Hamilton Residents Invited to Participate in Discovery Centre Survey

HAMILTON, ON – January 5, 2026 – Hamilton Public Library (HPL), in partnership with City of Hamilton’s Indigenous Relations Division (IRD) and Lord Cultural Resources is exploring the redevelopment of the former Canadian Marine Discovery Centre at 77 Harbourside Way on Hamilton’s waterfront. Community and Indigenous feedback will play a key role in informing the project.

Hamilton residents and members of Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit are invited to participate in a Discovery Centre survey from January 5 to 23, 2026, to share ideas and feedback on the revamped facility. The survey can be completed online, and paper copies are available at all HPL Branches and Bookmobile visits and must be returned on or before January 23.

The vision for the site includes a new library branch, an Indigenous gathering space, a cultural heritage exhibition space, a café and visitor amenities.

In September 2025, Lord Cultural Resources was chosen to lead the Discovery Centre Program Design and Development Study. The Study will guide the future use and design of the building, helping to shape the next phases of planning and engagement.

The project is guided by a Steering Committee and Working Group, established in 2024 with representatives from the Urban Indigenous community, the City’s Indigenous Relations Division staff, and Hamilton Public Library Staff. These groups continue to support the process alongside the consultant team. The study’s findings are expected to be presented to City Council in 2027.

For project updates and to participate in the survey, visit hpl.ca/discovery-centre.

About Hamilton Public Library

The Hamilton Public Library is a vibrant hub for information and culture, providing our diverse community the Freedom to Belong and Discover. As one of the largest library systems in Canada, Hamiltonians discover something new at our 23 locations, Bookmobile, or through our extensive digital collections. Visit us online at hpl.ca. Connect with us on Instagram and X @hamiltonlibrary, and Facebook and LinkedIn at HamiltonPublicLibrary.    

About the City of Hamilton’s Indigenous Relations Division

The Indigenous Relations Division provides action-oriented, strategic leadership and guidance to advance the implementation of Hamilton's Urban Indigenous Strategy (UIS). The team supports leaders and staff from city divisions and departments in making progress towards the goals of the UIS and to strengthen the City’s relationship with Indigenous communities.

About Lord Cultural Resources

Lord Cultural Resources was founded by Gail and Barry Lord in 1981 and grew to become the world’s most impactful cultural planning firm focused on museums, cultural districts, and the creative economy. With offices in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Madrid and Mumbai, Lord Cultural Resources has helped to create places, spaces and experiences in over 2,700 projects in 57 countries and 450 cities.