The Debate: Is Hamilton part of the Toronto Region?
In the past class, we were asked to draw out on a map our conceptualization of the Toronto region. Unlike Halton, Niagara, or Peel Region, the Toronto region is not a formalized entity operating as an upper-tier municipality. Instead, it is largely left up to interpretation of what constitutes a region. It could be defined as an area where there is significant economic activity and movement by residents from home, to work, to entertainment. Perhaps it is also defined as an area that faces similar challenges as a result of the same internal or external forces. As we learned there is no “correct” definition of a region so long as it is properly justified.
The majority of our diagrams left out Hamilton as part of the Toronto region. As a proud Hamiltonian, I am quick to agree with this. Hamiltonians derive a lot of pride from not being Toronto. One only has to look to the Labour Day Classic football game where the Hamilton Tiger-Cats face off against the Toronto Argonauts to see the rivalry in action.
Throughout history, Toronto has tended to look down on Hamilton. In 1847, The Globe mockingly called Hamilton the “Ambitious City”, saying the city’s ambitions far exceeded our talents. But Hamilton ran with the name, turning the insult into a slogan, branding Hamilton as the city with potential. Hamiltonians continue to face the insults from Torontonians or others, who complain the city stinks, that it is dirty or “sketchy”. Yet, the insults tend to only fuel Hamiltonians’ pride for our city, even if it means it is Hamilton trying to make it in this world alone.
I admit this rationale for why Hamilton is not part of the Toronto region is based more on emotion than sound policy analysis. Many new Hamiltonians are migrants from Toronto; some open businesses and restaurants that attract customers from across the GTHA. In 2016, about 12% of the working population commuted to Oakville, Mississauga, and Toronto; a number that is likely growing. In non-pandemic times, there is an express bus going between Hamilton to Toronto throughout the day and it is often crowded. Many Hamiltonians complain about the lack of train service to and from Toronto. Instead, they must get travel to Burlington (decidedly Toronto region) to get regular service.
Beyond the clear transportation connections to Toronto, some of the most pressing challenges Hamilton faces cannot be approached by just looking within the cities borders. For instance, gentrification and rising cost of living in Hamilton are due to the same issues in Toronto. People are being priced out of Toronto and moving to more affordable areas, unintentionally causing a ripple effect. While some may say this is simple economics, the harmful impacts of displacement, homelessness, and urban sprawl cannot be ignored. Instead, it would be more productive for Hamilton to join with the GTA to address housing affordability across the region. By working together, municipalities could work to implement solutions that protect the interests of all residents and the health of the region.
While saying Hamilton is a part of the Toronto region gives the impression that people are overlooking Hamilton’s rich history and complex relationship with Toronto, it is necessary to address the challenges facing the two cities. Perhaps that is why the term “Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area” has become so popular; it recognizes both cities’ unique contributions to the overall region while promoting harmonious collaboration moving forward.
