The Ontario government has announced it will use a Minister’s Zoning Order to unlock a parcel of vacant land in Hamilton that, in turn, could lead to the construction of more than 600 new homes in the city.

The province issued the MZO at the request of the City of Hamilton last year.

The parcel of land is located at 405 James Street North (Jamesville) near the West Harbour GO Station. The property has been vacant since 2019.

CityHousing Hamilton, Indwell and the Jamesville Redevelopment Limited Partnership will work together to revitalize the site with new apartment buildings and townhouses that include up to 210 affordable units.

“This moment did not happen by accident,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “It came after years of relentless advocacy, countless meetings, and pushing through barriers.”

From 2019 to 2022, the City of Hamilton undertook public engagement, including public open houses, for the vision and design of the Jamesville site. It is now responsible for obtaining other approvals for the Jamesville site, including site plan and consulting with conservation authorities.

Hamilton’s population is projected to grow from 639,000 people in 2025 to 713,000 in 2035.