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Invest in Hamilton August 2025 Newsletter

Sep 3, 2025

Business Community Partners Newsletter

Welcome to another edition of the Hamilton Economic Development Newsletter.

I’m pleased to offer our readers a chance to learn more about some of the City’s ongoing achievements. In August, the Economic Development team celebrated a major expansion at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. The Airport is one of Hamilton’s key advantages for business attraction and retention, serving as a pillar of Hamilton’s multi-modal value proposition.

In response to Canada’s housing crisis and the ongoing challenges created by Canada’s trade relationship with the United States, Hamilton City Council passed an amended Development Charge By-Law. It is my hope that this incentive will continue to attract new companies to Hamilton while encouraging our existing employer base to grow their footprint and create new jobs for Hamiltonians.

Amid these macro-economic challenges, our staff at the Hamilton Business Centre are celebrating the success of Hamilton’s Summer Company graduates. The Business Centre team is tireless in meeting the needs of Hamilton’s local entrepreneurs.

As is always the case, my team is available to help you navigate the ever-changing nature of the times.

As always, our team is here to help you navigate the ever-evolving economic landscape. Please feel free to connect with any of us through our website.

Norm Schleehahn, Director, Economic Development

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In this issue

  1. August Trade and Tariff Update
  2. Latitude Air Ambulance
  3. Summer Company Graduates
  4. Welcoming Week in Hamilton
  5. Changes to Hamilton’s Development Charges By-Law
  6. Global Hamilton Roundup

August's Trade and Tariff Update

August observed another significant shift in the global trade relationship with the United States of America.

As of August 18, 2025, the United States Commerce Department added 407 additional steel and aluminum derivative products to the list of goods tariffed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. The Trade Expansion Act authorizes the President of the United States of America to adjust the imports of goods and materials from trade partners, should those imports be deemed a threat to national security.

The expansion of the Section 232 tariffs applies 50% tariffs on the steel and aluminum content of these derived materials. What is notable about this change is that pre-existing trade agreements, such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, do not provide any exceptions to these tariffs.

The complete scope of this change remains to be seen, and as of August 21, 2025, there were reports of renewed bilateral discussions between Canada and the United States. However, in the near term, these changes are certain to prove a challenge to Hamilton’s more than $9 billion (2024) in manufacturing exports. On August 20, 2025, the Government of Ontario announced a $70 million investment to expand training and employment services for individuals whose jobs are impacted by tariffs. The investment includes support for enhanced training centers that provide access to training and upskilling, while also expanding access to vocational and skills training for in-demand occupations. Job seekers can receive up to $35,000 for costs such as tuition, transportation, and childcare through the Better Jobs Ontario program. More information on these programs is available through this link.

On August 26, 2025, the Government of Canada announced $450M in funding through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative in Southern Ontario. The fund is intended to help businesses overcome trade disruptions and includes support for businesses in the steel and automotive industries. Organizations and businesses can apply to the fund through this link.

Looking for business funding? Try the Funding Finder
Two private jets are parked inside a spacious hangar with a Canadian flag hanging on the wall.

Flying the Compassionate Skies with Latitude Air Ambulance

After breaking ground on a 44,000 sq. foot expansion in late 2023, Latitude Air Ambulance celebrated the completion of its new Fixed Base Operation and Hangar at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport during the weekend of August 16, 2025.

As an international medevac operator, Latitude has provided emergency medical transportation services to more than 120 countries and all continents, except Antarctica. However, Latitude’s new Falcon 900B, callsign Heartbeat 901, is capable of reaching the world’s southernmost continent and providing long-haul, in-flight medical services.

This expansion is one of many investments that keep the Airport a gateway to the world, while also diversifying the interconnected nature of Hamilton’s life sciences and people movement sectors. Congratulations to Latitude and their renewed commitment to offering vital and compassionate care to Hamilton’s residents and people from around the world.

A group of people posing together outside in front of large block letters spelling "WATERLOO.

Celebrating the Hamilton Business Centre's Summer Company Graduates

Congratulations to the 2025 Summer Company Graduates!

This summer, 18 incredible young entrepreneurs turned their business ideas into reality through the Summer Company program. From creativity to resilience, they showed us what the future of entrepreneurship in Hamilton looks like, and it is bright!

The entire Economic Development team is proud of this cohort’s hard work, and can’t wait to see where their collective entrepreneurial journey takes them next.

Summer Company is a key component of the Ontario Government’s young entrepreneurs programs, which aims to encourage more young people to turn their talents into creative and innovative businesses.

Summer Company provides hands-on business training and mentoring with awards of up to $3,000 to help enterprising students start up and run their own summer businesses.

Learn more about the Hamilton Business Centre
People visit informational booths at a community event; a “We Are Hamilton” sign is displayed in the foreground.

Welcoming Week in Hamilton

Welcoming Week is an annual campaign undertaken by organizations and communities to welcome immigrants and build strong community connections between newcomers and residents to ensure a sense of belonging for all. This year Welcoming Week takes place from September 12th to the 21st.

The 2025 theme is Stories We Share — a call to celebrate differences and discover what we have in common by sharing the experiences, cultures, and perspectives that make us who we are.

How can you get involved?

  • Share with the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council any activity or event that you are organizing for Welcoming Week! The HIPC Team is putting together an events calendar to share with the public. You can also post your event to the official Welcoming Week website.
  • Consider a digital campaign! Learn more here.
  • Not sure where to start? Check out this toolkit for Welcoming Week ideas.

Do you know a student looking to find their place in the city? On September 13, 2025, Global Hamilton staff will be hosting Hamilton Welcomes the World — a free event celebrating global talent and new beginnings in Hamilton. Click this link for more information and registration.

Changes to Hamilton’s Development Charges By-Law

Hamilton City Council approved amendments to the City’s Development Charges (DC) By-law as part of the City’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis.

Beginning September 1, 2025, a temporary 20% exemption on DCs will apply to all new residential and non-residential developments across Hamilton. This exemption will remain in effect for two years – until August 31, 2027. The exemption will have no anticipated impact on the property tax levy in 2025, as its cost is expected to be fully absorbed within the 2025 Council-approved budget.

Following the feedback received through the Mayor’s Roundtable on Trade and Tariffs, the City has extended the temporary DC relief to the manufacturing sector. This temporary relief recognizes the growing pressures facing the manufacturing sector during this time of economic uncertainty.

Qualified businesses may still access additional programs and incentives hosted through the Economic Development Division.

Learn more about Hamilton's incentive programs
Text on a blue background reads "Global Hamilton Round Up" in gradient blue, white, and outlined orange letters.

August's Global Hamilton Round-up

The Global Hamilton Office, part of the City’s Economic Development team, plays a key role in attracting international investment and trade to Hamilton. It also supports the retention of international entrepreneurs and students who now call our city home.

These efforts are part of a broader, collaborative knowledge-sharing network that strengthens Hamilton’s dynamic business ecosystem.

The Global Hamilton Round Up is an extension of this work — offering readers a curated snapshot of Canada-wide opportunities in export development, trade missions, and talent attraction. It’s your go-to resource for staying connected to global markets and growing your business beyond borders.

Trade and Export Programs

  • WEBINAR SERIES: September 9 | Free Trade Agreements & Tariffs | MEDJCT
  • WEBINAR: September 11 | Export to Europe: Find markets beyond the US | EDC
  • WEBINAR: September 23 | India’s Clean Energy Ambitions | MEDJCT
  • WEBINAR: October 16th | How to Leverage Canada as a Launchpad for International Expansion | StartupCanada
  • WEBINAR: October 23 | Spotlight on Exporting: Nearshoring & Supply Chain Realignment | MEDJCT
  • PROGRAM: CanExport SMES | Offers up to $50,000 in funding to help Canadian small and medium sized businesses break into international markets | Trade Commissioner Service
  • RESOURCE: Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges
  • RESOURCE: Ontario Together Trade Fund

Talent Insights

  • UPDATE: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Updates for 2025 – launch of new employer portal
  • RESOURCE: Hamilton Employers Hires Immigrants Webpage
  • EVENT: September 18: McMaster Fall Career Fair (Employer Registration deadline: September 11)

Trade Missions

Ontario Trade Mission Calendar
Canadian Trade Mission Calendar
Find a Trade Commissioner

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Would you like to know more?

The Hamilton Economic Development Division serves Hamilton by facilitating sustainable economic and ecological development aligned with the 2022-2026 Council Priorities. This goal is achieved through the attraction of new businesses, the retention and expansion of existing businesses, and the creation of quality employment opportunities.

Economic Development serves established businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs. For more information about starting or growing a business in Hamilton, please don’t hesitate to contact our staff through this link.