Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Province of Ontario has issued a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) for the Jamesville redevelopment site in Hamilton’s North End, a move that clears the way for the creation of new housing, including deeply affordable and supportive homes.
The 2.2-hectare site at 405 James Street North will be transformed into a high-density, mixed-income, mixed-use community, located steps from the West Harbour GO station.
The project was unanimously approved by Hamilton City Council in August 2022. CN Rail appealed the decision, citing concerns about noise and vibration near its shunting yard operations for future residents.
A hearing at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) originally scheduled for February 2025 was adjourned to allow further discussions. With the issuance of the MZO in December 2025, the necessary zoning is now in place and the OLT can close its file on the matter.
“This moment did not happen by accident,” said Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath. “It came after years of relentless advocacy, countless meetings, and pushing through barriers.”
Horwath thanked the Ontario government, CityHousing Hamilton, Indwell, and the Jamesville Redevelopment Limited Partnership for their collaboration.
The MZO provides the zoning certainty needed to move the project forward without coming before the OLT, accelerating timelines and supporting long-term affordability, officials said.
“This decision strengthens our ability to respond meaningfully to the housing crisis,” said City Manager Marnie Cluckie. “The city remains firmly committed to using every tool available to increase supply, protect affordability and support our most vulnerable residents.”
CityHousing Hamilton requested the MZO in January 2025 with the backing of Hamilton City Council. Ward 3 Councillor and CityHousing Hamilton board chair Nrinder Nann said the approval gives the organization the clarity and momentum to replace aging units and create new affordable homes.
“With the MZO in place, we can continue working with tenants, the North End community, Indigenous partners and local organizations to ensure the project supports social inclusion and neighbourhood wellbeing,” said CityHousing Hamilton CEO Adam Sweedland.
CityHousing Hamilton manages more than half of Hamilton’s purpose-built affordable rental stock, providing homes for over 15,000 residents across 7,162 units.
The redevelopment is part of Hamilton’s broader strategy to address the housing crisis, which includes a $191.6-million investment in housing and homelessness initiatives in 2025.