General

A new affordable rental building in downtown Hamilton, managed by CityHousing Hamilton, will offer housing for those unable to afford market rent. The city's housing secretariat plans to start 42 affordable and supportive housing projects from 2025 to 2027, totaling over 2,500 units. Efforts will focus on funding projects for chronic homelessness and helping non-profits […]

An update to the Ontario Building Code effective January 1, 2025, allows for the construction of mass timber buildings up to 18 storeys, increasing from previous limits of 12 and 6 storeys. This change aims to facilitate faster, more cost-effective home construction while promoting eco-friendliness. Mass timber structures, which use engineered wood components, are designed

Ontario's credit rating has been upgraded by S&P Global, marking the second upgrade in six months and reversing a trend of downgrades from the previous Liberal government. This improvement allows for lower borrowing costs, enabling the government to provide financial support to families facing high interest rates and carbon taxes. The province plans to invest

Ontario courts have recently grappled with whether the closure of open building permits can be requisitioned as a title matter. In the case of EPRF Holdings Ltd. v Fergus Bloor Inc., the court ruled that an outstanding building permit constituted a valid objection to title, obligating the vendor to resolve it or provide title insurance.

At the November 18 council meeting, a report recommended a 2% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for the township’s compensation programs in 2025, which was unanimously approved. This adjustment applies to staff compensation, council honorariums, and the volunteer firefighter program, ensuring competitiveness in the job market. The financial impact is estimated at $25,096, with plans