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Invest in Hamilton February 2026 Newsletter

Feb 27, 2026

Business Community Partners Newsletter

Welcome to the February 2026 Invest in Hamilton Newsletter.

I want to begin this month’s update with some personal news. After thirty‑five years of service to Hamilton’s residents and business community, I have decided to begin the next chapter of my life and step away from my role as Director of Economic Development.

This decision comes with many emotions, but above all, a deep sense of gratitude. I am incredibly proud of the colleagues—past and present—whom I have had the privilege of working with, and of the hundreds of Hamilton businesses I’ve been fortunate to support. There is truly no profession quite like Economic Development, and it has been an honour to help shape the city I call home.

With my final day set for June 30, 2026, my focus remains on supporting my team through this first phase of transition. I have full confidence that they will continue to serve as trusted points of contact for our partners, and I encourage the business community to continue engaging with Economic Development as usual.

In the months ahead, several major initiatives will be brought forward to Council. These include the review of the Revitalizing Hamilton’s Commercial Districts Community Improvement Plan, the completion of the 10‑Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy, a final update on the 2021–2025 Economic Development Action Plan, and the first report on the development of the 2026–2030 Economic Development Action Plan. Please continue to follow this newsletter and our social media channels for updates on upcoming engagement opportunities related to the new Action Plan.

As always, my team and I remain committed to supporting you through the constantly evolving economic landscape. I encourage you to reach out at any time through our staff contact page.

Norm Schleehahn, Director, Economic Development

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In this issue

  1. February’s Trade and Tariff Update
  2. Updates to the Revitalizing Hamilton’s Commercial Districts Community Improvement Plan
  3. CanmetMATERIALS Celebrates 15 Years in Hamilton
  4. Jetbridges Take off at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
  5. February 2026 Global Hamilton Roundup

February's Trade and Tariff Update

The international trade and tariff landscape continues to shift, with rising attention on this summer’s renegotiation of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Tensions escalated in late January when the United States threatened a 50% tariff on Canadian aircraft following certification concerns related to American manufacturer Jetstream.

On February 11, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to block these tariffs on Canada. Politico analysis notes that the resolution could pass the Senate, which has supported similar measures in the past. However, congressional support appears insufficient to override a potential presidential veto, leaving the future of the tariff threat uncertain.

On February 15, 2026, the Government of Canada introduced a $6.6‑billion procurement strategy aimed at helping small and medium‑sized Canadian companies enter the defence sector. The initiative is designed to diversify Canada’s reliance on U.S. military assets and is projected to create 125,000 jobs over the next decade.

Hamilton now stands to play a role in this diversification effort. On February 19, 2026, Korea’s Hanwha Ocean—builder of submarines and other naval vessels—announced a memorandum of understanding with Ontario Shipyards and Mohawk College to launch shipbuilding training programs at Ontario Shipyards’ Hamilton facility. Hanwha CEO Charlies Kim stated that this partnership will support upgrades across Canada’s marine sector over the next ten years.

Further developments followed on February 20, 2026, when the United States Supreme Court struck down tariffs enacted under the International Economic Powers Act. In response, the administration imposed a new global tariff of 10% under Section 122 of the U.S. Trade Act, effective February 24, 2026. These Section 122 measures can be implemented by the executive branch for up to 150 days without additional congressional approval. Importantly, this ruling does not affect tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, lumber, and automotive parts, which remain governed by Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act.

Local businesses seeking support or guidance on tariff impacts can explore available provincial and federal programs through our Trade and Tariff Hub.

Looking for business funding? Try the Funding Finder

Housing Development Opportunities on Municipal Land

Hamilton is opening new doors for builders, developers, and housing partners with surplus municipal land now being prepared for development. The City is actively assessing its real estate portfolio to identify sites ideal for new housing, supporting its priority to grow safe, thriving neighbourhoods and increase affordable housing supply.

To make projects more viable, Hamilton is completing pre‑development work and offering some surplus parcels at below‑market or nominal rates, helping non‑profit and affordable housing providers bring new homes to life.

This initiative is backed by major Council‑endorsed plans — including the Urban Hamilton Official Plan, the Economic Development Action Plan, and the Housing Sustainability & Investment Roadmap — and builds on work dating back to 2017, when the City first declared 19 properties surplus for housing. Ongoing reviews continue to add new development-ready sites across the city.

Hamilton is ready for partners.

Click to view all available City of Hamilton properties
Cityscape at dusk featuring high-rise buildings, illuminated windows, and green trees in the foreground under a cloudy sky.

Updates to the Revitalizing Hamilton’s Commercial Districts Community Improvement Plan

Economic Development staff are currently reviewing the Revitalizing Hamilton’s Commercial Districts Community Improvement Plan (CIP). This CIP supports the renewal of key commercial districts and corridors—including Downtown Hamilton—by reducing financial barriers and encouraging investment in the redevelopment or improvement of under‑utilized buildings and properties.

As part of this review, we are seeking public input on the existing financial incentive programs, as well as opportunities to strengthen these programs so they continue to drive investment and revitalization in targeted areas.

Recordings of past public meetings, project updates, and the full project timeline are available here.

For more information or to speak with someone directly, please contact Johnpaul Loiacono, Senior Project Manager, at johnpaul.loiacono@hamilton.ca.

A group of people attending a factory tour

CanmetMATERIALS Celebrates 15 Years in Hamilton

Congratulations to the team at CanmetMATERIALS on celebrating fifteen years of metallurgical and materials innovation in Hamilton.

CanmetMATERIALS is Canada’s national laboratory for materials science and engineering, with an 80‑year history that traces back to its origins during the Second World War. In 2011, the organization relocated its headquarters from Ottawa to McMaster Innovation Park—positioning the lab at the heart of Canada’s steel sector. Staff at the anniversary event highlighted how this move has strengthened the lab’s ability to support a secure, resilient manufacturing supply chain across Canada’s energy, transportation, and defence industries.

In the weeks leading up to the anniversary, members of the Economic Development Office toured the Hamilton facility. Among the major advancements underway is the installation of a pilot‑scale electric arc furnace—an important step in accelerating low‑carbon steel production, critical minerals processing, and broader industrial decarbonization.
CanmetMATERIALS is a key contributor to the robust ecosystem supporting metals manufacturers that choose to invest and operate in Hamilton.

News banner saying "Newcomer Day @ City Hall, may 29 12-6pm, Call for Vendors and Artists/Performers. Apply at HamiltonNewcomerDay.ca"

Call for Vendors: Hamilton Newcomer Day 2026

Hamilton Newcomer Day is returning this year—and we’re inviting local organizations, community groups, and businesses to participate as vendors.

Newcomer Day is a city‑wide celebration welcoming immigrants, refugees, international students, and all newcomers who have recently made Hamilton their home. The event brings together settlement services, employers, educational institutions, cultural groups, and local entrepreneurs to help newcomers build connections and discover the resources available to them.

  • We are currently seeking vendors who can offer:
  • Settlement and community supports
  • Employment and training opportunities
  • Health, education, and family services
  • Cultural programming or community engagement
  • Products or services that support newcomer integration

Participating as a vendor is a valuable opportunity to share information, meet residents, and help shape an inclusive, welcoming Hamilton.

Interested groups can learn more and apply here
Airplane receiving passengers

Jetbridges Take off at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport

At a celebration on February 10, 2026, the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport marked another significant milestone in its ongoing infrastructure and technology investments. Two new passenger jetbridges are now in operation, giving travellers direct, weather‑protected access to their flights.

The jetbridges are part of a broader modernization of the airport’s international arrivals and processing experience. Recent upgrades include a fully redesigned arrivals hall featuring new Primary Inspection Kiosks, improved wayfinding, and a dedicated NEXUS lane—all aimed at reducing wait times and enhancing the overall passenger experience.

These improvements build on the long‑term investment plan introduced when Vantage Group signed a 49‑year lease with the City of Hamilton in September 2024. The agreement includes more than $400 million in infrastructure investments. The addition of the jetbridges is one step in a multi‑year plan to strengthen Hamilton’s position in national and global markets, support supply chain resilience, and create new jobs as industrial and commercial development around the airport continues to grow.

Text on a blue background reads "Global Hamilton Round Up" in gradient blue, white, and outlined orange letters.

February's Global Hamilton Round-up

Economic Development’s Global Hamilton Office focuses on investment attraction and trade, and further supports the retention of international entrepreneurs and students who call Hamilton home. These efforts are part of a broad, collaborative knowledge-sharing network within the Hamilton business ecosystem. The Global Hamilton Round Up is an extension of that network and provides a snapshot of Canada-wide opportunities for export, trade missions, and talent.

Trade and Export Programs

  • FUNDING: CanExport SMEs – offers competitive funding to help eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises expand into new international markets
  • FUNDING: Ontario Together Trade Fund – provides financial support to help businesses near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains
  • FUNDING: CanExport GAC-Led Delegations – funding to cover up to 50% of costs related to participation in select trade missions and delegations led by Global Affairs Canada’s (GAC) Trade Commissioner Service (TCS).
  • PROGRAM: Boston Tech and Life Sciences Canadian Technology Accelerator (virtual/in-person) | Deadline Feb 27
  • WEBINAR: Navigating Inter-provincial trade in Canada | March 19
  • WEBINAR: How to Exhibit at a Trade Show | March 25
  • RECORDING: CETA and Your Business
  • RESOURCE: Trade Data Online for Customized Reports

Talent Insights

  • UPDATE: IRCC is no longer accepting applications for the Start-Up Visa Program
  • RESOURCE: Hamilton Employers Hires Immigrants Webpage
  • CAREER FAIR: Connect to Careers Job Fair | March 3

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.