Urban Boundary Expansion - Agriculture

Protecting Hamilton’s Farmland:

A Closer Look at Urban Boundary Expansion

Last year, City Council voted unanimously to hold the current urban boundary.

Driven by recent provincial policy changes, the City of Hamilton is prioritizing the protection of agricultural lands amidst ongoing pressures for expanded urban growth from developers. These actions necessitate a thorough review of the city’s urban boundary expansion process to safeguard farmland and rural communities. As Hamilton continues to grow, balancing urban development amid policy changes by the provincial government, and pressure from developers to expand outside current urban boundaries, with the preservation of our precious agricultural land, is a top priority. The City is currently reviewing its urban boundary expansion process with a particular focus on Agricultural Impact Assessments (AIAs), ensuring that farmland and rural communities remain integral to our city’s future.

What is Urban Boundary Expansion?

Urban boundary expansion involves extending the designated urban area to accommodate growth and development. While these expansions are necessary for addressing housing and infrastructure needs, they can have significant implications for rural areas, including the loss of prime agricultural land.

To address these concerns, Hamilton has adopted a thoughtful approach to evaluate proposed expansions. At the heart of this process is the Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) — a critical tool designed to measure the potential effects of urban development on the agricultural sector.

What is an Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)?

An AIA is a comprehensive study that examines how a proposed urban boundary expansion might affect:

• Existing farms and farming operations.

• Agricultural infrastructure and supply chains.

• The overall agricultural system within Hamilton and beyond.

  
  

The goal is simple: to ensure that any new developments respect and support the long-term viability of agriculture in our community.

Hamilton’s Draft Framework for Expansion Applications

In response to recent provincial policy changes that allow private landowners (developers) to propose urban boundary expansions, Hamilton has developed a Draft Framework for Processing and Evaluating Urban Boundary Expansion Applications. This framework ensures that every application is scrutinized with a focus on sustainability and farmland preservation.

Key elements include:

Submission Requirements: Applicants must provide technical studies, including an AIA, to assess the potential impacts of their proposal.

Evaluation Criteria: Each application will be reviewed based on:

• Growth allocation and alignment with Hamilton’s planning objectives.

• Climate change mitigation strategies.

• Protection of natural heritage and water resources.

• Avoidance of prime agricultural lands whenever possible.

Community and Indigenous Engagement: The process emphasizes transparency and public involvement, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping Hamilton’s future.

Why It Matters

Hamilton’s rural areas are more than just scenic landscapes; they are the backbone of our local food systems and a key part of our economy. By prioritizing AIAs and safeguarding agricultural lands, the City is taking steps to:

• Preserve our local food security.

• Protect the livelihoods of farmers and rural businesses.

• Maintain the unique rural character that makes Hamilton special.

Get Involved

The City has been actively seeking input from residents, farmers, and stakeholders to guide this critical process. Your voice can help ensure that Hamilton’s growth respects its rural heritage.

For more information or to share your thoughts, visit Urban Boundary Expansion.