As housing affordability continues to be a growing concern, the City of Hamilton is taking steps to address the issue through its 2024 Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap. This strategic plan focuses on four main pillars: constructing new housing, acquiring at-risk properties, preserving existing affordable housing, and expanding housing-based support services. These efforts are intended to reduce homelessness and ensure that Hamilton remains a place with safe, thriving neighbourhoods.
Broad Actions
The City has identified several broad actions to achieve the goals of each of the pillars.
Constructing New Housing
The City of Hamilton is committed to alleviating housing pressures by supporting the development of 350 moderately affordable rental units annually over the next decade. These units will be built to a maximum of 125% of the Average Market Rent, with a focus on affordable housing for various income levels. To incentivize development, the City is offering several programs, such as reducing fees and charges (including parkland dedication fees, development application fees, and development charges) for affordable housing projects. Hamilton will also expedite the approval process for these developments and provide advisory support to housing providers during the pre-construction and feasibility stages.
Publicly owned lands have been identified for affordable housing projects, and the City is reviewing additional City-owned properties as well as provincial and federal lands to identify more opportunities for affordable housing development. Surplus City lands that are unsuitable for housing will be sold, with the proceeds directed toward funding affordable housing initiatives. Furthermore, the City plans to integrate affordable housing developments with other public assets, such as libraries, fire stations, and other community spaces.
Acquiring At-Risk Properties
To preserve existing affordable housing, Hamilton is focusing on acquiring rental properties that are at risk of being redeveloped or subject to significant rent increases. The City is collaborating with non-profit housing providers and community stakeholders to engage in the acquisition of these properties. An Acquisition Assistance Fund, developed in partnership with social enterprise investors, will support these efforts by helping non-profits purchase existing affordable private rental housing. Additionally, the City will work with community stakeholders to identify and acquire vacant or under-utilized properties suitable for affordable housing development or intensification.
Preserving Existing Affordable Housing
Hamilton is taking steps to preserve both public and private affordable housing. The City has initiated a comprehensive asset rationalization process for non-profit housing providers, helping identify opportunities for intensification and further development. Hamilton will also ensure the effective use of rent-geared-to-income social programs by identifying funding to repair and maintain these units. Furthermore, the City is developing financial strategies to strengthen non-profits’ ability to access equity and support the development of new affordable units.
In the private rental market, Hamilton is implementing policies to preserve affordable housing and protect tenants. This includes the introduction of a rental replacement bylaw, legislation to regulate condominium conversions, and measures to protect tenants from large rent increases. The City is also working on a comprehensive approach to resolve landlord-tenant issues and stabilize tenancies. To further address affordability challenges, Hamilton plans to expand the availability of Portable Housing Benefits, providing support to households that face difficulty accessing suitable housing.
Expanding Housing-Based Supports
Recognizing the critical role of supportive housing, the City is working to create 200 new permanent supportive housing units. These units will be designed to meet the needs of individuals with complex needs, particularly those experiencing chronic homelessness. Hamilton is partnering with Indigenous housing providers to ensure that culturally relevant solutions are implemented, supporting Indigenous-led projects and programs. In addition to the creation of new supportive housing units, the City plans to transform the Residential Care Facilities system, ensuring that individuals living in these facilities receive support tailored to their specific needs.
Finally, Hamilton is committed to creating a coordinated local system of homelessness services to support individuals and families who are unsheltered or accessing shelters. This will be achieved through sustained funding for community-based initiatives tailored to meet local needs.
More information on Hamilton’s Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap and planned housing actions can be found on the City of Hamilton website.
