Residents can vote on 2 designs for a viewing platform at Hamilton’s Albion Falls

The public can have their say on two designs for a new viewing platform at Hamilton’s Albion Falls.

Albion Falls, a 19-metre cascade waterfall located at the southernmost top of Upper King’s Forest Park is one of Hamilton’s most popular waterfalls, and the city is looking at making improvements.

In November 2020, the City of Hamilton asked the public to weigh in on upgrades to the falls including a viewing platform concept for the south side (a north side platform was installed in 2005). But the initial concept got mixed reviews.

Using feedback from that first survey, the city created two new lookout platform concepts.

The new concepts blend into the landscape better, have improved views of the waterfall/escarpment, and incorporate materials that are softer, yet still durable and maintainable, according to the City of Hamilton description.

Here are the two concepts:

Concept A: Woodline Lookout

A rectangular viewing platform that extends horizontally offering excellent views of Albion Falls and views of the escarpment and valley.

Overhead steel beams are positioned below the platform to improve views and to preserve the natural scenery of the escarpment.

The concept also includes brown weathering steel railings that will naturally age, and a composite decking platform.

Concept B: Serpentine Lookout

This concept has a rounded platform extension for a direct view of the falls and improved views of the escarpment and valley.

Like the Woodline, overhead steel beams are positioned below the platform to improve views and to preserve the natural scenery of the escarpment.

Curved railings are mounted to the exterior of the platform for pedestrian circulation and safety.

The railings are painted steel that will naturally age, adding to the historical appeal of the site, while still being durable and maintainable. And there is composite decking to reduce weight and create a softer feel.

Residents can vote for their favourite through a public survey until May 12.

For more information and to vote, see the Engage Hamilton website here.