City Invests in 1,200 New Affordable and Supportive Housing Units

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton is taking action to further address the housing crisis. Over the next three years, the City will invest in the development of approximately 1,200 new affordable and supportive housing units, providing safe and affordable homes for Hamiltonians. 

The City will invest $17.8 million in 2025, combining surplus funds from 2024 with the 2025 budget. The funding for these eight projects will support 147 affordable and 25 supportive units. 

Hamilton City Council committed $4 million annually for affordable housing and $10.3 million annually for supportive housing over three years, as part of the 2024 tax budget. In January 2025, $8.2 million from this commitment was allocated to fund 11 projects that will help deliver 440 affordable housing units and 435 supportive housing units. These projects were chosen for their financial viability, community impact, and construction readiness, ensuring a timely boost to Hamilton’s housing supply.

Looking ahead, the City estimates an additional $15 million investment in 2026 to support two new projects that will add 105 affordable and 51 supportive units. 

These investments are part of the City’s long-term vision for housing security and community well-being. The Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap (HSIR) guides these efforts, ensuring a research-to-action approach. Under this plan, a total of 21 housing projects are expected to create approximately 692 affordable and 511 supportive additional housing units by 2027.

“The City continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to finding solutions that address the housing crisis head on,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “This investment through the Housing Secretariat Division is a testament to our dedication. We are making progress but cannot do it alone. We need all levels of government to step up and do their part to address the housing crisis.”

“These investments are a crucial part of our long-term housing strategy for Hamilton. We are taking a comprehensive and sustainable approach, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing projects that will create affordable and supportive housing options for residents,” said Marnie Cluckie, City Manager.

Projects receiving funding are at various stages of development, from pre-construction, construction and post-construction phases. Funding will be strategically allocated to support each stage to ensure timely delivery of these much-needed housing solutions. 

Investment Highlights: 

• Over the next three years, approximately 1,200 new housing units will be built to support singles, families, Indigenous people, women, and women-led households.
  • 21 total projects
  • 692 affordable units added
  • 511 supportive units added
• In 2025, funding will accelerate the construction of supportive housing units for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Expansion of affordable housing options, with tenants selected from the Access to Housing waitlist and By-Name list to prioritize those in greatest need.
• 261 rental units set to begin construction in 2025 will receive funding to enhance affordability.
• 10 affordable ownership units will be funded, helping more residents achieve homeownership. 

For more information, visit the City of Hamilton Housing Secretariat Division webpage. 

Quick Facts:

• The Affordable Housing Development Project Stream was developed in partnership between the Housing Secretariat Division and the Planning & Economic Development Department. It is designed to provide a clear and consistent process for allocating funding to new affordable housing construction projects annually. 
• This initiative aligns with the City’s Housing Sustainability & Investment Roadmap, the Housing and Homelessness Action Plan, and Council Priorities, ensuring that all potential affordable housing developers have an equal opportunity to pursue available funding.
• The initiative also aligns with the 2022-2026 Council Priority of Safe and Thriving Neighbourhoods Outcome 1: Increase the supply of affordable and supportive housing and reduce chronic homelessness.
• The City’s efforts to address affordable housing challenges were recognized by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Gold Roof Award for Knowledge to Action, presented in March 2025. The award acknowledged the development of the Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap work.