MOMENTUM. You can feel it building in Greater Hamilton in the six dynamic communities of Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Dundas, Ancaster, Flamborough, and Glanbrook. Optimism and enthusiasm characterize the population of nearly 500,000.

Optimism is the result of major Regional developments: a revitalized downtown, new luxurious Sheraton Hotel, renovated Holiday Inn and Royal Connaught Hotel, Copps Coliseum Arena/Trade Centre and the $50-million Hamilton Airport expansion. Greater Hamilton's optimism grows with its excellent economic performance. In 1987, 110 firms located or expanded into GreaterHamilton, the long renowned Steel Capital of Canada. The Region's 6.3% unemployment rate is the lowest in five years and one of the best in Canada.

Fueled by a growing population, lower interest rates and considerable property value appreciation, new home construction and resales were record-breaking in 1987. In Greater Hamilton, an affordable home is a reality. Record growth has given Greater Hamilton the second highest surplus income level in Ontario and the fourth in Canada. Eaton's new $100 million downtown department store/mall and the Region's Triple A credit rating are reflections of such prosperity. Regional Chairman William L. Sears, Regional Municipality of Hamilton- Wentworth.

Construction of a $150 million expressway linking the Queen Elizabeth Way to Highway 403 will enhance connections to the main transportation corridors in southern Ontario and trigger massive development proximal to its path. Implementation of an Economic Strategy was one of the first steps of Regional Chairman William L. Sears when he took office in 1986. "This important guideline is expected to result in even greater achievements for the Region," says Mr. Sears. "In Greater Hamilton, industry, commerce and government work together toward the goal of making this community an even better place to live and work."

Regional Chairman William L. Sears, Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth

Retaining existing industries, attracting jobs and people, small business development, and projection of Greater Hamilton as a regional centre for business and finance are objectives towards a viable business environment. The Region has also become an attractive tourist and convention destination—one of the top three in Ontario—hosting 141 conventions with 77,000 delegates in 1987.

Cultural and entertainment facilities abound in Greater Hamilton. The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Theatre Aquarius and Opera Hamilton have a marvelous home in Hamilton Place Theatre Auditorium. Copps Coliseum is noted for world-class hockey championships, including the Canada Cup. The fourth largest art gallery in Canada, the internationally famous Royal Botanical Gardens, Dundurn Castle, The Canadian Football Hall of Fame, Canada's first wave action pool, are other attractions. Hamilton Harbour is a playground for watersports as well as a busy Great Lake port capable of handling ocean-going ships.

Education resources for both research and training are available at century old McMaster University as well as Mohawk College. McMaster University Medical Centre works closely with area hospitals to create a medical education and health care system emulated around the world. The Region's ethnic diversity is celebrated with Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest, Cactus Festival, Festitalia and numerous other exciting events.

Greater Hamilton is indeed a great place to live, work and do business. All can share its MOMENTUM and its success.