Major Announcement: 500+ New Long-Term-Care Beds and Affordable Housing Coming to West Mountain

If you’ve been wondering what’s happening on the old Psychiatric Hospital lands at 290 Fennell Ave. W, here’s the update everyone’s been waiting for.

This week, the province is set to announce two new long-term-care homes with a total of 512 beds—the single largest increase of care beds in Hamilton’s history—on the brow lands just east of St. Joseph’s West 5th Campus. The project, led by Schlegel Villages, will create a brand new seniors’ campus, with not just long-term care but also a retirement home, independent-living apartments, and community amenities (think: shops, salon, and more).

This announcement is huge for Hamilton’s seniors: the city has close to 2,000 people on wait lists, and the average wait for a spot can be up to five years. While the new homes may take up to 7.5 years to open, this project is a much-needed step forward for local families.

But there’s more. The deal will see the closure of Schlegel’s aging Hamilton Continuing Care (downtown), which will be donated to Indwell and converted to affordable housing. Indwell will also restore the historic Century Manor mansion as affordable housing, and Mohawk College will gain new land for campus expansion and even more housing—including the potential for high-rises up to 18 storeys.

For those who’ve watched this land change hands and heard the rumours, the official plan is finally out: a new, multi-generational community is coming to the brow, combining seniors’ care, affordable homes, and educational facilities, with protected green space on the escarpment.

If you have questions about the timeline, housing opportunities, or how this impacts nearby neighbourhoods and property values, reply to this email—these big city moves can create new opportunities (and challenges) for homeowners, investors, and families.

📉 Market Performance & Trends

Sales ticked up slightly in July with 535 homes sold (vs. 520 last month), but we’re seeing a softer market overall.

Active listings dipped to 2,665, while new listings came in at 1,258—both down slightly from June.

The average sale price took a noticeable step back, falling to $767,000 from $827,000 last month. Homes are also taking longer to sell, with the average days on market rising to 66 days (from 56).

We’re still holding at about 5 months of inventory, which is tipping us towards Buyer's market territory.

My take:

More homes for sale and longer selling times are giving buyers more leverage, and motivated sellers are adjusting prices to compete. If you’re thinking about selling, presentation and pricing matter more than ever. For buyers, there’s more choice—and a bit more negotiating room—than we’ve seen in the last year

Happening in Hamilton

Week of Aug 1st – Aug 7th

🎵 Music & Performance

MUSIC ON THE WATERFRONT: GUITAR OF FIRE (Pier 8 Waterfront) Thu, Aug 7, 6:30pm-8:30pm - Savour fiery jazz and blues tunes by the lake, bring a chair or blanket. Free Click here for more info

STEEL CITY SWING DANCERS (Pier 8 Waterfront) Aug 3, 6:30pm-9:30pm - Classic swing dances on the pier—anyone can join or just enjoy the show. Free Click here for more info

🎪 Festivals & Fairs

FESTIVAL OF FRIENDS (Gage Park) Fri-Sun, Aug 1-3 - Hamilton’s iconic free music fest features headline acts, food trucks, artisan vendors, kids’ activities and live performances throughout the three-day weekend. Free Click here for more info

LUCKY LION NIGHT MARKET (Bayfront Park) Fri-Sun Aug 1-3 - Evening market with international food stalls, crafts, interactive entertainment, DJs and lion dancing. Free Click here for more info

🌳 Family & Outdoor Fun

HISTORIC KITCHEN GARDEN POP-UP (Dundurn National Historic Site) Sat-Sun, Aug 2-3, 12pm-4pm - Hamilton Children’s Museum brings a hands-on nature-themed garden experience to Dundurn’s historic grounds. Kids can explore plant life, sensory exhibits, and interactive play in “Sophia’s Garden”. Free Click here for more info

EMANCIPATION DAYAT FIELDCOTE (Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum) Aug 1, 2–6 pm - Celebrate Black history outdoors with heritage storytelling, crafts, and live performances in a scenic park and museum setting. Free with museum admission. Click here for more info

Featured Listing

179 Ray Street N • Hamilton • $2,900/Month
4 Bedrooms • 2 Baths • 2 Kitchens

This beautifully updated 4-bed, 2-bath home offers modern finishes and plenty of space. The main floor features an open-concept living area, bright bay window, eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, 4-piece bath and 3 spacious bedrooms. The finished basement, with private side entrance, includes a second kitchen, additional bedroom, full bath, and spacious living area. Enjoy a large fenced backyard with stone patio and shed. Walk to GO Station, transit, shops, dining, parks, and downtown.

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Partner of the Week
Tanya Casalanguida
Mission 35 Mortgages

Meet Tanya Casalanguida, a Level 2 mortgage agent with Mission 35 Mortgages, featured on the Hamilton Icons Podcast, renowned for combining her real‑estate investing, consulting and design background with unwavering client dedication. She's approachable, professional and always ready to answer questions—a partner who truly supports clients through every step of mortgage renegotiation and planning.

Catch our full chat with Tanya on the Hamilton Icons Podcast!

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