Hamilton Tourism Development Corporation Spring Update

The Hamilton Tourism Development Corporation received a spring update focused on tourism growth, convention centre upgrades, and downtown safety. Board members and councillors discussed more than $30 million in projected economic impact, efforts to attract conferences and sports events, and repeated concerns from hotel and tourism partners that safety issues downtown are affecting bookings and event retention.

Topics Discussed

1. DOWNTOWN SAFETY AND TOURISM

Director Lisa Abbott said downtown safety is affecting tourism business and cited feedback from several partners by name. She told the meeting: "we are getting consistent communication from our partners Jackson Square, the Sheridan the convention center and particularly Homewood Suites… regular communication just indicating that they are struggling in terms of losing dance competitions. Their patrons are feeling a level of insecurity and feelings of unsafe in the downtown."

The discussion linked those concerns directly to lost business, especially group and event travel tied to downtown hotels and venues.

2. CONVENTION CENTRE RENOVATION AND LIMITS

The meeting heard that a $10 million renovation is underway at the convention centre. Staff described the work as a refresh within the building's existing footprint, with the facility remaining open during construction. The lobby has been updated, and a later phase is expected to add a wine bar with access from Summer's Lane.

Councillor Wang asked: "so given that there are structural issues happening um at that location, what is the plan for growth and expansion for meetings and conventions?" The discussion that followed focused on the convention centre's physical limits and the challenge of expanding a facility constrained by its current structure.

3. TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE

The corporation reported more than $30 million in economic impact in its pipeline, with stronger years anticipated in 2028 and 2029. The meeting also heard that the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative brought international visitors and economic leaders to Hamilton and helped showcase the city's economic role in the region.

Discussion also referenced Hamilton's industrial and transportation assets, including steel production and port activity, as part of the city's broader tourism and economic development pitch.

4. EVENT ATTRACTION AND WORLD CUP 2026

Staff said the convention centre is pursuing conferences and events that fit Hamilton's available space rather than larger conventions requiring a continuous 2,000-seat footprint. The meeting also discussed opportunities tied to the 2026 World Cup.

Councillor Sharazad said: "This summer is going to be the summer of cray cray in Toronto because we have the World Cup coming. We also have significant just large-scale events that are happening in Toronto. Clearly, there should be a spillover in terms of accommodations coming into Hamilton." The discussion focused on how Hamilton could capture some of that visitor demand because of its proximity to Toronto.

5. ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND INDUSTRY INPUT

Council approved the creation of a tourism industry advisory committee. The committee will report to the tourism committee, with minutes forwarded to the General Issues Committee.

Explaining the rationale, a director said: "we don't make decisions without our community partners. I've got to say industry partners." Referring to an earlier discussion about a possible MAT tax increase, the director added that staff had consulted hotel partners first and said, "it would not be reasonable for us to make that decision without getting that kind of input from those partners." The director said the committee is intended to ensure recommendations are informed by the broader tourism industry.

Motions

Passed: - HTDC 26-003 — Hamilton Tourism Development Corporation Spring Update received - HTDC260001 — Advisory committee recommendation (Item 6.1) - Board of directors resolutions, including approval of the tourism industry advisory committee, passed electronically 3-0

Attendees

The provided notes do not include a full attendance list for councillors present.