Media Release: City of Hamilton says “we’re in” to Amazon

In a unanimous vote, the City of Hamilton says “we’re in” to Amazon

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton is throwing its hat into the “Amazon” ring, to be considered for their new, second corporate headquarters dubbed Amazon HQ2. In a unanimous Council vote, the City is sending a clear message to the Seattle-based technology giant that we have the people, the infrastructure, the talent and the resolve to deliver results. HQ2 involves the creation of 50,000 jobs in the next ten to fifteen years and $5 billion in capital expenditures.

“This represents a significant opportunity that our team is focused on pursuing. The economic and creative transformation of our city aligns perfectly with Amazon’s expansion plans. We know we are going to be competing with cities from across North America and we are confident in the value, excitement and energy Hamilton brings to what we believe will be a winning proposal,” says Mayor Eisenberger.

When reviewing Amazon’s request for proposal, the City looked closely, both at the attributes of the type of city they were seeking as well as the technical and land requirements. Considering a number of these key elements, the City sees its strength on a multitude of fronts as a solid match for Amazon’s requirements and business drivers.

The economic development opportunity is deemed a game changer and a solid way to show that Hamilton is investing in the city for future generations.

Welcome Amazon to our city: https://youtu.be/QigA9LD9hCM

CHML. Shout Out

A special shout out to our friends at CHML who are celebrating their 90th anniversary. They will be broadcasting all day until 6pm at the City Hall forecourt. 

Food for Thought with Alex Bielak- Sips and Bites (and #MadLove): The Departures, Returns and Arrivals Edition.

This week we heard of the sad and untimely passing of Dave Hanley, founder of Popup Hamilton, and a great booster of the city’s chefs and culinary scene. Dave, with his trademark porkpie hat and #madlove tweets, genially took the Hamilton food scene by storm, beginning with a series of Dishcrawls – a precursor to the Popup events – through Hamilton’s neighbourhoods. Food for Thought wrote about him several times beginning in 2013, noting “Dishcrawl was a win for Hamilton.”

Hanley leaves a wife, and young daughter, and a GoFundMe campaign is underway to help defray funeral and other costs. A candlelight vigil is being planned for this coming Saturday, Sept 23, at the East Side of Sam Lawrence Park from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fittingly NOSH, the 2017 edition of Hamilton’s upcoming culinary week, has been dedicated to him. RIP Dave.

In other news, the 5th Annual Flamborough Chillifest takes place at the Waterdown Legion this Tuesday, September 26th 4 – 8 pm. The event – always a fun time for families – is organized by

Media Release: Hamilton Weighing Amazon Bid

Hamilton Weighing Amazon Bid

Statement by Mayor Fred Eisenberger

Friday, Sept 8, 2017, Hamilton, ON - Amazon has announced plans to establish a second company headquarters in North America. It is seeking proposals from local and state/provincial governments. The benefits in terms of jobs and economic development are self-evident and unprecedented.

The City of Hamilton has obtained Amazon’s Request for Proposals document and has established a team to analyze the criteria with a view to responding with a Hamilton proposal. We are already fielding offers of help from local external stakeholders. In addition, my office has been in contact with the provincial government to indicate our interest.

Although detailed analysis is required, a quick read indicates that Hamilton meets many of the criteria that Amazon has established, including location in a large metropolitan area, proximity to mass transit and rail, proximity to major arterial roads, and proximity to an international airport.

In addition, Hamilton has many additional advantages such as proximity to the U.S. border, world-class educational and medical sectors, and very attractive lifestyle attributes including restaurants, culture, and access to natural areas. 

We are acting quickly as Amazon has established a tight timeline with a deadline of October 19 to receive submissions. I will keep Council and the public updated as work progresses.

Media Release: Ian Thompson Announces his Intentions to Run in Ward 11

Ian Thompson Announces His Intentions To Run In October 2018 For The Ward 11 City Council Seat

WINONA - September 12, 2017 – Over the past several months Ian Thompson has been approached by a number of people inquiring if he has ever thought about running for public office. After many conversations with his family, friends and neighbours, and considerable deliberations with community organizations, community leaders and residents, Ian has come to learn that there is a growing appetite for change with the representation at City Hall. Today, Ian Thompson is announcing that on May 1st he will register as a candidate to run in the October 2018 Municipal Election in Ward 11 (Winona, Rural Upper Stoney Creek, Binbrook, Mount Hope).

“Neighbourhoods throughout Ward 11 are and continue to be under-serviced. Increase in vehicle

Media Release: Concession Street BIA is wrapping its summer series of SIDEWALK SOUNDS

This Friday the Concession Street BIA is wrapping its summer series of SIDEWALK SOUNDS - this Friday September 15, 2017.

A 3rd Friday of the Month Music Series from May to September. LIVE MUSIC PERFORMERS set to start at 6pm to 9pm.

SIDEWALK SOUNDS 2nd annual music series is inspired by the James N. Art Crawl and Concession St.’s traditional Streetfest

The Concession Street BIA is working in partnership with the Hamilton Music Guild’s MUSIC IN THE CITY to provide a high caliber music crawl within our business district (Upper Wentworth to East 33rd)

There are 6 outdoor music stations that run from 6pm to 9pm. Sidewalk Sounds creates an atmosphere for the Hamilton community to enjoy the sounds of local Hamilton musicians while

Media Release: City of Hamilton sells Hamilton Technology Centre to Clearcable

City of Hamilton sells Hamilton Technology Centre to Clearcable in a win-win deal

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton announced today that it has reached an agreement with Clearcable to acquire the Hamilton Technology Centre (HTC). It’s a win-win business transaction for both the City of Hamilton and Clearcable.

HTC was established in 1993 as a small business incubator. Given the age of the building, the facility requires immediate capital improvements and has on-going operating costs. As the City invests and supports many small business programs, the property was declared surplus by Council on February 22, 2017.

“Clearcable will adopt the original vision of HTC by applying their own expertise contacts within this industry, and continue to foster the development of emerging technology companies such as theirs,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger. “We see Clearcable as a business and community leader in supporting Hamilton’s technology sector.”

Clearcable is a Hamilton-based, specialized telecommunications technical consulting firm focused on the needs of broadband service providers and rural municipalities. In operation since 2004, they have been tenant at HTC since April 2016. The company is experiencing sizable growth in their operations since moving to the facility. The company was looking for opportunity to expand in the development and incubation process in the technology sector. This real estate purchase of HTC allows this to occur.

“This acquisition will help us realize our vision of a private technology innovation centre,” said Rob McCann, President and Founder of Clearcable. “As a business operator with close ties to Hamilton, both personally and professionally, I look forward to an opportunity to invest in Hamilton’s success.”

Clearcable Networks is a leader within the technology sector and is active with the Intelligent Communities Forum. McCann was named the Canadian Independent Telephone Association’s 2016 Supplier of the Year.

Ward 15 Councillor, Judi Partridge was pleased with the Clearcable acquisition as it will ensure the incubator concept to support new businesses in Flamborough will continue.

“This is an exceptional example of the way we leverage the private sector to support entrepreneurship. Our business community is the backbone of our city and we strive to support it through many different channels,” says Ward 15 Councillor, Judi Partridge.

Clearcable plans to make changes to accommodate a portion of space for co-working as well as accelerator spaces, where entrepreneurs can work individually or together.Capital improvements to the facility are in the plan and well as supporting the ongoing operating costs.