Hamilton Booth Centre Modernization Project
PROJECT INFORMATION
The Salvation Army is currently exploring the potential relocation and modernization
of The Salvation Army Hamilton Booth Centre through a proposed future facility at
337 Gage Avenue North.
This page is intended to provide information about the project, explain the planning
process currently underway and answer common questions about the proposal.
ABOUT THE BOOTH CENTRE
The Salvation Army Hamilton Booth Centre has operated at its current York Boulevard
location since the 1950s, providing shelter, support and community services to
vulnerable individuals.
Today, the Booth Centre provides emergency shelter, meals, housing support,
case management and other services that help individuals stabilize their lives
and move toward longer-term housing and support. It operates as an abstinence-based
facility focused on providing a safe, supportive and structured environment for
individuals seeking stability and positive change.
The Salvation Army believes in the transforming power of hope, compassion and
practical support. Through its programs and services, the Booth Centre works
to help individuals rebuild stability, strengthen connections and move toward
a more positive future.
While the Booth Centre continues to provide important support services, the
current building also presents operational limitations related to accessibility,
layout, privacy, building functionality and the ability to deliver services
within a more modern environment.
THE SALVATION ARMY IN HAMILTON
The Salvation Army has served Hamilton for more than a century through a range
of community and support programs.
In addition to the Booth Centre, The Salvation Army supports individuals and
families across Hamilton through services that include food support, housing
assistance, outreach programs, family and community services, and other programs
intended to support stability and well-being.
The Booth Centre is one part of The Salvation Army’s broader commitment to
supporting vulnerable individuals and strengthening communities across Hamilton.
WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED?
A planning application has been submitted related to a proposed future Booth
Centre facility at 337 Gage Avenue North.
The Salvation Army is exploring a more modern facility to better support current
and long-term shelter and support needs in Hamilton. A modernized facility would help support:
- Improved accessibility
- Enhanced privacy and dignity for clients
- More appropriate spaces for programs and support services
- Improved building functionality
- A more modern environment for clients, staff and community partners
Accessibility to services, transit and community supports remains an important
consideration as the planning process continues.
The proposed concept also includes more private indoor and outdoor space intended
to better support day-to-day operations, client dignity and more appropriate
gathering areas within the facility itself.
STATUS AND NEXT STEPS
A minor variance application has been submitted to the City of Hamilton related
to a proposed future Booth Centre facility at 337 Gage Avenue North.
The application is currently moving through the City of Hamilton planning process
and is scheduled to be considered by the Committee of Adjustment on
May 19, 2026.
The Committee of Adjustment is an independent body that reviews planning applications
and considers public input before making a decision. At this stage, no final
decision has been made.
The current application is also only one step in a much larger process. If approved,
additional planning, design, operational and community engagement work would
still be required before any future facility became operational.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Why is The Salvation Army exploring a new facility?
The Booth Centre has operated at its current York Boulevard location for decades
and continues to provide important shelter and support services within Hamilton.
At the same time, the current building presents operational challenges related
to accessibility, layout, privacy and long-term functionality.
The Salvation Army is exploring how future shelter and support services can
best meet current and long-term community needs through a more modern facility
designed to better support clients, staff and service delivery.
Why is this location being considered?
Considerations included accessibility to transit, healthcare and community
supports, operational space requirements, and the ability to support a more
modern facility over the long term.
Has a final decision already been made?
No. The application is currently moving through the City of Hamilton planning
process and will be considered by the Committee of Adjustment.
As part of the process, members of the public are able to submit written comments
or participate in the hearing process.
How can residents provide input?
Members of the public are able to participate in the current planning process
through the Committee of Adjustment hearing process.
The Salvation Army also recognizes the importance of ongoing communication
and engagement. Should the application ultimately proceed, there would be
future opportunities for continued engagement with residents, stakeholders
and community members as additional planning, design and operational work
moves forward.
What would happen if the application is approved?
If the application is approved, there would still be significant additional
planning, design and operational work required before any future facility
became operational.
The current application represents only one step in a much larger process.
How would The Salvation Army approach operations within the surrounding community?
The Salvation Army understands that residents and community members have important
questions about how any future facility would operate.
If the project were ultimately approved, there would be ongoing planning and
operational work related to how the facility would integrate into the surrounding
community and continue operating responsibly as a community partner.
The Salvation Army believes strong communication, clear expectations and ongoing
engagement are important parts of that process.
Will the Booth Centre continue serving people experiencing homelessness and other complex challenges?
Yes. The Booth Centre’s mission remains focused on providing shelter, support
and practical assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty
and other complex challenges.
The Salvation Army believes every person deserves dignity, compassion and the
opportunity to move toward greater stability and hope.
Is this project related to downtown revitalization?
The Salvation Army’s involvement in this process is focused on operational
needs, modernization and long-term service delivery.
Questions related to broader planning and land use considerations are being
addressed through the City of Hamilton planning process.