2017: HCBN formed

The HCBN began in response to the opportunities presented by the Hamilton Light Rail Project. With pressure and from the community, the previous Ontario government included in Bill 6: The Ontario Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act, a mandate for Community Benefit requirements for some infrastructure projects in Ontario. Inspired by the success of the Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN) and the opportunity afforded by the Hamilton Light Rail project, The Hamilton Community Benefits Network was formed. The original Foundation Document was produced by Karen Lior and Patrick Rettig of the Toronto Workforce Innovation Group (TWIG). The Toronto Foundation Document on approval from the TCBN was utilized and revised by the HCBN to formally become the HCBN Foundation Document. 

HBCN partnered with Metrolinx, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, the Art Gallery of Hamilton, he Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, the City of Hamilton and local artists on a series of art projects titled, "Transport to the Future: Community, Conversation, Art!" They are installed on commercial properties that were acquired under a willing seller agreement and are now owned by Metrolinx for the LRT project. The youth-centred art pieces were an opportunity to create a dialogue about Community Benefits and Community Benefits Agreements in relation to Hamilton LRT and other large infrastructure and development projects in the city as well as the social, environmental, economic challenges of the project. Art was placed near the proposed Longwood station (Main and Longwood) along with added additional benching and garbage cans near the bus stop for the community gathering point. Additional art was installed near the Wentworth Station location and proposed Gage park station. Other planned art instillations were suspended along with the Hamilton LRT project.

Hamilton’s LRT has always been a contentious project. Despite the on-again-off-again nature of the project, the HCBN board and membership continued with stakeholder engagement, meetings, outreach and early discussions with Metrolinx. The HCBN was able to score some small victories, including design changes to the stations, in-depth community survey based on Community Conversations, a research project in partnership with McMaster’s research shop outlining successes of CBs and recommendations for Hamilton, and most importantly, a Community Benefits subcommittee that reported directly to Hamilton City Councils General Issues Committee. However, with the cancellation of the LRT and an overstretched volunteer Board of Directors (many of whom are actively engaged in many other communities and labour causes), it was decided at the March 2019 board meeting to disband the board and return the organization to a more community focused group and rebuild the network. 

The Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion was chosen as our charitable partner to provide logistical support in rebuilding the network. Currently in partnership with HCCI, the HCBN seeks to rebuild the existing membership and reach out to the many voices that were not included in the original outreach. HCCI and HCBN want to move forward with a community-focused organization that is centered on economic justice, education, cross-city community engagement and empowerment.  

The Just Recovery Coalition released the first policy paper in January 2021. The paper laid out 152 policy recommendations that could steer Hamilton towards a more just, inclusive, and equitable City following the pandemic. The paper was also an opportunity to work in collaboration and build capacity. The document was written and edited by various groups throughout the city with various expertise and experiences.

HCBN has conducted several community dialogue sessions in person and virtually. Many were conducted in partnership with other local organizations such as ACORN Hamilton, Environment Hamilton, CityLab in Residence (SIR), and the First Unitarian Church. We also designed and distributed three surveys to gather data on community benefits of the LRT. The findings from both the community benefits surveys, and community dialogue sessions outlined 8 major themes around community benefits and the Hamilton LRT:

1. Affordable Housing

2. Transportation Connection

3. Local Employment and Training Opportunities

4. Environmental Impact

5. Shopping Local and Social Enterprise Support

6. Community Spaces

7. Physical & Economic Accessibility

8. Historic Character and Public Arts