Airport Employment Growth District (AEGD)

What We Are Doing Today...
The Airport Employment Growth District (AEGD) is a City led project developed to expand Hamilton’s employment opportunities and support population growth. All Ontario cities are tasked with increasing employment lands as outlined in a document called Places to Grow. The City of Hamilton selected an area of land surrounding the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, now referred to as AEGD, to examine and develop a concentrated area of employment lands. As part of this project, a Transportation Master Plan, Subwatershed Study and Stormwater Master Plan and Water and Wastewater Servicing Master Plan have been completed in support of future development/redevelopment in the area.

Background Information

How did the City come to identify the lands surrounding the Airport as potential employment lands?
This area was identified initially in the Growth Related Integrated Development Study (GRIDS) as a preferred area for growth to 2031. In 2006 the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) allowed the City to move forward with studies on the lands surrounding the Airport. The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is an important economic engine for the City of Hamilton. The growth of other industry sectors in Hamilton is dependent on ready access to the airport and the servicing of lands for future development in the surrounding area. Proper land use and infrastructure planning is paramount in this area.

What work and research has been done to date?
This area of land was first earmarked as potential employment lands in in early 2000s; since then numerous reports and studies have been conducted and are available for your review on this site.

Will there be opportunities for food production in the AEGD?
Yes, we are ensuring that the zoning will permit opportunities for agri-business or greenhouses to operate in the AEGD. As many people know greenhouses offer an opportunity to grow crops all year round and are slowly becoming a more popular method for food production. In addition, the plans have ensured that existing farms can continue to operate in the AEGD.

Which City Departments are managing this project?
AEGD is being managed by both Planning and Economic Development Department (for its impact on the economy and zoning) and Public Works (research and development of Master Plans - Transportation Master Plan etc.).