City’s statement on Twenty Road West settlement hearing

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton has issued the following statement regarding its request to convert the upcoming Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearing for the Twenty Road West lands to a settlement hearing:

“Hamilton has consistently advocated for responsible growth while protecting the city’s rural lands. Council reflected those priorities by adopting a No Urban Boundary Expansion growth strategy, and the City vigorously defended that position before the Ontario Land Tribunal.

“At the same time, Council recognized that the Tribunal could determine that additional urban land was required to accommodate Hamilton’s future residential needs. Council therefore approved a conditional settlement agreement for the Twenty Road West lands, allowing the City to prepare for that possibility while continuing to defend its No Urban Boundary Expansion position.

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

“As a result, the City is now asking the Tribunal to convert the upcoming Twenty Road West appeal hearing to a settlement hearing. The agreement is conditional and would only take effect if the Tribunal approves the urban boundary expansion and the settlement.

“Following the Tribunal’s ruling, the City has a responsibility to protect residents’ interests by advocating for responsible planning and development and securing the strongest possible protections and community benefits through the settlement process.

“The proposed settlement includes:

• Affordable housing: A commitment that 10 per cent of all new residential homes in the expansion area will be affordable housing, helping more Hamilton residents find a home that meets their needs.
• Local shops and services: Commercial lands along the future Garth Street extension will be secured for future shops, businesses and services, allowing residents to access services closer to home.
• Protected employment lands: Approximately 250 hectares of employment lands will remain protected for future jobs, helping create opportunities for Hamilton residents to work closer to home.
• Infrastructure before development: Residents will benefit from necessary infrastructure being built before development begins, including improvements to Twenty Road West, the Garth Street extension and the Dickenson Trunk Sewer. The proponent will also cover the costs of a joint environmental assessment for these works. 

“As development planning moves forward, the City will continue to consider community needs through the applicable secondary planning and development approval processes, including the amount and location of parkland and community services required to serve the planned population.

“The City recognizes that many Hamiltonians have strongly held concerns about urban boundary expansion and remains committed to advocating for residents throughout this process. Each appeal will continue to be assessed on its own merits, and the City will only support outcomes that reflect responsible planning and development and deliver meaningful benefits for Hamilton residents.

“This settlement does not determine the City’s approach to the other urban boundary expansion appeals before the OLT. The City will continue to use the planning and legal tools available to protect the public interest and advocate for Hamilton residents.

“The proposed settlement remains subject to approval by the OLT. The settlement materials will be made public through the Tribunal process.”