Hamilton Made Incentive Program

Hamilton offers over a dozen financial incentive programs including a unique “Hamilton Made” program offering interest-free loans based on 25% of the cost-to-construct budget to a maximum of $4 million per development. Financial incentives are offered in the form of municipal programs (more details below) but also available are Innovation, Training & Employment, and Energy Efficiency programs.

Financial Incentive Programs

Several financial incentive programs are exclusive to businesses located within Business Improvement Areas. These incentive programs are provided in the form of loans and grants to assist with various costs associated with development in Downtown Hamilton, Community Downtowns, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), the Mount Hope/Airport Gateway, and the commercial corridors as identified in the Downtown and Community Renewal Community Improvement Project Area By-law.

Ontario Heritage Act Properties

For properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, there are further financial incentives. Municipal Development Charges (DC) are reduced within the defined Downtown Hamilton Community Improvement Project Area and developers are also provided with the option to receive an additional exemption of 10% of the municipal development charges in this area where a dollar for dollar contribution is made to the Downtown Public Art Reserve.