Priority Projects

Waterfront Redevelopment - West Harbour

Header for West Harbour

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 8 - Block 16 Study Opportunity

The City is carrying out an update to the Pier 7+8 Urban Design Study (2016) for lands identified as Block 16 on Pier 8 in Hamilton’s West Harbour.

The study is a result of a Local Planning Appeal Tribunal settlement decision regarding Case No. PL170742 (PDF, 1.4  MB).

Presentation: Pier 8 Block 16 Opportunity Study Presentation (PDF, 1 MB)

Information Report: Pier 8 Block 16 Opportunity Study - May 22, 2020 (PDF, 244 KB)

 

How did we get here?

Check out this video to understand the history of the waterfront development journey.

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. 

 

In the news

Pier 8 RFP Proponent: Waterfront Shores

In June 2018,  City Council confirmed the selection of The Waterfront Shores Corporation as the Preferred Proponent of the Pier 8 Development Opportunity RFP process.

Find out more about the Pier 8 RFP and land solicitation process

 

Pier 5-7 Public Open-Space

An animation of the Pier 5-7 Public Open-Space Illustrations.

View the individual illustrations from the March 29 meeting

 

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.

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

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