Local Trends and Policy
Where Hamilton Works: Local and Regional Commuting Trends
Research | Data Analysis | Spatial Analysis
With the regionalization of the Greater Golden Horseshoe growing, this UrbanInsights bulletin looks at the flow of workers in and out of Hamilton, Ontario to get a sense of the changing regional picture of employment flows. To view the Geostreet interactive map, click the link below.
The Value of Heritage Designation
Research | Data Analysis | Policy Analysis | Spatial Analysis
While there is a growing consensus on the aesthetic value heritage buildings bring to an urban landscape, there is wide-spread perception that designating buildings or districts under the Ontario Heritage Act adversely impacts property values. This UrbanInsights bulletin analyzes this validity of this perception by looking at a case-study of Hamilton, Ontario. To view the Geostreet interactive map, click the link below.
How Hamilton Works: Commuting, Transit, and Employment Trends
Research | Data Analysis
This UrbanInsights bulletin identifies commuting, transit, and employment trends that are specific to the Hamilton CMA (includes Burlington and Grimsby) and puts them into the broader Canadian context to help inform an understanding of these issues in the community.
Downloaded Dilemma: Background Report
Research | Policy Analysis/Development | Data Analysis
With property tax being the main source of municipal revenue, cities are struggling to fund an ever expanding list of priorities including programs aimed at helping the most vulnerable in our communities. The list is municipally funded programs significantly expanded through the downloading of responsibilities by the Provincial Government of Ontario in the 1990s. This issue is particularly acute in more mature cities such as Hamilton, where there is a higher concentration of social infrastructure. Within this context, the CCS was contracted by the Social Services Downloading Steering Committee (now the Fairness to Hamilton Committee), which represents a variety of community interests within Hamilton and is advocating for a more equitable financial framework with senior levels of government.
Hamilton Roundtable Poverty Reduction: Sector Engagement Report
Research | Public Consultation | Strategic Planning
In an effort to tackle one of Hamilton’s greatest challenges, individuals from all parts of the community have come together in a collaboration to eliminate poverty in the city through the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction (HRPR). The CCS worked with the HRPR to assist them in the development of a community poverty plan. One component of the development stage of a poverty plan was a community engagement process with different groups representing four main sectors in Hamilton (business, government, non-profit / voluntary agencies, and individuals affected by poverty). The CCS worked with the HRPR to assist with the facilitation of the sessions and to synthesize the data and information produced through the sessions.
Getting Back On Track: VIA Rail Taskforce Background Report
Research | Strategic Planning | Data Analysis | Policy Analysis/Development
The VIA Rail Taskforce was responsible for recommending a site for a new VIA Rail station in the City of Hamilton. The CCS prepared a background report for taskforce members that outlines the major issues surrounding this initiative including political commitments by federal officials, policy rationale for a return of VIA service to Hamilton, and a review of the key stakeholders in the process.
Passenger Rail Facility Location Analysis
Research | Data Analysis | Policy Analysis | Spatial Analysis
The CCS conducted an analysis of four potential locations for a new passenger rail facility within the city of Hamilton. The analysis used the criteria of policy, accessibility, and proximity to evaluate potential locations. The recommended location has since been adopted by Metrolinx as an expansion station location for inter-regional transit.
