Event: Know Your Rights – Air Quality Information and Legal Pop-Up Clinic

Odours, dust, grime, or other air quality concerns? Come speak one-on-one with a lawyer from the Canadian Environmental Law Association..

This free, confidential clinic will offer general information about your legal options if you’ve experienced impacts from air pollution. Lawyers can answer general questions, explain legal options, and connect you with further resources.

  • DATE

    Thursday, November 12, 2026

  • TIME

    7:00 – 8:30 pm (doors 7:00, presentations 7:15)

  • City Lounge, Hamilton Stadium, 64 Melrose Ave N, Hamilton, ON

Is this event for you?

    • Found black soot or dust on your car, windows, patio furniture, or garden.
    • Had to rewash laundry, or stop hanging it outside, because of grime.
    • Noticed strong or unpleasant smells around your home or neighbourhood.
    • Seen flaring or unusual plumes coming from nearby facilities.
    • Kept windows closed or kids indoor because of smells or soot.

If any of this sounds familiar, we’d like to hear from you. We may be able to help.

Nervous about talking to a lawyer?

That’s normal. We get it. This is a relaxed, drop-in conversation, not a formal meeting. There’s no cost, no paperwork, and no pressure to take any next step. You can just listen to the presentation and have a snack, or chat with our staff. Many people come with just a question or a photo on their phone. We’re here to listen and share what the law says.

What to Expect

7:00 pm
Arrive and settle in. Snacks and drinks.

7:15 pm
Welcome from CELA. Who we are, our work in Hamilton, and what tonight is for.

7:20 pm
Your legal options on air pollution. A short plain-language overview.

7:40 – 8:30 pm
One-on-one conversations. Talk privately with a CELA lawyer, articling student or staff about your situation.

Location Details

City Lounge, Hamilton Stadium, 64 Melrose Ave North, Hamilton, ON L8L 8C1. Parking is in the Beechwood lot behind the scoreboard.

Please check in at the security desk at Gate 3 on Melrose Ave. Please use the swing door on the north side of the lobby as the main sliding doors are closed outside of events.

Good to Know

Drop in anytime. Registration isn’t required. Come by anytime between 7:00 and 8:30 pm, though presentations will start at 7:15. If you’d like to let us know you’re coming, you can RSVP here. It helps us plan refreshments and make sure enough lawyers are available.

You don’t need a “case.” If you have questions or concerns about air quality where you live, you’re welcome, even if you’re not sure anything can be done.

What to bring (optional). Bring any records you have of soot, dust, odours or other pollution, such as:

  • notes about what you’ve noticed, and when
  • dates and times of incidents
  • photos or videos
  • copies of complaints you’ve already made

You don’t need to bring physical samples.

General information, not legal representation. Lawyers at the clinic can share general legal information and help you understand your options. Speaking with a lawyer at this event does not mean CELA is representing you.

Accessibility. The venue’s meeting rooms are wheelchair accessible and close to parking. If you have other accessibility needs, please tell us in the RSVP form or contact April Weppler at april@cela.ca, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Language support. If you’d prefer to speak in a language other than English, let us know when you RSVP. We’ll look into what we can arrange, though we can’t guarantee interpretation.

Questions? Contact April Weppler at april@cela.ca or 1-416-960-2284

Registration isn’t required but it helps us plan refreshments and make sure enough staff are available.