The City of Hamilton is overhauling its outdated residential zoning bylaws to comply with Ontario’s Provincial Planning Statement.
Hamilton’s current residential bylaws are restrictive, meaning most intensification projects require a zoning amendment and official plan application. Outdated bylaws are one contributing factor to the City’s standing as the worst municipality in Canada in terms of planning application approval delays.
In a report to Council’s planning committee this week, planner Mallory Smith states that the new bylaw coming forth this year will include “the introduction of a third Mid Rise Residential Zone to address small-scale built forms, e.g., townhouses, internal to neighbourhoods and in areas with transitions in built form.”
The new zoning is intended to permit “missing middle” and “gentle intensification” forms along all major streets across the City, meeting the requirements of the PPS, which requires intensification.
Council must comply with the PPS.
The report states that the new zoning will expand commercial permissions. The City of Toronto is currently facing public backlash regarding restrictions that prohibit small-scale retail, such as corner stores, in neighbourhoods.
More information on the Residential Zones Project is available on the City website here.
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Published: April 7, 2025
Last updated: April 7, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
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