Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Hamilton will take over complete management of the city’s waterfront starting April 1, as the Hamilton Waterfront Trust (HWT) ends its operations on March 31.
The HWT, created in 2000, has played a key role in projects and programs that increased public access to the waterfront and added to the city’s liveliness. Over its 25 years, the trust facilitated approximately $6.3 million in investments aimed at enhancing public enjoyment of the waterfront.
Officials assure that access to waterfront activities and facilities will remain unaffected.
“Hamilton’s waterfront is one of our city’s greatest shared assets, a place where residents gather, families spend time together, and visitors experience the best of our community,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “Bringing waterfront operations fully under city management strengthens the long-term stewardship of this important public space.
“My focus remains on ensuring Hamiltonians continue to enjoy the waterfront experiences they value today while we protect and enhance this asset for future generations.”
A thorough business model review initiated by council in 2022 determined that municipal management would boost governance, enhance financial oversight, and enable better integration of waterfront services into city operations.
“This transition brings consistency in governance, reporting and financial controls,” said City Manager Marnie Cluckie. “Our focus now is ensuring a smooth operational transition so residents and visitors continue to enjoy the waterfront programming and experiences they value.”
The phased transition began in 2023 when the city took over management of lands at 57 Discovery Drive.
“All of the programming that Hamiltonians have come to expect will continue but will be managed by the city, which already operates parks and other waterfront amenities,” said HWT Chair Cameron Kroetsch. “The city will now be in a position to deliver programming and services across the entire waterfront more efficiently and cost-effectively.”
For more information, visit hamilton. ca/Hamilton-Waterfront-Trust-Transition.
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