Jun 29, 2026
Canada's Largest Sugar Refinery Goes Online in Hamilton
It was a beautiful day on May 8, 2026, when Sucro Can Canada officially cut the ribbon on its state-of-the-art sugar refinery at Pier 15 in the Port of Hamilton.
The $135 million facility is now the largest sugar refinery in Canada, with the capacity to produce more than one million metric tonnes of refined sugar annually. This significant investment provides unprecedented support to Hamilton’s agri-food and food and beverage manufacturing sectors.
Located at the Port of Hamilton, the refinery benefits from direct access to marine, rail, and road transportation networks. These multimodal connections help shorten and stabilize supply chains, reduce carbon emissions, and improve access to sugar for food manufacturers in Hamilton and across Ontario and Quebec.
In its first year of operation, the refinery is expected to receive 10 shipments of raw sugar by vessel, with that number projected to increase to 14 shipments in 2027. The facility currently employs 65 skilled workers, with additional job growth anticipated as production volumes continue to increase year over year.
Coming Soon to Your Business: The 2026 Employment Inventory Survey
This summer, businesses across Hamilton can expect a friendly visit from a team of student surveyors as part of the 2026 Employment Inventory Survey.
The Employment Inventory Survey is an annual, city-wide initiative that collects information on local business activity and employment. The survey’s purpose is to capture the voice of Hamilton’s business community and build an evidence-based dataset that helps inform the City of Hamilton’s planning, economic development, and infrastructure decisions.
Between now and the end of August, the survey team will work to connect with every professional, commercial, and industrial business in Hamilton. Student surveyors will conduct brief in-person interviews, asking businesses to complete a simple questionnaire that takes approximately two minutes to finish.
Businesses also have the option of participating online through a web form available on the City of Hamilton’s website. This provides a convenient alternative for organizations that prefer to submit their information electronically or for situations where on-site staff are unavailable to complete the survey with a student surveyor.
If you would like to complete the survey now, please use the link below and consider sharing it within your business network. Your participation helps ensure that Hamilton’s future planning and investment decisions are informed by accurate and up-to-date business data.
Rain Carbon Launches New Research and Development Hub
On June 2, 2026, Rain Carbon welcomed members of the Hamilton community to the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art research and development facility. The 30,000-square-foot centre will serve as a hub for advanced research into battery anode materials used in lithium-ion batteries, while also providing technical assessments of battery cell performance. This work will help advance the next generation of electric vehicles and contribute to the development of innovative energy storage solutions that support Canada’s growing green economy.
Rain Carbon selected Hamilton as the location for its North American innovation hub due to the city’s strategic position within Ontario’s industrial supply chain. Hamilton’s access to a highly skilled workforce, combined with the research capabilities and talent pipeline provided by its three post-secondary institutions, further reinforced the company’s long-term growth plans.
The facility is already establishing Hamilton as a contributor to global innovation in energy storage and battery technology. Active research partnerships with Next Generation Manufacturing Canada and the Canada-Germany Collaborative Industrial Research and Development Program demonstrate Rain Carbon’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge research while strengthening Hamilton’s role in the future of clean technology and advanced manufacturing.
Celebrating Newcomer Day in Hamilton
Hamilton Newcomer Day 2026 welcomed more than 1,000 attendees for a vibrant celebration of diversity, connection, and community spirit. One of the day’s most memorable moments was the citizenship ceremony, where 29 new Canadians proudly took this important step in their journey. City staff were honoured to witness and celebrate this milestone alongside participants, their families, and the broader community.
From the lively Community Zone and collaborative mural project to the bustling marketplace, the event was filled with energy, meaningful connections, and opportunities to engage with local organizations. Attendees also enjoyed inspiring speakers, cultural experiences, and activities that showcased the diversity and strength of Hamilton’s community.
Newcomer Day 2026 served as a joyful reminder of what makes Hamilton such a welcoming and inclusive city. When residents come together to celebrate and support one another, they help create a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to belong.
The Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council extends its sincere thanks to the 40 dedicated volunteers, as well as the event’s sponsors, partners, newcomers, and community members whose contributions helped make this year’s celebration a tremendous success.
Laval Meets Hamilton at McMaster Innovation Park
On May 14, 2026, members of Hamilton’s Economic Development team welcomed a delegation from Laval, Quebec, as part of the City of Laval’s trade mission to Ontario.
During their visit to Hamilton, delegates learned about the city’s development priorities and emerging economic opportunities, while also sharing insights into technological innovations and industry advancements taking place in Quebec. The discussions provided an opportunity to explore areas of mutual interest and establish a foundation for continued dialogue and collaboration between two cities recognized for their strong manufacturing traditions and growing innovation ecosystems.
The visit highlighted the value of interprovincial partnerships in supporting economic growth, fostering innovation, and strengthening business connections across Canada.
While in Hamilton, the Laval delegation also attended Innovation Factory’s Big DiF Showcase, gaining firsthand exposure to the region’s entrepreneurial and technology sectors. The event provided an additional opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and strengthen connections between Ontario’s and Quebec’s innovation communities.
Planning for the Future at the Bay Area Economic Summit
Leaders from across Hamilton and Burlington came together on June 4, 2026, for the Annual Bay Area Economic Summit, a premier event focused on the opportunities and challenges shaping the region’s economic future.
Norm Schleehahn, Acting General Manager of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Hamilton, moderated a panel of industry leaders who engaged in a thoughtful discussion on the emerging impacts of artificial intelligence. The conversation explored the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption, the evolving landscape of AI governance, and the ways this rapidly advancing technology is transforming industries, workplaces, and business operations. Panellists also examined how Canada can strengthen its position and remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven global economy.
Additional insights were provided by The Honourable John-Paul Danko, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas, who spoke about Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the country’s role in supporting innovation, investment, and responsible AI development.
The Economic Development Office was proud to sponsor an event that encourages collaboration across municipal boundaries, fosters meaningful dialogue among business and community leaders, and helps build a stronger, more connected regional economy.
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.