Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Hamilton has opened two new affordable housing buildings, marking a major step forward in its efforts to address the housing crisis with sustainable, community-focused solutions.
The two developments — 55 Queenston Road and 1620 Main Street East — bring a total of 82 new affordable units to the city’s east end. Built on the former City Motor Hotel site at the Queenston traffic circle, the project transforms what was once a troubled property into a beacon of inclusive, environmentally responsible housing.
“This site was home to the City Motor Hotel, a building that had become a blight in the neighbourhood,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “These buildings show what’s possible when we work together to tackle the housing crisis with urgency, creativity and care.”
The two projects were developed by CityHousing Hamilton (CHH) with support from all levels of government and community partners.
1620 Main Street East: Rapid, green innovation
Completed in just 13 months with support from the federal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative, the six-storey, 42-unit building at 1620 Main Street East is one of North America’s first mass timber passive house multi-residential buildings. Using offsite prefabricated construction, the project achieved near net-zero energy performance with drastically reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
The building features large rooftop solar panels that will generate approximately 30 per cent of its annual electricity needs.
“This is a new standard for what is possible when modular construction, mass timber, and passive house principles come together in a fast and efficient delivery model,” said CityHousing Hamilton CEO Adam Sweedland.
55 Queenston Road: Affordable homes with childcare
The first phase of the redevelopment, 55 Queenston Road, laid the groundwork for the rapid delivery of 1620 Main Street East. The 40-unit building includes 20 deeply affordable rent-geared-to-income units and 20 moderately affordable mid-market units, as well as a 26-space child care centre to be operated by YWCA Hamilton.
“This is about more than housing — it’s about community,” said CHH Board President and Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Nann. “Affordable and accessible childcare matters for our tenants and adjacent neighbours. Ensuring our buildings have a thriving multi-generational mix of tenancy is key to fostering healthy communities.”
Both buildings are designed with transit access in mind, located near a future LRT station and HSR bus routes. Residents will also have access to sustainable transportation options, including Communauto car-share vehicles and memberships to Hamilton Bike Share.
The two buildings represent a combined investment of more than $52 million.
City Manager Marnie Cluckie said the projects reflect Hamilton’s broader strategy to build lasting change through climate-resilient, socially integrated housing.
“We’re deeply committed to addressing the housing crisis with a comprehensive, sustainable approach that delivers real, affordable housing solutions,” she said.
