Ontario Construction News staff writer
Hamilton will eliminate development charges for not-for-profit housing to boost the supply of new affordable and attainable housing units. The city has also approved $655 million for infrastructure and transit projects that support expected growth.
“This budget is grounded in the principles of building back better and stronger, with a focus on responsible decision-making to address our city’s most pressing challenges,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “It strikes a necessary balance – recognizing the affordability pressures residents face while tackling long-overdue investments in roads, transit, housing and information technology.
“Hamilton is a growing city on the move, and this budget reflects Council’s commitment to a thriving, prosperous future.”
The decision was included in the 2025 municipal budget, which was approved recently.
Additionally, the city continues to advocate for increased funding form senior levels of government, particularly in critical areas such as housing, homelessness, and infrastructure.
The City of Hamilton’s budget makes the following critical investments:
Housing and Homelessness
- $192 million in housing and homelessness programs to increase access to affordable and social housing, shelters and encampment supports, and tenant support programs.
- Expanding the emergency shelter system by 272 beds (an 80% increase).
- $4 million investment in the Affordable Housing Fund to create 450 new affordable housing units.
- $4.2 million investment in Supportive Housing to create 435 supportive housing units.
Infrastructure and Transit Enhancements
- A historic $655 million investment in infrastructure and transit enhancements to support Hamilton’s growth and development.
- $190 million investment dedicated to the Transportation Network (roads, bridges, traffic, active transportation).
- $75 million investment for the Transit and Maintenance Storage Facility.
- $14.1 million investment in 15 additional HSR buses to deliver 53,000 more hours of transit service and support multi-modal transportation goals.
- $3.3 million to expand the urban tree canopy, adding 20,000 new trees in 2025 to support the city’s climate action goals and a greener, healthier Hamilton.
Public Safety, and Emergency and Community Services
- $62 million to construct a new Paramedic Central Reporting Station to provide high-quality care across the city.
- $22.6 million for a new Fire and Police Station in Waterdown to support public safety.
- $31.7 million investment to expand Macassa Lodge, adding 20 new Long-term Care beds and redeveloping 44 existing ones.
- Increased staffing hours at the City’s two lodges to enhance resident care.
- 265 new childcare space through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan.
- Providing 1:1 support for an additional 180 children and youth with special needs (bringing the total to 433), allowing participation at no additional cost.
Cybersecurity and Resiliency
- Investing in cybersecurity resilience to protect against future threats and modernize City systems.
- As the City builds back better following last year’s cybersecurity incident, the City is focused not just on strengthening its systems but also on finding efficiencies and solutions that enhance services and improve the customer experience.
“City staff have worked diligently to prioritize investments that deliver service excellence, enhance infrastructure, and strengthen community safety and well-being,” said Marnie Cluckie, City Manager. “Despite economic pressures, we remain committed to responsible financial stewardship and ensuring value for Hamiltonians.”
The adopted residential tax increase for 2025 is 5.6%. An average homeowner with a property valued at $386,600 will see an increase of $285.
With the adoption of the 2025 Municipal Budget, Hamilton is poised to build a stronger, more stable future for all residents.
For more information about the 2025 budget process and key investments, visit www.hamilton.ca/Budget2025.
