Government investment in Hamilton’s climate adaptation and community resilience

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton is receiving $210,000 in federal funding through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund (GMF) Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative to help protect residents and communities from the impacts of a changing climate, including extreme heat, flooding and heavy rainfall.

The funding will support:

• $140,000 to update and accelerate implementation of Hamilton's Climate Change Impact Adaptation Plan, including updated climate risk assessments, economic analysis of adaptation measures, community engagement and improved monitoring tools; and
• $70,000 for a feasibility study to examine the potential for a nature-based "sponge plaza" pilot project. Sponge plazas use features such as trees, native vegetation and permeable surfaces to absorb and manage rainfall, helping reduce flood risk while creating cooler, greener public spaces.

“Building a climate resilient Hamiton is not an option. It's a necessity. Hamilton is experiencing extreme heat, more frequent heavy rainfall and flooding, and other climate changes that are impacting our infrastructure, neighbours' homes, public amenities, and natural areas,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “I welcome this investment as it will help us strengthen work that is already underway while exploring innovative, nature-based solutions. Thank you to the Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for partnering with us to build a safer, more resilient Hamilton.”

This investment builds on Hamilton’s commitment to climate action and community resilience, including the City’s declaration of a climate emergency in 2019 and Hamilton’s Climate Action Strategy. In July 2026, Hamilton City Council approved $3.26 million from the Climate Change Reserve to support 16 climate action projects, including initiatives to expand the urban forest, improve energy efficiency, protect natural areas and strengthen the community’s resilience to climate change.

As Hamilton continues to grow and experiences more frequent and intense climate-related impacts, including extreme heat, flooding and heavy rainfall, the City is taking practical steps to better understand climate risks and identify ways to protect local infrastructure, natural assets, businesses and residents.

“Residents are already experiencing the impacts of more frequent and intense weather events, from extreme heat to heavy rainfall and flooding. This funding will help us identify practical opportunities to make climate considerations part of how we plan, invest and deliver services across Hamilton,” said Acting City Manager Mike Zegarac.

Together, these investments will help Hamilton reduce the risks and impacts of extreme weather, protect critical infrastructure and explore nature-based solutions that can make neighbourhoods safer, greener and more comfortable for residents today and for generations to come.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada’s 2026 National Adaptation Strategy Progress Reports outlines research that shows for every $1 invested in climate adaptation, there is a cost savings of $15 across the economy. 
• Hamilton's Climate Change Impact Adaptation Plan was approved in 2022 and identifies actions to address climate risks, including extreme heat, flooding, and extreme rainfall.
• The sponge plaza funding supports a technical feasibility study and will help determine the location, viability and technical requirements of the project.