Mission Statement and Values

Mission Statement

Freedom to Belong and Discover

Vision Statement

A vibrant and welcoming community place where people learn, connect, share and discover.

Values

Accountability

Ensuring services remain relevant and that resources are managed effectively and transparently. We listen to the community and we communicate our rationale for decisions.

Inclusion

Creating trusted services and spaces that welcome and value everyone. We celebrate the varied cultures and histories of Hamiltonians. Equity informs our program design, so we can create fairer access to opportunities and help build a more just society.

Innovation

Anticipating and responding to changing needs and technology by continually adapting our work to remain relevant. We meet new challenges by gradually shifting resources to build capacity in areas of growing need. We are a leader in integrating sustainability into our planning and actions.

Intellectual Freedom

Providing free access to a wide range of ideas and artistic expressions. Ensuring residents have appropriate digital access and skills to flourish in the current economy and society. We nurture conversations that enhance mutual understanding and learning.

Respect

Supporting the value and dignity of all individuals. We work to support residents in overcoming the legacies of colonization, racism and other forms of discrimination.

Truth and Reconciliation Land Acknowledgement
The City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land, so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.