, a library card is required to enter the Central Branch (55 York Blvd.). The policy change was introduced to improve safety and service at the branch. Cards are free for Hamilton residents. Hamilton Public Library

🏃 Around the Bay registration closes March 22 — Online registration for North America’s oldest road race closes tomorrow. The race moves to April 12 this year, with a new harbourfront route starting at Pier 4, Leander Drive. The 30-km, 15-km, 10-km, and 5-km distances are all available. CBC Hamilton

🚧 $150M roads investment underway — In addition to the Main Street watermain work, the City’s broader 2026 road program is now active, with resurfacing and reconstruction projects across Barton, James, Charlton, King, Nebo Road, Mountain Park Avenue, Sherman Cut, and Scenic Drive. City of Hamilton

🏒 Professional hockey returns — NY Islanders AHL affiliate moving to TD Coliseum for 2026-27, pending AHL approval (March 19) NY Islanders release

🎵 JUNO Week starts Thursday — March 26–29, TD Coliseum and venues citywide; awards broadcast Sunday, March 29 JUNO Awards

🚧 Main Street lane closures active — Dundurn to Victoria Ave S; watermain rehab through late September CBC Hamilton

🐰 Dundas Easter Egg-stravaganza — April 4, 11 AM–3 PM, Downtown Dundas, free, 60+ merchants Downtown Dundas BIA

🌈 Cardi B at TD Coliseum — March 31; tickets still available from ~$118 CBC Hamilton

🏃 Around the Bay registration closes — March 22 online deadline; race April 12 Around the Bay

🏙️ Downtown / Lower City

The Main Street water main project is now active, with lane closures from Dundurn to Victoria Ave S running through late September. Drivers in the core should plan for delays and consider alternate routes. This is advance infrastructure work ahead of the larger two-way conversion contract, which the City expects to award this summer. 👉 CBC Hamilton

⛰️ The Mountain

The Mountain is home to Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School, where two additional suspects in the March 2 bear spray assault remain unidentified. Hamilton Police continue to ask anyone with information to come forward. The investigation into that incident is ongoing. 👉 Hamilton Police

🌿 Dundas

The Easter Egg-stravaganza on April 4 is now just two weeks away. Downtown Dundas merchants are participating in the "Hop In To Win" promotion, with in-store prize draws and community activities from 11 AM to 3 PM. Free parking all day. 👉 Downtown Dundas BIA

🏡 Ancaster

JUNO Week starts Thursday and runs through Sunday. Ancaster residents looking to join the celebrations can find a full schedule of ticketed and free events across downtown Hamilton venues, including JUNOFest shows at multiple locations on March 28. 👉 Tourism Hamilton — JUNO guide

💦 Waterdown

Around the Bay Road Race online registration closes tomorrow, March 22. The race itself runs April 12, with a new harbourfront route starting at Pier 4 on Leander Drive. Waterdown runners looking to participate should register before the deadline. 👉 CBC Hamilton

🏖️ Stoney Creek

The investigation into the March 9 townhouse fire at 23 Echovalley Drive continues, with the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal still working to determine origin and cause. Displaced residents have been accommodated. Anyone with information about activity in the area of Mud Street West and Paramount Drive overnight on March 8 to 9 is urged to contact Hamilton Police. 👉 CBC Hamilton

This was a genuinely exciting week for Hamilton. After more than a decade, professional hockey is coming back to TD Coliseum. The city now has an AHL team again, and a venue worthy of one. That’s a big deal, and it arrives at a moment when downtown is getting its most significant investment in years.

And then there’s JUNO Week, which starts in three days. On Sunday, March 29, the whole country will be watching Hamilton. Given everything the city has been through and everything it’s building right now, that feels well deserved.

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Thanks for reading!

Michael Horvath