City Property Lease Review - Protecting Community Organisations

The City’s Corporate Real Estate Office is currently conducting a strategic review of all City-owned properties, including leases and licenses held by third-party organizations. This review is meant to assess whether current property uses align with Council priorities and broader City objectives.

At a recent Audit, Finance and Administration Committee meeting, I raised concerns about how this review could impact non-profit organizations that lease City property while operating on limited budgets. Significant changes to lease terms could threaten their ability to continue providing essential services to our community.

I received assurances from City staff that non-profits delivering community benefit will be properly considered throughout this process. When lease agreements come up for renewal, they will be reviewed by Committee, and any proposed changes will be evaluated to ensure they don’t jeopardize organizations doing important work in our neighbourhoods.

This review is about ensuring we use public assets wisely and in ways that reflect resident needs. But it must not destabilize the organizations that make Ward 11 - and Hamilton - stronger through their service.

I’ll be watching this process closely, especially as it relates to Ward 11 properties and organizations. If you’re part of a group that leases City property and have concerns, please reach out to my office at ward11@hamilton.ca or 905-546-2110.