Our Future Downtown: Hamilton’s 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy

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The City’s 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy aims to shape a shared vision for Hamilton's downtown core over the next 10 years, reflecting the aspirations of residents, visitors, businesses, and partners.

Why is a vibrant downtown core essential for Hamilton?

  • A vibrant downtown attracts businesses, creates jobs, and boosts local economy, tourism, and real estate development.
  • Arts, events, and entertainment foster a strong sense of community.
  • Improved access to transportation and urban development, support a greener, more connected downtown.
  • A thriving core enhances public spaces, promotes community safety, and overall quality of life.

Project Updates

Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback on the 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy. The comments and feedback we’ve heard from the community and stakeholders has been invaluable in helping us understand the challenges, needs, wants and ambitions for our Downtown.

July 9, 2025, City staff and the project consultants presented an interim update report at the General Issues Committee. This report provided a high-level overview of the comments and feedback from the public and stakeholders as well as key insights and observations from the project consultants about the current state of Downtown. Read the report and watch Committee's discussion.

Additionally, City staff have completed a detailed review and analysis of all comments, surveys, ideas and stories submitted through the Engage Hamilton project page between April 2 and June 30, 2025. In total, more than 250 individuals contributed. The feedback will be used to inform the development of the vision, guiding principles and priority actions in the strategy. Read the Our Future Downtown Summary Engagement Report

City staff and the project consultants have started Phase 2 of the project, engaging with internal City Departments and key external stakeholders. This second phase will develop the draft priority actions for the City and its partners over the next 10 years. Additional engagement was anticipated to start in September but now is occurring in early November on the draft vision, guiding principles and priority actions. On-going project updates and engagement opportunities will continue to be posted on this page and www.hamilton.ca/OurFutureDowntown.

December 3, 2025, Draft strategy presented at GIC. Interested parties can Request to Speak at GIC.

The City’s 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy aims to shape a shared vision for Hamilton's downtown core over the next 10 years, reflecting the aspirations of residents, visitors, businesses, and partners.

Why is a vibrant downtown core essential for Hamilton?

  • A vibrant downtown attracts businesses, creates jobs, and boosts local economy, tourism, and real estate development.
  • Arts, events, and entertainment foster a strong sense of community.
  • Improved access to transportation and urban development, support a greener, more connected downtown.
  • A thriving core enhances public spaces, promotes community safety, and overall quality of life.

Project Updates

Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback on the 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy. The comments and feedback we’ve heard from the community and stakeholders has been invaluable in helping us understand the challenges, needs, wants and ambitions for our Downtown.

July 9, 2025, City staff and the project consultants presented an interim update report at the General Issues Committee. This report provided a high-level overview of the comments and feedback from the public and stakeholders as well as key insights and observations from the project consultants about the current state of Downtown. Read the report and watch Committee's discussion.

Additionally, City staff have completed a detailed review and analysis of all comments, surveys, ideas and stories submitted through the Engage Hamilton project page between April 2 and June 30, 2025. In total, more than 250 individuals contributed. The feedback will be used to inform the development of the vision, guiding principles and priority actions in the strategy. Read the Our Future Downtown Summary Engagement Report

City staff and the project consultants have started Phase 2 of the project, engaging with internal City Departments and key external stakeholders. This second phase will develop the draft priority actions for the City and its partners over the next 10 years. Additional engagement was anticipated to start in September but now is occurring in early November on the draft vision, guiding principles and priority actions. On-going project updates and engagement opportunities will continue to be posted on this page and www.hamilton.ca/OurFutureDowntown.

December 3, 2025, Draft strategy presented at GIC. Interested parties can Request to Speak at GIC.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Notice of Collection The City of Hamilton collects information under authority of Section 227 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Any personal information collected for Our Future Downtown: 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy will be used to understand the different perspectives of Downtown that exist within the community. Information collected for this initiative may be stored on servers located in Canada and the United States and may be subject to Canadian and/or American laws. Questions about the collection of this personal information can be directed to the Senior Business Development Consultant, Economic Development Division, City of Hamilton, 71 Main Street West, 7th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 4Y5, phil.caldwell@hamilton.ca, 905-546-2424 ext. 2359

  • Share Will the strategy include studies of the infrastructure in the downtown, including utilities, green infrastructure, roads, and underground services? on Facebook Share Will the strategy include studies of the infrastructure in the downtown, including utilities, green infrastructure, roads, and underground services? on Twitter Share Will the strategy include studies of the infrastructure in the downtown, including utilities, green infrastructure, roads, and underground services? on Linkedin Email Will the strategy include studies of the infrastructure in the downtown, including utilities, green infrastructure, roads, and underground services? link

    Will the strategy include studies of the infrastructure in the downtown, including utilities, green infrastructure, roads, and underground services?

    DwellGuy asked 5 months ago

    The 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy itself will not lead or involve any specific detailed studies of infrastructure.  Any issues related to the state of infrastructure in Downtown heard through the public and stakeholder engagement or which have been identified as an impediment to revitalization efforts by the project team will be the focus of specific priority actions in the strategy and to be addressed by the appropriate City staff in accordance wit the Strategy’s direction.

  • Share Will the strategy be used as a secondary plan or to inform secondary plans in the downtown? on Facebook Share Will the strategy be used as a secondary plan or to inform secondary plans in the downtown? on Twitter Share Will the strategy be used as a secondary plan or to inform secondary plans in the downtown? on Linkedin Email Will the strategy be used as a secondary plan or to inform secondary plans in the downtown? link

    Will the strategy be used as a secondary plan or to inform secondary plans in the downtown?

    DwellGuy asked 5 months ago

    The 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy will not be a land use planning exercise and will not be developed as a secondary plan.   A Downtown Hamilton Secondary Plan was created in 2018 and is currently guiding growth and development in Downtown. Once developed, the 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy may be used in conjunction with the existing secondary plan to provide further guidance and support for specific actions where relevant to guiding growth and development Downtown.

  • Share Will the strategy consider increasing the study area to include other areas of interest and concern as determined by study data rather than the commercial areas that serve the BIA, the downtown residential neighbourhoods and forthcoming development applications? Hamilton has grown and so has the downtown, so it makes sense the strategy should include a larger study area that can be divided into smaller geographic areas as well as specific actionable areas or topics. This is what the City of Toronto did for its T.O.Core study of their downtown. on Facebook Share Will the strategy consider increasing the study area to include other areas of interest and concern as determined by study data rather than the commercial areas that serve the BIA, the downtown residential neighbourhoods and forthcoming development applications? Hamilton has grown and so has the downtown, so it makes sense the strategy should include a larger study area that can be divided into smaller geographic areas as well as specific actionable areas or topics. This is what the City of Toronto did for its T.O.Core study of their downtown. on Twitter Share Will the strategy consider increasing the study area to include other areas of interest and concern as determined by study data rather than the commercial areas that serve the BIA, the downtown residential neighbourhoods and forthcoming development applications? Hamilton has grown and so has the downtown, so it makes sense the strategy should include a larger study area that can be divided into smaller geographic areas as well as specific actionable areas or topics. This is what the City of Toronto did for its T.O.Core study of their downtown. on Linkedin Email Will the strategy consider increasing the study area to include other areas of interest and concern as determined by study data rather than the commercial areas that serve the BIA, the downtown residential neighbourhoods and forthcoming development applications? Hamilton has grown and so has the downtown, so it makes sense the strategy should include a larger study area that can be divided into smaller geographic areas as well as specific actionable areas or topics. This is what the City of Toronto did for its T.O.Core study of their downtown. link

    Will the strategy consider increasing the study area to include other areas of interest and concern as determined by study data rather than the commercial areas that serve the BIA, the downtown residential neighbourhoods and forthcoming development applications? Hamilton has grown and so has the downtown, so it makes sense the strategy should include a larger study area that can be divided into smaller geographic areas as well as specific actionable areas or topics. This is what the City of Toronto did for its T.O.Core study of their downtown.

    DwellGuy asked 5 months ago

    The study area is not static and has only been established as a reference area for what is generally considered Hamilton’s Downtown core.  Actions involving areas outside of the study area, but within the vicinity of the Downtown core, will be considered as part of the strategy where it’s believed the action will contribute positively to the revitalization of the Downtown core.

  • Share Can we please some secure bike parking. The one at city hall and in the market parkade aren’t available to those who visit downtown on the weekends. Also please it has to be easier for friends to get in and out of the city more transit please. When will the city start enforcing clean up of all the closed buildings that are run down and surrounded by garbage. on Facebook Share Can we please some secure bike parking. The one at city hall and in the market parkade aren’t available to those who visit downtown on the weekends. Also please it has to be easier for friends to get in and out of the city more transit please. When will the city start enforcing clean up of all the closed buildings that are run down and surrounded by garbage. on Twitter Share Can we please some secure bike parking. The one at city hall and in the market parkade aren’t available to those who visit downtown on the weekends. Also please it has to be easier for friends to get in and out of the city more transit please. When will the city start enforcing clean up of all the closed buildings that are run down and surrounded by garbage. on Linkedin Email Can we please some secure bike parking. The one at city hall and in the market parkade aren’t available to those who visit downtown on the weekends. Also please it has to be easier for friends to get in and out of the city more transit please. When will the city start enforcing clean up of all the closed buildings that are run down and surrounded by garbage. link

    Can we please some secure bike parking. The one at city hall and in the market parkade aren’t available to those who visit downtown on the weekends. Also please it has to be easier for friends to get in and out of the city more transit please. When will the city start enforcing clean up of all the closed buildings that are run down and surrounded by garbage.

    ElleHamilton asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for this suggestion.  The 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy will explore opportunities to further enhance bicycle parking and transit service in the Downtown in alignment with the City of Hamilton Transportation Master Plan.

    With respect to enforcing clean up of closed buildings, City of Hamilton staff are currently undertaking an inventory of at-risk buildings, reviewing enforcement processes and will make recommendations to update city policies and by-laws to enhance building safety and enforcement in response to a Council direction in November 2024 on this matter.

    For more information, please contact Municipal By-law Enforcement or the Building Division at mle@hamilton.ca or building@hamilton.ca

    For any urgent complaints regarding private property that is an immediate health and safety concern, please call 905-546-2782 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) or 905-546-2489 after regular business hours.

  • Share Is this anything more than 'engagement theatre' and waste? There is no point talking about anything related to downtown if downtown continues to rot from the disease of the mentally ill and addicted. No amount of effort will have any impact unless the ill and addicted are removed from downtown and kept safe and cared for in healthier environments, and downtown will not survive their presence. Any other effort amounts to rearranging furniture in a burning house. on Facebook Share Is this anything more than 'engagement theatre' and waste? There is no point talking about anything related to downtown if downtown continues to rot from the disease of the mentally ill and addicted. No amount of effort will have any impact unless the ill and addicted are removed from downtown and kept safe and cared for in healthier environments, and downtown will not survive their presence. Any other effort amounts to rearranging furniture in a burning house. on Twitter Share Is this anything more than 'engagement theatre' and waste? There is no point talking about anything related to downtown if downtown continues to rot from the disease of the mentally ill and addicted. No amount of effort will have any impact unless the ill and addicted are removed from downtown and kept safe and cared for in healthier environments, and downtown will not survive their presence. Any other effort amounts to rearranging furniture in a burning house. on Linkedin Email Is this anything more than 'engagement theatre' and waste? There is no point talking about anything related to downtown if downtown continues to rot from the disease of the mentally ill and addicted. No amount of effort will have any impact unless the ill and addicted are removed from downtown and kept safe and cared for in healthier environments, and downtown will not survive their presence. Any other effort amounts to rearranging furniture in a burning house. link

    Is this anything more than 'engagement theatre' and waste? There is no point talking about anything related to downtown if downtown continues to rot from the disease of the mentally ill and addicted. No amount of effort will have any impact unless the ill and addicted are removed from downtown and kept safe and cared for in healthier environments, and downtown will not survive their presence. Any other effort amounts to rearranging furniture in a burning house.

    stevepereira asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for the question and comment.   The 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy will seek to identify priority actions that respond to a number of important challenges facing Downtown based on feedback from the community, including community safety and well-being.  These actions will be informed by, and be in alignment with, existing City strategies including the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and the Housing & Homelessness Action Plan , among others, as well as community feedback received through our engagement on this project. I encourage you to participate in the engagement survey

  • Share Revitalization strategy??? Start to fix the roads with holes in it, Main Street west pavement from Dundurn street of the Bay street, Main street west from exit to 403/ Cline Ave S all the way to Leland St/ Cootes Dr. Driving there every day. on Facebook Share Revitalization strategy??? Start to fix the roads with holes in it, Main Street west pavement from Dundurn street of the Bay street, Main street west from exit to 403/ Cline Ave S all the way to Leland St/ Cootes Dr. Driving there every day. on Twitter Share Revitalization strategy??? Start to fix the roads with holes in it, Main Street west pavement from Dundurn street of the Bay street, Main street west from exit to 403/ Cline Ave S all the way to Leland St/ Cootes Dr. Driving there every day. on Linkedin Email Revitalization strategy??? Start to fix the roads with holes in it, Main Street west pavement from Dundurn street of the Bay street, Main street west from exit to 403/ Cline Ave S all the way to Leland St/ Cootes Dr. Driving there every day. link

    Revitalization strategy??? Start to fix the roads with holes in it, Main Street west pavement from Dundurn street of the Bay street, Main street west from exit to 403/ Cline Ave S all the way to Leland St/ Cootes Dr. Driving there every day.

    Jackson asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for your comment!  As part of the 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy, we will explore opportunities to improve the overall state, and priority, of infrastructure in the Downtown including on those routes/gateways most frequently used to move in and out of Downtown.

  • Share As a pilot that flies globally and lives in downtown Hamilton it would be nice if I could share some of the success I see in downtown cores elsewhere. King street and main needs a bike lane that spans it's entire length. Something has to be done about the vagrants and open drug use as well. Instead of encouraging car use, hurry up with the LRT and put strategic parking garages in areas along it's route. Making the city core more walkable (and safe) will encourage growth. The waterfront in Hamilton needs a massive revamp as well. Recreation center and zoning small business along the pier area and maintaining it's characteristic of good walking and biking would be paramount. More festivals and open street type events. Sport teams such as forge and ti cats can have a huge boost to the core as well if that sporting culture collaborated better with the core. on Facebook Share As a pilot that flies globally and lives in downtown Hamilton it would be nice if I could share some of the success I see in downtown cores elsewhere. King street and main needs a bike lane that spans it's entire length. Something has to be done about the vagrants and open drug use as well. Instead of encouraging car use, hurry up with the LRT and put strategic parking garages in areas along it's route. Making the city core more walkable (and safe) will encourage growth. The waterfront in Hamilton needs a massive revamp as well. Recreation center and zoning small business along the pier area and maintaining it's characteristic of good walking and biking would be paramount. More festivals and open street type events. Sport teams such as forge and ti cats can have a huge boost to the core as well if that sporting culture collaborated better with the core. on Twitter Share As a pilot that flies globally and lives in downtown Hamilton it would be nice if I could share some of the success I see in downtown cores elsewhere. King street and main needs a bike lane that spans it's entire length. Something has to be done about the vagrants and open drug use as well. Instead of encouraging car use, hurry up with the LRT and put strategic parking garages in areas along it's route. Making the city core more walkable (and safe) will encourage growth. The waterfront in Hamilton needs a massive revamp as well. Recreation center and zoning small business along the pier area and maintaining it's characteristic of good walking and biking would be paramount. More festivals and open street type events. Sport teams such as forge and ti cats can have a huge boost to the core as well if that sporting culture collaborated better with the core. on Linkedin Email As a pilot that flies globally and lives in downtown Hamilton it would be nice if I could share some of the success I see in downtown cores elsewhere. King street and main needs a bike lane that spans it's entire length. Something has to be done about the vagrants and open drug use as well. Instead of encouraging car use, hurry up with the LRT and put strategic parking garages in areas along it's route. Making the city core more walkable (and safe) will encourage growth. The waterfront in Hamilton needs a massive revamp as well. Recreation center and zoning small business along the pier area and maintaining it's characteristic of good walking and biking would be paramount. More festivals and open street type events. Sport teams such as forge and ti cats can have a huge boost to the core as well if that sporting culture collaborated better with the core. link

    As a pilot that flies globally and lives in downtown Hamilton it would be nice if I could share some of the success I see in downtown cores elsewhere. King street and main needs a bike lane that spans it's entire length. Something has to be done about the vagrants and open drug use as well. Instead of encouraging car use, hurry up with the LRT and put strategic parking garages in areas along it's route. Making the city core more walkable (and safe) will encourage growth. The waterfront in Hamilton needs a massive revamp as well. Recreation center and zoning small business along the pier area and maintaining it's characteristic of good walking and biking would be paramount. More festivals and open street type events. Sport teams such as forge and ti cats can have a huge boost to the core as well if that sporting culture collaborated better with the core.

    Hamilton Pilot asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for sharing your suggestions!

  • Share What will be done to the groups(homeless, junkies, etc) that interfere with small business thriving, hamiltonians enjoyment and safe passage in the downtown? This is the core issue and our current system is a black hole of money and misled idealism. on Facebook Share What will be done to the groups(homeless, junkies, etc) that interfere with small business thriving, hamiltonians enjoyment and safe passage in the downtown? This is the core issue and our current system is a black hole of money and misled idealism. on Twitter Share What will be done to the groups(homeless, junkies, etc) that interfere with small business thriving, hamiltonians enjoyment and safe passage in the downtown? This is the core issue and our current system is a black hole of money and misled idealism. on Linkedin Email What will be done to the groups(homeless, junkies, etc) that interfere with small business thriving, hamiltonians enjoyment and safe passage in the downtown? This is the core issue and our current system is a black hole of money and misled idealism. link

    What will be done to the groups(homeless, junkies, etc) that interfere with small business thriving, hamiltonians enjoyment and safe passage in the downtown? This is the core issue and our current system is a black hole of money and misled idealism.

    TSpiffed asked 7 months ago

    The 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy will seek to identify priority actions that respond to a number of important challenges facing Downtown based on feedback from the community, including community safety and well-being. These actions will be informed by, and be in alignment with, existing City strategies including the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and the Housing & Homelessness Action Plan, among others, as well as community feedback received through our engagement on this project. I would encourage you to participate in the engagement survey.

  • Share Is it true that the LRT is intending to remove ALL of the trees on King Street through downtown?!? on Facebook Share Is it true that the LRT is intending to remove ALL of the trees on King Street through downtown?!? on Twitter Share Is it true that the LRT is intending to remove ALL of the trees on King Street through downtown?!? on Linkedin Email Is it true that the LRT is intending to remove ALL of the trees on King Street through downtown?!? link

    Is it true that the LRT is intending to remove ALL of the trees on King Street through downtown?!?

    moretreesplease asked 7 months ago

    The Hamilton LRT project is being led by Metrolinx who is responsible for the project’s design and construction. Inquiries about the project can be directed to hamilton@metrolinx.com or by calling 905-521-1003. More information on the project can also be found at https://www.metrolinx.com/en/projects-and-programs/hamilton-lrt

    trees,lrt
    trees lrt
  • Share 1) re HAAA grounds; an east-west walkway along the north side of the track has been discussed. When will it happen? 2) LRT is a "nice to have". Road repair is beyond needed! Why not prioritize? on Facebook Share 1) re HAAA grounds; an east-west walkway along the north side of the track has been discussed. When will it happen? 2) LRT is a "nice to have". Road repair is beyond needed! Why not prioritize? on Twitter Share 1) re HAAA grounds; an east-west walkway along the north side of the track has been discussed. When will it happen? 2) LRT is a "nice to have". Road repair is beyond needed! Why not prioritize? on Linkedin Email 1) re HAAA grounds; an east-west walkway along the north side of the track has been discussed. When will it happen? 2) LRT is a "nice to have". Road repair is beyond needed! Why not prioritize? link

    1) re HAAA grounds; an east-west walkway along the north side of the track has been discussed. When will it happen? 2) LRT is a "nice to have". Road repair is beyond needed! Why not prioritize?

    Phil Farrauto asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for this suggestion. We will review this and other opportunities for additional pedestrian connections as part of the 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy. The Strategy will also be reviewing opportunities to improve the state of infrastructure in the Downtown. Thank you for this comment as well.

    The Hamilton LRT project is being led by Metrolinx who is responsible for the project’s design and construction. Inquiries about the project can be directed to hamilton@metrolinx.com or by calling 905-521-1003. More information on the project can also be found at https://www.metrolinx.com/en/projects-and-programs/hamilton-lrt 

    lrt
    lrt
Page last updated: 27 Nov 2025, 11:30 AM