The City of Hamilton announced last week that they have officially launched a new online Planning, Permitting, Licensing, and By-law System that will facilitate faster and easier approvals.
The new online platform, accessible through myhamilton.ca allows users to submit applications anytime, track progress in real time, and receive updates.
The platform will improve access to these services, cut down on paperwork, and reduce the need for in-person visits to City Hall.
Previously, Hamilton residents and businesses had to submit applications manually or through multiple methods, including by email.
The 2024 cyberattack on the city made the situation worse, with staff forced to rely on temporary systems and manual processes to maintain services.
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath says that the new system will “benefit everyone, from homeowners planning renovations to businesses and developers looking to grow and invest in Hamilton.”
“This new online system will simplify the application process, improve transparency and help get information to applicants more quickly,” she added.
The new self-service portal will allow users to apply for building permits, submit planning applications, apply for business licences, submit by-law requests or complaints, and track applications and requests online.
Marnie Cluckie, Hamilton’s City Manager, noted that the city has received feedback from the community on how to make services easier to navigate.
“Launching this portal is an important milestone in the City’s ongoing work to strengthen systems, modernize services and improve customer experience,” she commented.
While core features of the online portal are available now, the city says that features will expand over time.
System users will have to create an online account, choose a service or application, enter property, business, and/or project details, upload required documents, pay any required fees, and submit their application.
From there, users can track their status and respond to city requests before receiving a decision, approval, or next steps.
The city’s myhamilton.ca portal was officially launched in March 2026, but at that point included specific city services and reporting such as scheduling bulk waste pickups, ordering trash tags, requesting additional green bins, or applying for a parking permit.
There are also two links at the bottom of the portal page called “Ask City” and “Report a Problem,” which provide new options for residents to contact the city.
By clicking the “Ask City” or “Ask a Question” link, residents are able to contact city officials with questions directly through the portal.
By clicking the “Report a Problem” option, residents can report several different issues, including illegal dumping, a dead animal, a pothole, a tree issue, a vacant property, dumped garbage, graffiti, illegal parking, litter or debris, missing snow/ice clearing, a traffic sign or light issue, or any other issue.
Anyone requiring assistance creating an account or using the portal can contact the city by phone at 905-546-2489 or email at askcity@hamilton.ca.
In-person support is available at Hamilton City Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and the city’s licensing counter at 330 Wentworth Street North on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Based in Hamilton, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
