Building a Strong Foundation (BASF)
Building a Strong Foundation is a bold initiative coordinated by the City of Hamilton to implement Vision 2020 by integrating it directly into some of the City's primary decision-making processes: the Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy (GRIDS), the Master Plans for Transportation, Water and Wastewater, the new Official Plan and the Social Development Strategy.
Downtown Renewal
In 2001, the City of Hamilton established its first-ever Downtown Renewal Division to foster excellence in development and to promote the rehabilitation and development of properties in all Downtowns. The award winning Downtown Secondary Plan and Downtown Transportation Master Plan have been used as a basis for the Hamilton Downtown Street Master Plans.
Growth-Related Integrated Development Strategy (GRIDS)
The Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy (GRIDS) is a planning process that helps to determine where the future growth of the City will take place over the next 30 or more years. This unique planning tool integrates land use, transportation, water, wastewater and stormwater planning into one project.
Hamilton's New Official Plan
In February 2003, Hamilton City Council authorized staff to develop a New Official Plan for the City. The development of a new Official Plan for the amalgamated City requires a great deal of work in several strategic areas, including but not limited to: rural policy, commercial policy, residential intensification, parks and open space, and cultural heritage.
Neighbourhood Plans
Neighbourhood plans are prepared in conjunction with citizen committees drawn from areas of the city. These include the preparation of a community profile for the area, followed by the preparation of policies and actions to guide future development. Neighbourhood groups work with Planning and other city departments to carry out these actions, such as traffic calming and parks improvements.
Setting Sail
Setting Sail is Hamilton's long-term planning project for Hamilton's West Harbour.
Social Development Strategy
The Social Development Strategy will address key issues such as Children & Families, Skills Development and Affordable Housing. The strategy is guided by a Social Vision developed by the Caledon Institute and is developed and acted upon to advance a social agenda that addresses challenges specific to Hamilton.
Urban Design
Urban Design considers the function, use and relationships of visible components of the city to create attractive, safe and memorable urban environments, and requires an integrated and comprehensive design process.