City of Hamilton partners with Nordic countries to identify new sustainable affordable housing models
Hamilton, ON – The City of Hamilton is undertaking a learning partnership with a consortium of Nordic organizations including the sustainable urbanization advisory firm, Quercus Group and Climate-KIC, the world’s largest public-private accelerator of green businesses. The partnership also includes the International Federation for Housing and Planning. This partnership is designed to share best practices from Nordic nations in regards to affordable, accessible and sustainable housing.
“Several months ago, our office was contacted by the Consulate General of Denmark in Toronto with a proposal to share information from their nation and greater region in regards to affordable and sustainable housing. This was an intriguing proposal because many of the successful projects in these Nordic nations hinge on full cooperation from industry to provide heating and cooling options for these residential developments. With the great amount of by-product in heat and water generated by Hamilton’s industries, this may prove to be the beginning of clean technologies that have direct benefit for residents and lowers their reliance on the traditional power grid.” - Economic Development Director, Glen Norton
The learning partnership is funded by Nordic Innovation, under a shared initiative of the Nordic countries’ Prime Ministers, as well as by the project partners. As such, there is no direct financial contribution required by the City of Hamilton. The upcoming two days of workshops in Hamilton this May will allow Hamilton and Nordic companies work on solutions to concrete challenges. This work will be set in the urban setting of the city of Hamilton. The innovative solutions will address the challenge of ensuring affordable and sustainable housing for Hamilton residents.
The workshops will also aim to include a number of industry and institutional local partners in Hamilton to bring new ideas and perspectives to the brainstorming. Local partners include Hamilton’s affordable housing providers, homebuilders, City Housing Hamilton, the Mohawk College Centre for Climate Change Management, Environment Hamilton, the Social Planning and Research Council, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, McMaster University and a number of Hamilton planning, engineering and architectural firms.
“Clearly, from the research we’ve undertaken, the Nordic countries are well advanced in sustainable affordable housing. We believe this is an unbelievable opportunity to set the housing agenda in an open, innovative and cooperative direction, I’m very excited about the possibilities.” - Economic Development Director, Glen Norton
Hamilton's Economic Development Office is the central point of contact for business assistance. Its services are geared to serve new start-up companies, corporate relocations and the expansion and retention of existing business. Its mission is to serve as the catalyst for continued economic growth, job creation and revitalization in Hamilton.