2019/2020 Economic Update
Hamilton, ontario: Where Innovation goes to Work
A Message from the Mayor of Hamilton
As Mayor, I have seen our community’s economy flourish in a very short period. From top placement on numerous national and global rankings, to record setting building permit numbers, to major investments by international brands, this is truly an economy that is dynamic, on the move, and open for business.
The coronavirus pandemic has stalled economies world-wide, and Hamilton’s is no exception. However, even during the depths of the pandemic, our local economy continued to perform. Many of our manufacturers continued to produce essential goods. Others retooled to make badly-needed personal protective equipment (PPE). Our world-class life sciences sector pivoted to help lead the fight against COVID-19.
As we carefully and deliberately emerge from lockdown and restart our economy, many of the large industrial and commercial projects that were progressing in Hamilton prior to the pandemic have sprung back to life and are now accelerating at a great pace. That is encouraging, but for others, it has been a challenge. I know it is not easy. But here in Hamilton, everyone is in this together. That’s why the Mayor’s Taskforce on Economic Recovery was established to make recommendations to ensure all sectors of our economy have what they need to flourish once again and become stronger than ever before.
It has been a year like no other, but the ingenuity and resiliency of everyone in all sectors of Hamilton’s economy is nothing short of inspiring. Thank you!
Mayor Fred Eisenberger
Hamilton 2020 City Council
Back Row (L–R)
- Councillor Tom Jackson
- Councillor Maureen Wilson
- Councillor Terry Whitehead
- Councillor Jason Farr
- Councillor Arlene
VanderBeek - Councillor Brad Clark
- Councillor John-Paul Danko
- Councillor Chad Collins
- Councillor Sam Merulla
Front Row (L–R)
- Councillor Nrinder Nann
- Councillor Esther Pauls
- Councillor Brenda Johnson
- Mayor Fred Eisenberger
- Councillor Judi Partridge
- Councillor Maria Pearson
- Councillor Lloyd Ferguson
Hamilton is truly the city where Innovation Goes to Work.
Over the past few months, the world has experienced a pandemic which has taken an enormous toll on our collective health and economy. I am heartened by the fact that through excellent public health management in Hamilton we are starting to see signs of recovery. From the Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery, to the property tax assistance program, to the creation of Outdoor Dining Districts, to the expansion of the Digital Main Street program, to strong partnerships with all three Chambers of Commerce and 13 BIAs in providing up to date economic information, we have and will continue to be searching for new ways to help Hamilton’s business community.
Throughout 2019 and into early 2020, Hamilton experienced some outstanding economic activity.
Led by the foundational investment announcement from L3Harris—one of the world’s leading aerospace and defence firms, Hamilton received a bounty of economic good news over the past several months. This included nearly 1 Million square feet of space over two sites for new Amazon operations and a major investment from Q4, one of the world’s leading investor relations technology companies, that announced their first investment in Hamilton’s fintech sector—with room for more growth in the next several months.
Along with numerous tangible examples of investor confidence in the local economy through investments big and small, there were also a number of significant honours bestowed on Hamilton in 2019. From being ranked the fastest growing mid-sized city in Canada for tech talent, to one of the top two cities in North America for connectivity, to one of the top 10 places to invest in Canada, it is clear that Hamilton is no doubt a prime destination for investment in this nation. As you scroll through this document, know that the team at the City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Office is ready to add your investment to our city and are here to help in every way possible.
Contact us here and let’s talk.
Norm Schleehahn
Director of Economic Development
Research Infosource
The University Impact Rankings
QS World University Rankings
We are Hamilton. We are ready.
One of the nation’s most diversified economies, the fastest growing mid-sized city for tech talent and a fantastic community approach to supporting investment big and small.