Hamilton’s population up six per cent, outpacing provincial average
Hamilton's population grew six per cent between 2016 and 2021, according to federal census data - slightly outpacing the provincial average of 5.8 per cent.
According to the data, which appeared in a recent report by the city's planning and economic development department, 584,755 individuals were living in the city as of last year - 1,755 more than were forecast.
The areas with the highest population growth included downtown (Ward 2), Stoney Creek (Ward 9), Glanbrook (Ward 11) and Flamborough East (Ward 15).
The population growth is consistent with where new development is happening," said Jason Thorne, general manager of the planning and economic development department. He noted a lot of new buildings and construction popped up in the last five years, particularly in the downtown area.
In densely populated Ward 2, the community increased by 10 per cent over a five-year period - more than several other urban wards in the city. Meanwhile, Wards 9, 11 and 15 saw their populations jump by roughly 25 per cent, 11 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.
Thorne attributed the population growth in Ward 2 to the new construction, including new condo towers, rental apartment towers, and other gentle intensification" including secondary suites, and basement apartments.
Jason Farr, Ward 2 city councillor, said as the downtown grows in population, so does the city's vibrancy.
Ward 9 saw the largest population expansion of all areas in the city.
Brad Clark, Ward 9 city councillor, told The Spectator that lower housing prices are attracting a number of families from the Greater Toronto Area to Stoney Creek.
We're seeing applications for multi-residential buildings, which we haven't seen in the past," he said, adding that the area is in desperate need" of rental apartments, especially for senior citizens.
Statistics Canada has not yet revealed where most people came from in the last five years, but Bruce Newbold, a geography professor at McMaster University, attributed the influx to immigration as well as people moving to Hamilton from elsewhere in Ontario.
We've got evidence that people are moving to Hamilton from Toronto," Newbold said. People are moving to Hamilton for at least comparatively less expensive housing."
Newbold expects the growth will continue in the coming years.
I can't see Hamilton's population shrinking," Newbold said, adding the growth will put pressure on Hamilton's existing housing market.
The population expansion is going to put pressure on the availability and delivery of other services as well, including police and fire, parks, health care and education, he said.
The Ontario government has predicted that Hamilton's population will go up to 820,000 by 2051.
But different levels of government appear to be at odds over whether to freeze or expand the city's urban boundary. City council voted to hold the line and accommodate growth through infill, while MPP Donna Skelly recently denounced the decision.
Council has made the decision that their vision and goal is to accommodate that growth within our existing urban area and not through further outward expansion," said Thorne, adding that the department is planning policies to accommodate the vision for growth within the existing boundaries.
Ritika Dubey is a reporter at The Spectator. rdubey@thespec.com