Waterfront Redevelopment - West Harbour

Header for West Harbour

Pier 8 RFP - Public Presentation Materials

Presentation materials depicting proposed development plans for Pier 8 have been received from 4 prequalified proponents in response to the Pier 8 Development Opportunity RFP. View the public presentation materials

Thank you for your comments, the feedback period is now closed.

Next steps? City staff will recommend a preferred proponent to Council in mid-June.


What is West Harbour?

Hamilton’s West Harbour is the area bounded by Hamilton Harbour, York Boulevard, Cannon Street and Wellington Street N.

The West Harbour includes key features and attractions such as:

  • Dundurn Castle
  • Bayfront and Pier 4 Park
  • the HMCS Haida
  • the Hamilton Waterfront Trail
  • an outdoor roller/skating rink
  • many marinas and waterfront views for visitors to enjoy 

Pier 5-7 Public Open-Space

An animation of the Pier 5-7 Public Open-Space Illustrations presented at March meeting.

View the individual illustrations from the March 29 meeting

Pier 8 Promenade Park Design winner
"Hamilton: Hammer City" by Forrec Ltd

Forrec Ltd, has been selected by the competition jury as the winner of the Pier 8 Promenade Park Design Competition for their proposal “Hamilton: Hammer City”.

Find out the jury process and next steps for Pier 8 Promenade Park

Goals of the Redevelopment Project

The City of Hamilton’s strategic focus for the West Harbour is guided by the principles and goals in two plans:

Plans for the West Harbour include:

  • enhancing cultural, residential, commercial and recreational uses
  • providing a greater range of attractions year-round
  • bringing economic opportunity through new construction, employment, tourism, cultural & commercial development

This $140 million redevelopment project will transform the West Harbour into a vibrant, mixed-use, transit supportive and pedestrian-friendly community that is the jewel on Hamilton’s waterfront. 

Public Notice: MacDonald Marine lease expiring May 31, 2018

Be advised that the City of Hamilton is in the process of implementing the West Harbour Waterfront Recreation Master Plan (PDF,  11 MB) which includes the lands and waterfront area on which MacDonald Marine Limited is currently located. Accordingly, the City, as Landlord, has notified MacDonald Marine that its lease will not be renewed or extended beyond the lease expiry date of May 31, 2018.

Users of MacDonald Marine’s facilities: Boats and all of other equipment and possessions will need to be removed from this property no later than May 31, 2018 as the City will then be taking possession of these lands for other municipal purposes. 

Questions? Contact the Real Estate Department at 905-546-2424 Ext. 1647.

In the news

History of the waterfront

Mid-1900s: As a centre of trade, commercial and industrial growth, urbanization & industrial expansion on Hamilton’s waterfront nearly destroyed the area’s natural habitat.
1950s to 1980s: Harbour’s ecosystem was severely degraded & deemed unfit for any recreation use due to severe water quality problems and little public access.
Early 1990s: A major transformation of the West Harbour began with a focus on the natural ecological experience of the harbour.
Over the past 30 years: Investments of almost $2 billion by public & private sectors helped to remediate the harbour & enhance its water and ecological quality. The City and stakeholders have been internationally recognized for the restoration of the Harbour environmental ecosystem & the revival of the diverse range of fish and wildlife habitat.

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