In 2001, the new city of Hamilton was formed. The Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth and its six local municipalities; Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, Hamilton and Stoney Creek amalgamated. (January 1)[1] Before amalgamation, the "old" City of Hamilton was made up of 100 neighbourhoods. Today in the new megacity, there are over 200 designated neighbourhoods.[2] The first four neighbourhoods in Hamilton were Beasley, Central, Durand and Corktown.[2]
Below is a list of some of the more noteworthy neighbourhoods found in the city of Hamilton:[3]
Lower City (below Escarpment)
Ainslie Wood[1] is centered on Alexander Park and located near McMaster University. It is bordered to the north by Main Street and Dundas, to the south and east by Highway 403, and to the west by Dundas and Ancaster.
Central, Downtown core + site of Hess Village and Jamesville, which is shared by the Italian & Portuguese communities of Hamilton. Little Racalmuto (Italian) A rich Italian history, where an entire village in southern Italy—Racalmuto—immigrated and settled in Hamilton. Today the Italian heritage is strong and is shared with a neighbouring Portuguese population.
[2]Durand, historically was home to the 'industrialists'. This south of downtown neighbourhood is quite possibly the largest concentration of early 20c castles/mansions in Canada. The grand homes were home to the families whose names graced the signs of the north end factories. Named after James Durand, businessman and political figure in Upper Canada. (Hamilton) [4]
Stoney Creek, (locally known as the "Crick" or "Tony Creek" from its large Italian population. In recent years first generation Indian and Pakistani immigrants have largely settled in Stoney Creek.)
[6]Westdale, originally an upper-class, master-planned neighbourhood from the 1920s, that forbade eastern Europeans, Jews and people of colour from residing there. In later years it became a Jewish neighbourhood with one of Hamilton's three Jewish synagogues. (Another is in nearby Ainslie Wood.) Built around oval streets that surround the centre Westdale Village.
Balfour, named after James Balfour, (1854-1917), architect, Canada Life Assurance Company building at corner of King & James (1883), City Hall on corner of James & York (1888).[4] The Balfour neighbourhood on the Hamilton Mountain was named after him. It is bounded by Fennell Avenue East (north), Mohawk Road East (south), Upper James Street (west) and Upper Wellington Street (east). Notable landmarks in this neighbourhood include the Mountain Plaza Mall and Norwood Park.
Fessenden, named after Clementina Trenholme, (1844-1918), Clementina (Fessenden) Trenholme, author, social organizer. Also, mother of Reginald Fessenden, the radio pioneer. Had two neighbourhoods named after her, Fessenden and Trenholme, both on the Hamilton Mountain.[5]
Ryckman's, One of two neighbourhoods named after Samuel Ryckman, (1777-1846), farmer, surveyor. Constructed a log house and a barn on the present-day Ryckmans Corners.[4]
Ryckman's Corners, One of two neighbourhoods named after Samuel Ryckman, (1777-1846), farmer, surveyor. Constructed a log house and a barn on the present-day Ryckmans Corners.[4]
Trenholme, named after Clementina Trenholme, (1844-1918), Clementina (Fessenden) Trenholme, author, social organizer. Also, mother of Reginald Fessenden, the radio pioneer. Had two neighbourhoods named after her, Fessenden and Trenholme, both on the Hamilton Mountain.[5]
