AEGD

Here are some popular questions people have been asking about AEGD:

• Won’t the AEGD take business from Hamilton’s downtown?
  The types of business that will be attracted to the AEGD are not businesses that would consider downtown as a viable option. These businesses are attracted to the access, real estate and proximity to the airport the AEGD provides.
  
  
  In fact, the additional businesses and jobs that will be attracted by the new development are expected to provide more support and revenue for the downtown core. As new people and businesses move into Hamilton, they will require services from lawyers, dentists and others; they will shop at retail stores; they will attend the theatre and go to art galleries. This will help us to build and expand Hamilton’s downtown.
• Why doesn’t Hamilton develop other areas, such as brownfields?
  A balanced approach that includes the development of brownfields, existing industrial land, the downtown core and the AEGD will provide the greatest opportunity for growth.
• Isn’t Hamilton going to lose a lot of prime farmland?
  Most of the land in the designated area is not prime farmland. A majority of the land is unused property owned by developers and speculators. However, Hamilton recognizes the importance of all the farmland, so studies are currently being done to determine the best way to protect what is there.
• Why is the land around the airport being considered?
  Studies have been conducted by the City of Hamilton that show the most cost-efficient method of creating developable land would be to create this business park.

  However, this doesn’t mean that the business park will take away any opportunities from the core. More professional services, retail and related companies will be situated in the core where as logistic, intellectual, R&D type businesses will be located in the business park.

• How will the AEGD development impact property values?
  The value of property in the AEGD is expected to increase as municipal services are brought into the area.
• What are the plans for the future of the airport?
  Continued growth for the airport is expected to result in traffic estimated at 9.4 million passengers and 178,000 tonnes of cargo annually by 2030.
  A consultant has recently concluded that the airport will generate another 15,000 new jobs for Hamilton.

  See flyhi.ca for more information on the airport Master Plan.

• What is the ‘Employment Area Land’?
  Areas designated in an official plan for clusters of business and economic activities including, but not limited to, manufacturing, warehousing, offices, and associated retail and ancillary facilities. (Provincial Policy Statement, 2005)
• Will the city have to purchase land from the owners?
  Hamilton owns some of the land that was bought a long time ago, however not very much. The city has no land banking program, and hopes to create a situation where private investors will buy land and proceed with development.
• Will anyone be forced to move?
  No one will be forced to move or sell their home or farmland.
• How will you protect the transitional areas around the residential communities along Twenty Road and The Village of Mount Hope?
  Transition areas are very important and the city recognizes there is much that needs to be done to create buffers and visual appeal. That includes paying special attention to the types of businesses, building heights, types of buildings, outdoor storage, pedestrian and transit linkages plus landscaping in these areas.
• What types of jobs would this bring?
  It is intended that higher-end types of employment would be attracted together with manufacturing and warehousing, airport related and other service jobs.
• How will the AEGD affect Hamilton’s taxes?
  Hamiltonians can expect their tax situation to improve. Increased revenues from corporate taxes will help to stabilize residential taxes.
• How will the AEGD affect the environment?
  The AEGD will be an environmentally sensitive and visually appealing community. In order to accomplish this, studies have been commissioned to ensure any negative environmental impact is minimized.
• When will the development start?
  This is a 30-40 year plan. It is hoped approvals will occur by Summer 2010 and then adoption and approval a few months later. Development will move forward in two years if the plan is given final approval.
• Will the AEGD infringe on First Nations land?
  While the AEGD is not located on First Nations land, representatives have been involved in order to ensure that any possible issues are addressed.
• Aren’t there cultural and heritage sites that will be affected?
  Everything possible will be done to protect the important cultural and heritage sites on the AEGD.
• Isn’t the airline industry declining due to rising oil prices?

  According to the Canada Transportation Act Review, over the next 20 years, passenger traffic will grow at an estimated rate of 3.1% annually and freight traffic at a rate of 4.8%.

  Advanced technology has improved fuel efficiency for aircraft by 70% over the last twenty years. More innovation will continue to reduce fuel costs and the environmental footprint of all aircraft.

  A consultant has recently concluded that the airport will generate another 15,000 new jobs for Hamilton. See more.