The City of Hamilton has secured $572 million in federal and provincial funding for major road, water and wastewater infrastructure projects designed to unlock capacity for thousands of new homes.
The funding, provided through the Development Charge Reduction Program, represents the largest investment in roads, water and wastewater infrastructure in the city’s history, according to Hamilton officials.
Among the projects receiving support is an expansion of the Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant, which the city says will provide enough additional servicing capacity to accommodate up to 97,000 new homes. Construction is expected to begin in 2028.
Upgrades to the Greenhill Water Pumping Station are also planned to increase water system capacity to accommodate up to 4,400 additional homes. Construction on that project is expected to begin in 2027.
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“This is a historic investment in Hamilton’s future and one I have worked hard as Mayor to make happen,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath in a statement. “It represents the single largest investment in roads, water and wastewater infrastructure in our city’s history, and I welcome the support of our provincial and federal partners.”
The funding will also accelerate several transportation projects intended to improve connections between existing and developing neighbourhoods.
Alongside the infrastructure funding, Hamilton is eliminating development charges on new residential developments for three years. The city estimates the measure could reduce development costs by as much as $100,442 per home, with the savings intended to be passed on to homebuyers.
Hamilton initially introduced a temporary development charge reduction program in September 2025 covering new residential and non-residential developments. The city says the program was an important factor in securing the new infrastructure funding from the federal and provincial governments.
“Getting more homes built for Hamilton residents requires investment in infrastructure from all orders of government,” said Acting City Manager Mike Zegarac in a statement.
Hamilton recorded 4,074 housing starts in 2025, an increase of 65% from 2024.
The city says it will now work with the provincial and federal governments, developers and other partners to advance the funded projects. Accelerating the infrastructure work is also expected to create additional employment opportunities for workers in construction and the skilled trades.
