IN THIS ISSUE:
- Business Engagement and Covid-19 Impact Survey
- The Economic Development Action Plan 2021
- Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force Report
- Foreign Trade Zone
- CCRM at MIP
- Sierra Cold Expansion
- Significant Growth and Opportunity Continues for Hamilton’s Film & Screen Industry
- McMaster Apprenticeship Program
- Community Improvement Plan Review
- Hamilton Featured in the Globe and Mail
- IEC Program
Business Engagement and Covid-19 Impact Survey in 2021
As part of the development of the 2021-2025 Economic Development Action Plan (EDAP), the Economic Development Office in partnership with Workforce Planning Hamilton will be undertaking the Business Engagement and Covid-19 Impact Survey in January 2021 to ascertain the state of the local economy and the state of the Hamilton workforce. It is anticipated that this information will act as a barometer for future assistance for Hamilton’s businesses navigating the pandemic and will also provide key data to support efforts in the EDAP. As well, this critical outreach activity with the business community will also help guide our engagement and advisory efforts with senior levels of government and is a concluding engagement activity in the 2021-2025 EDAP process. Please keep an eye out for this survey to hit your inboxes and social media channels in January.
The Economic Development Action Plan 2021-2025
Throughout the Fall of 2020, the City of Hamilton’s Economic Development staff have been conducting a number of interviews with key members of Hamilton’s business community. Along with quantitative tools amassed throughout the year regarding public viewpoints on the city’s economy, these interviews highlighted the many issues and opportunities before the City of Hamilton in regards to growing the economy. Over the next few months, staff will continue its outreach efforts with the public, work to craft benchmarks and short/mid-term/long-range goals and hope to present the first draft of the 2021-2025 Economic Development Action Plan to Council in the first quarter of 2021. Stay tuned for more information to be shared shortly.
The Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force
On December 9th, 2020, the City of Hamilton’s General Issues Committee approved the Final Report of the Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery.
The Committee also approved a series of six motions to provide immediate action.
This Task Force, hosted by the City of Hamilton, has provided multi-sectoral leadership and direction to guide Hamilton’s economic recovery – creating an aggressive, action driven plan to position the City of Hamilton now, for long-term, sustainable and equitable economic recovery. Economic recovery from the impact of the pandemic is an urgent priority for Hamilton as it is for the rest of the country.
To read the Report from the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force, please click here.
Foreign Trade Zone
HAMILTON, ON (November 10, 2020) – In early November, the City of Hamilton was officially designated a Foreign Trade Zone by the Government of Canada. Local and international businesses can now access information about importing, exporting, and related tariff and tax exemptions through Hamilton’s Foreign Trade Zone Point.
This designation means that local businesses can access programs for tariff and tax exemptions when buying or importing raw materials, components and finished goods. It benefits local businesses WHO are moving product around the world and will help attract international investors into the country.
For more information, click here: https://investinhamilton.ca/blog/2020/11/10/hamilton-named-ftz/
CCRM at MIP
CCRM, a leader in developing and commercializing regenerative medicine has partnered with McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) to develop a biomanufacturing campus.
CCRM and MIP have signed a letter of intent and formalized their partnership to co-develop a business case around the construction and operation of Canada’s largest and most advanced Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) that will focus on regenerative medicine-based technologies and cell and gene therapies.
To learn more about this investment, please click here.
Sierra Cold Expansion
Penta Properties has broken ground on a new $80 million investment in the city’s Red Hill Business Park.
Penta Properties and Sierra Cold Storage have made a significant multi-million dollar investment in Hamilton. Sierra Supply Chain Services will expand their “Cold as a Service” freezer and cooler operations from 93,000 square feet to 250,000 square feet and create 100 new jobs in Hamilton. They also plan to add an additional 30,000 square feet of food processing space as an investment to better serve their clients.
Significant Growth & Opportunity Continues for Hamilton’s Film & Screen Industry
HAMILTON, ON (December 2, 2020) – Aeon Studios Group Inc. (AEON) announced earlier this month that it will be opening a large new film studio space at 243 Queen Street North on February 1, 2021. Aeon Bayfront Studios will be comprised of 80,000 square feet on a total of 7.5 acres of land that will include a 27,000 square foot studio with 50′ ceilings and clear span. It will be “among the best studios in Ontario by virtue of its size, ceiling height, clear span, on-site amenities and proximity to transportation and ancillary production services,” the company says. This announcement marks a decisive step toward realizing Aeon’s mission to build Hamilton to be an international hub for production. To learn more about this investment, please click here.
McMaster Apprenticeship Program
Postings due soon! Learn more about how to receive up to $16,000 worth of funding to hire a recent Humanities graduate for a 12-month contract. Learn more about the Humanities Career Apprenticeship Program and how submit a job posting here: https://investinhamilton.ca/humanities-career-apprenticeship-program/The Humanities Career Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity for employers to gain access to a recent graduate who brings skills such as writing, editing, problem-solving and critical thinking to your organization. It is a great way to try out a new employee for potential future hiring needs while also being highlighted as an apprenticeship employer on campus. Use this program as an opportunity to complete outstanding projects and/or tasks to push your business forward.
Deadline for employer to submit job posting – December 18, 2020!
Downtown Hamilton and Community Renewal CIP Review
The City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Division is undertaking a review of existing financial incentive programs, and the associated Downtown and Community Renewal Community Improvement Plan (2016), which are provided to support the revitalization of specific commercial districts in the city (this review does not include the ERASE and LEED incentive programs). If you would like to provide your feedback to this important study, please follow this link: https://engage.hamilton.ca/downtown-and-community-renewal-community-improvement-plan-review
Hamilton Featured in the Globe and Mail
Recently, Hamilton’s economy was the focus for a special insert in the Globe and Mail. Follow the link to get the inside scoop on some of our exciting investments, developments in our key sectors and how Hamilton’s economic future will welcome the world!
To read more click here!
IEC Program
The Industry Education Council (IEC) of Hamilton and McMaster’s Research Shop are looking to learn more about how small-to-medium-sized businesses in Hamilton recruit their employees. If you or someone you know works at a local Hamilton business and is involved with hiring, please fill out this 10-minute survey to share your insights. Survey respondents will be entered for a chance to win 1 of 3 $50 DoorDash gift cards! Take the survey here: https://bit.ly/3lnAUtq. The results of this survey will be used by the IEC of Hamilton to develop strategies to help Hamilton employers recruit their future workforce.