A Great article from Toronto Life about the fantastic food scene in Hamilton. Check it out.
https://torontolife.com/tag/hamilton/
Toronto Magazine has an in depth article on Torontonians moving to Hamilton.
http://torontolife.com/real-estate/the-new-hamiltonians/
A Great Article on Where to get an Awesome Sandwich for Under $5 in Hamilton.
Dailyhive compiled a fantastic list of Hamilton hot spots to get a sandwich without the drive-thru.
http://dailyhive.com/toronto/5-sandwich-hamilton-2017
http://dailyhive.com/toronto/5-sandwich-hamilton-2017
Hamilton Home Prices Continue to Surge
An interesting article about the Hamilton housing market and how it continues to flourish.
http://globalnews.ca/news/3386331/hamilton-home-prices-surge-by-nearly-20-in-first-quarter-of-2017/
http://globalnews.ca/news/3386331/hamilton-home-prices-surge-by-nearly-20-in-first-quarter-of-2017/
Hamilton's Food Options
The media is always covering the 'Hot Housing Market' in Hamilton. But there is also an excellent food scene. From fine dining to quick serve, Hamilton has it all. Here is a link to a great article with only a small sampling of Hamilton dining.
http://tourismhamilton.com/tasty-restaurants-hamilton
http://tourismhamilton.com/tasty-restaurants-hamilton
Hamilton's plan for the Waterfront starts to take shape.
Hamilton city officials will have a west harbour meeting to show residents the urban design study for the new waterfront neighbourhood. People can ask questions, says project lead Chris Phillips, and get a closer look at the design.
The plan includes buildings up to eight storeys, including 1,600 housing units and about 13,000 square metres of industrial and commercial development on a grid of streets.
Read more at CBC.ca/Hamilton
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/news/get-a-final-look-at-the-waterfront-urban-design-study-before-it-s-approved-1.3560067
The plan includes buildings up to eight storeys, including 1,600 housing units and about 13,000 square metres of industrial and commercial development on a grid of streets.
Read more at CBC.ca/Hamilton
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/news/get-a-final-look-at-the-waterfront-urban-design-study-before-it-s-approved-1.3560067
Huffington Post names Hamilton as one of the 10 cities in the World that are about to be famous ...again!
A great read!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/smartertravel/the-next-big-thing-10-awe_b_9410032.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/smartertravel/the-next-big-thing-10-awe_b_9410032.html
Home prices in Central Hamilton rose 88 per cent in 10 years
There are numbers behind the hype about hot market conditions in Hamilton's core.
Home prices in central Hamilton have risen by the largest percentage of any sub-region in the Hamilton and Burlington region in the past decade, according to numbers from the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington, which keeps the official stats.
That "Hamilton Centre" area in question stretches from James North in the west to Kenilworth in the east, and from the waterfront in the north to the escarpment in the south.
There, the median price for homes sold in 2006 was $120,529.
Last year, the median price was $226,989.
That's an increase of 88.3 per cent, which was the highest percentage increase of any of the 14 areas the realtors association has divided the Hamilton and Burlington region into.
It's still the lowest-priced area in the region, but it narrowed the gap to the next cheapest, Hamilton East.
-CBC Hamilton Feb. 2016
Home prices in central Hamilton have risen by the largest percentage of any sub-region in the Hamilton and Burlington region in the past decade, according to numbers from the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington, which keeps the official stats.
That "Hamilton Centre" area in question stretches from James North in the west to Kenilworth in the east, and from the waterfront in the north to the escarpment in the south.
There, the median price for homes sold in 2006 was $120,529.
Last year, the median price was $226,989.
That's an increase of 88.3 per cent, which was the highest percentage increase of any of the 14 areas the realtors association has divided the Hamilton and Burlington region into.
It's still the lowest-priced area in the region, but it narrowed the gap to the next cheapest, Hamilton East.
-CBC Hamilton Feb. 2016
NewLeaf revives Hamilton airport's hopes of becoming a passenger hub
The new "ultra-low cost" airline that will start flying out of Hamilton Airport in February gives a much-needed boost to the airport's efforts to increase passenger traffic.
And with two other airlines talking about including Hamilton in their plans to launch similar discount services, airport leaders are hoping it all signals the change in the marketplace it needs to capture even more traffic.
NewLeaf will fly to Halifax, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Kelowna and Abbotsford, B.C. to start, with flights starting at $89. It will offer flights from Hamilton to all but Abbottsford, starting Feb. 12. The cheapest Hamilton flight is $99.
Hamilton has seen other low-cost airlines try and fail at operating long-term service from the John C. Munro International Airport.
-CBC Hamilton
And with two other airlines talking about including Hamilton in their plans to launch similar discount services, airport leaders are hoping it all signals the change in the marketplace it needs to capture even more traffic.
NewLeaf will fly to Halifax, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Kelowna and Abbotsford, B.C. to start, with flights starting at $89. It will offer flights from Hamilton to all but Abbottsford, starting Feb. 12. The cheapest Hamilton flight is $99.
Hamilton has seen other low-cost airlines try and fail at operating long-term service from the John C. Munro International Airport.
-CBC Hamilton
Hamilton remains a 'Hot Market'
A new report warns Hamilton's real estate market will stay red hot as others across the country start to cool.
That good-for-sellers-bad-for-buyers news from the Conference Board of Canada's resale market snapshot, issued Friday, signals increasing competition for homes and rising prices across the market.
Robin Wiebe, the board's senior economist, said the trend is being driven by simple supply-and-demand economics — there are more buyers than sellers in the market and that's not going to change any time soon.
"The market in Hamilton is still pretty hot, but it's at the upper end of the balanced range," he said. "That means it's a good time to sell your house, but it's not a good time to be buying."
In Wiebe's analysis, while sales cool in 17 of the 28 major real estate markets in the country, strong demand here means Hamilton sellers can look for year-over-year price increases of 7 per cent.
The demand for houses here will be driven by several forces — including a generally good economy and low interest rates — factors that could be strong enough to result in multiple offers for some properties.
Realtors Conrad Zurini and Judy Marsales say that's already happening in a small way in Hamilton.
Marsales, of Judy Marsales Real Estate, said she knows of one property that attracted 11 offers before selling and another that drew nine.
"It's a lack of supply that's pushing up prices in Hamilton," she said. "We've been seeing pretty steady demand."
Zurini, of ReMax Escarpment Real Estate, said the intense competition for homes is sparking rising single-family sales and prices in previously docile parts of the city, such as the east end.
"We're seeing multiple offers for entry-level single family homes because a single-family dwelling is very high on most people's agenda."
Statistics from the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington and other studies of the market support the Conference Board outlook.
For September, there were listings of 1,949 properties and sales of 1,319. That left an end-of-month inventory of 2,847, down more than 10 per cent from the same month in 2014.
Properties are also selling faster than in 2014 — number of days on the market fell to 33 from 39, while average prices jumped more than 8 per cent to $449,233 from $412,089.
That good-for-sellers-bad-for-buyers news from the Conference Board of Canada's resale market snapshot, issued Friday, signals increasing competition for homes and rising prices across the market.
Robin Wiebe, the board's senior economist, said the trend is being driven by simple supply-and-demand economics — there are more buyers than sellers in the market and that's not going to change any time soon.
"The market in Hamilton is still pretty hot, but it's at the upper end of the balanced range," he said. "That means it's a good time to sell your house, but it's not a good time to be buying."
In Wiebe's analysis, while sales cool in 17 of the 28 major real estate markets in the country, strong demand here means Hamilton sellers can look for year-over-year price increases of 7 per cent.
The demand for houses here will be driven by several forces — including a generally good economy and low interest rates — factors that could be strong enough to result in multiple offers for some properties.
Realtors Conrad Zurini and Judy Marsales say that's already happening in a small way in Hamilton.
Marsales, of Judy Marsales Real Estate, said she knows of one property that attracted 11 offers before selling and another that drew nine.
"It's a lack of supply that's pushing up prices in Hamilton," she said. "We've been seeing pretty steady demand."
Zurini, of ReMax Escarpment Real Estate, said the intense competition for homes is sparking rising single-family sales and prices in previously docile parts of the city, such as the east end.
"We're seeing multiple offers for entry-level single family homes because a single-family dwelling is very high on most people's agenda."
Statistics from the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington and other studies of the market support the Conference Board outlook.
For September, there were listings of 1,949 properties and sales of 1,319. That left an end-of-month inventory of 2,847, down more than 10 per cent from the same month in 2014.
Properties are also selling faster than in 2014 — number of days on the market fell to 33 from 39, while average prices jumped more than 8 per cent to $449,233 from $412,089.
Fewer homes for buyers to pick from in Hamilton's hot market
August , 2015
Home prices continued rising in July, according to new numbers published Thursday by the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington. And sales continued at a steady pace in another month of a housing market that favours sellers and tests buyers' patience.
The median sale price for a residential property sold in July (both detached and condos) was $375,000. That's a 9.6 per cent increase over last July.
It's still all about lack of inventory," said the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington CEO Ross Godsoe in a statement with the new numbers. "After three record-breaking months in a row, there is just over two months of listing inventory – a sure indicator of a continued seller's market."
The biggest price jumps out of the 14 sub-regions in the RAHB numbers were in Hamilton Centre and Ancaster. Average prices for homes sold in July were 24 per cent higher in Hamilton Centre ($251,082) and 28.5 per cent higher in Ancaster ($588,873) than the average price for sales there in July 2014.
Average prices tend to reflect general market trends but outlier expensive or inexpensive sales can skew the numbers for a particular month.
-CBC Hamilton
West Harbour GO will start service with 2 trains each way daily
The new West Harbour Go station will open with two morning trains into Union Station in Toronto.
Two trains will return to Hamilton in the evening.
Go Transit announced train schedule for the new West Harbour Station on James North as part of a package of schedule changes Monday .
The new trains out of the James Street North station station start July 13. They are extensions of existing trains that currently start or end in Aldershot. The new service will means tweaks to other part of the GO schedule for trains and busses into Hamilton.
The schedule for the West Harbour station will be as follows:
GO Transit said the adjustments will improve overall service frequency and ease crowding.
-cbc hamilton
Two trains will return to Hamilton in the evening.
Go Transit announced train schedule for the new West Harbour Station on James North as part of a package of schedule changes Monday .
The new trains out of the James Street North station station start July 13. They are extensions of existing trains that currently start or end in Aldershot. The new service will means tweaks to other part of the GO schedule for trains and busses into Hamilton.
The schedule for the West Harbour station will be as follows:
- Weekday eastbound trip departs West Harbour at 6:16 a.m., making all stops to Clarkson, then express to Union Station at 7:24 a.m.
- Weekday eastbound trip departs West Harbour at 6:46 a.m., making all stops at to Clarkson, then express to Union at 7:57 a.m.
- Weekday westbound trips departing Union Station at 4:47 and 5:23 p.m. will be extended to West Harbour, arriving at 5:59 and 6:35 p.m.
- Weekday eastbound 6:12 a.m. trip from Hamilton GO Centre will now depart at 6:00 a.m. and arrive at Union at 7:13 a.m. Times at other stops are also earlier.
- Weekday eastbound 6:32 a.m. trip from Hamilton GO Centre will now depart at 6:30 a.m. and arrive at Union at 7:41 a.m. Times at other stops are also earlier.
- Weekday eastbound 7:05 a.m. trip from Hamilton GO Centre will now depart at 7:00 a.m. and arrive at Union at 8:12 a.m. Times at other stops are also earlier.
GO Transit said the adjustments will improve overall service frequency and ease crowding.
-cbc hamilton
A great Toronto Sun article about the thriving dining scene in Hamilton!
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/05/12/ontario-hipster-dining-done-hamilton-style
Hamilton Architecture Crawl
The members of the Hamilton and Burlington Society of Architects (HBSA) warmly invites the public to the HBSA Architecture Crawl to celebrate Hamilton’s architecture, burgeoning arts scene and renewed energy. This event takes place at five architecturally unique venues across the city:
Date: Thursday, May 7th, 2015
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: Starts in the Lobby of 100 King St. W.
- A hidden 1830s mansion on the escarpment brow never before open to the public
- A former hydro transformer station, now a café and theatre
- The former machine hall of a 1900 era knitting mill, now an arts centre
- A new waterfront restaurant with the best patio in eastern Canada
- The 22nd floor of a downtown office tower with a 360 degree view of the city
Date: Thursday, May 7th, 2015
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: Starts in the Lobby of 100 King St. W.
Sales launched at Gibson School Lofts
The developer behind the rebirth of Gibson School as condos is confident he will easily sell out the project.Harry Stinson officially launched public sales of 80 units at the century-old Barton Street landmark Monday.
"There is great interest in it," said Stinson, who added his confidence in selling even the bigger units is growing as prospective buyers call and visit his office.
Stinson says the reception is completely different from the early days at his first school conversion in Hamilton, the Stinson Lofts. Lenders who weren't interested in financing that project are now calling him, he says.
"Hamilton is on the radar of the big lenders now."
The Gothic school features large windows, wide corridors, interior brick walls, hardwood floors and 14-foot ceilings. Even the basement units have 10-foot ceilings.
The Gibson project includes 26 glass-wrapped penthouse units on a fourth storey that will be built and a café in the former school office that Stinson plans to own himself. (Go to thespec.com for illustration of development.)
There are plans for six townhouse units in the old gymnasium and more on the school grounds that could eventually bring the total number of units to 106.
Stinson is offering a builder buyback program in which he will offer a fixed rate of return — 10 per cent on a $20,000 investment, for instance — upon completion of the project. The rate of return climbs with increased investment.
Stinson says it helps to line up construction financing and, for him, it's a means to cash in on greater profits because units sell for more as projects are completed. Stinson says Barton reminds him of Toronto's Queen Street West at the time he and partners made what was seen as a crazy investment in a derelict former factory. The Candy Factory Lofts is credited for being a catalyst of gentrification in that neighbourhood.
"I think the turnaround on Barton would happen like that," he said. "I'm prepared to gamble on the future of the area."
There are a dozen units left of 66 Stinson Lofts condos. Stinson says a one-bedroom penthouse there sold recently for $460,000.
-Hamilton Spectator
"There is great interest in it," said Stinson, who added his confidence in selling even the bigger units is growing as prospective buyers call and visit his office.
Stinson says the reception is completely different from the early days at his first school conversion in Hamilton, the Stinson Lofts. Lenders who weren't interested in financing that project are now calling him, he says.
"Hamilton is on the radar of the big lenders now."
The Gothic school features large windows, wide corridors, interior brick walls, hardwood floors and 14-foot ceilings. Even the basement units have 10-foot ceilings.
The Gibson project includes 26 glass-wrapped penthouse units on a fourth storey that will be built and a café in the former school office that Stinson plans to own himself. (Go to thespec.com for illustration of development.)
There are plans for six townhouse units in the old gymnasium and more on the school grounds that could eventually bring the total number of units to 106.
Stinson is offering a builder buyback program in which he will offer a fixed rate of return — 10 per cent on a $20,000 investment, for instance — upon completion of the project. The rate of return climbs with increased investment.
Stinson says it helps to line up construction financing and, for him, it's a means to cash in on greater profits because units sell for more as projects are completed. Stinson says Barton reminds him of Toronto's Queen Street West at the time he and partners made what was seen as a crazy investment in a derelict former factory. The Candy Factory Lofts is credited for being a catalyst of gentrification in that neighbourhood.
"I think the turnaround on Barton would happen like that," he said. "I'm prepared to gamble on the future of the area."
There are a dozen units left of 66 Stinson Lofts condos. Stinson says a one-bedroom penthouse there sold recently for $460,000.
-Hamilton Spectator
How Hamilton is revitalizing its downtown to bring new life.
A fantastic article by the Globe and Mail about the recent changes in Hamilton.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/building-blocks-for-a-new-hamilton-already-in-place/article22279390/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/building-blocks-for-a-new-hamilton-already-in-place/article22279390/
Food, Food, Food!
A fantastic article about the thriving and delicious food scene in Hamilton. No need to go to Toronto anymore.
http://www.thegridto.com/life/food-drink/hamiltons-food-scene-is-finally-booming/
http://www.thegridto.com/life/food-drink/hamiltons-food-scene-is-finally-booming/
Hamilton among top real estate investment markets, study says
City's building permits top $1B in 2013 for third straight year
Hamilton has been named one of the top investment markets in Ontario in an annual report released by the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN).
The industry think-tank's 140 page report analyzed current and future prospects for real estate investment and Hamilton ranked second, topped only by Kitchener/Cambridge.
"Several years of record breaking building permit values and exponential population growth have done wonders to change the city's reputation," says the report, which is available through the REIN website.
According to the study, Hamilton's building permits topped $1 billion in 2013 for the third straight year
The industry think-tank's 140 page report analyzed current and future prospects for real estate investment and Hamilton ranked second, topped only by Kitchener/Cambridge.
"Several years of record breaking building permit values and exponential population growth have done wonders to change the city's reputation," says the report, which is available through the REIN website.
According to the study, Hamilton's building permits topped $1 billion in 2013 for the third straight year
New condo development moves forward
A long-delayed bay front condo project is finally getting under way.
Hamilton-based White Star Group has started pre-sales of 166 condo units to be built on the site of a former auto scrap yard on Bay Street North. The development is to be called West Harbour Villa at Tiffany Square.
"This is a project that's finally on the go," said Raquel Rakovac, director of business development for White Star. "This is going to offer a real live-work atmosphere."
The current plan calls for one residential tower of 166 units on nine stories at the Stuart and Tiffany intersection with four commercial-retail buildings filling out the property.
Conceptual designer Paul Vermaat said the plan calls for two buildings of two floors and two of three floors around the perimeter of the property.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoeWbT2t2HM
Hamilton-based White Star Group has started pre-sales of 166 condo units to be built on the site of a former auto scrap yard on Bay Street North. The development is to be called West Harbour Villa at Tiffany Square.
"This is a project that's finally on the go," said Raquel Rakovac, director of business development for White Star. "This is going to offer a real live-work atmosphere."
The current plan calls for one residential tower of 166 units on nine stories at the Stuart and Tiffany intersection with four commercial-retail buildings filling out the property.
Conceptual designer Paul Vermaat said the plan calls for two buildings of two floors and two of three floors around the perimeter of the property.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoeWbT2t2HM
More GO train service on the way for Hamilton
March 21, 2014
Ontario's transit agency, Metrolinx, has awarded a contract to build the new
GO station in Hamilton to make it easier for commuters to take public
transit.
Construction of the new station will begin later this spring. It will add two
more train trips in the morning and afternoon to and from Hamilton on the
Lakeshore line. Located at 353 James Street North, the station will be connected
to a nearby plaza and include multi-level parking with approximately 300 spaces,
new bus bays, a pick-up and drop-off zone, and pedestrian walkways.
Construction is expected to be completed by 2015 in time for the Pan/Parapan
Am Games. This project is expected to create approximately 400 jobs.
Building modern infrastructure is part of the government's economic plan that
is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six
priorities focus on Ontario's greatest strengths--its people and strategic
partnerships.
Ontario's transit agency, Metrolinx, has awarded a contract to build the new
GO station in Hamilton to make it easier for commuters to take public
transit.
Construction of the new station will begin later this spring. It will add two
more train trips in the morning and afternoon to and from Hamilton on the
Lakeshore line. Located at 353 James Street North, the station will be connected
to a nearby plaza and include multi-level parking with approximately 300 spaces,
new bus bays, a pick-up and drop-off zone, and pedestrian walkways.
Construction is expected to be completed by 2015 in time for the Pan/Parapan
Am Games. This project is expected to create approximately 400 jobs.
Building modern infrastructure is part of the government's economic plan that
is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six
priorities focus on Ontario's greatest strengths--its people and strategic
partnerships.
It will cost $39M to ready waterfront for development
January 22,2014
Hamilton will have to invest almost $40 million in waterfront infrastructure
to seed the next stage of bayfront investment.
But the investment would have aa lucrative payback to taxpayers, according to
a new report.
Hamilton taxpayers will have to cough up $39.17 million to ready the
west harbour for development, $13.3 million of which is for Piers 5 through 8.
But once that happens, the development will generate $7.5 million per year in
tax dollars on Pier 8 alone, said Chris Phillips, senior adviser for planning and economic development.
The money would be used for sewers, watermains, roads, sidewalks, street lighting and other measures to ready the harbour front for development.
Once that’s in place, the city expects developers to build 1,600 residential units ranging from $247,000 to $462,000 per unit, Phillips said.
The dream of further developing Hamilton’s waterfront became reality last year. The city owns the waterfront lands, but has been leasing them to the
Hamilton Port Authority. Last year, the authority agreed to terminate the lease.
-cbc hamilton
Hamilton will have to invest almost $40 million in waterfront infrastructure
to seed the next stage of bayfront investment.
But the investment would have aa lucrative payback to taxpayers, according to
a new report.
Hamilton taxpayers will have to cough up $39.17 million to ready the
west harbour for development, $13.3 million of which is for Piers 5 through 8.
But once that happens, the development will generate $7.5 million per year in
tax dollars on Pier 8 alone, said Chris Phillips, senior adviser for planning and economic development.
The money would be used for sewers, watermains, roads, sidewalks, street lighting and other measures to ready the harbour front for development.
Once that’s in place, the city expects developers to build 1,600 residential units ranging from $247,000 to $462,000 per unit, Phillips said.
The dream of further developing Hamilton’s waterfront became reality last year. The city owns the waterfront lands, but has been leasing them to the
Hamilton Port Authority. Last year, the authority agreed to terminate the lease.
-cbc hamilton
Hamilton Home Prices Dip in October
-November 18, 2014
Both the number of homes sold in Hamilton and the average selling price
dropped in October compared to the previous month.
According to figures released Friday by The Canadian Real Estate Association,
the number of homes sold in the Hamilton-Burlington area dropped by 7.5 per cent
last month from September. However, the number is still up 8.9 per cent from
October of last year.
The average housing price also dipped by 6.9 per cent, but is up 13.4 percent
when compared to October of 2012.
On the national side, home sales declined by 3.2 per cent from September to
October, but came in 8.3 per cent higher than the year before.
The Canadian housing market is in “balanced territory,” CREA said in a news
release.
-CBC.ca/Hamilton
Both the number of homes sold in Hamilton and the average selling price
dropped in October compared to the previous month.
According to figures released Friday by The Canadian Real Estate Association,
the number of homes sold in the Hamilton-Burlington area dropped by 7.5 per cent
last month from September. However, the number is still up 8.9 per cent from
October of last year.
The average housing price also dipped by 6.9 per cent, but is up 13.4 percent
when compared to October of 2012.
On the national side, home sales declined by 3.2 per cent from September to
October, but came in 8.3 per cent higher than the year before.
The Canadian housing market is in “balanced territory,” CREA said in a news
release.
-CBC.ca/Hamilton
Developer to rebuild Lister's neighbour, stack a condo on top
October 18,2013
Toronto developer the Hi-Rise Group announced plans on Friday to rebuild
the William Thomas Building, which once sat immediately north of
the Lister Block, and stack a 16-storey condo on top.
Shawn Marr, the firm's director of operations, unveiled a preliminary sketch
of the development at Renew Hamilton, a conference on the redevelopment of the
city's core — an event that took place on the now-vacant grounds of the old
William Thomas Building on James Street North.
The 200,000-square-foot development will include both commercial space and
resident units. Marr said it's expected to cost around $35 million and
said he hopes construction will begin in Fall 2014.
"People start buying condominiums when there is a sense of energy and
confidence," said Marr, whose company was involved in redeveloping the
Lister Block.
"One-off projects go a long way towards creating that, but multiple projects,
like are starting to exist in the city, are creating that energy and that
confidence."
'Momentum'
A artist's rendering shows the plan to redevelop the
William Thomas Building, which once sat immediately north of the Lister Block on
James Street North.
Councilor Jason Farr, whose ward includes the city's core, lauded the
plans and said they represent "momentum" the downtown has gathered of the
last several years.
"When you hear about Hi-Rise... say that momentum is key for their
decision-making in putting together this wonderful condominium concept in the
heart of our city, that’s just great stuff."
Farr said city hall is not bankrolling the project, but added the development
would be eligible for some of the city's commercial development
grants.
The target market for the development, he said, is "younger people, people
who want the opportunity to have a live-work environment in the city of
Hamilton, people who are looking for affordability and still a sense of luxury,
and people who don’t want to live in Toronto, or don’t want to spend the money
to live in Toronto."
Toronto developer the Hi-Rise Group announced plans on Friday to rebuild
the William Thomas Building, which once sat immediately north of
the Lister Block, and stack a 16-storey condo on top.
Shawn Marr, the firm's director of operations, unveiled a preliminary sketch
of the development at Renew Hamilton, a conference on the redevelopment of the
city's core — an event that took place on the now-vacant grounds of the old
William Thomas Building on James Street North.
The 200,000-square-foot development will include both commercial space and
resident units. Marr said it's expected to cost around $35 million and
said he hopes construction will begin in Fall 2014.
"People start buying condominiums when there is a sense of energy and
confidence," said Marr, whose company was involved in redeveloping the
Lister Block.
"One-off projects go a long way towards creating that, but multiple projects,
like are starting to exist in the city, are creating that energy and that
confidence."
'Momentum'
A artist's rendering shows the plan to redevelop the
William Thomas Building, which once sat immediately north of the Lister Block on
James Street North.
Councilor Jason Farr, whose ward includes the city's core, lauded the
plans and said they represent "momentum" the downtown has gathered of the
last several years.
"When you hear about Hi-Rise... say that momentum is key for their
decision-making in putting together this wonderful condominium concept in the
heart of our city, that’s just great stuff."
Farr said city hall is not bankrolling the project, but added the development
would be eligible for some of the city's commercial development
grants.
The target market for the development, he said, is "younger people, people
who want the opportunity to have a live-work environment in the city of
Hamilton, people who are looking for affordability and still a sense of luxury,
and people who don’t want to live in Toronto, or don’t want to spend the money
to live in Toronto."
Entrance to the International Village
Hamilton just one home short of matching sales record
Oct 8, 2013
Hamilton home sales just missed breaking a record in September.
A total of 1,207 homes were sold last month, according to the latest numbers
from the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB). That’s just one
short of the record set four years ago, in September 2009.
“Sales and listings for the month of September were both well above the 10
year average for the month,” said Ross Godsoe, CEO for the RAHB.
And home prices in Hamilton are still on the rise.
The RAHB reports the average home price for September was $392,013, an
increase of nearly seven per cent from September 2012.
It’s even a noticeable increase from just one month prior. August numbers
from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) show the average home price in
Hamilton as $385,444. The city followed a national trend of increasing prices
across the country. Nine provinces and territories saw increases at
the end of the summer, according to CREA.
The CREA has not yet released its numbers for real estate prices across the
nation for September
Oct 8, 2013
Hamilton home sales just missed breaking a record in September.
A total of 1,207 homes were sold last month, according to the latest numbers
from the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB). That’s just one
short of the record set four years ago, in September 2009.
“Sales and listings for the month of September were both well above the 10
year average for the month,” said Ross Godsoe, CEO for the RAHB.
And home prices in Hamilton are still on the rise.
The RAHB reports the average home price for September was $392,013, an
increase of nearly seven per cent from September 2012.
It’s even a noticeable increase from just one month prior. August numbers
from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) show the average home price in
Hamilton as $385,444. The city followed a national trend of increasing prices
across the country. Nine provinces and territories saw increases at
the end of the summer, according to CREA.
The CREA has not yet released its numbers for real estate prices across the
nation for September
Tivoli condo project announced for James Street North
Sept 13, 2013
A new condo project is coming to downtown Hamilton at the Tivoli Theatre site
on James Street North.
“We are looking at marketing boutique-style condominiums at the site of the
Tivoli,” said Monica O'Reilly, a brand strategist for Toolbox Strategies, which
is overseeing marketing for the development.
Local developer Diamante Holdings is spearheading the project. Dominic
Diamante, the company's owner, was out of town on Friday and not available for comment.
O'Reilly says the project is still in the “super early planning stages,” so
most of the details haven't been hammered out yet.
“All we have so far is a banner and a logo,” she said. O'Reilly didn't have
any information on how many units would be in the 138-year-old theatre, their
size or how much they would cost - but did say the space would be “interesting,
artistic and modern.”
She says the project would likely launch full on in the spring.
Representatives from the company plan to be on site during Supercrawl to
promote the development.
Part of the theatre on at the corner of James Street North and Wilson Street
collapsed about eight years ago.
A new condo project is coming to downtown Hamilton at the Tivoli Theatre site
on James Street North.
“We are looking at marketing boutique-style condominiums at the site of the
Tivoli,” said Monica O'Reilly, a brand strategist for Toolbox Strategies, which
is overseeing marketing for the development.
Local developer Diamante Holdings is spearheading the project. Dominic
Diamante, the company's owner, was out of town on Friday and not available for comment.
O'Reilly says the project is still in the “super early planning stages,” so
most of the details haven't been hammered out yet.
“All we have so far is a banner and a logo,” she said. O'Reilly didn't have
any information on how many units would be in the 138-year-old theatre, their
size or how much they would cost - but did say the space would be “interesting,
artistic and modern.”
She says the project would likely launch full on in the spring.
Representatives from the company plan to be on site during Supercrawl to
promote the development.
Part of the theatre on at the corner of James Street North and Wilson Street
collapsed about eight years ago.
The End of Record Low Interest Rates
August 22, 2013
Three of Canada’s big six banks have raised mortgage rates once again this
week, prompting some economists to declare an end to a long run of ultra-cheap
home loans.
BMO is raising its five-year fixed rate to 3.79 per cent, from 3.59 per cent,
while RBC announced on Wednesday its five-year fixed rate is going up to 3.89
per cent, from 3.69 at present. TD Bank's rate will now be 3.79 per cent.
The rest of Canada’s major lenders are expected to follow suit with their own
mortgage rate hikes.
The hikes follow a previous round earlier this summer, and it appears
mortgage rates, which reached their lowest points in modern history earlier this
year, are heading back up for the long term.
“I think this is the real thing,” CIBC World Markets economist Benjamin Tal told the Globe
and Mail. “This is the end of extremely low interest rates. They’re simply
unsustainable.”
-Globe and Mail
Three of Canada’s big six banks have raised mortgage rates once again this
week, prompting some economists to declare an end to a long run of ultra-cheap
home loans.
BMO is raising its five-year fixed rate to 3.79 per cent, from 3.59 per cent,
while RBC announced on Wednesday its five-year fixed rate is going up to 3.89
per cent, from 3.69 at present. TD Bank's rate will now be 3.79 per cent.
The rest of Canada’s major lenders are expected to follow suit with their own
mortgage rate hikes.
The hikes follow a previous round earlier this summer, and it appears
mortgage rates, which reached their lowest points in modern history earlier this
year, are heading back up for the long term.
“I think this is the real thing,” CIBC World Markets economist Benjamin Tal told the Globe
and Mail. “This is the end of extremely low interest rates. They’re simply
unsustainable.”
-Globe and Mail
New Downtown Grocery Store Opens
Before finding the dim sum counter, customers will have to walk by the
pay-by-weight frozen yogurt bar. The mini-donut stand is across from the
teppanyaki grill, the Chinese barbecue counter just steps away from the Italian
pasta bar.
The layout of the sleek, brand-new Nations Fresh Foods grocery store in
downtown Hamilton's Jackson Square fits their 'east meets west' philosophy.
"We blend everything together,” said Frank Ho, Nations vice-president.
The 55,000-square-foot grocery store has its soft launch Wednesday, with a
grand opening on Saturday, July 13. Nations invested $7 million in renovations
and adds more than 200 jobs to downtown Hamilton, Ho said.
“It's the most important development downtown in the last 10 years,” said
Glen Norton, the city's manager of urban renewal. “It might not be the biggest
investment, but it's the significance of having a full-service supermarket.”
Nations' flagship store is 60 per cent “traditional” supermarket, said Ho,
and 40 per cent restaurant-style, but grocery store-priced prepared foods. And
the store's two main entrances cater to the target audience they want through
their doors.
pay-by-weight frozen yogurt bar. The mini-donut stand is across from the
teppanyaki grill, the Chinese barbecue counter just steps away from the Italian
pasta bar.
The layout of the sleek, brand-new Nations Fresh Foods grocery store in
downtown Hamilton's Jackson Square fits their 'east meets west' philosophy.
"We blend everything together,” said Frank Ho, Nations vice-president.
The 55,000-square-foot grocery store has its soft launch Wednesday, with a
grand opening on Saturday, July 13. Nations invested $7 million in renovations
and adds more than 200 jobs to downtown Hamilton, Ho said.
“It's the most important development downtown in the last 10 years,” said
Glen Norton, the city's manager of urban renewal. “It might not be the biggest
investment, but it's the significance of having a full-service supermarket.”
Nations' flagship store is 60 per cent “traditional” supermarket, said Ho,
and 40 per cent restaurant-style, but grocery store-priced prepared foods. And
the store's two main entrances cater to the target audience they want through
their doors.
First Veggie Food Truck hits the streets of Hamilton
June 21,2013
Chase and Cindy Thomson were driving their new green food truck down the QEW
to Niagara on the Lake for their first ever event.
Chase, who normally never speeds, barrels down the highway to make it in time, and notices the gage inching higher and higher.
“Boom!” he said, recounting their story, complete with sound effects.
The coolant goes flying through the cab, smoke and green goo everywhere.
The married Hamilton couple use big arm gestures, talk over each other and
laugh as they explain their foray into food trucking. The Thomsons are the new owners of Karma ChaMEALeon Veggie Culture Club, Ontario's first vegan food truck.
The Thomson's have the first vegan truck in Ontario, in a pretty meaty food-truck world, so they did have their insecurities.“Is any one going to come?” Cindy said. “But that's who we are and that's what we want to be.”
Their first service with the big, green truck was a bit of a test - it was, in fact, a burger throw-down at the Upper Gage Garage last week.
“We were anxious, especially going to a burger thrown down at a garage, thinking wrongly I'm sure, everybody is stereotypically wanting a juicy burger,
but a lot of people came out for us,” Chase said. “I think we made a number of converts.”
-cbc.ca/hamilton
Chase and Cindy Thomson were driving their new green food truck down the QEW
to Niagara on the Lake for their first ever event.
Chase, who normally never speeds, barrels down the highway to make it in time, and notices the gage inching higher and higher.
“Boom!” he said, recounting their story, complete with sound effects.
The coolant goes flying through the cab, smoke and green goo everywhere.
The married Hamilton couple use big arm gestures, talk over each other and
laugh as they explain their foray into food trucking. The Thomsons are the new owners of Karma ChaMEALeon Veggie Culture Club, Ontario's first vegan food truck.
The Thomson's have the first vegan truck in Ontario, in a pretty meaty food-truck world, so they did have their insecurities.“Is any one going to come?” Cindy said. “But that's who we are and that's what we want to be.”
Their first service with the big, green truck was a bit of a test - it was, in fact, a burger throw-down at the Upper Gage Garage last week.
“We were anxious, especially going to a burger thrown down at a garage, thinking wrongly I'm sure, everybody is stereotypically wanting a juicy burger,
but a lot of people came out for us,” Chase said. “I think we made a number of converts.”
-cbc.ca/hamilton
New home starts down this year in Hamilton
May 8, 2013
New home builders don't appear to be as busy as they were last year at this time.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation says there were 151 housing starts reported in the Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area last month.
That is down from 546 in April of 2012.
There have been 1,016 housing starts in Hamilton so far this year, down from 1,288 in the January to April period.
New home builders don't appear to be as busy as they were last year at this time.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation says there were 151 housing starts reported in the Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area last month.
That is down from 546 in April of 2012.
There have been 1,016 housing starts in Hamilton so far this year, down from 1,288 in the January to April period.
Plans for new James Street GO Station unveiled.
May 2, 2013
Metrolinx has unveiled preliminary designs for a James Street North GO Station — which is set to be open in time for the 2015 Pan Am Games.
According to the Metrolinx presentation the company is in the middle of technical studies to assess storing two trains at the station that will be located at 353 James Street North.
Both Coun. Brian McHattie and Coun. Jason Farr were at an information session about the project held in Hamilton Tuesday night. McHattie says it seems like there's a “real interest” from Metrolinx in knowing what the community wants.
“In particular we learned that there will be a large outside plaza and open area starting at James Street North and leading to the station proper, closer to MacNab,” McHattie said. “We focused on what the open area might consist of with suggestions including green space, a waterfall feature, walking paths, WiFi service, an amphitheater with music, and panels on Hamilton history.”
McHattie says that the 2015 service promise is for trains to run to the new station in time for Pan Am soccer games. Full time service has been promised, but not until “later on,” he said.
“They did not want to say when.”
-CBC/Hamilton
Metrolinx has unveiled preliminary designs for a James Street North GO Station — which is set to be open in time for the 2015 Pan Am Games.
According to the Metrolinx presentation the company is in the middle of technical studies to assess storing two trains at the station that will be located at 353 James Street North.
Both Coun. Brian McHattie and Coun. Jason Farr were at an information session about the project held in Hamilton Tuesday night. McHattie says it seems like there's a “real interest” from Metrolinx in knowing what the community wants.
“In particular we learned that there will be a large outside plaza and open area starting at James Street North and leading to the station proper, closer to MacNab,” McHattie said. “We focused on what the open area might consist of with suggestions including green space, a waterfall feature, walking paths, WiFi service, an amphitheater with music, and panels on Hamilton history.”
McHattie says that the 2015 service promise is for trains to run to the new station in time for Pan Am soccer games. Full time service has been promised, but not until “later on,” he said.
“They did not want to say when.”
-CBC/Hamilton
Oprah hits Hamilton.
April 13,2013
The CBC's George Stroumboulopoulos will moderate a conversation with Oprah Winfrey during her stop in Hamilton on April 13 at Copps Coliseum.
The show starts at 6:00 pm followed by a Q & A session with Stroumboulopoulos. The star of George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight will also moderate Oprah's tour stops in Ottawa, Saskatoon and Montreal.
Stroumboulopoulos says he's excited to be a part of the Oprah's Canadian tour. "I love being in the company of someone so thoughtful, giving and focused on helping others find their place" he said. "I am really looking forward to these upcoming events."
Stroumboulopoulos first teamed up with Winfrey during her recent Western Canada visits in January. He conducted onstage interviews with her in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.
Winfrey became a household name with her syndicated, namesake talk show, which ran more than 25 years. She ended the landmark program in 2011 to focus her efforts on her specialty channel OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. In 2012, she brought her new network's touring Lifeclass series — in which she shares life lessons with fans — to Canada for the first time with a stop in Toronto.
- CBC.ca/Hamilton
The CBC's George Stroumboulopoulos will moderate a conversation with Oprah Winfrey during her stop in Hamilton on April 13 at Copps Coliseum.
The show starts at 6:00 pm followed by a Q & A session with Stroumboulopoulos. The star of George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight will also moderate Oprah's tour stops in Ottawa, Saskatoon and Montreal.
Stroumboulopoulos says he's excited to be a part of the Oprah's Canadian tour. "I love being in the company of someone so thoughtful, giving and focused on helping others find their place" he said. "I am really looking forward to these upcoming events."
Stroumboulopoulos first teamed up with Winfrey during her recent Western Canada visits in January. He conducted onstage interviews with her in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.
Winfrey became a household name with her syndicated, namesake talk show, which ran more than 25 years. She ended the landmark program in 2011 to focus her efforts on her specialty channel OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. In 2012, she brought her new network's touring Lifeclass series — in which she shares life lessons with fans — to Canada for the first time with a stop in Toronto.
- CBC.ca/Hamilton
Hamilton loves Food Trucks
April 1, 2013
Ever had a craving for a grilled cheese with a side of kettle corn followed by a fresh baked cupcake? This summer, if all goes as planned, you'll be able to get all your favourite Hamilton food truck grub in one convenient location.
Dubbed 'food truck alley,' a portion of land on Aberdeen Avenue at Longwood Road South is currently being leased to host local food trucks throughout the spring and summer when they don't have other obligations.
Graeme Smith, owner of Gorilla Cheese, and Mike Pitton of Southern Smoke Truck teamed up to lease the land. Their trucks are there every Thursday already, but they hope by the summer there will be at least one truck there at all times, every day of the week.
"It's something we're building right now. Once we do something with the land and put some picnic tables in we want to have as many trucks as possible at any given time," Smith said.
"We're just creating our own food truck zone."
Right now, city by-laws limit where and when food trucks can operate, meaning most trucks have a rotating schedule and sometimes find themselves in-between venues. The food truck alley will provide an area for them to serve customers during those times, as well as give customers access to new and different cuisines, Smith said.
"A lot of the Toronto trucks, because they have tight laws there, often fill up their weekends but don't have anything booked during the week," Smith said. "They can do their weekdays here. Most of them already have a Hamilton licence from Sew Hungry (food truck festival)."
So far, the response to the idea on social media and customers has been positive, Smith said, and their looking forward to it growing as they reach out to more vendors and spruce up the lot with seating. They may even host events at food truck alley, he said.
"We've already got a pretty good stable of regulars that come every week," he said.
"I think by summer it's going to be flying and it's really going to be a lot of fun."
-CBC.ca/Hamilton
Ever had a craving for a grilled cheese with a side of kettle corn followed by a fresh baked cupcake? This summer, if all goes as planned, you'll be able to get all your favourite Hamilton food truck grub in one convenient location.
Dubbed 'food truck alley,' a portion of land on Aberdeen Avenue at Longwood Road South is currently being leased to host local food trucks throughout the spring and summer when they don't have other obligations.
Graeme Smith, owner of Gorilla Cheese, and Mike Pitton of Southern Smoke Truck teamed up to lease the land. Their trucks are there every Thursday already, but they hope by the summer there will be at least one truck there at all times, every day of the week.
"It's something we're building right now. Once we do something with the land and put some picnic tables in we want to have as many trucks as possible at any given time," Smith said.
"We're just creating our own food truck zone."
Right now, city by-laws limit where and when food trucks can operate, meaning most trucks have a rotating schedule and sometimes find themselves in-between venues. The food truck alley will provide an area for them to serve customers during those times, as well as give customers access to new and different cuisines, Smith said.
"A lot of the Toronto trucks, because they have tight laws there, often fill up their weekends but don't have anything booked during the week," Smith said. "They can do their weekdays here. Most of them already have a Hamilton licence from Sew Hungry (food truck festival)."
So far, the response to the idea on social media and customers has been positive, Smith said, and their looking forward to it growing as they reach out to more vendors and spruce up the lot with seating. They may even host events at food truck alley, he said.
"We've already got a pretty good stable of regulars that come every week," he said.
"I think by summer it's going to be flying and it's really going to be a lot of fun."
-CBC.ca/Hamilton
Royal Connaught To Become Condos
March 20, 2013
Steve Gazda says he remembers when the Royal Connaught was a jewel in the
heart of downtown Hamilton, and he hopes a redevelopment project will make it
glitter once again.
Back in the glory days of the Connaught, Gazda said he used to clean the
front windows in the lobby of the magnificent hotel. But the elegant building on
the edge of Gore Park has been empty for the past decade as its owners debated
what to do with the property.
Now developers Ted Valeri of Valery Homes and partner Rudi Spallacci of
Spallacci Group are gearing up to turn the historic building into the Residences
of the Royal Connaught, and Gazda said he's eager to see what happens to the
property.
Marking the first day of spring, Valeri and Spallacci put up the signs for
the Connaught's renewal at the corner of Main Street and Catharine Street
Wednesday morning. Valeri told CBC Hamilton he's excited to get started on the
renovation of the monumental piece of Hamilton architecture.
“We're coming back and giving back to our community, and we've taken probably
the nicest building and are giving it new life,” Valeri said
-CBC Hamilton
Steve Gazda says he remembers when the Royal Connaught was a jewel in the
heart of downtown Hamilton, and he hopes a redevelopment project will make it
glitter once again.
Back in the glory days of the Connaught, Gazda said he used to clean the
front windows in the lobby of the magnificent hotel. But the elegant building on
the edge of Gore Park has been empty for the past decade as its owners debated
what to do with the property.
Now developers Ted Valeri of Valery Homes and partner Rudi Spallacci of
Spallacci Group are gearing up to turn the historic building into the Residences
of the Royal Connaught, and Gazda said he's eager to see what happens to the
property.
Marking the first day of spring, Valeri and Spallacci put up the signs for
the Connaught's renewal at the corner of Main Street and Catharine Street
Wednesday morning. Valeri told CBC Hamilton he's excited to get started on the
renovation of the monumental piece of Hamilton architecture.
“We're coming back and giving back to our community, and we've taken probably
the nicest building and are giving it new life,” Valeri said
-CBC Hamilton
Hamilton home sales down, prices up for February
March 13, 2013
The number of real estate sales was down but the average selling price for all types of properties was up 4.9 per cent in February over the same month in 2012, according to the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB).
There were 961 property sales through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in February this year, according to the association. That represents a 14.4 per cent decrease in sales from the same month last year.
RAHB says the number of MLS listings was down 16.9 per cent compared to February 2012.
The association said it had expected sales to be a bit lower this year than last, since Feb. 2012 had an extra day because it was a leap year. But the 2013 numbers came in even lower than it had forecast.
"This year’s sales were not only lower than last year’s, but also below average for the month," RAHB chief executive officer Ross Godsoe said in a statment. "Does this constitute a downward trend? It’s too early to say. We should have a better idea at the end of the first quarter.”
Top Canadian real estate markets Six markets saw price increases in 2012:
There were 961 property sales through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in February this year, according to the association. That represents a 14.4 per cent decrease in sales from the same month last year.
RAHB says the number of MLS listings was down 16.9 per cent compared to February 2012.
The association said it had expected sales to be a bit lower this year than last, since Feb. 2012 had an extra day because it was a leap year. But the 2013 numbers came in even lower than it had forecast.
"This year’s sales were not only lower than last year’s, but also below average for the month," RAHB chief executive officer Ross Godsoe said in a statment. "Does this constitute a downward trend? It’s too early to say. We should have a better idea at the end of the first quarter.”
Top Canadian real estate markets Six markets saw price increases in 2012:
- Hamilton (7.4 per cent)
- Toronto (6.3 per cent)
- Halifax (5.6 per cent)
- Quebec City (4.2 per cent)
- Calgary (4.1 per cent)
- Winnipeg (3.9 per cent)
A Snapshot of Hamilton's Workforce
February 1,2013
Once known as a Steel Town, Hamilton's workforce has shifted from blue-collar to white-collar.
Hamilton's top 10 employers
Once known as a Steel Town, Hamilton's workforce has shifted from blue-collar to white-collar.
Hamilton's top 10 employers
- Hamilton Health Sciences
- McMaster University
- City of Hamilton
- ArcelorMittal Dofasco
- Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
- Hamilton Catholic District School Board
- US Steel
- National Steel Car
- Mohawk College
- St. Joseph Healthcare Hamilton
Plans for The Royal Connaught?
January 17, 2013
The Royal Connaught hotel may finally see an end to a nine-year saga as its
owners discuss the idea of converting the building into a condo development.
What was once a pillar of grandeur and growth in the downtown core, the
97-year-old building has been closed since 2004 due to financial issues. Since
then, it has sat vacant and changed hands among different owners.
Now, the city's planning and economic development department confirms that
the owners — Rudi Spallacci and Ted Valeri — have been in "very high level
conversations" with the city over the possibility of converting the Connaught
into condos.
"Sometimes we have these discussions before the formal consultation and
before submitting site plans," Debbie Spence, communications officer for the
planning department, said.
"From there, we would place steps to follow — part of that would be applying
for a building permit — so it would still be a way off."
The fate of the Connaught has been a point of concern for many Hamiltonians.
Both the preservation of the historical landmark and the impact of an empty
building the downtown core have left many wondering what the future will hold
for the hotel. If the formal process continues, they may soon have their
answer.
-Paul Wilson/CBC
The Royal Connaught hotel may finally see an end to a nine-year saga as its
owners discuss the idea of converting the building into a condo development.
What was once a pillar of grandeur and growth in the downtown core, the
97-year-old building has been closed since 2004 due to financial issues. Since
then, it has sat vacant and changed hands among different owners.
Now, the city's planning and economic development department confirms that
the owners — Rudi Spallacci and Ted Valeri — have been in "very high level
conversations" with the city over the possibility of converting the Connaught
into condos.
"Sometimes we have these discussions before the formal consultation and
before submitting site plans," Debbie Spence, communications officer for the
planning department, said.
"From there, we would place steps to follow — part of that would be applying
for a building permit — so it would still be a way off."
The fate of the Connaught has been a point of concern for many Hamiltonians.
Both the preservation of the historical landmark and the impact of an empty
building the downtown core have left many wondering what the future will hold
for the hotel. If the formal process continues, they may soon have their
answer.
-Paul Wilson/CBC
5 Tips for Buyers Who Use Downpayment Gifts
Jan. 4, 2013
About a quarter of first-time home buyers use gifts from relatives to fund a down payment for a home purchase, according to data from the National Association of REALTORS®. But lenders are carefully scrutinizing such gifts.
“Basically, the banks want to make sure that you’re not getting a second loan,” Ray Mignone of Ray Mignone & Associates, a financial planning firm, told The New York Times. “If all of a sudden $50,000 pops into your account, they want to make sure it’s not a loan against the property that they’re going to put a mortgage on.”
In a recent article, The New York Times provided some of the following tips in making make these lenders’ checks and balances go smoother for home buyers:
About a quarter of first-time home buyers use gifts from relatives to fund a down payment for a home purchase, according to data from the National Association of REALTORS®. But lenders are carefully scrutinizing such gifts.
“Basically, the banks want to make sure that you’re not getting a second loan,” Ray Mignone of Ray Mignone & Associates, a financial planning firm, told The New York Times. “If all of a sudden $50,000 pops into your account, they want to make sure it’s not a loan against the property that they’re going to put a mortgage on.”
In a recent article, The New York Times provided some of the following tips in making make these lenders’ checks and balances go smoother for home buyers:
- Have the money come in a check or wire transfer so that it’s traceable. Lenders often become cautious over cash gifts.
- Have the giver provide the lender with a gift letter, which verifies the money is a gift, the specific amount being given, the relationship to the borrower, and that repayment is not required.
- Deposit any gift money into the borrower’s account a few months before applying for a mortgage so the lenders have fewer questions about it, Mignone says.
- Consider federal gift-tax regulations: Individual gifts of more than $13,000 must be reported to the IRS and are subject to tax.
- Be aware that certain types of mortgages may limit how much of a down payment you can receive as a gift. For example, with conventional loans, lenders may require at least 5 percent in the borrower’s own money that is not a gift. However, Federal Housing Administration loans — which are popular among first-time home buyers — do not have any limits on gifts and borrowers can use gifts to cover the entire down payment.
Hamilton is a Seller's Market.
Hamilton is a seller's market according to a new report from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).
The Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported the residential market saw an 11.9 per cent hike in average sale price in October compared to the same month last year.
The report also indicated that average home sale prices in the Hamilton-Burlington area was above $360,000.
“The steady increase in residential prices over last year continues,” said RAHB President Cameron Nolan. “We are also seeing less of a difference between numbers of new listings this year compared to last. Those listings are still being sold faster than last year, with the average number of days on market at 45 days.”
The BMO report described Hamilton-Burlington, St. Catharines, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Windsor as sellers' markets.
Over the same period the average price of a Canadian home sold last month was essentially unchanged at $361,516. CREA said the number of homes that changed hands across the country was slightly lower, down 0.8 per cent to about 13,000 homes and condos.
"Led by Calgary, sales rose compared to levels one year ago in almost two-thirds of all local markets. Sales remained below year-ago levels in Greater Toronto, Greater Vancouver and Greater Montreal," the agency said in a release.
'(Hamilton-Burlington) listings are still being sold faster than last year, with the average number of days on market at 45 days.'——Cameron Nolan, RAHB president Although sales were down from recent highs, the number was well in line with historical averages of the last decade, CREA said.
"These results suggest that the Canadian housing market overall has returned to a more sustainable pace,” said CREA's chief economist, Gregory Klump.
In terms of sales, the Canadian housing market peaked in 2007, but has stayed relatively steady since, even as prices have fluctuated.
On the sales front, CREA again warned that the national average was skewed lower by slowdowns in the two largest local markets — Toronto and Vancouver.
"Excluding these two markets, from the national average price calculation yields a year-over-year increase of 2.5 per cent," CREA said.
The Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported the residential market saw an 11.9 per cent hike in average sale price in October compared to the same month last year.
The report also indicated that average home sale prices in the Hamilton-Burlington area was above $360,000.
“The steady increase in residential prices over last year continues,” said RAHB President Cameron Nolan. “We are also seeing less of a difference between numbers of new listings this year compared to last. Those listings are still being sold faster than last year, with the average number of days on market at 45 days.”
The BMO report described Hamilton-Burlington, St. Catharines, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Windsor as sellers' markets.
Over the same period the average price of a Canadian home sold last month was essentially unchanged at $361,516. CREA said the number of homes that changed hands across the country was slightly lower, down 0.8 per cent to about 13,000 homes and condos.
"Led by Calgary, sales rose compared to levels one year ago in almost two-thirds of all local markets. Sales remained below year-ago levels in Greater Toronto, Greater Vancouver and Greater Montreal," the agency said in a release.
'(Hamilton-Burlington) listings are still being sold faster than last year, with the average number of days on market at 45 days.'——Cameron Nolan, RAHB president Although sales were down from recent highs, the number was well in line with historical averages of the last decade, CREA said.
"These results suggest that the Canadian housing market overall has returned to a more sustainable pace,” said CREA's chief economist, Gregory Klump.
In terms of sales, the Canadian housing market peaked in 2007, but has stayed relatively steady since, even as prices have fluctuated.
On the sales front, CREA again warned that the national average was skewed lower by slowdowns in the two largest local markets — Toronto and Vancouver.
"Excluding these two markets, from the national average price calculation yields a year-over-year increase of 2.5 per cent," CREA said.
Possible Redevelopment of 220 Dundurn South
October 31, 2012
The owner, Denis Vranich, approached the City in August 2012 under the City's Formal Consultation Process to discuss a proposal to convert the building into multi-residential luxury rental apartments with one or two added storeys, a use that is allowed under the building's current zoning with some variances.
The proposal still needs to go through a Site Plan application, followed by a building permit application. However, a demolition permit has already been issued to remove some smaller buildings from the rear of the site, and to remove the roof so that additional storeys can be added.
Councillor McHattie has asked Vranich to hold a public meeting to present his plan for the building, but a date has not been set.
Vacant and Derelict The property, which sits at the southwest corner of Dundurn and Chatham across from the Dundurn Beer Store, started life as a National Hosiery silk stocking factory, but has been vacant and derelict for years. It has been subject to numerous fires and has at times been occupied by vagrants.
Vranich has occasionally proposed adaptive reuses for the building, including a seniors centre in March 2009, but so far nothing has come of it.
According to an October 2007 Spectator article, Vranich bought the property in January 2007 for $1.5 million from a numbered company in Thornhill.
He is the fifth owner since 1998, when Dundurn Street Loffts Inc planned to turn the building into loft apartments. Despite strong sales - over 50 of the 64 planned units sold - that plan fell apart after years of delays. The developer, Adam J Stelmaszynski, was convicted in 2004 of GST fraud.
- Raise The Hammer, Ryan McGreal
The owner, Denis Vranich, approached the City in August 2012 under the City's Formal Consultation Process to discuss a proposal to convert the building into multi-residential luxury rental apartments with one or two added storeys, a use that is allowed under the building's current zoning with some variances.
The proposal still needs to go through a Site Plan application, followed by a building permit application. However, a demolition permit has already been issued to remove some smaller buildings from the rear of the site, and to remove the roof so that additional storeys can be added.
Councillor McHattie has asked Vranich to hold a public meeting to present his plan for the building, but a date has not been set.
Vacant and Derelict The property, which sits at the southwest corner of Dundurn and Chatham across from the Dundurn Beer Store, started life as a National Hosiery silk stocking factory, but has been vacant and derelict for years. It has been subject to numerous fires and has at times been occupied by vagrants.
Vranich has occasionally proposed adaptive reuses for the building, including a seniors centre in March 2009, but so far nothing has come of it.
According to an October 2007 Spectator article, Vranich bought the property in January 2007 for $1.5 million from a numbered company in Thornhill.
He is the fifth owner since 1998, when Dundurn Street Loffts Inc planned to turn the building into loft apartments. Despite strong sales - over 50 of the 64 planned units sold - that plan fell apart after years of delays. The developer, Adam J Stelmaszynski, was convicted in 2004 of GST fraud.
- Raise The Hammer, Ryan McGreal
NFL in Hamilton?
One Buffalo developer thinks it needs to happen to save the team.
Buffalo developer Rocco Termini floated a radical idea on Buffalo TV Tuesday
morning: move the Bills to Hamilton. He thinks it's an idea that could save the
team. You can see that interview by clicking the video on this page.
Termini is well known in Buffalo. He's the guy who restored the Hotel
Lafayette. If the Lister Block had a twin sister it would be the Hotel Lafayette. It's an effort people in the
area seem to appreciate. He's been described, in an interview with the Investigative Post, as a developer who is focused
on rebuilding downtown Buffalo.
His new idea hasn't won him any new friends. He told Buffalo TV station WGRZ
that he would ship the team out of Orchard Park, New York to Hamilton. He told
WGRZ "the underlying problem to keep the Bills in western New York or this part
of the state is our inability to sell high priced corporate suites. We're never
going to do that no matter what we do because we don't have corporate
headquarters."
Termini added that he thinks moving the team to Hamilton would attract high
priced corporate suite buyers from head offices in Toronto. Termini suggested
that the idea is not uncommon. He mentioned that the New York Jets play in a
stadium that resides in New Jersey.
Termini asks Bills fan to look at the bigger picture. He said "we're not
going to be here in 10 years if we don't solve the corporate suite problem we
will be gone."
It doesn't look like Termini has been following the story of Hamilton's
stadium debate. CBC Hamilton asked him if he knew where in Hamilton the team
could play. "No", he said. " I’m floating this idea. I’m looking to start a
conversation. I’m more interested in having the team here for my
grandchildren"
He said he doesn't have any personal connection to Hamilton and his plan
would call for the team name to remain the same. The practice facility and team
headquarters would stay in Buffalo. "The only difference would be that the team
would play its games in Hamilton," he said.
Mayor Bratina: 'there will be some impediments'
Mayor Bob Bratina said he contacted Termini on Tuesday morning to discuss the
proposal.
“I thought it was important to contact the individual to have a conversation
about what he was intending to do,” Bratina told CBC Hamilton. “I provided him
with some background with information and to let him know there will be some
impediments.”
The mayor said he told Termini that attempts to bring an NFL football team to
a Canadian city will encounter strong resistance from the Canadian Football
League and its supporters.
“Anything that would be seen as the threat as a viability to the Canadian
would not be received very well."
He said a new stadium would need to be built to accommodate the Bills, adding
the yet-to-be-built Pan Am stadium, which will eventually serve as the new home
for the Hamilton Tiger Cats, will not have enough seating to satisfy NFL
capacity requirements.
The mayor stressed his phone call was not intended as an expression of
support for the idea, which he characterizes as a “blue-sky proposition.”
“I’ll do anything in my power to ensure that Canadian football and the Ticats
flourish.”
morning: move the Bills to Hamilton. He thinks it's an idea that could save the
team. You can see that interview by clicking the video on this page.
Termini is well known in Buffalo. He's the guy who restored the Hotel
Lafayette. If the Lister Block had a twin sister it would be the Hotel Lafayette. It's an effort people in the
area seem to appreciate. He's been described, in an interview with the Investigative Post, as a developer who is focused
on rebuilding downtown Buffalo.
His new idea hasn't won him any new friends. He told Buffalo TV station WGRZ
that he would ship the team out of Orchard Park, New York to Hamilton. He told
WGRZ "the underlying problem to keep the Bills in western New York or this part
of the state is our inability to sell high priced corporate suites. We're never
going to do that no matter what we do because we don't have corporate
headquarters."
Termini added that he thinks moving the team to Hamilton would attract high
priced corporate suite buyers from head offices in Toronto. Termini suggested
that the idea is not uncommon. He mentioned that the New York Jets play in a
stadium that resides in New Jersey.
Termini asks Bills fan to look at the bigger picture. He said "we're not
going to be here in 10 years if we don't solve the corporate suite problem we
will be gone."
It doesn't look like Termini has been following the story of Hamilton's
stadium debate. CBC Hamilton asked him if he knew where in Hamilton the team
could play. "No", he said. " I’m floating this idea. I’m looking to start a
conversation. I’m more interested in having the team here for my
grandchildren"
He said he doesn't have any personal connection to Hamilton and his plan
would call for the team name to remain the same. The practice facility and team
headquarters would stay in Buffalo. "The only difference would be that the team
would play its games in Hamilton," he said.
Mayor Bratina: 'there will be some impediments'
Mayor Bob Bratina said he contacted Termini on Tuesday morning to discuss the
proposal.
“I thought it was important to contact the individual to have a conversation
about what he was intending to do,” Bratina told CBC Hamilton. “I provided him
with some background with information and to let him know there will be some
impediments.”
The mayor said he told Termini that attempts to bring an NFL football team to
a Canadian city will encounter strong resistance from the Canadian Football
League and its supporters.
“Anything that would be seen as the threat as a viability to the Canadian
would not be received very well."
He said a new stadium would need to be built to accommodate the Bills, adding
the yet-to-be-built Pan Am stadium, which will eventually serve as the new home
for the Hamilton Tiger Cats, will not have enough seating to satisfy NFL
capacity requirements.
The mayor stressed his phone call was not intended as an expression of
support for the idea, which he characterizes as a “blue-sky proposition.”
“I’ll do anything in my power to ensure that Canadian football and the Ticats
flourish.”
Hamilton Housing Starts on the rise.
October 9, 2012
Housing starts in the Hamilton area have increased over last year, according
to the latest numbers from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
The CMHC is reporting 241 housing starts in the Hamilton area for September,
up from 188 in September of last year. Since January, the Hamilton Census
Metropolitan Area has seen 2,422 total housing starts, again an increase for the
same time period last year, which saw 1,661 starts.
The City of Hamilton saw the bulk of the new builds, with 232 housing starts,
while Burlington had 2 and Grimsby 7 for the month of September.
From January to September, total starts in Burlington and the City of
Hamilton had increased over last year. However, Grimsby’s residential
construction has decreased in the same time, from 172 by September 2011 to 101
so far this year.
Single-detached homes, as opposed to semi-attached, row homes or apartments,
held a fair chunk of the starts, with 82 in September and 1,073 for the
year.
“Low mortgage rates, positive migration flows and fewer listings on the
existing home market have supported residential construction activity in 2012,"
Abdul Kargbo, CMHC's Senior Market Analyst for Hamilton and Brantford CMAs, said
in a press release.
He also noted these numbers are in line with CMHC’s Spring housing market
outlook, which predicted an increase in total housing starts for the area this
year and continuing into 2013.
Kargbo added CMHC’s Fall housing market outlook is set to be released online
November 1.
“This report will incorporate the most recent economic and housing market
conditions,” he said
Housing starts in the Hamilton area have increased over last year, according
to the latest numbers from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
The CMHC is reporting 241 housing starts in the Hamilton area for September,
up from 188 in September of last year. Since January, the Hamilton Census
Metropolitan Area has seen 2,422 total housing starts, again an increase for the
same time period last year, which saw 1,661 starts.
The City of Hamilton saw the bulk of the new builds, with 232 housing starts,
while Burlington had 2 and Grimsby 7 for the month of September.
From January to September, total starts in Burlington and the City of
Hamilton had increased over last year. However, Grimsby’s residential
construction has decreased in the same time, from 172 by September 2011 to 101
so far this year.
Single-detached homes, as opposed to semi-attached, row homes or apartments,
held a fair chunk of the starts, with 82 in September and 1,073 for the
year.
“Low mortgage rates, positive migration flows and fewer listings on the
existing home market have supported residential construction activity in 2012,"
Abdul Kargbo, CMHC's Senior Market Analyst for Hamilton and Brantford CMAs, said
in a press release.
He also noted these numbers are in line with CMHC’s Spring housing market
outlook, which predicted an increase in total housing starts for the area this
year and continuing into 2013.
Kargbo added CMHC’s Fall housing market outlook is set to be released online
November 1.
“This report will incorporate the most recent economic and housing market
conditions,” he said
Sew Hungry Food Truck Rally hits Ottawa Street Friday, Sept. 21
Sew Hungry, Canada’s Largest Food Truck Festival, is returning to Ottawa
Street in Hamilton, Friday September 21 from 11:00-3:00pm and this fall they’re
teaming up with the Ottawa Street Farmer’s Market. It’s harvest time and the
market is bursting with fresh, local produce. The trucks are challenged with the
task of creating a dish to serve at the rally using ingredients found at the
market.
“This year, in keeping with the spirit of community involvement in the Ottawa Street Farmers Market, Smoke’s Poutinerie will be partnering with Shearlea Acres and will feature a special Vegetable
Medley Poutine created from their produce only for this event,” said Donna
Benoit, owner of Smokes Poutinerie Hamilton. “We are excited to be part of the
Sew Hungry Truck Rally and geared up to serve the massive crowds that it always generates.”
Street in Hamilton, Friday September 21 from 11:00-3:00pm and this fall they’re
teaming up with the Ottawa Street Farmer’s Market. It’s harvest time and the
market is bursting with fresh, local produce. The trucks are challenged with the
task of creating a dish to serve at the rally using ingredients found at the
market.
“This year, in keeping with the spirit of community involvement in the Ottawa Street Farmers Market, Smoke’s Poutinerie will be partnering with Shearlea Acres and will feature a special Vegetable
Medley Poutine created from their produce only for this event,” said Donna
Benoit, owner of Smokes Poutinerie Hamilton. “We are excited to be part of the
Sew Hungry Truck Rally and geared up to serve the massive crowds that it always generates.”
James Street Super Crawl this weekend. Super Crawl App available.
September 10, 2012
Supercrawl is less than a week away — and now festivalgoers can start to plan
their night out with the Supercrawl app and full festival schedule.
“The app should be pretty seamless,” lead designer Sean Ramsay told CBC
Hamilton.
The Supercrawl app is built around an in-depth map that outlines stages, acts
and food vendors in real time.
People can see where they are on James Street at any given point during the
event just by clicking “find me.”
“The geolocation is there so you can see where you are in relation to various
stages or the beer garden,” Ramsay laughed.
Users can also “star” certain artists or venues, which will make them a
favourite. Then the app will send an alert to your phone just before they go on
— so no excuses for missing the first song in a set.
Supercrawl is less than a week away — and now festivalgoers can start to plan
their night out with the Supercrawl app and full festival schedule.
“The app should be pretty seamless,” lead designer Sean Ramsay told CBC
Hamilton.
The Supercrawl app is built around an in-depth map that outlines stages, acts
and food vendors in real time.
People can see where they are on James Street at any given point during the
event just by clicking “find me.”
“The geolocation is there so you can see where you are in relation to various
stages or the beer garden,” Ramsay laughed.
Users can also “star” certain artists or venues, which will make them a
favourite. Then the app will send an alert to your phone just before they go on
— so no excuses for missing the first song in a set.
Major Company Moves Operations to Hamilton
September 4, 2012
Hamilton's Red Hill Business Park South has landed a new commercial resident.
Navistar, a truck, bus, recreational and diesel engine manufacturer announced Tuesday it will open a new 250,000 square foot distribution centre in the south Hamilton business park.
The centre will be located across from Maple Leaf Foods' 500,000 square foot site, which is currently under construction.
The distribution centre replaces Navistar's Burlington location. The need for a more modern facility was cited as the reason for the move after so many years in Burlington.
“After 50 years, the Burlington site was dated and too small,” said Joe Kory, vice-president, Global Parts Distribution Operations of Navistar during the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday afternoon.
“The new facility is going to look great and be well lit and bright,” he said. The company is also using the new facility as an opportunity to introduce more efficient distributing techniques, said Kory.
Present for the event, Mayor Bob Bratina called the announcement of the company's new location as “great day for the city of Hamilton.”
Hamilton's Red Hill Business Park South has landed a new commercial resident.
Navistar, a truck, bus, recreational and diesel engine manufacturer announced Tuesday it will open a new 250,000 square foot distribution centre in the south Hamilton business park.
The centre will be located across from Maple Leaf Foods' 500,000 square foot site, which is currently under construction.
The distribution centre replaces Navistar's Burlington location. The need for a more modern facility was cited as the reason for the move after so many years in Burlington.
“After 50 years, the Burlington site was dated and too small,” said Joe Kory, vice-president, Global Parts Distribution Operations of Navistar during the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday afternoon.
“The new facility is going to look great and be well lit and bright,” he said. The company is also using the new facility as an opportunity to introduce more efficient distributing techniques, said Kory.
Present for the event, Mayor Bob Bratina called the announcement of the company's new location as “great day for the city of Hamilton.”
New Restaurant makes Hamilton's waterfront a destination.
September 4, 2012
Hamilton’s waterfront could soon feel like Miami Beach or Las Vegas, say the owners of Sarcoa, an expansive new restaurant and entertainment venue opening at Pier 8 Wednesday.
Co-owners Sam Destro and Marco Faiazza believe the 550-seat venue will offer a sophisticated and lively yet intimate, atmosphere.
Sarcoa boasts a 350-seat patio, two stages and bars (one indoor, one out), five private cabanas with gas fireplaces, and a view of Hamilton's harbour.
“There’s nothing else this elegant here,” Destro said. “We wanted to make people think twice about going away from Hamilton.”
The owners have high hopes for this waterfront property. (Kate Adach/CBC) In the short-term, the venue will offer live music every weekend, starting with a performance by Sharon Musgrave this Friday.
In the longer-term, the space — a partial renovation to the former Discovery Centre building — will provide opportunities for conferences, weddings or film festival screenings in the neighbouring auditorium.
For the owners, it’s the first of two planned venues within the same building. They intend the smaller of the two, Pier, to be used exclusively for private bookings and events. It will open in October.
Sarcoa has already been booked for a number of events heading into the fall, Destro said.
The co-owners have leveraged their existing petroleum and construction businesses to finance the new venture. Although there’s no guarantee it will work out, the partners invested in the property because “we believe this is a growth area with potential,” he said.
Hamilton’s waterfront could soon feel like Miami Beach or Las Vegas, say the owners of Sarcoa, an expansive new restaurant and entertainment venue opening at Pier 8 Wednesday.
Co-owners Sam Destro and Marco Faiazza believe the 550-seat venue will offer a sophisticated and lively yet intimate, atmosphere.
Sarcoa boasts a 350-seat patio, two stages and bars (one indoor, one out), five private cabanas with gas fireplaces, and a view of Hamilton's harbour.
“There’s nothing else this elegant here,” Destro said. “We wanted to make people think twice about going away from Hamilton.”
The owners have high hopes for this waterfront property. (Kate Adach/CBC) In the short-term, the venue will offer live music every weekend, starting with a performance by Sharon Musgrave this Friday.
In the longer-term, the space — a partial renovation to the former Discovery Centre building — will provide opportunities for conferences, weddings or film festival screenings in the neighbouring auditorium.
For the owners, it’s the first of two planned venues within the same building. They intend the smaller of the two, Pier, to be used exclusively for private bookings and events. It will open in October.
Sarcoa has already been booked for a number of events heading into the fall, Destro said.
The co-owners have leveraged their existing petroleum and construction businesses to finance the new venture. Although there’s no guarantee it will work out, the partners invested in the property because “we believe this is a growth area with potential,” he said.
Hamilton is Ontario's Hottest Spot to Invest...Again!!!!
August 30, 2012
REIN: Hamilton Hottest of Ontario Hotspots
Jemima Codrington, Canadian Real Estate Wealth Magazine August 22, 2012
The report detailed cities across the province set to provide the best investment opportunities over the next five years, based on key performance indicators such as population growth, vacancy rates and infrastructure. Hamilton remained atop the list trumping Kitchener and Cambridge, Ottawa and Toronto.
According to Neil Everson, Economic Development Division director for Hamilton, new companies moving into the city have attracted new residents – and lowered vacancy rates. “Buildings are being filled and companies are leasing those vacant spaces,” he said. In fact, vacancy rates dropped 26 per cent from the last quarter, and the city posted $532 million in building permit values.
REIN President Don Campbell praises Hamilton’s improvements to infrastructure and economic development as key to the city’s success.
“If you want to attract young professionals, you need to provide the infrastructure they want,” he says. “Hamilton's reputation from the outside is a little sullied. It's not a steel town. While steel is still a player, high tech and young professionals are redefining the city.”
While some may be shocked that Hamilton toppled Canada’s financial and national capitals for the second year straight, Everson feels the city is reaping it’s just desserts. “It's well-deserved, but it's not surprising,” he said. “We've had a perfect year.”
REIN: Hamilton Hottest of Ontario Hotspots
Jemima Codrington, Canadian Real Estate Wealth Magazine August 22, 2012
The report detailed cities across the province set to provide the best investment opportunities over the next five years, based on key performance indicators such as population growth, vacancy rates and infrastructure. Hamilton remained atop the list trumping Kitchener and Cambridge, Ottawa and Toronto.
According to Neil Everson, Economic Development Division director for Hamilton, new companies moving into the city have attracted new residents – and lowered vacancy rates. “Buildings are being filled and companies are leasing those vacant spaces,” he said. In fact, vacancy rates dropped 26 per cent from the last quarter, and the city posted $532 million in building permit values.
REIN President Don Campbell praises Hamilton’s improvements to infrastructure and economic development as key to the city’s success.
“If you want to attract young professionals, you need to provide the infrastructure they want,” he says. “Hamilton's reputation from the outside is a little sullied. It's not a steel town. While steel is still a player, high tech and young professionals are redefining the city.”
While some may be shocked that Hamilton toppled Canada’s financial and national capitals for the second year straight, Everson feels the city is reaping it’s just desserts. “It's well-deserved, but it's not surprising,” he said. “We've had a perfect year.”
Hamilton Happenings
August 24,2012
Great News! Just announced today, the famous Anchor Bar of Buffalo, renowned for their chicken wings has announced their first Canadian location in Jackson Square in Hamilton. This comes on the heals of a 55,000sqft. grocery store that has announced it's opening in Jackson Square for the spring of 2013.
This is just another sign of the change that sweeping the downtown area of Hamilton. Awesome!!
Great News! Just announced today, the famous Anchor Bar of Buffalo, renowned for their chicken wings has announced their first Canadian location in Jackson Square in Hamilton. This comes on the heals of a 55,000sqft. grocery store that has announced it's opening in Jackson Square for the spring of 2013.
This is just another sign of the change that sweeping the downtown area of Hamilton. Awesome!!
