Hamilton

The tenth largest populated municipality in Canada is Hamilton. Hamilton is known for its most important economic provision, manufacturing, and evidently is the most industrialized city in the country (Houghton 6). George Hamilton, a Canadian politician, purchased some land after the War of 1812. The land expanded, first with a courthouse and later a jail was built. Prominent buildings began to surface and eventually the expanded land became the city of Hamilton (Weaver 15-16). Through the examination of Hamilton’s economic growth and development, long term prospects of major industries, and how the city fares with recessions, it can be seen that Hamilton has grown significantly within the last two centuries.

Hamilton is known as a manufacturing city with two major metal industries, iron and steel. In 1892, a primary steelmaking facility was built and the city of Hamilton offered “free land, cash bonuses, and tax concessions if the company [started] running by 1894” (Freeman 84). This offer was to attract more companies to set up location in Hamilton resulting in the increase of the city’s economic growth and development. During this time, there was the advancement of the electric power. This prompted building a steam powerhouse that produced electricity for streetcars. A group of five men started a company called the Cataract Power Company and they came up with the idea of “alternating current” (Freeman 84). The company was able to transmit electric power from St. Catharines to Hamilton using transmission towers. The city was graced with a primary steelmaking facility and electric power, and thus, experienced an increased economic growth. Over the years, electric power became inexpensive attracting many American steelmaking compa...

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...re discovered to be part of the Steel Workers Organizing Committee (SWOC). Union meetings were held in houses and restaurants (Freeman 145).

Cory Ruf, a journalist, wrote a report about Hamilton and the 2008 recession. In the article, Hamilton is still trying to get out of the 2008 recession. There are still improvements as “the city is making economic gains, its social assistance and overall poverty rates are still above pre-recession levels” (2013). However, during the recession, Hamilton had a large income inequality.

· In the past, Hamilton was known for its heavy manufacturing facilities. But the city does have other industries that make it a desirable place to be and many of the residents are proud of Hamilton’s rich history and its culture. Through the research of Hamilton’s history, economic growth and development, the city has evolved significantly.