SUMMIT VIEW 2008-2010 - tcarch.ca · identified by summit deletes. ... Market and Copps Coliseum more pedestrian friendly. ... A seasonal shuttle bus provides a car-free alternative

Making Hamilton Canada’s Top Midsize City

This report marks the third anniversary of the Hamilton Economic Summit, our city’s premier

leadership initiative hosted annually by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the

City of Hamilton and other partners. It features 100 stories of economic progress in our community from

2008 through 2010. These stories demonstrate actions taken to help address community priorities

identified by summit deletes. The actions — large and small efforts implemented by a range of

organizations from a variety of sectors — are grouped randomly under five areas of focus required to

drive our economy forward: Downtown Hamilton | Innovation | Image | Dynamism | Transportation.

Learn more at HamiltonEconomicSummit.ca or call 905-572-0363.

Downtown Hamilton

“The people who will save your downtown are the people who will make money saving your downtown.”

Glen Murray, Former CEO, Canadian Urban Institute

HES 2008

Convert historic buildings into modern mixed use facilities

Treble Hall: Historica Building Restoration headed by Jeff Feswick is revitalizing this 19th

century

jewel at the corner of John Street North and King Street. The $3 million investment will create retail

and commercial space at street level and a mix of studio and residential units on the upper floors — a proven

formula to accelerate downtown living and new business start-ups.

Dominion Furniture Building: Three local business people — Tim Potocic, Bill Curran and Doug

McKerlie — are transforming this 24,000 square foot structure into a modern facility featuring

design studios, offices and an outdoor dining patio facing the historic Tivoli Theatre. This $4 million makeover

is among a growing list of private sector investments contributing to the renaissance of James Street North and

surrounding neighbourhoods.

One Hunter Street: Hamilton realtor and property manager David Blanchard and team invested

more than $2.5 million to restore this low rise modernist building dating from the 1950s. This once

abandoned building, meters from the Hamilton GO Centre, is now occupied by knowledge-based firms offering

local employment to young professionals.

Note: This working document is meant to be a conversation starter rather than a complete accounting of all the economic activity

happening in Hamilton. Our apologies for any errors and omissions. Please call 905-572-0363 to suggest amendments.

Revised March 23, 2011

SUMMIT VIEW 2008-2010

100 Stories of Economic Progress in Hamilton

1

2

3

Page 2

Lister Block: Hi-Rise Group, in partnership with Labourers‟ International Union of North

America and others, executed a painstaking $25 million rehabilitation of this Classic Renaissance-

style building at the corner of James Street North and King William Street. The six floor structure — once the

site of Canada‟s first indoor shopping centre — is expected to help kick start the preservation and restoration of

neighbouring properties.

Other Recent Examples

Atrium Building at McMaster Innovation Park — this former Westinghouse building is now a mixed use

facility offering innovators space to co-locate, connect and commercialize ideas

Ivor Wynne Stadium — our city‟s iconic sports facility, and home for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, is being

rehabilitated as a premier site for the 2015 Pan Am Games

Create more walkable neighbourhoods

York Boulevard Redesign: The recent conversion to two way road traffic, combined with

streetscape improvements, is making the area around Hamilton Public Library, Hamilton Farmers‟

Market and Copps Coliseum more pedestrian friendly. This project is representative of several new downtown

initiatives that are slowing traffic and enhancing opportunities to explore neighbourhoods and shopping districts

by foot — a trend on the rise in urban centres worldwide.

Waterfront Shuttle: A seasonal shuttle bus provides a car-free alternative to people traveling

between downtown and the waterfront. The waterfront district and surrounding neighourhoods offer

a growing network of trails leading to new commercial and recreational destinations, including the recently-

opened outdoor skating rink at Pier 8.

Active Transportation: Smart Commute Hamilton continues to make a difference to our quality of

life by promoting active transportation (walking, cycling, blading, etc.) downtown. Recent examples

include, secure bike lock-ups, dedicated walkways, and online cycling and walking maps. The growth of Open

Streets Hamilton — an award-winning, festival-style event — helps validate the increased market demand for

walkable neighbourhoods.

Gore Park Make Over: Plans are moving forward to transform the Gore Park area in our central

downtown into a pedestrian friendly spot offering a mix of cultural and commercial experiences.

This progressive development has been made possible by the removal of eight bus stops along the south leg of

King Street East and the collective efforts of local shop owners and city staff to animate public spaces.

National Recognition: Three neighbourhood streets — Ferguson, Locke and James Street North —

are frontrunners in the Great Places in Canada contest organized by the Canadian Institute of

Planners, an organization representing more than 7,000 planning professionals in Canada. The general public is

invited to vote online for their favourite places. This high profile initiative is boosting our city‟s signal on the

national radar.

4

5

6

7

8

9

Page 3


James Street North — more sidewalk eateries and public art are helping to create a unique urban experience

International Village — ongoing streetscape and property improvements invite more people downtown

Commercialize local arts and culture

Hamilton Artists Inc.: This organization‟s capacity to serve local artists will increase with the

opening of its new gallery and members‟ space at the corner of Cannon Street and James Street

North. The artist-run centre, scheduled for completion in 2011, will provide a modern incubator for new ideas

and a meeting place for Hamilton‟s diverse arts community. Its location is expected to help further stimulate

business development and elevate property values along James Street North, Hamilton‟s creative corridor.

The Pearl Company: Gary Santucci and Barbara Milne continue to nurture this unique arts and

performance facility in the heart of the Landsdale neighbourhood in downtown Hamilton. Recent

structural upgrades, programming enhancements and community outreach have bolstered the facility as a

catalyst for local economic development. The facility‟s Arts Bus links buyers to sellers of locally-produced art.

World Film Festival: The Art Gallery of Hamilton organizes this annual showcase featuring the

best in innovative international cinema. The festival generates significant economic lift throughout

downtown Hamilton while introducing thousands of people — including many out of town visitors — to our

inner city. In 2010, the festival grew to ten days and attracted more regional media attention.

James Street North Art Crawl: On the second Friday night of every month, thousands of people

from all walks of life converge on James Street North to experience the area‟s galleries, shops,

studios and eateries. This happening — which The National Post listed as one of the top 100 things to do in

Canada in Fall 2010 — is helping to create a viable marketplace for buying and selling art in Hamilton.


This Ain’t Hollywood — an historic tavern on James Street North has been revived as a proud north end rock

and roll bar featuring local talent

Lincoln Alexander Center — hotelier Oscar Kichi has transformed an abandoned movie house into a leading

venue for live performances

Hamilton24 Festival — an elegant idea has been expanded to include competitions in fashion, dance, music

and design

Increase residential density downtown

Terraces on King: Local developer Rudi Spallacci took the lead in building this new multi-storey

housing project in the heart of the International Village business improvement area. A derelict

building was demolished to accommodate a modern structure that complements the surrounding Victorian-style

architecture and provides an affordable downtown address for more than 300 people. The building‟s street level

businesses add to the project‟s economic value.

10

11

12

13

14

Page 4

FilmWork Lofts: Developer Jamil Kara created a magnet for young professionals by bringing to

market this trendy condo project at the corner of King William and Catharine streets. The former

Hamilton Spectator printing plant now houses 50 condo units that sold from $99,000 to $339,000. The property

has kick-started a range of new developments within an emerging entertainment district anchored by the

Dofasco Centre for the Arts.

Hamilton Grand: Well-known developer and innovator Harry Stinson continues to implement a

novel development at the corner of Main Street East and John Street South. When complete, the

$30 million, midrise building will feature premium hotel suites, professional office condos, residential

apartments and luxury condos. This multi-purpose design promises to generate economic returns on multiple

fronts — from tourism, to business creation, to re-populating downtown.

Witton Lofts: A decommissioned, castle-like school on Murray Street West (steps from the James

Street North arts corridor), is being converted into luxury condos by Core Urban Inc. This trend

setting development is bringing a new wave of residents — including many empty nesters — into an historic

part of our city that is poised for future growth.

Other Recent Example

Apartments on St. Joseph’s Drive — a vacant property near St. Joseph‟s Hospital will sprout a multi-storey

apartment project now in development by the Molinaro Group

Attract new businesses to the downtown

FirstOntario: This rapidly growing credit union, headquartered in Hamilton, is set to open a

signature branch at the corner of King Street East and James Street South. It demonstrates

FirstOntario‟s long term commitment to actively support downtown renewal. This development brings more

professional workers to the core while offering downtown businesses a new source for credit and

financial advice.

21 King Street West: Recent upgrades to this 17 storey commercial tower have increased the

inventory of quality office space available downtown. Such investments enable Hamilton to

compete at the regional and national levels for firms that offer well-paying jobs in professional fields such as

finance, insurance and real estate.

BizClip: This digital media company produces online marketing videos for businesses and

organizations worldwide. It‟s part of a local creative industries sector rooted in downtown

Hamilton yet linked to a global network of clients. Watch for this sector to grow as more young professionals

and entrepreneurs populate downtown.

Studios at Hotel Hamilton: This new facility, located in a recently converted boarding house

on James Street North, acts as a magnet for small business (particularly in the creative sector)

wishing to gain a foothold in our economy. Over time, and with growth, these firms may decide to move to

larger premises, thus freeing up affordable space for the next generation of start ups — and so a dynamic cycle

of business renewal continues.

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Page 5

National Academy of Health and Business: This career college opened a campus in downtown

Hamilton in late 2010. The college occupies the second floor of 31 King Street East, the location of

the former F.W. Woolworth "five and dime" that carried everything from “toilet paper to cream pies to

parakeets,” according to an article in The Hamilton Spectator.


International Cuisine — the steady growth in one-of-a-kind eateries has matched an increase in people living

and working downtown

Education — Collège Boréal and other education providers are bringing more students, faculty and vibrancy to

the core

Connect downtown to the waterfront

Setting Sail: Appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board have stalled the implementation of

Setting Sail, Hamilton‟s West Harbour Secondary Plan. The OMB has announced that hearings will

begin in June 2011. An ideal outcome of the process would be the development of mixed use properties that

bring more people, commerce and culture to this underutilized area of our city.

Building Momentum: This 2010 study, authored by the Canadian Urban Institute, identifies a

short list of potential local infrastructure projects selected on the basis of providing a significant

return on investment. Several of the proposed projects would help strengthen economic and quality of life ties

between our downtown and waterfront. Study recommendations are now informing local decision making.

Waterfront Development Corporation: A long awaited proposal to establish a Hamilton

Waterfront Development Corporation is now before city council. The proposed city-owned

corporation would spearhead a wave of mixed use development driven through various funding models,

including public-private sector partnerships.

Our City, Our Future: This grassroots campaign engaged a large following of groups and

individuals in support of locating Hamilton‟s 2015 Pan Am Games stadium in our city‟s West

Harbour area. The campaign included a highly emotive video that communicates the natural affinity between a

vibrant downtown and a bustling waterfront community. This video is ready-made for future efforts to connect

these two underutilized community assets. Note: City Council eventually decided to renovate Ivor Wynne

Stadium rather than build a new facility.

23

24

25

26

22

Page 6

Innovation

“If we’re going to grow and prosper, we have to get into research, science and innovation based enterprises.”

Dr. Doug Barber, Distinguished Professor in Residence, McMaster University

HES 2009

Recruit among the best innovators in the world

Professor Ali Emadi, a leading U.S. developer of electric powertrain technology, has been

appointed Canada Excellence Research Chair in Hybrid Powertrain and will relocate to McMaster

University. The appointment will see the construction of a new hybrid vehicle research facility at McMaster

Innovation Park. Professor Emadi‟s appointment adds to the expertise being assembled at McMaster for

developing the next generation of lightweight, energy-efficient vehicles.

Dr. Zafar Adeel is the Director of the International Network on Water, Environment and Health.

INWEH is the United Nations think tank focused on global water issues. It took up residence at

McMaster Innovation Park in 2008 and remains the only UN agency headquartered in Ontario. Dr. Adeel has

more than 16 years of experience in international environmental issues, including having led a team of experts

that produced a report on global desertification as part of the landmark Millennium Ecosystem Assessment.

Dr. Jennifer Jackman is the Director-General, CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory. This

facility, which moved from Ottawa to Hamilton in 2010, is Canada‟s principal federal R&D

laboratory for structural metals research. Dr. Jackman is very active in the development of automotive materials

research in Canada and will play a key role in assisting local area manufacturers.

The Hamilton Health Sciences Sector continues to recruit star researchers who in turn boost our

city‟s ability to attract other top talent — an example of like attracting like.


Royal Botanical Gardens — continues to welcome top flight scientists to conduct onsite research

Support West Hamilton Innovation District

Government Support: The City of Hamilton set the stage for the 100-plus acre West Hamilton

Innovation District and offers ongoing support by acquiring additional lands, installing services and

enforcing zoning bylaws. Senior levels of government continue to demonstrate support through funding

projects, personnel and new construction. An example is the 50,000 square foot McMaster Automotive

Research Centre now in development.

Business Support: A growing number of leading firms, including General Motors, IBM and

ArcelorMittal Dofasco, are investing in research that will solidify the reputation of the West

Hamilton Innovation District and accelerate future growth. A tender has been issued inviting proposals from

the private sector to build a hotel on district lands.

27

28

29

30

31

32

Page 7

Community Support: Surveys commissioned by McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) show that

Hamiltonians on whole are very supportive of the West Hamilton Innovation District as a valuable

community asset and job creator. As of early 2011, more than 500 people are employed in the district.

Community support is also reflected in the growing number of events and activities taking place in the Atrium

Building at MIP.

Targeted Recruitment: Personnel from McMaster Innovation Park, the City and other

organizations have recently teamed up to recruit businesses to Hamilton — particularly those that

match our community‟s growing strengths in fields such as next generation transportation, clean technologies

and water.

Strategic Tenancy: Three leading research centres have recently set up shop in the Atrium

Building at McMaster Innovation Park. This helps to strengthen the concentration of knowledge

intensive organizations operating in the building and within the broader West Hamilton Innovation District.


Innovation Nights at MIP — budding inventors continue to present their latest ideas to the broader community

Innovation Factory — Ron Neumann and his IF team have set up at McMaster Innovation Park and are

helping innovators bring their ideas to market

Commercialize local research

Digit Dash: Seeded at McMaster University, this revolutionary display panel can be reconfigured

in countless ways. The same knobs, buttons and sliders, for example, can control the car stereo one

minute, the satellite navigation system the next. Digital Dash is well suited for motor vehicles, medical devices

and digital media — wherever there is a human-technology interface.

ProSensus Inc.: A specialized company that applies locally developed sensing technologies to help

businesses worldwide analyze and act on data to ensure product quality and control. Customers

include Fortune 500 firms in food, pharmaceutical, energy, and other sectors. ProSensus is headquartered at

McMaster Innovation Park and employs more than a dozen engineers.

VitaSound Audio Inc. This company develops and markets hardware and software technologies to

improve the performance and safety of ear-worn devices for communication, entertainment, hearing

protection, and hearing improvement. VitaSound introduced the world‟s first neural-based hearing aids that

apply decades of brain research from McMaster University.

Centre for Surgical Invention and Innovation: This centre is a partnership between McMaster

University, space robotics giant MDA Corporation, and the federal government. It is devoted to

commercializing the next generation of medical robots used in minimally invasive surgery, image guided

surgery, and other applications. This high tech enterprise, located at St. Joseph‟s Hospital in downtown

Hamilton and led by Dr. Mehran Anvari, is generating international recognition while helping to diversify our

local economy.

33

34

36

37

38

39

35

Page 8


PreINC — a new support program encourages the formation of start-ups based on discoveries and inventions

from McMaster University, Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph‟s Healthcare

ProFitHR — a research-tested interview system helps organizations worldwide make better selection decisions

Bay Area Health Trust — this entrepreneurial organization continues to bring business solutions to healthcare

systems locally and beyond

Increase educational capacity

Innovation at Mohawk College: Under the leadership of President Rob MacIsaac, Mohawk

College continues to progress as a champion of innovation. Ted Scott became the college‟s first

Chief Innovation Officer in 2009 and is helping make Hamilton a future-ready community. Emphasis is being

placed on accelerating entrepreneurship — the cornerstone of Hamilton‟s new economy. The college‟s high

octane business faculty and dynamic Learning Exchange are fueling growth.

Community-Based Research: McMaster University, through the Faculty of Health Sciences, runs

a unique program designed to facilitate undergraduate civic engagement. Since its start up in 2008,

the program has introduced dozens of students to our community through participation in hands on projects

focused on significant economic and social opportunities and challenges.

Redeemer University College: Work is underway on $5.3 million world class soccer complex that

will serve students and the broader community.

Downtown Renewal Strategy: The City‟s Economic Development Department is pushing hard to

increase the presence of postsecondary education and training facilities operating in downtown

Hamilton — a strategy that is creating new uses for older buildings while improving residents‟ access to

lifelong learning. Additional numbers of students in our city‟s core is generating valuable economic spin offs.

Experiential Learning: The Industry-Education Council of Hamilton has made considerable

progress in recent years expanding the depth and breadth of experiential learning opportunities for

local high school students — particularly through the specialist high skills majors program that enables students

to gain course credits while gaining practical experience through workplace learning.


The Cossart Exchange — a mixed use learning facility in downtown Hamilton is dialing up new ideas and

knowledge essential to economic growth in the creative age

Pathways to Education — a community based program helps at-risk youth in north Hamilton stay in school,

graduate and advance to postsecondary education

40

41

42

43

44

Page 9

Do things differently

Jobs Prosperity Collaborative: The JPC has brought together under one umbrella a number of

local agencies active in fields such as literacy and workforce adjustment. This new approach

provides a more cost effective and efficient way of designing and delivering programs that benefit individuals

and increase our city‟s overall productivity.

Hamilton Calling: This new program has improved communication between local companies and

the City of Hamilton. It brings employers and city staff together on a face to face basis to

continuously strengthen Hamilton‟s business climate. The program is streamlining approvals while gathering

firm level information needed to respond to changes in Hamilton‟s economy. Hamilton Calling also links

companies to new business opportunities at home and abroad.

Central Library: Fresh design thinking has created a new dynamic between Hamilton‟s Central

Library and our community at large. A recent $16 million makeover provides a more welcoming

interface with the street and two way access to a revitalized Hamilton Farmers‟ Market. In keeping with our

citizens‟ modern lifestyle, the design blurs the lines between work, rest and play.

Place-Based Development: The City Manager‟s Office has created the position of

Director of Neighbourhood Development Strategies to help accelerate economic, social and

environmental improvement at the local level. This place-based approach recognizes the capacity of people

living in neighbourhoods to capitalize on local economic opportunities. This positive step forward puts into

practice the theory of community engagement.

Hyper Local News: The Hamilton Spectator continues to evolve in step with technological and

social change. Examples include the growing use of social media, video and collaborative content

creation via thespec.com. Equally important, the paper has become hyper local and proactively engaged in key

issues that define our community, such as the geography of wealth and poverty in Hamilton and its impact on

quality of life — i.e., the award-winning Code Red series.


Hamilton Community Energy — excess steam from a downtown electrical power plant now offers local

businesses a low cost energy solution

Discovery Centre — a former Parks Canada museum on Hamilton‟s waterfront is being reimagined as a new

public attraction

45

46

47

48

49

Page 10

Image “It’s not just about improving our image — it’s also about telling our story.”

Mark Chamberlain, Chair, Jobs Prosperity Collaborative

HES 2008

Execute strategic marketing

Tourism Hamilton: This public-private sector partnership continues to find new and effective

ways to attract people and investment to Hamilton. A recent example is the emphasis given to one

of Hamilton‟s most distinctive assets — a large homegrown music scene anchored by leading festivals. This

provides the local foundation needed to attract premier properties such as the Canadian Country Music Awards

and Junos — opportunities to promote Hamilton to an international audience.

Stinson Realty: Developer Harry Stinson and his team are using a range of techniques to market

Hamilton to prospective condo purchasers, particularly those from the Greater Toronto Area. The

messages, delivered through online video shorts, computer animation, custom photography and text, present

Hamilton‟s community assets in ways that resonate well with home seekers looking for a complete urban

experience.The content is authentic and delivered with passion.

Think TV with Dr. Nick Bontis: The Hamilton Economic Summit launched a pilot television

series in 2011 focused on increasing public awareness and understanding of the forces — local,

regional and global — shaping Hamilton‟s evolving economy. The series is hosted by Dr. Nick Bontis, an

award-winning professor with the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University and implemented in

cooperation with locally-based Tweedle Productions Inc.

Hamilton Day at Queen’s Park: In November 2010, a large and diverse group of local community

leaders travelled to Queen‟s Park in Toronto to meet with government officials, including Premier

Dalton McGuinty and members of the Provincial Cabinet and Ministry Staff. This upbeat and informal event,

organized by Minister Sophia Aggelonitis and MPP Ted McMeekin in partnership with the Hamilton Chamber

of Commerce, helped strengthen Hamilton‟s voice at important decision-making tables beyond our community.

Sector Specific Outreach: Staff members with the City‟s Downtown and Community Renewal

Division are being intentional in targeting specific industry clusters to occupy vacant office space in

our central business district — this includes a focus on attracting the head offices of leading NGOs. A key value

proposition is Hamilton‟s lifestyle advantages and ready access to a growing regional economy.


Proud Hamilton Campaign — a recent grassroots effort led by the Jobs Prosperity Collaborative used social

media to celebrate community assets

City of Waterfalls — entrepreneur Chris Ecklund is now illuminating local waterfalls for night tours

Realtor Tours — a large group of realtors from outside our city took a bus tour of our community thanks to

economic development staff (Fall 2010)

Cruise Destination — Hamilton is a new port of call for the Great Lakes tour ship MV Grand Mariner

50

51

53

54

52

Page 11

Improve community aesthetics

Love Your City: City staff is working at the grassroots level on a culture plan that will aid

economic growth. This effort will help preserve distinctive arts and heritage assets across our city

while placing aesthetics at the forefront of future development. Attractive places bring out the best in people.

Hence the current push to make culture a cornerstone of municipal policy setting and decision making.

Downtown Sheraton Upgrade: Ongoing renovations are restoring the shine to one of Hamilton‟s

premier hotels and convention facilities. This $10 million upgrade, occurring under owner Darko

Vranich, ensures a quality experience for visitors to our city and sets the bar high for new projects in Hamilton.

Tim Hortons Team Up to Clean Up Week: More than 17,000 people across Hamilton removed

litter and graffiti from local neighbourhoods during Earth Week 2010. This initiative is part of a

larger community enabled effort that recognizes the direct link between municipal beautification and business

development. The war on graffiti is also making a difference citywide.

Uptake on Incentive Programs: Increasing numbers of local property owners are taking

advantage of financial incentives (grants, loans and tax credits) offered by the city to encourage

aesthetic improvements to buildings and entranceways — e.g., façade upgrades, conservation and preservation

of heritage features, leasehold improvements, etc.


Community Clean Trailer — moves from park to park providing neighbourhood volunteers with tools to

collect litter, remove graffiti and beautify gardens

Corporate Involvement — ArcelorMittal Dofasco and others continue efforts to make our industrial areas

clean and green

Address environmental issues

Brownfield Remediation: Hamilton Health Sciences dramatically increased its facilities footprint

in our lower city by acquiring and rehabilitating four brownfield properties adjacent to the Hamilton

General Hospital. This large scale development project transformed derelict former industrial lands to

productive re-use in support of Hamilton‟s growing health sciences sector. This nationally recognized project,

executed in partnership with the City of Hamilton, provides a tested formula for tackling other clean up

challenges in our city.

Water: The Bay Area Restoration Council views clean water as an essential ingredient in

Hamilton‟s overall recipe for economic regeneration. The council and its partners are making

headway on three fronts: remediating the Hamilton Harbour watershed, upgrading the Woodward Wastewater

Treatment Plant, and capping toxic sediment at Randle Reef. Together these actions are contributing to quality

of place, a key success factor in attracting talent and investment.

55

56

57

58

59

60

Page 12

Green Jobs: Environment Hamilton continues to push forward with Greening Our Local Economy

(GOLE), an effort launched in 2009 to advance green economic development in Hamilton. This

initiative is a practical response to global climate change and is acting on opportunities to create „green collar

jobs‟ in fields such as renewable energy, next generation public transit, and local food production. GOLE has

created common ground for manufacturers and environmentalists to collaborate on sustainability.

Energy: The Conservation and Demand Management Team at Horizon Utilities continues to

work with local businesses (large and small) to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint.

More businesses are taking advantage of retrofit programs for existing facilities and consulting services for the

design, construction and maintenance of new buildings.


Regeneration Institute for the Great Lakes is set to open a storefront operation in downtown Hamilton to

promote neighbourhood regeneration from the ground up

Address issues of public safety

ACTION Team: Hamilton Police Services is now deploying additional foot patrols to targeted

areas of the city resulting in heightened public safety and security. This highly visible strategy has

been effective in reducing crime and the perception of crime. From May through December 2010, the team

made 700 arrests, laid 1,000 charges and seized more than $400,000 in illegal drugs. Reports of muggings in

ACTION targeted areas are down 27% and shootings, robberies and other life-threatening crimes are at their

lowest in nearly five years.

Mounted Patrol Unit: A recently introduced five officer mounted police unit is adding to the

safety of our downtown. The unit is providing crowd management in high traffic areas such as Hess

Village and the waterfront.

Gang Prevention Strategy: Living Rock Ministries, a Christian-based outreach organization

operating in downtown Hamilton, is delivering an initiative that helps deter local street-involved

youth age 13-25 from engaging in gangs. This is accomplished through a mix of proactive wrap around

programs focused on belonging, experiential learning and role playing, and access to employment. The strategy

is funded by the federal government and implemented in partnership with Hamilton Police Services and others.

Anti-Bullying: Efforts continue across Hamilton to take a proactive stand against bullying. A key

strategy involves working collaboratively with schools and youth-serving agencies to execute early

interventions. In 2011, Constable Perry Mason with Hamilton Police Services was recognized provincially for

his work in addressing youth bullying in our community — a tangible step in creating a safer city.

61

62

63

64

65

66

Page 13

Demonstrate Hamilton’s strengths as a business friendly city

Business Park Strategy: Hamilton remains committed to offering a range of business and

industrial parks (greenfield and brownfield) to address the need for employment lands. A

significant proportion of the lands available at Hamilton‟s nine parks have been sold or leased to employers.

The Ancaster Business Park is completely sold out.

More Hotel Rooms: Carmen‟s Banquet Centre is currently building a 52-suite hotel on the East

Mountain near the junction of the Red Hill Valley Parkway and Lincoln Alexander Parkway. When

fully operational in 2012, the hotel will support the growing number of companies setting up at the Red Hill

Industrial Park as well as convention goers from out of town.

External Recognition: Hamilton was recently ranked in the top five best places to invest in

Canada by U.S. based Site Selection Magazine and the top two places to invest in Ontario over the

next five years (2009-2015) by Real Estate Investment Network. In 2009, FDI Magazine (a publication of the

world-famous Financial Times) ranked Hamilton as the third top large city in North America for quality of life.

Welcoming Newcomers: Cities that grow and prosper in a global economy are successful in

welcoming and supporting newcomers — including internationally-trained professionals. Diversity

Works, an initiative of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, continues to help local employers meet their

staffing needs by providing tools to attract and retain global talent. By 2013, new Canadians will account for all

labour force growth in our country.

Customer Focused Approach: The City of Hamilton moved quickly and creatively to land the

largest commercial bakery in North America. Canada Bread‟s new 388,000 square foot facility now

under construction in the Red Hill Industrial Park is the result of the city playing an active role in site

preparation and upgrades — a front end investment that will generate long term returns in the form of more jobs

and business tax revenue.

Strengthening Hamilton’s Business Culture: The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce recently

teamed up with other leading business organizations — including the Hamilton-Halton Home

Builders‟ Association and the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington — to strengthen Hamilton‟s

business culture — a key success factor in attracting additional inward investment and increasing job creation in

the private sector.


Advisory Committee: Community leaders assembled by the Jobs Prosperity Collaborative now provide

economic advice to Hamilton City Council

Ambassadors Program — 200 plus community leaders are registered as volunteer ambassadors tasked with

promoting Hamilton to prospective businesses

67

68

69

70

71

72

Page 14

Dynamism

“Hamilton is dominated by older, established firms — you don’t have a history of being full of new enterprises.

You need this attribute as part of your culture … you need to figure out why this isn’t happening.”

James Gollub, Senior VP, ICF International

HES 2008

Improve access to money

Golden Horseshoe Venture Forum: President Dr. Laurence Hewick, himself a serial entrepreneur,

sees the forum‟s role in commercializing new ventures as increasingly important to Hamilton.

Success in recent years is being measured by the quality of the firms and management teams seeking funds

through a growing network of demanding investors. Rising standards suggest that Hamilton‟s entrepreneurial

community is maturing and becoming more sophisticated — two characteristics that bode well for larger scale

investments down the road.

Hamilton Community Investment Fund: The Hamilton Community Foundation is directing $5

million of its assets to a fund that will invest in local projects that generate social impact as well as

financial return. It provides an alternative to investing in financial markets and ensures that more of the

foundation‟s assets are put to work in Hamilton.

Canadian Youth Business Foundation: This national organization provides pre-launch coaching,

business resources, start-up financing and mentoring for young entrepreneurs aged 18-34 to help

start a business. Since 2008, the foundation, working in partnership with the Hamilton Small Business

Enterprise Centre, has contributed more than $1 million to local start up firms.

Mirco-Lending for Female Entrepreneurs: The St. Joseph‟s Immigrant Women‟s Centre of

Hamilton is in the process of developing a micro-lending program to help women access loans for

small business. This project is a partnership with the Hamilton Social Enterprise Network. In Canada, the

number of women entrepreneurs increased 208% from 1981 to 2001 compared with a 38% increase for men.


Trivaris Ltd. — this local commercialization firm continues to grow its capacity to finance ideas with market

potential

Innovation Showcase — an annual event that helps McMaster innovators find solutions to funding the

commercialization of research and discovery

Reduce barriers to business

BizPaL: Since 2009, local business people have benefited from BizPaL, an online service that

saves time by providing fast and easy access to information on permits and licenses required by all

three levels of government. The site helps cut through the paperwork burden and red tape that small business

owners frequently encounter.

73

74

75

76

77

Page 15

Supportive Planning Process: Members of the Jobs Prosperity Collaborative worked with City

staff to strengthen their relationship with the development community leading to the creation of a

so-called one window application process.

Comprehensive Zoning By-Laws: This recent accomplishment updates and consolidates the city‟s

by-laws into one document that is user-friendly, consistent and less regulatory. Several significant

changes are intended to promote rapid economic development. Two examples include more flexibility to

encourage innovative land uses driven by market demand, and provisions that allow artist studios in a wider

range of zones.

Environmental Approvals: Government agencies at all levels are introducing new ways to

streamline environmental approvals, an important step in accelerating desirable development.


Tax Rates: The City of Hamilton, under the Business Tax Reduction Plan (BTR), has made strides to reduce

the amount of taxes levied on business properties. Under the BTR initiative, tax cuts, combined with re-

assessment and legislated tax levy restrictions, have resulted in a 40% reduction in industrial tax rates and 36%

reduction in commercial tax rates over the past five years.

Support young professionals and entrepreneurs

Hamilton Hive: This new local network organization is helping Hamilton attract and retain young

professionals and entrepreneurs needed to drive the next era of wealth creation. A key strategy is to

provide learning and growth opportunities for new and emerging business and community leaders.

Xerox Centre for Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Enrolment in this unique

graduate program at McMaster University continues to grow in parallel with demand for next

generation talent with the skills and attitudes necessary to bring new ideas to market.

Mohawk Learning Exchange: This newly opened space is purpose-built to ignite a spirit of

entrepreneurship in Hamilton. Formal and informal community programming will ensure a steady

flow of people, ideas and business deals — fuel needed to energize local young professionals and entrepreneurs.

DeGroote School of Business: In 2009, Dr. Benson Honig was appointed to the Teresa Cascioli

Chair in Entrepreneurial Leadership at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University.

This new position is aiding a community-wide push to welcome, support and reward entrepreneurs, the lead

drivers of growth in the 21st century economy.

City of Entrepreneurs: In 2009, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce introduced a campaign to

position and promote Hamilton as a City of Entrepreneurs — an effort to help generate broader

understanding of Hamilton as a centre for small and medium size businesses.

78

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

Page 16


Women Entrepreneurship — a new professional development series now serves a growing number of female

entrepreneurs in Hamilton

Small Business Enterprise Centre — now operates as part of the one-stop shop for business services at

Hamilton City Hall

Page 17

Transportation

“The goal is all day, two way GO train service between Hamilton and the rest of the GTHA … we believe that is

the critical ingredient to allow Hamilton to realize its full potential.”

Rob Prichard, Chair, Metrolinx

HES 2010

Improve regional mobility

Commuter Rail Service: Extensive planning is nearly complete to introduce all day, two way GO

train service from Centennial Parkway in east Hamilton to Union Station in Toronto. A downtown

Hamilton station would be located near James Street North. This is all part of a proposal to extend commuter

rail service to Niagara.

Highway Improvement: Considerable investments, including HOV lanes, have helped decrease

commute times between Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area. Complementary investments

have reduced congestion along the Quebec-Ontario corridor (which includes Hamilton) and made shipping to

and from our NAFTA partners more efficient.

Short Sea Shipping (Sea3): This is a new revolutionary container feeder service between Hamilton

and Montreal. It provides a cost effective, greener and more socially responsible way to move

containerized goods between the Golden Horseshoe and Lake Erie Region through the St. Lawrence Seaway to

points worldwide.

Global Reach for Local Firms: More than 50% of Trade Port International‟s business is now

global (up from approximately ten percent in 2006). This has led the firm to establish an office in

Hong Kong — a sign of Hamilton‟s growing connections on the world stage. Trade Port International is a

freight forwarder headquartered at the Port of Hamilton.


401-403 Connection — Hwy 6 North now operates as a four lane route to aid cost efficient regional goods

movement

Make Hamilton a gateway city

TransHub Ontario: Local leaders from the transportation sector have launched a non-profit

organization to help drive the development of Southern Ontario as an environmentally sustainable

goods movement gateway to the world. TransHub Ontario will promote collaboration and consensus building,

and execute cooperative marketing. Hamilton is positioned as an anchor community.

86

87

88

89

90

Page 18

Airport Employment Growth District (AEGD): Following years of public consultation,

Hamilton City Council approved zoning that will allow the development of a major new

employment district surrounding Hamilton International Airport. Over time the district is expected to become a

significant contributor to attracting firms and creating jobs. AEGD is an essential step in moving Hamilton

forward as a gateway city.

Intermodal Capabilities: New projects are underway in Hamilton to build interconnections

between various modes of transportation, including air, water, road and rail. This has improved

intermodal capabilities at two key facilities — our airport and marine port — and attracted additional

transportation reliant firms to Hamilton.

Best Practices: Local leaders acting on Hamilton‟s intermodal potential are learning from well-

established gateway cities around the world, including Kansas City SmartPort. This is helping to

accelerate local developments while building global alliances.


Business Park Expansions — new transportation focused employment lands are opening up across Hamilton

and attracting production facilities such as Tim Hortons and Canada Bread

Business Relocations — our marine port‟s enhanced intermodal capabilities are attracting new tenants

including McAsphalt Industries and Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd.

Improve mobility within Hamilton

Rapid Transit Hamilton: Hamilton continues to move forward with a city-wide rapid transit

system known as B-L-A-S-T. This system has five corridors that will be built out over the next 25

years and vastly improve transit connections between our downtown and surrounding communities. This system

is designed to accommodate considerable population growth and address the need for more residential

intensification downtown.

Light Rail Transit: Hamilton is committed to building a light rail transit line between McMaster

University and Eastgate Square (B-Line). LRT along this high traffic corridor will help move

people more efficiently while generating multiple benefits, including increased transit enabled business and

residential development. Efforts are now focused on approaching senior levels of government to fully fund the

capital cost requirements for the B-Line LRT.

Walkability: Growing public interest in promoting a more walkable Hamilton is having an impact

on transportation planning and implementation. Examples include, better collaboration among city

departments, action on “walkability failures” identified by street level audits, and improved connectivity

between trails.


MacNab Transit Terminal — welcomes riders to modern facilities and takes buses away from Gore Park

91

92

93

94

95

96

Page 19

Downtown Capital Budget Plan — brings considerable improvements to the appearance and functionality of

downtown streets

Environmental Impacts — increased public transit use is lowering energy use and reducing carbon emissions

Pursue transportation related research

McMaster Institute for Transportation and Logistics: MITL was formed in 2007 to

strengthen cooperation among transportation stakeholders and to advance research connected to

making Hamilton a gateway city serving domestic and global markets. The institute has produced a number of

studies to support a systems approach to regional transportation planning and implementation. MITL is gaining

an international reputation as a leader in sustainable transportation strategies.

Translog Conference: MITL now hosts an annual transportation conference that brings delegates

from around the world to Hamilton to share research and best practices. This conference is part and

parcel of efforts to promote Hamilton as a centre for excellence in transportation.

Real Estate Investment Network: Don Campbell, and his team at Calgary-based REIN, produced

a 2010 report titled the Hamilton Transportation Effect which details the impact of planned

transportation improvements (light rail transit, expanded Go train services, etc.) on the housing market in

Hamilton. The report‟s research concludes that prices in select Hamilton neighbourhoods will receive a 10% to

20% premium, over and above what the rest of the city‟s market does in the coming years.

Niagara to GTA Corridor: Research and advocacy efforts continue on a proposed highway

linking the Greater Toronto Area through Hamilton and Niagara, across the U.S. border, and

eventually connecting with the planned Continental One leading to Mexico. The Transportation Committee of

the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is a key champion of this major multi-national initiative.

97

98

99

100

Documents

SUMMIT VIEW 2008-2010 - tcarch.ca · identified by summit deletes. ... Market and Copps Coliseum more pedestrian friendly. ... A seasonal shuttle bus provides a car-free alternative