Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Hamilton is stepping up efforts to address the housing crisis with a plan for 2025, prioritizing expansion of affordable housing options, enhanced support for vulnerable communities and strengthening partnerships to ensure long-term housing sustainability.
“We are focused on building a stronger, more sustainable housing future for Hamilton,” said Marnie Cluckie, city manager. “The work we’ve done in 2024 sets the stage for 2025, where our focus will be on expanding housing choices, reducing homelessness, and making sure that everyone in our community has a safe and affordable place to call home.”
Hamilton’s 2025 plan is built on four strategic pillars:
- Expanding Affordable Housing: The city plans to continue increasing the supply of affordable and supportive housing through key programs, such as the Affordable Housing Development Project Stream and the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF).
- Strengthening Indigenous Partnerships: As part of an ongoing commitment to reconciliation, the city will expand its governance structure to include Indigenous providers and stakeholders, ensuring a more inclusive approach to housing development and services.
- Protecting Tenants and Preserving Affordability: City officials are focused on strengthening tenant protections with new regulations and programs to maintain affordable rental housing, as well as improving housing conditions across the city.
- Financial and Infrastructure Investments: The city will continue to implement the Finance and Acquisition Action Plan, a two-year pilot program to help non-profits acquire at-risk private rental properties. In addition, the city is securing $9.45 million in provincial funding to support critical infrastructure upgrades, enabling thousands of new housing units.
“Hamiltonians deserve real options for affordable, stable housing, and this is a priority that city council is deeply committed to,” Horwath said. “The Roadmap provides a clear path forward, and 2025 will see us continue to create new housing, protect rental options, and help our most vulnerable residents.”
In 2024, the city made significant strides in creating and preserving affordable housing, including:
- Habitat for Humanity completed two new affordable townhomes, giving local families a chance at homeownership.
- The Affordable Housing Development Project Stream received 42 applications for more than 2,500 potential units, with funding approved for 885 affordable units.
- CityHousing Hamilton completed renovations on 430 of 476 rent-geared-to-income units, ensuring continued access to safe and affordable housing for low-income families.
- A $93.5-million investment from the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) helped launch efforts to create 2,675 new housing units over the next three years.
A major focus for 2025 is the ongoing fight against homelessness. In response to the critical need for temporary shelters, council approved an additional 192 shelter beds in 2024, with the goal of making these fully operational by the end of the year. Moreover, work is underway to establish 80 temporary outdoor shelter spaces, which are expected to provide immediate relief.
“We’re not just building more homes—we’re ensuring that vulnerable populations have the resources and support they need,” Horwath said. “Whether it’s expanding shelter space, improving the condition of rental units, or supporting first-time homebuyers, this is about creating an equitable and thriving community for everyone.”
The $9.45-million infrastructure funding from the Provincial Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund will enable the development of approximately 24,450 new housing units.