Built Environment & Infrastructure

From scorching heatwaves to intense snowstorms, Hamilton’s cycling infrastructure faces significant challenges due to climate change. Rising temperatures make surfaces dangerously hot, while poor air quality–exacerbated by climate-induced wildfires in Ontario–complicates cycling for those with respiratory issues. High heat degrades materials, shortening their lifespan. Winters bring slippery paths and surface damage from ice and snow. Heavy rain and flooding cause waterlogged, unusable lanes, accelerating wear and tear. Notably, motor vehicles contribute significantly to infrastructure wear and tear, affecting not only bike lanes but all roadways. To meet Hamilton’s decarbonization goals,  50% of short trips made within the urban area will need to be made using active travel such as cycling . To keep cycling viable towards achieving a low-carbon future, we must design and build resilient infrastructure to handle these diverse climate impacts.  

Extreme heat poses serious health risks for cyclists. As surfaces become dangerously hot, the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration increases. Higher temperatures also lead to increased levels of air pollution, impacting those with respiratory conditions. Heat also degrades cycling infrastructure, weakening asphalt and concrete, leading to cracks and other damages that shorten the lifespan of bike lanes and paths. On the other extreme, snow and ice accumulation makes bike paths slippery and hazardous, increasing the risk of falls and accidents. Freezing temperatures can cause cracks and damage to surfaces, further compromising cyclist safety. Finally, flooding and heavy rain lead to waterlogged lanes which are hazardous. Poor drainage systems exacerbate the problem by causing standing water and accelerated wear and tear. Recent events, such as the severe flooding in Toronto, highlight the urgency of addressing these issues.

To address these challenges, cities are exploring innovative solutions. Permeable pavements can reduce flooding and withstand freeze-thaw cycles better than traditional materials. Green infrastructure like bioswales alongside bike lanes can manage stormwater and mitigate urban heat islands. Heat-resistant materials and shade structures can combat extreme temperatures. Elevated paths and improved drainage systems can address flooding issues. These solutions not only make cycling infrastructure more resilient, but also contribute to overall urban sustainability. Climate-resilient bike parking, such as shaded or snow-protected areas, can further enhance infrastructure adaptability.

Investing in resilient cycling infrastructure creates a more sustainable, healthy, and livable city for all. Cycling offers numerous benefits, including improved physical and mental health, reduced air pollution, and decreased traffic congestion.  The City of Hamilton announced a $60 million plan to expand its cycling network, adding 65 kilometres of new bike lanes over the next three years , with a focus on protected lanes that offer greater safety for cyclists. As we face an uncertain climate future, investing in robust, adaptable cycling infrastructure is a proactive approach that will benefit both current and future generations, making our city more resilient, sustainable, and enjoyable.

• Explore infrastructure modifications to protect cyclists from extreme weather conditions.

• Design solutions to safeguard cyclists from poor air quality, extreme weather, and pollution.

• Tailor solutions to diverse urban demographics–such as youth, working professionals, couriers, and older adults–as well as target areas in Hamilton that need the most help, such as flood-prone locations.

• Increased wear and tear on cycling infrastructure from climate extremes necessitates more frequent repairs and upgrades, straining city budgets and resources.

• Individuals with limited financial resources may rely on bicycles as their primary mode of transportation and face significant challenges with unsafe or degraded infrastructure.

• Couriers and food delivery cyclists may face increased health risks and delays due to extreme heat, icy conditions, and waterlogged paths.

 Copenhagen Climate Resilient Neighbourhood 

 Portland, Oregon: Green Streets 

 Government of Canada: Our research on climate resilient buildings and infrastructure  

 Hamilton's Cycling Master Plan 

 National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) - Designing for All Ages & Abilities 

 Canada's National Active Transportation Strategy 

You're running errands through the city when suddenly, nature calls. You search for a public washroom, but they're all either too far away, closed for maintenance, or unsuitable for use. Frustrated, you rush home, cutting your day short. This all-too-common scenario highlights a significant urban challenge: the need for hygienic, safe, and accessible public washrooms. 

Public washrooms are an essential feature of urban infrastructure. During the pandemic, the widespread closure of services emphasized the critical role public washrooms play in maintaining public health, ensuring hygiene, and meeting a basic human need. Without adequate public washrooms, the simple act of going out becomes stressful and restrictive. Access to clean and safe washrooms supports the well-being of the entire community, allowing people to spend more time in public spaces, enjoy outdoor activities, and participate in civic life. 

Good design ensures that public washrooms are hygienic, safe, and accessible. Hygiene is about more than cleanliness; it’s about creating spaces that people feel comfortable using. Everyone, regardless of their abilities, should be able to use these facilities with ease. Effective design also ensures washrooms remain functional during extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, snowstorms, and freezing temperatures. Operating public washrooms, however, comes with several challenges such as maintaining them during snowy winters, making them accessible, preventing vandalism, and ensuring they remain operational during construction or staffing shortages. 

The City of Hamilton’s Public Works Department plays a vital role in ensuring that public washrooms comply with the Standards outlined in the Ontario Building Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).  Significant progress has been made over the years to improve the accessibility and limit barriers experienced while using a Municipal washroom facility. For instance, the city continues its pilot the winter washroom program in parks, keeping them open year-round. The lack of public washrooms disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Cities across Canada and around the world are exploring creative solutions, such as modular structures made from recycled materials and pop-up toilets to bridge service gaps and meet the diverse needs of communities. 

• Address temporary closures and areas where there is high demand for public washrooms by exploring temporary infrastructure and modular designs to swiftly reduce washroom shortages and maintenance costs.

• Develop effective and humane design solutions to keep public toilets safe from misuse and vandalism, without deterring use by vulnerable groups.

• Explore technological gaps in public washrooms to lower costs and improve ease of maintenance and sanitation.

• Jeff, an Uber driver, is constantly on the move and often in unfamiliar parts of the city. Without access to clean and reliable washrooms, rideshare and delivery drivers like Jeff may struggle to find suitable places to take breaks.

• An individual experiencing homelessness faces the scarcity of accessible and hygienic public washrooms, forcing them to seek alternative, often unsafe, locations to meet their basic needs.

• Erica, a restaurant owner, frequently deals with the public asking to use the washrooms in her establishment. This strains her resources and imposes additional repair and maintenance costs on her business.

 Why Public Bathrooms Suck in North America: Uytae Lee's Stories About Here 

 The Tokyo Toilet Project 

 Lessons from the loo: What we can learn about making cities better from Winnipeg's pop-up public toilet  

 City of Hamilton Park Washrooms 

 How to make public spaces accessible 

The City of Hamilton is experiencing more frequent and intense rainfall due to climate change,  with an average 3% increase in rainfall per year since 1970 . This rainfall largely drains into the stormwater system because of the high density of impermeable surfaces such as roofs, parking lots, driveways, and roads. Stormwater runoff increases the potential for flooding and carries environmentally harmful substances, such as pesticides, industrial toxins, and animal waste, into the Hamilton Harbour. This excess stress on the stormwater system has caused management costs to double in less than ten years as aging infrastructure struggles to cope with the rapidly changing climate. Mitigating stormwater runoff is crucial to preserve the health of the local environment and water table while reducing flood risks and damage for local homeowners and businesses. 

 The city spends approximately $56 million per year on its stormwater program , primarily funded by the city’s water and wastewater utility revenues. Properties with large areas of impermeable surfaces, such as parking lots, contribute significantly to this stormwater runoff. In 2025, the city plans to introduce a stormwater fee that will charge properties based on their load on the stormwater system. Additionally, the city is proposing a  Stormwater Incentive Program  that will provide credits to industrial, commercial, institutional, agricultural, and multi-residential property owners who implement stormwater management measures.  

To further reduce impermeable surfaces across the city, organizations like Green Venture have launched initiatives such as a  de-paving project , which has converted over 17000 square feet of urban land and planted nearly 3000 native plants. The organization has also introduced programs like  Catch the RAIN  and the  Residential Rebate Program  to help homeowners reduce flooding through incentives for green infrastructure projects. As Hamilton continues to develop rapidly, the city is refining its  Green Building Standards  to guide new developments towards economic, social, and environmental sustainability. These standards include compliance with Low Impact Development guidelines to meet the city’s stormwater quantity and quality requirements. 

In many growing Canadian cities like Hamilton, climate change initially manifests through flooding, stream erosion, and biodiversity loss. Hamilton’s 3% annual rainfall increase since 1970 has led to more frequent and intense storms. The city’s abundance of impermeable surfaces exacerbates stormwater runoff, turning heavy rainfall into ecological disasters. Rapid urban development and infill sprawl increase these challenges by preventing rainwater from naturally soaking into the ground and overwhelming drainage systems. To address these issues, Hamilton Water continues to upgrade infrastructure and invest in low-impact development solutions like rain gardens, green roofs, and bioswales. The Stormwater Incentive Fee, set to take effect in September 2025, aims to make flood mitigation more equitable and generate revenue for the city’s stormwater management infrastructure. 

• Evaluate the various urban flooding mitigation strategies currently in place in Hamilton. Investigate their performance and effectiveness, and explore design tools and investigative methods that could enhance these strategies. 

• Examine the existing solutions for stormwater management in the city. Explore the reasons behind any potential gaps in implementation and community engagement

• Explore alternative uses for stormwater. Think outside the box and propose innovative solutions that could benefit the community in new ways

• Focus on a specific location in Hamilton that demonstrates a clear need for improved stormwater management

 Vancouver's Rain City Strategy 

 What do we do About River Floods? | Uytae Lee's Stories About Here 

 City of Hamilton: Water, Wastewater & Stormwater  

 City of Hamilton’s Green Building Standard 

 City of Hamilton: Stormwater Funding Review 

The MacChangers program is inspired by Hamilton's  "Our Future Hamilton"  vision, a 25-year plan developed in collaboration with 55,000 community members. This guide introduces community-informed challenges aligned with this vision, emphasizing the importance of lived experiences. It serves to inspire and guide projects that address community needs, align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, and comply with City regulations.

If you have any questions about this guide or the MacChangers Program, feel free to reach out to changers@mcmaster.ca

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