Long-awaited Kenilworth Avenue revitalization anticipated for 2024

The long-awaited revitalization of Kenilworth Avenue could finally be underway as one Hamilton city councillor looks to prioritize the project in 2024.

Walking along Kenilworth Avenue, people will see shuttered windows and rundown buildings, but Ward 4 Councillor Tammy Hwang has an ambitious plan to bring pedestrians and businesses back to the street.

“It’s not about taking something that’s old and depressed, but taking what we already have and amping it up to the next level.” says Hwang.

The goal is to turn Kenilworth into a vibrant commercial community hub.

“This neighbourhood doesn’t need to be sort of revitalized in that traditional sense. What they need and what they want is access to spaces where they can buy local goods, eat at great restaurants, and have fun.”

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Hwang says recent economic development in the area has encouraged more city investments through programs like the tax increment grant and the Barton and Kenilworth revitalization grant. She also confirmed that bike share will be coming to the neighbourhood.

Inside one unassuming building, Digital Canaries Film Studio has undertaken a revitalization project of its own.

Three years ago, the company took an abandoned school building and turned it into more than 30 film sets.

“It’s really an up and coming area, like if you were going to choose somewhere, this is a really cool place to be.” says Simon Winterson of the studio.

“I think it’ll change everything. We’ve got a lot of people here all the time, and people are always looking for restaurants, coffee shops.”

Residents and business owners in the area have mixed feelings about the revitalization project. Many say they are hoping to see the street finally live up to its potential, but others say the project is simply arriving too late.

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