I am not able to open an on-line Adobe document.(e.g. 2006 Ward Profiles)
Where can I obtain information regarding the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport?
Where can I obtain information on the Airport Employment Growth District Study?
Where can I find information regarding Industrial Business Parks and Industrial Areas?
Do I need a licence to operate my business?
Do I qualify for a grant for improvements to my commercial property?
I own a designated property in Downtown Hamilton does the City offer financial assistance?
How can I obtain digital shape files for my student project?
Does the City offer financial assistance for housing development in Downtown Hamilton?
How is a Business Improvement Area established?
How do I obtain an establishment / mobile / trade licence? What are the fees?
How can I check the existing Official Plan designation of a particular piece of property or land?
Are the Regional Official Plan and local Official Plans for the former municipalities on the website?
What is the expected population growth for the City of Hamilton for 2031?
Does the City offer financial assistance for housing development?
If I want to build a fence between my property and a neighbouring property, does my neighbour have to pay half?
How many Business Improvement Areas are there in Hamilton?
Are Hamilton's growth plans in keeping with vision of a sustainable community?
What is the mandate of the Industrial Parks and Airport Development Division?
If I develop my property in Downtown Hamilton am I eligible for a tax break?
I have a complaint or problem with a neighbouring property.
I am encountering a problem with a neighbour’s fence or driveway. Who can I call?
Who do I contact for noise concerns?
What is the number of dwellings or households in the City of Hamilton?
How much parkland and open space exists in Hamilton?
Where can I get information on initiatives taking place in the downtown core of Hamilton?
Where can I check the Official Plan designations of a particular piece of property or land?
What is GRIDS and where can I find more information about it and/or the Places to Grow report?
Where can I purchase a city map?
Where can I get basic facts, figures and detailed statistical information (population, households, housing starts) about Hamilton?
What is the Regional Official Plan? What about the Local Official Plans? Which department is responsible for supporting them?
What types of projects have a public participation component?
What is the current population of the City of Hamilton?
What is the area of the City of Hamilton?
What communities (former municipalities) make up the City of Hamilton?
Is the population of Hamilton expected to grow?
What is the potential for residential growth for the City of Hamilton?
How can I purchase the Rural Official Plan?
Recreational Vehicles: Can my neighbour have an RV on their property?
What is the Rural Hamilton Official Plan?
When will the Rural Hamilton Official Plan be approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and be in effect?
Where can I get information on Taxi Inspections or where can I lodge a complaint about a taxi driver?
What is the area of the urban and rural boundary for the City of Hamilton*?
What is Hamilton doing to contain urban sprawl?
What are the population densities for each Ward in the City of Hamilton?
What is a Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.)?
What is an Official Plan?
What is GRIDS?
I am not able to open an on-line Adobe document.(e.g. 2006 Ward Profiles)
Try the following steps:
1. Open your Adobe product
2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Select Internet in the Categories listing
3. Check the box in Web Browser Options that says "Display PDF in browser".
You will need to do this in each of your Adobe Products. For example, both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Reader.
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Where can I obtain information regarding the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport?
Information regarding the Airport may be obtained from the Hamilton International Airport website.
If you have question regarding the lease agreement between the City and the Operators of the Airport please contact:
Guy Paparella, Director,
Industrial Parks and Airport Development
Telephon: (905) 546-2424 ext. 5807
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Where can I obtain information on the Airport Employment Growth District Study?
Information regarding the Airport Employment Growth District may be obtained from the Airport Employment Growth District website or by contacting the Industrial Parks and Airport Development Division staff:
Guy Paparella, Director
Industrial Parks and Airport Development Division
Planning & Economic Development Department
City of Hamilton
Telephone: (905) 546-2424 ext. 5807
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Where can I find information regarding Industrial Business Parks and Industrial Areas?
Information regarding Industrial Business Parks and Industrial Areas such as land use, servicing, vacant lands, financial incentives may be obtained from the Invest in Hamilton website or by contacting the Industrial Parks and Airport Development Division or the Economic Development and Real Estate Division.
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Do I need a licence to operate my business?
The Municipal Law Enforcement section issues and administers three types of licences:
§ Establishment licences for businesses such as restaurants, garages, public halls, etc.
§ Mobile licences for businesses such as cab drivers, tow truck drivers, etc.
§ Trade licences required by tradespersons such as building repair contractors, electrical contractors, etc.
For a complete listing of businesses that require establishment, mobile or trade licences, visit
Licensing of the Parking and By-law Services website.
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Do I qualify for a grant for improvements to my commercial property?
The Downtown and Community Renewal Division administers the Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program for façade improvements. If your property is located within one of the 12 Business Improvement Areas in the City of Hamilton you would be eligible to apply for the program. Applications are taken twice a year, in March and November.
For more information contact:
Hazel Milsome
Telephone: (905) 546-2424 Ext. 2755
Email: hmilsome@hamilton.ca.
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I own a designated property in Downtown Hamilton does the City offer financial assistance?
The Downtown and Community Renewal Division administers the Downtown Hamilton Heritage Property Grant Program. To be eligible your property must be designated under Parks IV or V of the Ontario Heritage Act. Eligible properties must be located within the Downtown Hamilton Community Improvement Project Area. The program offers a maximum grant of $150,000 per property based on 25% of the total cost of regeneration of the property to a maximum City grant of $150,000 for eligible work under the program.
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How can I obtain digital shape files for my student project?
City of Hamilton has a special license agreement in place with the local university and colleges. Technically, the City cannot provide the Teranet parcels or any derivative product unless the schools which are provided these former products have a license agreement arrangement with Teranet.
For further details, contact our Corporate GIS Services at 905-546-2424 ext. 4274 or your university/college Mapping Library.
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Does the City offer financial assistance for housing development in Downtown Hamilton?
The Downtown and Community Renewal Division administers the Hamilton Downtown Residential Loan Program that offers an interest free loan over a 5 year term for residential development. To apply for the program your property must be located within the Downtown Hamilton Community Improvement Project Area. The loan is based on $20 per square foot of habitable floor space.
For more information contact:
Hazel Milsome
Telephone: (905) 546-2424 Ext. 2755
Email: hmilsome@hamilton.ca.
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How is a Business Improvement Area established?
A group of business and property owners collectively initiate the designation of a B.I A. A request to Council to designate an area identifies the need for a B.I.A. and sets out the boundaries for the proposed area. Notification of the intent to pass a by-law is sent by the City Clerk, the notice outlines the objection process. The by-law to designate a B.I.A. is not passed if signed written objections are received from at least one-third of the total number of persons entitled to notice, and the objectors are responsible for at least one-third of the taxes levied on commercial/industrial rated properties within the area.
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How do I obtain an establishment / mobile / trade licence? What are the fees?
Applications for establishment, mobile and trade licences are available at the Licensing service counter located at the Hamilton City Centre, 77 James Street North, Suite 400. For more information about licenses, please call 905-546-2782.
Information on fees and applications can be downloaded from
Licensing Section’s web page.
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How can I check the existing Official Plan designation of a particular piece of property or land?
To find out the Official Plan land use designation for a particular property, contact the Planning Division:
West District (Wards 1, 2, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 & 15)
Phone: (905) 546-2424 x3933 or x4229.
East District (Wards 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 & 11)
Phone: (905) 546-2424 x 1355.
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Are the Regional Official Plan and local Official Plans for the former municipalities on the website?
Due to the age and number of existing Official Plans only the Regional Official Plan is on the website. The Official Plans for the six former municipalities (Town of Ancaster, Town of Dundas, Town of Flamborough, Township of Glanbrook, City of Hamilton, and City of Stoney Creek) can be obtained by contacting:
Sarah Cellini
(905) 546-2424 x4672
opreview@hamilton.ca
77 James Street North, Suite 250
Hamilton, ON
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What is the expected population growth for the City of Hamilton for 2031?
Based on the 2005 Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy, the 2031 estimated population target for the City of Hamilton is approximately 660,000 with some 270,000 households.
For the GRIDS Final Report, visit:
http://www.hamilton.ca/CityDepartments/PlanningEcDev/Divisions/StrategicServicesSpecialProjects/GrowthRelatedIntegratedDevelopmentStrategy/GRIDSFinalReport.htm
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Does the City offer financial assistance for housing development?
The Downtown and Community Renewal Division administers the Main Street Housing Loan and Grant Program offered within:
Refer to the Main Street Housing Loan and Grant Program to determine if your property is located within the aforementioned areas. The program offers an interest free loan based on a 5 year term for residential development. The loan is based on $10,000 per unit to a maximum of $200,000 per property. A maximum grant of $5,000 is also available per property for professional fees.
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If I want to build a fence between my property and a neighbouring property, does my neighbour have to pay half?
This is a civil matter, the City will not get involved. However, if you choose to take your neighbour to court for not paying for a portion of the fence, the neighbour will only be required to pay half the fee of a 4 foot chainlink fence, no matter what type of fence you build.
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How many Business Improvement Areas are there in Hamilton?
There are currently twelve designated B.I.A.s within the City of Hamilton. The City Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.) site provides a listing of the B.I.A.s, and a map identifying the locations. Information is also available about the individual B.I.A.
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Are Hamilton's growth plans in keeping with vision of a sustainable community?
Hamilton is committed to principles of sustainability as an integrated decision-making model for GRIDS. GRIDS was “integrated” because it used the model of sustainability to draw together land use planning and infrastructure investment planning (water, wastewater, stormwater and transportation) within a framework that considers social/cultural, environmental and economic implications of growth and development decisions. GRIDS brought together into one process, all of the activities related to development. This process enabled a more coordinated, time efficient and cost efficient investment process for the public and private sectors.
To assess the growth options, Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach was used as the evaluation tool for the GRIDS process. TBL provided for the incorporation of sustainability principles in the evaluation of growth options by utilizing a multi-criteria evaluation framework that balances social, economic and environmental indicators. To facilitate the development of the TBL tool, an external steering team was established comprised of representatives of the business community, social and health sector and the environmental community. The TBL tool was finalized in the summer of 2004 for the purpose of evaluating the different growth options.
For more information on Hamilton’s vision:
www.vision2020.hamilton.ca
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What is the mandate of the Industrial Parks and Airport Development Division?
The City of Hamilton's Industrial Parks and Airport Development Division is committed to ensuring an adequate supply of "shovel ready" industrial lands. What exactly is a "shovel ready" industrial site? Basically, it's a site that already has the necessary designation, zoning, permits, and servicing/utility infrastructure in place.
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If I develop my property in Downtown Hamilton am I eligible for a tax break?
The Downtown and Community Renewal Division administers the Enterprise Zone Municipal Tax Incentive Grant Program. To be eligible to apply for the program you must be developing, redeveloping or renovating residential/commercial lands and buildings located within the Downtown Hamilton Community Improvement Project Area. For an existing building to qualify, it is also required to have at least a 50% annualized vacancy rate. The program offers for each approved grant application a five year grant based on the increase in the municipal tax portion only attributable to the redevelopment. All taxes must be paid in full prior to the grant being released.
For more information contact:
Hazel Milsome
Telephone: (905) 546-2424 Ext. 2755
Email: hmilsome@hamilton.ca.
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I have a complaint or problem with a neighbouring property.
If you have a complaint or problem with a neighbouring property such as:
- Long grass and weeds
- Garbage and debris
- Graffiti
- Inoperable vehicle(s)
- Barking dogs
- Snow and ice on City sidewalks
- Illegal dumping
- Illegal use of property (zoning)
- Unauthorized or prohibited use of water
- Prohibited activities on municipal property
- Animal waste not cleaned on private property
- Business licenses
- Mobile and taxi licenses
- Lottery licenses
- Property Standards (Building Structure Issues):
- Plumbing
- Roofs
- Windows
- Paint
- Eavestroughs
- Porch
- Brick Walls
- Stairs
- Inadequate heat for residential properties
- Vacant buildings
- Noise (animal / domestic / industrial)
You can make a complaint or action request by contacting Municipal Law Enforcement at (905) 546-2782 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or e-mail mle@hamilton.ca. After business hours, please call (905) 546-2489. You are also welcome to appear in person to 77 James Street North, Suite 250.
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I am encountering a problem with a neighbour’s fence or driveway. Who can I call?
Fencing and driveway disputes are private civil matters and would be dealt with in the courts. The City of Hamilton has no jurisdiction pertaining to fences except that a privacy fence must maintain a maximum height of 2.0m (6.56 feet). The City has no jurisdiction pertaining to driveways, however, any single, two or three family dwelling, must have at least 50% of the gross area of the front yard used for a landscaped area.
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Who do I contact for noise concerns?
To report a noise concern such as barking dogs or industrial, please contact Municipal Law Enforcement at (905) 546-2782 during business hours, 8:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m. For other noise issues after hours, such as loud music and parties, to contact or to lodge a complaint about a barking dog, call (905) 546-2489.
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What is the number of dwellings or households in the City of Hamilton?
The 2006 Statistics Canada Census reports 204,662 total private dwellings of which 194,475 are occupied by usual residents and 10,487 reflect both occupied by temporary residents and unoccupied dwellings. In 2001 there were 194,154 total private dwellings of which 188,156 were occupied private dwellings and 5,998 were unoccupied dwellings.
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How much parkland and open space exists in Hamilton?
View this spreadsheet, to see the amount of parkland and open space that exist in the City of Hamilton.
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Where can I get information on initiatives taking place in the downtown core of Hamilton?
Individuals interested in the Downtown Rehabilitation Program should contact:
Marilyn Kay
Phone: (905) -546-2758
Email: makay@hamilton.ca
or
Donna Kirchknopf
Phone: (905) 546-3727
Email: dkirchkn@hamilton.ca
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Where can I check the Official Plan designations of a particular piece of property or land?
To find out the Official Plan land use designation for a particular property, contact the Development Planning Division:
West District (Wards 12, 13, 14, 15)
Phone: (905) 546-2424 x3933 or x4229.
East District (Wards 9, 10, 11)
Phone: (905) 546-2424 x 7859 or x 6685 or 1331.
Central District (Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Phone: (905) 546-2424 x1334 or x4168.
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What is GRIDS and where can I find more information about it and/or the Places to Grow report?
GRIDS refers to the Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy, or GRIDS, is a made-in-Hamilton balanced growth strategy. The purpose of GRIDS is to identify the most ideal places for growth and the type of growth based on environmental priorities, social issues, economic opportunities and population studies as well as to identify strategies to fund the servicing of these areas.
The GRIDS project recommend's a strategy to accommodate a projected population of 660,000 and 80,000 additional households by 2031. To provide for balanced population, household and employment growth, a minimum of 2,500 acres (more than 1000 hectares) of additional employment lands are required to accommodate projected employment growth including 400 – 800 hectares of employment lands are required to facilitate the development of the Hamilton International Airport as a economic growth node within the City of Hamilton and Golden Horseshoe area.
More information can be found at the following websites:
http://www.hamilton.ca/projectsinitiatives/grids
http://www.pir.gov.on.ca/english/growth/index.html
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Where can I purchase a city map?
City maps including street mapping, zoning mapping, community mapping & ward mapping can be purchased by contacting:
Cartograhic & Graphics Services
Viola Mueller, Supervisor
Phone: (905) 546-2424 Ext. 1260
Fax: (905) 643-7250
Location: 71 Main Street West (City Hall), 4th Floor
View the C&G website for samples and prices of available products & services.
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Where can I get basic facts, figures and detailed statistical information (population, households, housing starts) about Hamilton?
For information, contact GIS - Planning & Analysis at 905-546-2424 ext. 1222.
More information:
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What is the Regional Official Plan? What about the Local Official Plans? Which department is responsible for supporting them?
Official Plans are blueprints of sorts, which help to guide the development of a City or Region. The Regional Official Plan (ROP) establishes policies on a city-wide (former region-wide) basis whereas the Local Official Plans have policies that are specific to each of the former local municipalities (Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Glanbrook, Stoney Creek and Flamborough).
Following amalgamation of the six local municipalities and the Region into the City of Hamilton, the Official Plans for Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, Hamilton, Stoney Creek and the Region of Hamilton-Wentworth will remain in effect until a new Plan is adopted for the City of Hamilton.
The task of creating a New Official Plan is one of the Planning and Economic Development Department's major initiatives and is being conducted in the Strategic Services/.Special Projects Division. For further information please contact Joanne Hickey-Evans at (905) 546-2424 x1282.
A new Official Plan for Rural Hamilton was adopted by Council on September 27, 2006 and has been forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval. The Rural Official Plan can be viewed through the above link or by calling Sarah Cellini at 905-546-2424 x4672.
Please contact the Planning Division for interpretation of the various Official Plans:
West District (Wards 1, 2, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 & 15)
Phone: (905) 546-2424 x2799
East District (Wards 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 & 11)
Phone: (905) 546-2424 x1355
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What types of projects have a public participation component?
There are several projects that invite public input and participation. Some of the Downtown Initiatives that are currently active have Open Houses and Town Hall meetings for members of the general public to attend.
Clean Air Hamilton and its working groups are also open to public involvement. More information can be found at the Clean Air Hamilton website or by contacting Brian Montgomery at (905) 546-2424 ext. 1275.
VISION 2020 also has opportunities for citizen involvement. Visit the Vision2020 website for more information and volunteer opportunities.
Through 2008 and the first half of 2009 the Strategic Services/Special Projects Division of the Planning and Economic Development Department will host a series of open houses in the development of the urban portion of the new Official Plan. There will be a variety of open housing pertaining to different topic areas. Open houses are announced in local newspapers and a list of persons who wish to be notified of all upcoming events is maintained. To be placed on this list or just to find out about the latest open houses and draft documents, visit our website or contact Sarah Cellini at 905-546-2424 x4672.
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What is the current population of the City of Hamilton?
The 2006 Statistics Canada Census population for the City of Hamilton is 504,550, an increase of 14,280 or 2.91% from 490,270 in 2001.
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What is the area of the City of Hamilton?
The area of the City of Hamilton is estimated at 1,117 square kilometers.
Many settlements, villages and hamlets exist in the six communities that comprise the City of Hamilton.
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What communities (former municipalities) make up the City of Hamilton?
The City of Hamilton is comprised of 6 communities. They are Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, Hamilton and Stoney Creek.
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Is the population of Hamilton expected to grow?
It is evident that growth in southern Ontario over the next three decades will be concentrated in the west end of Lake Ontario. The Province is forecasting that by 2031 Hamilton’s population will reach 660,000; that there will be 80,000 more homes in Hamilton and 2,500 acres of new employment lands will be required to keep Hamilton sustainable.
Hamilton is preparing for this growth through the Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy. GRIDS is a made-in-Hamilton balanced growth strategy. The purpose of GRIDS is to identify the most ideal places for growth and the type of growth based on environmental priorities, social issues, economic opportunities and population studies as well as to identify strategies to fund the servicing of these areas.
For more information on the Province’s growth projections and Places to Grow initiative, visit the Ministry of Public Infrastructure & Renewal Web site: http://www.pir.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_4_35040_1.html
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What is the potential for residential growth for the City of Hamilton?
Based on the Vacant Residential Land Inventory, as of June 2010, there is a potential for 31,276 residential units over 2,207 hectares of land.
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How can I purchase the Rural Official Plan?
Copies of the Rural Official Plan can be purchased by contacting Sarah Cellini at (905) 546-2424 Ext.4672.
- Hard copies are available for $90 (incl. GST).
- CD copies are available for $25 (incl. GST).
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Recreational Vehicles: Can my neighbour have an RV on their property?
Yes, except RVs equipped with dual wheels or tandem axles or vehicles longer than 21 feet are not permitted to be parked in a residential district.
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What is the Rural Hamilton Official Plan?
The Official Plan for Rural Hamilton was adopted by Council on September 27, 2006. The new Plan creates a consistent land use policy framework for the entire Rural Area of the City, replacing the rural policies and maps in the Official Plans of the former municipalities, including the Region. The Plan also brings the City of Hamilton’s Rural Official Plan policies into conformity with the Greenbelt Plan, and it is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. The adopted Plan has been forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval. The adopted Official Plan for Rural Hamilton can be viewed at on the website or by calling Sarah Cellini at (905) 546-2424 x4672.
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When will the Rural Hamilton Official Plan be approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and be in effect?
The adopted Rural Hamilton Official Plan has been forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval, but has not yet been approved. Once the Ministry approves the Plan there will be a 20 day appeal period during which time the Plan or portions of it may be appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board. If no appeals are made, the Plan will be in effect 20 days after approval by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. If there are appeals, the Plan or portions of the Plan which are appealed will not be in effect until the Ontario Municipal Board issues a decision. This FAQ will be updated as progress is made in the approval process.
The adopted Official Plan for Rural Hamilton can be viewed through the website or by calling Sarah Cellini at (905) 546-2424 x4672.
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Where can I get information on Taxi Inspections or where can I lodge a complaint about a taxi driver?
Please contact the Taxi Inspection Office at (905) 546-2350. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Outside of these hours, please contact (905) 546-2782.
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What is the area of the urban and rural boundary for the City of Hamilton*?
|
|
Rural Area |
Urban Area |
Urban
(including Bay Area) |
Total Area
(without Bay Area) |
Total Area
(with Bay) |
| Acres |
221,418.3 |
57,234.1 |
62,164.5 |
278,652.4 |
283,582.8 |
| Hectares |
89,604.8 |
23,161.8 |
25,157.1 |
112,766.6 |
114,761.9 |
| Sq Km |
896.0 |
231.6 |
251.6 |
1,127.6 |
1,147.6 |
*As of November 2010
Note: Area of the Bay is included and excluded depending on calculations required.
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What is Hamilton doing to contain urban sprawl?
Hamilton used an integrated planning process called GRIDS to plan for future urban growth. GRIDS will identify a broad land use structure, associated infrastructure, economic development strategy and financial implications for the growth options for the City of Hamilton over the next 30 years by achieving a balance among social, economic and environmental considerations.
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What are the population densities for each Ward in the City of Hamilton?
|
Ward |
2006 Census Population |
Area (ha) |
Density (pph)
(persons/per/hectare) |
| Ward 1 |
30,080 |
1,521.3 |
19.77 |
| Ward 2 |
37,815 |
662 |
57.12 |
| Ward 3 |
39,910 |
1,442.1 |
27.67 |
| Ward 4 |
35,635 |
1,654.7 |
21.54 |
| Ward 5 |
38,965 |
2,078.1 |
18.75 |
| Ward 6 |
40,645 |
1,598.5 |
25.43 |
| Ward 7 |
58,395 |
1,746.7 |
33.43 |
| Ward 8 |
48,400 |
1,738.7 |
27.84 |
| Ward 9 |
26,695 |
1,931.5 |
13.82 |
| Ward 10 |
24,975 |
1,235.5 |
20.21 |
| Ward 11 |
25,900 |
27,404.7 |
.95 |
| Ward 12 |
31,040 |
11,002.8 |
2.82 |
| Ward 13 |
24,695 |
2,547.4 |
9.69 |
| Ward 14 |
15,920 |
41,455.2 |
.38 |
| Ward 15 |
25,490 |
1,4892.1 |
1.71 |
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What is a Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.)?
It is a geographical area within a municipality. A Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.) allows local business people and property owners to join together and, with support from the municipality, organize, finance and carry out physical improvement and promote economic development in their area. The B. I. A. is established through municipal by-law and is governed under the Municipal Act.
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What is an Official Plan?
An Official Plan is a long range planning policy document which guides and shapes growth and manages development over a 20 – 30 year time frame. Official Plans contain goals, objectives and policies to guide future physical development of a community through the land use planning process while taking into consideration important social, economic and environmental matters and goals. Secondary Plans, adopted as part of the Official Plan by amendment, are more detailed land use plans for more localized areas.
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What is GRIDS?
GRIDS is an acronym for “Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy.” GRIDS is a made-in-Hamilton balanced growth strategy. The purpose of GRIDS is to identify the most ideal places for growth and the type of growth based on environmental priorities, social issues, economic opportunities and population studies as well as to identify strategies to fund the servicing of these areas.
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