A Stronger Hamilton Is Taking Shape
Sustainable Economic & Ecological Development
A strong local economy creates opportunities for people and businesses, helps support the services communities rely on and gives Hamilton more capacity to respond to change. At the same time, growth needs to be balanced with protecting the environment and preparing for a changing climate.
Building Hamilton's economic foundation
Whether you're running a business, looking for work or relying on City services, the local economy shapes everyday life. The City has worked to attract investment, support businesses, develop local talent and secure funding for infrastructure and community needs.
- More than $2.55 billion in building permits were issued for more than 7 million square feet of industrial and commercial development, expanding Hamilton's commercial and industrial tax base and supporting the local economy.
- Hamilton secured infrastructure, housing and municipal funding through programs including the Canada Community-Building Fund, Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and Rapid Housing Initiative, helping fund community needs and support growth.
- More than 5,200 consultations were provided to businesses through the Hamilton Business Centre, helping owners and entrepreneurs navigate City services and connect with available supports.
- Hamilton approved a Workforce Strategy focused on talent growth, training and collaboration in key industries, helping strengthen the local workforce and prepare people and businesses for changing industry needs.
- In 2025, the Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area reported 441,000 employed residents, a 2% increase compared with the previous year, reflecting growth in employment opportunities across the local economy.
- In 2025, Hamilton averaged an unemployment rate of approximately 7.0%, compared with Ontario's provincial average of 7.6%, providing context on local employment conditions and opportunities.
- Hamilton supported growth across sectors including trade, agriculture, health care, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, helping diversify the local economy and create opportunities across industries.
- Major events including the Grey Cup, RBC Canadian Open, Canadian Country Music Awards and NHL Heritage Classic generated more than $180 million in economic impact, bringing visitors to Hamilton and supporting local businesses.
- The Municipal Accommodation Tax generated more than $6 million for reinvestment in tourism and economic development, helping attract visitors and support Hamilton as a destination.
- A $400 million agreement with TradePort International Corporation is supporting the continued development and expansion of Hamilton International Airport over a 49-year term, supporting the airport's role in regional economic activity and connectivity.
- A $300 million investment in the TD Coliseum is supporting downtown revitalization, attracting people to Hamilton and creating opportunities for nearby businesses.
- Projects including King William Street, James Street Plaza at Piers 6 and 7, and Downtown Placemaking Grants of up to $15,000 are helping create inviting public spaces where people can gather, attend events and support local businesses.
Together, these efforts help strengthen Hamilton's economic base, support businesses and workers, attract investment and sustain the services and amenities residents rely on.
Making programs and supports more accessible
When household budgets are stretched, access to affordable programs and financial support can make it easier to participate in community life and manage essential costs.
- The Recreation Assistance Program helps eligible residents access recreation programs and services at a reduced cost, making opportunities for physical activity and community participation more affordable.
- Property tax subsidies are available to eligible seniors with low incomes, helping reduce housing-related costs for residents on fixed or limited incomes.
- The Special Supports Program provides assistance to eligible residents with essential costs and services, helping people access support when they need it.
For residents who qualify, these programs help reduce financial barriers and make recreation and other essential supports more accessible.
Preparing for a changing climate
The effects of climate change are increasingly part of everyday life, from hotter weather to the way homes, roads and other infrastructure need to be designed and maintained. Preparing now can help protect residents, manage future costs and make Hamilton more resilient over time.
- The Better Homes Hamilton Program achieved a 100% heat pump adoption rate among participating households using zero-interest loans, helping those households make home energy improvements and reduce their carbon footprint.
- The Office of Climate Change Initiatives leads corporate climate action, including the Carbon Budget and Accounting Framework, supporting the City's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Climate resilience and readiness are being incorporated into infrastructure planning and project assessment, helping the City account for changing conditions when planning and maintaining the infrastructure residents depend on.
- The City advanced a Climate Justice Framework to prioritize fair, equitable and inclusive participation by frontline communities, helping ensure that people most affected by climate change have a voice in shaping responses.
This work helps residents make energy improvements, prepares infrastructure and services for a changing climate and supports a healthier, more resilient Hamilton.
Protecting the places people enjoy
Hamilton's parks, trees, natural areas and waterways are part of everyday life, whether it's shade on a summer walk, a park close to home or a natural area to explore. As the city grows, protecting these spaces helps maintain the environmental benefits and public spaces residents value.
- The City manages more than 209,000 trees and targets planting 20,000 new trees every year, supporting the long-term health of Hamilton's urban forest.
- More than 55,000 trees were planted in 2024 and more than 50,000 in 2025, exceeding annual targets and helping renew the tree canopy, provide shade as trees grow and enhance Hamilton's natural environment.
- Hamilton's urban tree canopy has remained at 18% since 2021, while the rural tree canopy is 26.3%, providing a measure of tree coverage across the city and highlighting the importance of ongoing protection and planting.
- Hamilton's Watershed Action Plan includes a 50% increase in catch basin cleaning frequency, helping reduce the risk of flooding in neighbourhoods and protect local waterways.
- The City implemented a new Salt and Snow Management Plan to help protect local waterways and drinking water sources while maintaining safe roads, sidewalks and public spaces during winter weather.
- Work continues to increase the inventory of municipally owned natural areas and preserve farmland, greenspace, woodlots and watersheds, helping protect natural spaces as Hamilton grows.
- Hamilton continues to advance its Water Strategy and work toward the delisting of Hamilton Harbour as an International Joint Commission Area of Concern, supporting long-term improvements to water quality and the harbour environment.
This work helps maintain greener neighbourhoods, protect local waterways and preserve the natural spaces residents use and enjoy.
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