City’s statement on Twenty Road West OLT decision

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton has issued the following statement following the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) settlement hearing for the Twenty Road West lands:

“The City continues to oppose urban boundary expansion and vigorously defended Council’s No Urban Boundary Expansion position throughout the OLT process.

On August 17, 2026, the OLT determined that Hamilton’s urban boundary should expand by at least 1,600 gross developable hectares to meet projected residential needs.

In anticipation of the possibility that the Tribunal could rule that additional urban land was required, Council approved a conditional settlement agreement for the Twenty Road West lands. The agreement was intended to protect the interests of Hamilton residents and secure the strongest possible planning and community benefits if urban boundary expansion was ultimately approved.

Following the settlement hearing, the OLT has approved the settlement agreement.

The settlement secures important benefits for Hamilton residents, including:

• More affordable housing: 10 per cent of all new residential homes in the expansion area will be provided as affordable housing.
• More local shops and services: Commercial lands along the future Garth Street extension will be secured for shops, businesses and services, allowing residents to access services closer to home.
• More employment opportunities: Approximately 250 hectares of employment lands will remain protected for future jobs.
• Infrastructure before development: Necessary infrastructure, including improvements to Twenty Road West, the Garth Street extension and the Dickenson Trunk Sewer, will be built before development begins. The proponent will also cover the costs of a joint environmental assessment for these works. 

The City recognizes that many Hamiltonians have strongly held concerns about urban boundary expansion and remains committed to advocating for residents. The settlement reflects the City’s responsibility to pursue responsible planning and development and secure meaningful community benefits in the circumstances created by the Tribunal’s ruling.

The settlement does not determine the City’s approach to the other urban boundary expansion appeals before the OLT. Each appeal will continue to be assessed on its own merits, and the City will only support outcomes that reflect responsible development and provide meaningful benefits for Hamilton residents.”

Additional Resource

• Web page: The OLT hearing and settlement materials on Twenty Road West lands