Re: Minister’s Zoning Order…

Re: Minister’s Zoning Order Request by the City of Hamilton
YWCA Hamilton strongly supports the City of Hamilton’s request for a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO), for the listed property. Our city is facing a growing housing and homelessness crisis, and urgent action is needed. The requested zoning changes are a key step toward building more housing—faster.
The Urgent Housing Need in Hamilton
Hamilton’s housing and homelessness crisis continues to worsen. More individuals and families are without access to safe, affordable housing, and current systems can’t keep up. Shelters, especially those serving women and children, are at full capacity and under serious strain.
At YWCA Hamilton, we see the impact every day. Affordable, multi-bedroom housing for women-led families is extremely limited. These households face significant challenges, including:
Soaring housing costs that outpace income growth
Economic inequality and the persistent gender wage gap
Overrepresentation of women in low-wage and unstable work
Lack of access to affordable childcare, creating extra barriers for single mothers
A shortage of transitional and permanent housing—especially for women and children escaping violence
The Disproportionate Impact on Women and Children

Why Fast-Track Zoning Is Critical
A Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) allows for faster zoning approvals, which means urgently needed housing can be built sooner. This includes affordable, supportive, and transitional housing—particularly for families and women-led households.
Speeding up the development process helps prevent further hardship and keeps more people from falling into long-term homelessness.