Ontario Construction Report staff writer
The City of Hamilton is making a major push to tackle the housing crisis, announcing plans to invest in the development of approximately 1,200 new affordable and supportive housing units over the next three years.
Officials highlight a $17.8 million investment in 2025 to fund eight housing projects. These developments will deliver 147 affordable units and 25 supportive units to help address the growing need for safe and secure housing in the region.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy outlined in the City’s Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap (HSIR), which guides efforts to build long-term housing solutions in Hamilton. In total, 21 projects are planned between now and 2027, expected to produce 692 affordable units and 511 supportive units.
“We continue to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to finding solutions that address the housing crisis head on,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath in a statement. “This investment through the Housing Secretariat Division is a testament to our dedication. We are making progress but cannot do it alone.”
The 2025 investment combines funds from the previous year’s surplus with allocations from the current budget. Additional funding announced earlier this year is already in motion. In January, the City allocated $8.2 million to support 11 projects set to deliver 440 affordable units and 435 supportive units.
Funding decisions, officials say, prioritized projects that are financially viable, construction-ready, and expected to have a meaningful community impact. The housing developments will serve a broad range of Hamiltonians, including families, individuals, Indigenous residents, women, and women-led households.
“These investments are a crucial part of our long-term housing strategy,” said Marnie Cluckie, Hamilton’s City Manager. “We are taking a comprehensive and sustainable approach, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing projects that will create affordable and supportive housing options for residents.”
An additional $15 million is earmarked for 2026 to support two more housing developments, adding 105 affordable and 51 supportive units to the city’s housing stock.
Projects receiving funding are at various stages, from pre-construction to post-construction, with support tailored to ensure on-time delivery.
Key Highlights:
- Over the next three years, approximately 1,200 new housing units will be built to support singles, families, Indigenous people, women, and women-led households.
- 21 total projects
- 692 affordable units added
- 511 supportive units added
- In 2025, funding will accelerate the construction of supportive housing units for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
- Expansion of affordable housing options, with tenants selected from the Access to Housing waitlist and By-Name list to prioritize those in greatest need.
- 261 rental units set to begin construction in 2025 will receive funding to enhance affordability.
Officials emphasized the importance of continued support from other levels of government to sustain and expand Hamilton’s efforts.
“We need all levels of government to step up and do their part,” said Mayor Horwath. “The need is urgent, and we must work together.”
More information on the housing initiative can be found on the Housing Secretariat Division webpage.