Employment Area Review

Project Update
The Official Plan Amendment for Phase 1 of the Employment Area Review to implement Provincial changes went forward for recommendation at the Planning Committee Meeting held on March 24, 2026. 

On April 1, 2026, Council amended the Urban Hamilton Official Plan Amendment to remove two areas. The Official Plan Amendments will go forward for final approval at the Council Meeting to be held on April 22, 2026.

What is an Employment Area?

Employment Areas consist of land set aside for non-residential uses and generally consist of uses like manufacturing, research and development, warehousing, and goods movement.

Why we're initiating an Employment Area Review

Through Provincial Bill 97, the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, the definition of “Area of Employment” in the Planning Act was revised which reduced the range and types of uses permitted within areas of employment. At the same time, the Provincial Planning Statement (2024) came into effect and contained an updated definition of “Employment Area” and associated policies. The City must update the Urban Hamilton Official Plan to ensure conformity and consistency with the provincial planning framework.

Employment Area Review Phases

• Phase 1 - The preparation of an Urban Hamilton Official Plan Amendment, as well as an amendment to the West Harbour Setting Sail Secondary Plan Area, to expressly state that the permitted uses in employment areas shall be in alignment with the Planning Act definition of “Area of Employment.” The amendments must include the introduction of policies to specifically exclude uses which are not permitted under the Planning Act and permit the continuation of lawfully established excluded uses.
• Phase 2 - A detailed review of the City’s existing employment area policies, which may include the following: a re-assessment of the City’s employment land need to the current planning horizon of 2051, potential revisions to existing employment area boundaries, the review and introduction of potential revisions to the regulations of the 14 Industrial Zones in Zoning By-law No. 05-200, consideration of potential revisions to Commercial Designation policies, and an investigation of whether industrial, manufacturing, and small-scale warehousing could be located in strategic growth areas. Phase 2 may also include the preparation of several background reports and studies, such as an updated Land Needs Assessment and Employment Area Inventory, to inform the review work.

Key Terms:

• Area of Employment: Defined under the Planning Act and contains specific reference to uses which are permitted in these areas.
• Employment Area: Defined in the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS 2024) and expands upon the definition in the Planning Act.
• Designated Employment Lands: Lands designated for employment uses in the Urban Hamilton Official Plan.
• Employment Uses: Land uses, including manufacturing, warehousing, office, and commercial uses which provide jobs. These may not be designated.

Learn More About the Employment Area Review