City shares progress on key priorities that matter to Hamiltonians

Helping make everyday life easier, neighbourhoods stronger and Hamilton more resilient for the future.

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton is launching A Stronger Hamilton is Taking Shape: Building Hamilton's Future, Today, a campaign focused on progress toward priorities that matter to Hamiltonians. From housing and safer, more connected neighbourhoods to economic growth and accessible City services, it highlights tangible results and initiatives underway to respond to community needs and support Hamilton's future.

As Hamilton continues to grow, these efforts are helping strengthen the city, respond to evolving community needs and lay the groundwork for a strong future.

“We are making important progress on the priorities that matter most to Hamiltonians: building more housing people can afford, investing in critical infrastructure, supporting local businesses and protecting good-paying jobs,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “As our city continues to grow, we are focused on creating safe, welcoming neighbourhoods, improving access to City services and making everyday life more affordable. There is more work ahead, but we are committed to delivering meaningful results today while building Hamilton’s future.”

Delivering on these priorities requires coordinated action across City services and continued collaboration with community partners and other levels of government.

“Residents count on the City for the services and infrastructure they rely on every day, from roads and emergency services to parks and recreation facilities,” said Mike Zegarac, Interim City Manager. “As Hamilton grows, we're making targeted investments to respond to community needs, support housing stability and improve how residents access City services. There's more work ahead and we'll continue working with our communities to build a stronger, more connected Hamilton.”

Helping people find and maintain housing

The City is working with federal and provincial partners to increase housing supply, improve housing affordability and help people find and maintain stable housing. From
supporting new affordable homes to helping households facing financial challenges, these efforts are focused on giving more Hamiltonians a place to call home and greater stability in their lives.

• Secured $572 million in provincial funding through the Development Charge Reduction Program to accelerate infrastructure, housing growth and affordability.
• Advanced the Jamesville redevelopment, with the ability to build up to 540 homes, including approximately 160 affordable units.
• Provided $5.37 million through the Housing Emergency Fund to more than 4,000 households facing rental and utility arrears.
• Increased shelter capacity by 80 per cent, adding 272 beds, including 80 outdoor shelter beds, plus 97 supportive housing units and 43 transitional living spaces. More than 34 per cent of Tiffany-Barton residents have moved into permanent housing.

These investments and partnerships are helping more people access housing, maintain stable homes and build greater security for themselves and their families.

Making neighbourhoods safer and more connected

The City is investing in roads, sidewalks, parks and recreation facilities to improve everyday experiences and strengthen neighbourhoods. These are the places residents rely on to get to work and school, connect with their communities and enjoy the neighbourhoods they call home.

• Repaired approximately 75,000 potholes in 2026 and invested $152 million in the road network, including $106.1 million for reconstruction and resurfacing.
• Lowered school-zone speed limits from 40 km/h to 30 km/h across all 227 neighbourhoods through Vision Zero.
• Expanded winter sidewalk snow-clearing coverage from 397 kilometres to more than 866 kilometres, with the expansion focused on transit routes and stops.
• Planted more than 55,000 trees in 2024 and more than 50,000 in 2025, exceeding annual planting targets.
• Reopened the renovated Huntington Park Recreation Centre and Sir Wilfrid Laurier Recreation Centre and improved accessibility at Victoria Park Outdoor Pool, Chedoke Twin Pad and Eastwood Park spray pad.

These improvements are helping create safer, more accessible and connected neighbourhoods where residents can live, work and enjoy their communities.

Supporting local businesses and making City services easier to access

Hamilton is a place to visit, build a business and put down roots. A growing economy, major events, vibrant neighbourhoods and convenient City services are helping make Hamilton a destination and a place to build a future.

• Issued more than $2.55 billion in building permits for more than seven million square feet of industrial and commercial development.
• Provided more than 5,200 consultations through the Hamilton Business Centre, helping businesses navigate City services and connect with available supports.
• Hosted or secured major events generating more than $180 million in economic impact, including the Grey Cup, RBC Canadian Open, Canadian Country Music Awards and NHL Heritage Classic.
• Generated more than $6 million through the Municipal Accommodation Tax, reinvesting revenue into tourism and economic development.
• Launched my.hamilton.ca, providing a secure online portal to access City services and submit and track requests 24/7.
• Enabled online applications for permits, licences and approvals through the new Planning, Permitting, Licensing and By-law system.

These efforts support a city where businesses can grow, visitors can experience all Hamilton has to offer and people can put down roots, supported by a local economy and City services that respond to their needs.

Building on progress

Hamilton has tremendous potential, shaped by the people who choose to live, work, invest and build their futures here. The City is building on progress to strengthen neighbourhoods, support growth and improve everyday experiences for residents.

There is more work ahead. The upcoming 2027 Budget engagement consultations will give residents opportunities to share their priorities and help inform decisions about the services and investments that shape their communities.

The City will continue listening to residents, renewing infrastructure and working with community partners, businesses and provincial and federal governments to respond to Hamilton's changing needs.

This work is helping build Hamilton's future, today, with stronger neighbourhoods, a growing economy and services that help people thrive.

Learn More

Explore the full range of progress and initiatives underway across Hamilton at hamilton.ca/takingshape.