Farm Labour Residences Policy Review

The City of Hamilton is seeking public and stakeholder input to update polices and zoning regulations relating to Farm Labour Residences. On March 22, 2022, the Planning Committee received Staff Report PED22022, containing a discussion paper titled Farm Labour Residences Discussion Paper. The discussion paper outlined preliminary recommendations to explore housing options for farm labourers that could be considered for Hamilton.

What is a Farm Labour Residence?

Housing accommodation for full-time farm labour to support a farm operation that requires additional on-site employment. Farm Labour Residences are also referred to as farm help dwellings, accessory farm residences or seasonal farm work housing, to name a few.

We Want to Hear What You Think!

From April to June 2022, staff will be engaging with the agricultural community and relevant stakeholders to obtain feedback on the preliminary recommendations outlined in the discussion paper. Your input will ensure Farm Labour Residence options are flexible to accommodate farm operation needs, address any public concerns to inform recommended policy updates to the Rural Hamilton Official Plan and changes to Zoning By-law 05-200.

Five key issues were outlined in the discussion paper released in March 2022, and are listed:

1. Number of Farm Labour Residences per Lot
2. Maximum Gross Floor Area for an Individual Farm Labour Residence
3. Farm Labour Residence Built Form (Temporary vs. Permanent Structures?)
4. Private Servicing
5. Compatibility with Secondary Dwelling Units

View the full discussion paper