Go Back

Discovery Centre Site Strategy Development (Opportunity Study)

Share Discovery Centre Site Strategy Development (Opportunity Study) on Facebook Share Discovery Centre Site Strategy Development (Opportunity Study) on Twitter Share Discovery Centre Site Strategy Development (Opportunity Study) on Linkedin Email Discovery Centre Site Strategy Development (Opportunity Study) link

Consultation has concluded

Project Update

The City of Hamilton has identified the Hamilton Public Library (HPL) as the City’s partner in setting a new vision for the Discovery Centre. The HPL is leading a Study to transform the Discovery Centre into a new cultural space.

Share what you like about the concept, any questions or considerations. Visit hpl.ca/discovery-centre

The City of Hamilton has begun work to develop a strategy for the Hamilton Waterfront Trust Centre (former Canadian Marine Discovery Centre museum) property and adjacent lands. The strategy for these lands will:

  • Define a vision for the site; and
  • Define set of actions to implement the vision.

Although these lands are situated in a strategic location within the West Harbour, the former museum building is underutilized. This is the result of several factors including the closure of the museum and subsequent change in property ownership from federal to municipal government, and constraints of applicable zoning by-law regulations in attracting new uses. The changed property ownership and planning context, property use constraints, along with the passage of time since the policy and zoning regulations were originally established, provides an opportunity to re-examine options for the use of the Subject Lands.

Council has directed staff to commence the process to develop a long term strategy for the Subject Lands and has initiated an Opportunity Study.

What lands are part of the study area?

The site is generally located on Pier 8 (West Harbour) consisting of the Hamilton Waterfront Trust Centre (former Canadian Discovery Centre Museum) and adjacent lands, known municipally as 77 Harbourside Way (formerly 57 Discovery Drive).

Specifically, the study subject lands are comprised of:

  • the Hamilton Waterfront Trust Centre (former Canadian Marine Discovery Centre building);
  • outdoor patio area located to the north of the building;
  • landscaped area located to the east of the building;
  • parking area located to the south of the building (Note: mapping has not been updated to reflect recent changes to the parking lot configuration);
  • outdoor rink and surrounding park area; and
  • existing restaurant (Williams Café).

Note: Lands excluded from the study area are the park promenade lands and lands subject to the City’s development agreement with Waterfront Shores which are generally located to the east of the subject lands.


Project Update

The City of Hamilton has identified the Hamilton Public Library (HPL) as the City’s partner in setting a new vision for the Discovery Centre. The HPL is leading a Study to transform the Discovery Centre into a new cultural space.

Share what you like about the concept, any questions or considerations. Visit hpl.ca/discovery-centre

The City of Hamilton has begun work to develop a strategy for the Hamilton Waterfront Trust Centre (former Canadian Marine Discovery Centre museum) property and adjacent lands. The strategy for these lands will:

  • Define a vision for the site; and
  • Define set of actions to implement the vision.

Although these lands are situated in a strategic location within the West Harbour, the former museum building is underutilized. This is the result of several factors including the closure of the museum and subsequent change in property ownership from federal to municipal government, and constraints of applicable zoning by-law regulations in attracting new uses. The changed property ownership and planning context, property use constraints, along with the passage of time since the policy and zoning regulations were originally established, provides an opportunity to re-examine options for the use of the Subject Lands.

Council has directed staff to commence the process to develop a long term strategy for the Subject Lands and has initiated an Opportunity Study.

What lands are part of the study area?

The site is generally located on Pier 8 (West Harbour) consisting of the Hamilton Waterfront Trust Centre (former Canadian Discovery Centre Museum) and adjacent lands, known municipally as 77 Harbourside Way (formerly 57 Discovery Drive).

Specifically, the study subject lands are comprised of:

  • the Hamilton Waterfront Trust Centre (former Canadian Marine Discovery Centre building);
  • outdoor patio area located to the north of the building;
  • landscaped area located to the east of the building;
  • parking area located to the south of the building (Note: mapping has not been updated to reflect recent changes to the parking lot configuration);
  • outdoor rink and surrounding park area; and
  • existing restaurant (Williams Café).

Note: Lands excluded from the study area are the park promenade lands and lands subject to the City’s development agreement with Waterfront Shores which are generally located to the east of the subject lands.


  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Fall 2022 Survey CLOSED

    1422 responses

    Your feedback is an important part of assessing options and will be considered as part of the decision making process in developing a strategy for the Site. 

    Important information about the survey:

    • The survey will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to answer.
    • Participation is voluntary and you may skip any question you do not want to answer.
    • Responses will be kept confidential and will only be reported at an aggregate level that will not identify individuals.

    Survey closed October 3, 2022.

    Consultation has concluded
    Share Fall 2022 Survey CLOSED on Facebook Share Fall 2022 Survey CLOSED on Twitter Share Fall 2022 Survey CLOSED on Linkedin Email Fall 2022 Survey CLOSED link