By Chris Farias I fell in love on Barton Street. I know, not how most love stories begin, but it's true. Let me start by confessing, I'm a big shopper. Retail therapy is my thing. A perfect Saturday for me is either spent antiquing my way down Ottawa Street or strolling through the stalls at the Farmers Market. It's … [Read more...]

Website shines a light on investment and building activity in Hamilton Neil Everson Each year the Economic Development division prepares an Annual Economic Review of investment and building activity in the city. This is the only publication the division prints. Everything else goes directly on our website … [Read more...]

Chris Farias I hate rainy days – like a fuzzy Mogwai that could be turned into a gremlin with the smallest drop of water, I avoid precipitation whenever I can. This can be a difficult task sometimes. Last month, with the never-ending wet days of April, I was a frequent caller to a local taxi company. To bide … [Read more...]

Has damage to Flamboro Downs already been done? By Arend Kersten, Executive Director of the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce When one looks at the “double whammy” crises facing the Flamborough economy as a result of changes to the province’s “slots and trots” programs, the phrase “If it ain’t broke … [Read more...]

Or, when baaaaad ideas lead to good ones Chris Farias Where I work, at Kitestring, there are a few people wearing many hats. Designers, strategists, programmers, accounting folk, all doing what they do best to make the company engine run. I’ve been bestowed with the title of creative director. What does it … [Read more...]

Hamilton department is one of just 34 across the globe with the accreditation, and the first in Canada By Neil Everson For those people who detest acronyms — my apologies. But these acronyms relate to a major accomplishment for Hamilton (COH). The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) located … [Read more...]

Neil Everson In 2008, city council approved the Hamilton LEEDing the Way Community Improvement Plan and authorized a citywide expansion of this program in 2010. Under subsection 28 of the Ontario Planning Act, the city was able to provide a grant for a share of eligible incremental costs related to LEEDs against … [Read more...]

Lori Raudnask, vice-president, Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce The Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its most prestigious event of the year, our 45th Annual Community Recognition Awards in May. We are proud to recognize citizens and businesses that are making a difference in our community, making it a … [Read more...]

Ideas for a kid-friendly city with tree-lined streets and road hockey by street light By Chris Farias As a branding professional I constantly get the question: "How would you re-brand Hamilton?" My simple answer is: “This city doesn't need to re-brand. It needs to live up to the best version of the brand it already … [Read more...]

Neil Everson More than any other department in municipal government, economic development is directly impacted by external variables such as economic downturns, interest rate hikes and rising energy costs. Although it hasn’t received much media attention, there is one issue that will have profound effects on our … [Read more...]