How the AEGD will benefit Hamilton.
The AEGD is a significant economic opportunity for the City of Hamilton. The Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy (GRIDS) identified the area as one of the main areas to address the city’s need for employment lands.
Jobs, jobs, and more jobs.
With high unemployment in the city and a rapidly growing population, it’s important to find ways to create more jobs. The AEGD has the potential to be a catalyst for significant employment growth and economic development.
The more jobs we can keep in Hamilton, the better it is for everyone. Approximately 30,000-40,000 more residents commute out of Hamilton to work every day than commute in. More job opportunities here will keep more residents – and revenue – in our city.
Recently, the McMaster Innovation Park has invented new and exciting technologies that represent a great opportunity for advanced manufacturing jobs. Unfortunately, those jobs are currently going to other cities that have a stronger infrastructure to support this type of work. With the AEGD, we could keep those jobs, and revenue, in our community.
New business, many benefits.
There are thousands of jobs that will be created by the AEGD. This is significant – but there are many more benefits to be realized.
Each and every new job created means another person who will need groceries, real estate, lawyers, dentists, who will go to movies and attend theatre – and they’ll pay taxes, too. That means additional revenue for our city. So every single one of us benefits.
Visually appealing, sustainable design.
The vision of the AEGD is to create a visually appealing area that maintains its natural and cultural heritage. A series of sustainable design techniques will minimize the environmental footprint. Studies have been commissioned in order to ensure the heritage of the area is maintained and strengthened with development.
14 months of consultation –and more to come.
The City of Hamilton has been studying the impact of the AEGD for over a year – and there are many more studies to come. Third party experts have been commissioned for in-depth research. Representatives for key stakeholders have been involved and consulted with on an ongoing basis through the Community Liaison Committee. This committee includes:
- Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
- Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee
- Citizen representatives
- Environment Hamilton
- Hamiltonians for Progressive Development
- Hamilton and District Labour Council
- Poverty Roundtable
- Six Nations Lands and Resources
- Area Members of Parliament
For a complete list of Community Liaison Committee members, visit www.myhamilton.ca
What kind of business?
The following key employment growth sectors have been identified:
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
- Accommodation and Food Services
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Wholesale Trade
- Transportation and Warehousing
It’s important to note that these businesses are not the type you would find in the downtown core. These businesses are specifically attracted to the real estate, highway access, and proximity to the airport the AEGD provides.
