Federation of Canadian Municipalities grants $175,000 towards study of crucial employment lands on Hamilton’s Bayfront

HAMILTON, ON - June 6, 2017 - The City of Hamilton today announced that it has received a $175,000 grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) that will be used towards funding a key phase in the Hamilton Bayfront Industrial Area Strategy: the review of brownfield redevelopment opportunities.

In Ontario, brownfields are defined generally as underdeveloped or previously developed properties that may be contaminated. They are usually, but not exclusively, former industrial or commercial properties that may be underutilized, derelict or vacant.

About the FCM Green Municipal Fund™

The FCM’s Green Municipal Fund™ grant will support a review of potential land contamination through a Historic Land Use Inventory, the review of brownfield issues, opportunities and options, and potential enhancements to the City’s brownfield redevelopment incentive program (ERASE Community Improvement Plan). The Bayfront Strategy’s study area includes 1,149 hectares of mixed industrial area on the shore of Hamilton Harbour and adjacent to some of Hamilton’s oldest neighbourhoods in the lower city.

The Government of Canada endowed the FCM with $550 million to establish the Green Municipal Fund™. An additional $125 million top-up to this endowment was also announced in Budget 2016 and will be added to the Fund in 2017-18. The Fund supports partnerships and leveraging of both public and private sector funding to reach higher standards of air, water and soil quality and climate protection.

Potential benefits of the Bayfront Industrial Area brownfield review

The City of Hamilton has been recognized and continues to be viewed as a national leader in brownfield redevelopment efforts and is a member of FCM’s Leadership in Brownfield Renewal program. Potential benefits of the Bayfront Industrial Area brownfield review that the FCM is funding include:

Environmental:

• Cleaner soil and groundwater
• Potential for a reduction of Greenhouse Gases

Economic:

• Encourage new investments, including advanced manufacturing and other non-traditional and cleaner industries
• Increased employment, income and tax revenues 

Societal:

• Increase in property values in neighbourhoods
• An increased sense of community and pride from improved aesthetic quality of the urban environment

The City’s commitment to sustainable development of this area was preceded by the completion of a market opportunities study for the Bayfront Industrial Area in 2015. This work led to the Bayfront Industrial Area Strategy that is now underway to guide the future redevelopment of the area and will include recommendations for land use, urban design, brownfield redevelopment, walking and cycling improvements, municipal infrastructure, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and cultural heritage.

“Brownfield redevelopment supports local neighbourhood renewal by turning unused land into drivers of future economic growth and job creation in our communities. Our government is proud to contribute, through the Green Municipal Fund, to the City of Hamilton's sustainable development efforts and improving the quality of life for its residents."-  Kim Rudd, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources

“FCM is proud to help communities like Hamilton lead the way on environmental, social and economic sustainability. Today’s investment will lead to a better quality of life for local residents. At the same time, this is the kind of local innovation that can inspire other communities on the path to a greener Canada.” - Jenny Gerbasi, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

“I am thankful to our partners at FCM for their investment in our community. As the City of Hamilton strives to be the best place to raise a child and age successfully, this grant will contribute to our focus on all elements of sustainable development. We are committed to growth with an eye to environmental stewardship, green initiatives, generating new jobs along with vibrant arts and culture. With all this combined, our city will prosper.” - Fred Eisenberger, Mayor, City of Hamilton

Additional resources

• The Bayfront Industrial Area Strategy supports Our Future Hamilton (the City’s new 25-year community vision to 2040); the City of Hamilton Strategic Plan (2016-2025); as well as the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe area
• View more information on the Bayfront Strategy
• Public Information Centre: Visit us at the first public meeting for the Bayfront Strategy on Monday, June 12, 2017 at the Eva Rothwell Resource Centre. There will be two sessions to choose from: 4 to 6 pm or 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
• For more information on the Strategy or to RSVP to the public meeting, contact: Eniber Cabrera, Planner, Phone: 905-546-2424 ext. 6685 Email: [email protected]