Underground tunnels discovered at Gage Park in Hamilton

A massive hole in a Hamilton park led to the discovery of an underground tunnel network and generator powering a homeless encampment, police say.

Officers with the Hamilton Police Service say they made the find on Tuesday while patrolling encampments within Gage Park.

That’s when they found a large hole approximately six feet deep had been dug into the ground.

But officers soon found a series of tunnels that had been dug into the earth with extension cords running to a buried generator.

Police say the excavation was done to run power to multiple tents and encampments.

“Powering all of this was a generator that had been dug into another hole and covered up for concealment,” police said in a release.

Another power hook-up was found running from the generator to a City of Hamilton light pole.

Officers and members of the Hamilton Police Encampment Engagement Team say they found a lone male was responsible for the mischief.

The man was arrested after a brief foot chase with officers, police say.

Hamilton police say the male, who has not been identified, was charged with mischief over $5,000 and various other offences, including drug trafficking.

The encampment tents in the area were “relocated” and the tunnels have been fenced off until the city can make necessary repairs, police said.