Pier 8 Development – A Transformative Waterfront Project in Hamilton

The Pier 8 development site spans 5.24 hectares and holds immense potential for new residential, commercial, and institutional spaces. Located in Hamilton's Waterfront District, this visionary project will be developed across nine distinct blocks, each designed to contribute to the revitalization of the area. The City of Hamilton is committed to enhancing the site with upgraded infrastructure, including new roads, municipal services, and the Pier 8 Promenade Park, which was designed through a public design competition in 2017.

The proposed development plan emphasizes community engagement and accessibility. A significant 40% of the total site area will be dedicated to publicly accessible open space, fostering a vibrant urban environment. An additional 1.6 kilometers of walkable landscapes will seamlessly connect to the city’s existing network of parks, pedestrian pathways, and waterfront rights-of-way, offering residents and visitors direct access to nature and the water's edge.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is at the core of the Pier 8 project. The development team has committed to achieving LEED Gold certification for energy-efficient building design, and WELL Building certification, focusing on the health and well-being of residents and occupants. This reflects a growing commitment to creating healthy, sustainable, and environmentally friendly spaces for the future.

Additional sustainable features of the development include:

• Wastewater Heat Recovery: To eliminate natural gas consumption.
• Geothermal Heating & Cooling: For energy-efficient climate control.
• Solar Photovoltaic Panels: Harnessing renewable energy from the sun.
• Battery Storage Micro-Grids: To manage energy distribution efficiently.

As part of the initiative to foster innovation and sustainability, Pier 8 plans to partner with Ontario Centres of Excellence to support and incubate Hamilton-based startups focused on green technologies and intelligent-city innovations. The site will serve as a testing and showcase platform for emerging technologies that aim to create smarter, more sustainable urban environments.

Development Partners & Design Vision

The Waterfront Shores Corporation (WSC) is the dedicated entity behind this exciting development, formed by a consortium of four leading partners, including:

• Cityzen Development Corporation and Fernbrook Homes Group – bringing extensive residential and mixed-use development experience.
• GFL Environmental Inc. – contributing specialized expertise in soil remediation and construction.
• Greybrook Realty Partners Inc. – providing real estate investment expertise.

Top-tier architectural firms, including KPMB Architects, gh3 Inc., Omar Gandhi Architect, and superkül, have been selected to design the project. Their combined vision will ensure Pier 8 becomes a landmark development, seamlessly integrating with Hamilton’s waterfront.

A Key Component of the West Harbour Redevelopment

Pier 8 is an essential part of the larger West Harbour waterfront redevelopment plan, which includes significant upgrades to the area. Key components of this master plan include:

• Improved pedestrian access to the water's edge.
• Upgrades to boating and marina facilities.
• Structural improvements to the shoreline.
• Creation of new fish habitats.
• Development of a new waterfront commercial zone.
• A vibrant public gathering place on Piers 6 and 7.

This comprehensive redevelopment will create a dynamic new waterfront hub for Hamilton, providing residents with unparalleled access to green spaces, cultural attractions, dining, and recreational opportunities, all while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.