Innovative CityLAB learning hub officially opens doors today at former Canadian Football Hall of Fame
HAMILTON, ON – It’s ‘doors wide open and lights on’, as Hamilton’s CityLAB transforms the former Canadian Football Hall of Fame to the new downtown home for experiential learning. The newly renovated space, located next to City Hall, officially launched this evening.
CityLAB will bring together City of Hamilton staff with students and educators from McMaster University, Mohawk College and Redeemer University College to consider real problems and come up with real solutions to co-create a better Hamilton for all. CityLAB works with City staff members to identify complex challenges related to the theme areas of healthy neighbourhoods, climate change, and municipal excellence and matches them with faculty and courses from Hamilton’s three post-secondary institutions.
“In just a few short months, CityLAB Hamilton is a winning collaboration for all partners. The ultimate benefit being the community through innovative projects that advance the strategic priorities of the City of Hamilton. I am thrilled the former Canadian Football Hall of Fame site has been transformed into this learning hub and is ready to engage the brightest post-secondary minds to improve our city,”
Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of the City of Hamilton
The challenges that eventually will become post-secondary courses and specific projects will all tie back to the priorities of the City of Hamilton’s Strategic Plan. CityLAB is about Hamilton’s city leaders working hand-in-hand with students and academic leaders to help support the overall sustainability and livability of Hamilton, give students a unique opportunity to gain new skills, build a tangible connection to their city and work together for the good of the community.
CityLAB began as a pilot program seven months ago. Since that time, seven projects have been launched involving more than 6,000 student hours. Projects include topics relating to seniors wellness, improving regional food security, improving the use of active transportation, remediation of Hamilton’s brownfields, improving the availability of social housing and neighbourhood transportation audits.
For more information about CityLAB, please visit www.citylabhamilton.com.