City of Hamilton postpones recreation registration amid 'technical difficulties'

City of Hamilton postpones recreation registration amid 'technical difficulties'

Recreation program registration opened at 8 a.m. Sept. 16

The City of Hamilton says it's postponing registration for publicly-run recreation programs after "technical difficulties" Wednesday.

"Fall programs and Camp Kidaca PA Days, Winter & March Break programs registration has been postponed both online and in-person until further notice," a notice posted on the city website around 9:30 said. The same message was emailed to users around 10:15 a.m. according to a message CBC Hamilton viewed.

The notice said the technical issue was the registration waiting room software but does not explain what happened.

CBC asked the city what kind of technical difficulties occurred, how many people were able to successfully register, and whether anyone who did register will get to keep their spot. A spokesperson did not immediately respond. This article will be updated when they do.

Councillor calls registration a 'trauma bonding experience'

Registration was supposed to start at 8 a.m. and go through Sept. 18.

CBC viewed a screenshot from one user who was trying to register for a program around 8 a.m. It said over 3,000 people were ahead of them.

"We understand this may be frustrating and apologize for the inconvenience," the city's notice said. "Our team is actively working to resolve the issue. Please check back regularly for updates, next steps, and information on revised registration dates."

On Instagram, Coun. Nrinder Nann (Ward 3) described the registration process as "totally unacceptable," calling it a "trauma bonding experience."

She said if she is re-elected, she will call for a "complete overhaul."

Justin Chandler is a CBC News reporter in Hamilton. He covers stories of all kinds from places including picket lines, court rooms, council meetings and research labs. Justin has a special interest in how public policy affects people, and loves a quirky human-interest story. Before CBC Hamilton, he worked for TVO and on a variety of CBC teams and programs. He co-hosted Radio Free Krypton on Met Radio.