New to Hamilton? Your moving-in checklist

Before you move in

Water and electricity each need at least seven business days' notice.

Start water service with Hamilton Utilities Billing (HUB) on my.hamilton.ca at least seven business days before you move; residential water accounts are opened in the property owner's name, and accounts cannot be transferred between individuals.
Our guide HUB account on my.hamilton.caSource: City of Hamilton, Hamilton Utilities Billing
Open your electricity account with Alectra Utilities using its online Start Service form at least seven business days ahead, with your Canadian driver's licence or Ontario Photo Card ready.
Our guide Alectra Start Service formSource: Alectra Utilities, Residential Customer - Open, Close or Transfer an Account
Submit your move to Enbridge Gas online with your new address and your move-in and move-out dates; a one-time New Account Charge appears on your first bill.
Our guideSource: Enbridge Gas, Move, Change or Close your Service
Renting? Most residential tenancy agreements signed on or after April 30, 2018 must use Ontario's standard lease; download the form and the Province's guide to it.
Get the standard leaseSource: Government of Ontario, Guide to Ontario’s standard lease

Find your garbage, recycling and green bin collection day by entering your address in the My Schedule tab of the City's waste collection schedule, or download the PDF calendar for your pickup day.
Our guideSource: City of Hamilton, Waste Collection Schedule
Look up your ward on the City's Find my Ward map by typing in your address, so you know which councillor represents you.
Our guide Find my Ward mapSource: City of Hamilton, Find my Ward
Check that you are on the voters' list for the municipal election on Monday, October 26, 2026, and find where to vote.
Our guide Am I on the Voters List?Source: City of Hamilton, Municipal Election
If you park on a street with permit parking or a time limit, apply for an annual permit; you must live in a one-, two- or three-unit dwelling on or next to that street, and your vehicle ownership must show your current address.
Our guideSource: City of Hamilton, On-Street Parking
License your dog with Hamilton Animal Services, in person, by phone or by mail; a dog needs a City licence before it is three months old, renewed every year.
Dog licence application form (PDF)Source: City of Hamilton, Dog Licence

Get a free Hamilton Public Library card online or at any branch; at a branch, bring identification and proof of your current address.
Register onlineSource: Hamilton Public Library, Get a Library Card
Create a City of Hamilton recreation registration account online before registration day so you can book programs; an email address is required for online registration.
Our guideSource: City of Hamilton, How to Register
Get a PRESTO card to ride the HSR, at the HSR ticket office at 36 Hunter St. E., City Hall, the Municipal Service Centres in Dundas, Ancaster or Stoney Creek, or online, or add a digital card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
Our guideSource: City of Hamilton, PRESTO Cards

Public schools: during the school year, register a school-age child at your in-catchment (home) school with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, found with its School Locator; bring original documents.
Our guide HWDSB School LocatorSource: Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, How to Register
Catholic schools: find your home school with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board's locator, submit its online registration form, then book the registration appointment you are emailed about.
Our guide HWCDSB online registration portalSource: Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, Registration
Homeowners: to pay property tax by monthly pre-authorized debit, mail the City's application; plans are tied to the property, so cancel and reapply when you sell and buy.
Our guide Pre-authorized debit plan application (PDF)Source: City of Hamilton, Pay Your Property Tax