Hamilton Planning Update to Long Term Growth and Development Strategy (GRIDS2)

City of Hamilton GRIDS2 Planning Exercise

Hello, Ward 8 Neighbours!

The City of Hamilton has begun a comprehensive review of our City’s long term development strategy to accommodate population and employment growth to 2041: GRIDS2 (Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy – click here for more information).

This is an update to the original GRIDS planning strategy which was approved by Hamilton City Council in 2006 and planned for growth until 2031.

For more details, please continue reading below.

How Much Is Hamilton Projected to Grow by 2041?

The Province of Ontario provides all municipalities with growth forecasts. By law, municipalities must provide sufficient growth and development opportunities to accommodate the Province’s projected growth forecast.

Municipalities cannot “opt out” of growth – we must plan for the growth projections provided by the Provincial government.

According to the Provincial forecast, the population of the City of Hamilton is anticipated to grow to 780,000 by 2041 (this is an increase of 222,000 people from 2016 – or roughly 40% growth).

Where Will Hamilton’s Growth be Accommodated?

There are three variables that will drive how and where Hamilton grows to 2041.

Intensification – this is the accommodation of new residential and employment development within the existing built boundary. (This includes existing greenfield areas within the current urban boundary that have not yet been developed).

Greenfield – this is an extension beyond the urban boundary to accommodate new residential and employment growth.

Employment – these are lands within any greenfield urban boundary extension that are designated strictly for employment use.

What is Hamilton’s Intensification Target

Hamilton’s urban intensification target is 50% of all new growth is to be within the existing urban boundary.

50% intensification is the minimum level permitted by the Province of Ontario.

However, as part of the GRIDS2 exercise, Hamilton could choose to set an intensification target higher than 50%.

What Is Hamilton’s Greenfield Density Target?

Hamilton’s current greenfield density target is 56 persons and jobs per hectare.

However, most recently approved or currently planned greenfield developments are in the range of 70 persons and jobs per hectare.

50 persons and jobs per hectare is the minimum density permitted by the Province of Ontario for new designated greenfield areas.

Why Are Employment Lands Important?

Employment lands are areas officially designated by the City of Hamilton to accommodate economic activities including commercial and industrial space.

Employment lands are critically important because they provide local jobs for Hamilton residents, and substantial new commercial and industrial taxes are necessary to shift the property tax burden away from residential taxpayers.

How Much Bigger Will Hamilton Get?

The amount of land needed to accommodate Hamilton’s growth projections will depend on the outcome of the GRIDS2 review.

Various scenarios are possible.

Lower intensification targets and lower greenfield densities will result in a larger expansion of Hamilton’s urban boundary.

Higher intensification targets and higher greenfield densities will result in less land required for expansion – if at all.

How Can You Get Involved?

Residents are encouraged to get involved in the GRIDS2 process!

Four public engagement sessions will be held this fall, with several key recommendations returning to Hamilton City Council for consideration by February 2020.

Questions or Concerns?

The original staff presentation referenced in this article is available here and the full staff report is available here.

The official GRIDS2 information page is available on the City of Hamilton website here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Ward 8 office here.

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Councillor John-Paul Danko