Housing in Hamilton
Whole of Hamilton Housing Approach
Solve the Crisis
Ontario's Big City Mayors (OBCM) are calling on all levels of government to take immediate action on homelessness, mental health and addictions.
The City's Whole of Hamilton Housing Approach supports the OBCM 'Solve the Crisis' campaign.
Date modified
We are committed to a Whole of Hamilton approach to housing
Hamilton is taking steps to address the housing challenges our community faces. Through partnerships, investments, and innovative solutions, we are working to make sure that every person has access to safe, secure, affordable housing.
We Need a Whole of Hamilton Solution
Housing is a top priority for Hamilton, and addressing it requires a comprehensive, integrated and ‘whole of Hamilton’ approach involving infrastructure, transit, and social supports.
Like many municipalities across the country, the City of Hamilton faces an acute housing crisis impacting the city’s economic and social fabric, with significant gaps across the housing continuum:
Non-Market Housing
Homelessness Services: Social services for people who lack stable, safe or adequate housing
Emergency Shelters: Short-term lodging for people experiencing homelessness
Transitional Housing: Temporary housing for people transitioning from shelters to permanent housing
Supportive Housing: Facilities with integrated services to help people live independently
Community or Social Housing: Developed with public funding owned/operated by government, non profits, or co-operatives
Market Housing
Below-Market Rental/Ownership: Private Rental or ownership units subsidized by government
Private Rental: Units owned by individuals/firms charging market rents
Home Ownership: Housing purchase by individuals/households at market prices
In the short term, temporary solutions include increasing shelter spaces and improving outdoor shelter options through our Encampment Protocols.
Investing in permanent, long-term solutions includes the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), to ensure lasting housing availability and affordability improvements.
Investments in Housing
The City of Hamilton is making significant financial investments, increasing our financial commitment to housing year-over-year. Our spending in this area reflects our commitment to affordable housing for all.
We are working diligently within the limited revenue tools to advance housing development more quickly and efficiently while ensuring these projects align with sustainability and environmental goals.
Did you know? The City is investing nearly $215 per capita in housing and homelessness. Through the approval of the 2024 budget and a series of additional in-year approvals, the City is projecting investments in housing and homelessness to total $186 million, $39 million or 27% more than in 2023. Local taxpayers are expected to fund 67% of the total investment, two times what the Federal and Provincial governments have committed to.
These investments will support the construction of new affordable housing and shelter spaces, protect tenants and sustain housing providers, and reduce homelessness.
In addition, the municipal investment in cost-shared programs has continued to increase year over year, while the provincial and federal contributions, except for investments in child care, have remained relatively the same.
Action needed from all levels of Government
We need sustained and meaningful support from provincial and federal governments to tackle the housing crisis. Below is a breakdown of investments from each level of government.
Total Investments $185.9 Million, number are approximate
| Source | Percentage | Dollar Value |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Government of Canada | 11% | $19.9 Million |
| Provincial Government of Ontario | 22% | $41 Million |
| Municipal City of Hamilton | 67% | $125 Million |
Hamilton’s Investment Areas
| Investment Area | Dollar Value |
|---|---|
| Affordable Housing | $21.3 Million |
| Tenant Supports | $23.6 Million |
| Social Housing | $93.6 Million |
| Shelters | $39.1 Million |
| Encampments | $8.3 Million |
Key Initiatives/Progress
Over the past year, we have made significant strides. Some of the key achievements include:
Community Partnerships
The City of Hamilton is committed to providing safe, accessible, and affordable housing for all, but we can’t do it alone. More than ever, we are relying on community partnerships to help.
We know we can’t do it alone. Hamilton is collaborating with community organizations, non-profits, and local stakeholders to bring real solutions to our housing needs.
