Hamilton Is a Port City Located in the Province of Ontario in the Geographic Centre Of

HAMILTON

Hamilton is a port city located in the Province of Ontario in the geographic centre of the densely populated and industrialized region known as the Golden Horseshoe. The City of Hamilton is on the western end of the Niagara Peninsula and wraps around the westernmost part of Lake Ontario. Most of the city is on the south shore. The major physical features are Hamilton Harbour on the northern limit of the city and the Niagara Escarpment that runs through the middle of the city across its entire breadth and bisects the city into "upper" and "lower". The upper portion is affectionately referred to "on the mountain" however; the maximum high point is 250m above the level of Lake Ontario. The Burlington Bay is a natural harbour with a large sandbar that extends southeast through the central lower city to the escarpment. Hamilton's deep sea port is accessed by ship canal through the beach strip into the harbour and is traversed by two bridges, the QEW's Burlington Bay James N. Allan Skyway and the lower Canal Lift Bridge.

Since the War of 1812 and the development of the land area by George Hamilton, the population has grown to approximately 520,000 people. In pre-colonial times the Neutral Indians called this area "Attiwandaronia" and used much of the heavily forested land but were driven out by the Six Nations Indians. The United Empire Loyalists were attracted by the availability of inexpensive, arable land. The geography and thoughtful planning by early land developers has created a city that is an industrial powerhouse within nature.

The first telephone exchange in the British Empire and the second telephone exchange in all of North America were established in the city between 1877-78.

Industrial business expanded and two steel manufacturing companies, Stelco and Dofasco were formed in 1910 and 1912. Hamilton became the Steel Capital of Canada. Population and economic growth continued until the 1960s. Since then, many of the large industries have moved or shut down operations and the economy has shifted more toward the service sector, such as transportation, education, and health services. Hamilton Health Sciences is a compliment of six hospitals that have developed a worldwide enviable reputation. Due to its diverse environment numerous TV and film productions have been filmed in Hamilton. A growing arts and culture sector is evident in the increase in art galleries, recording studios and independent film production.

Hamilton is home to numerous attractions including the Royal Botanical Gardens (which is shared with the City of Burlington), the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, the HMCS Haida National Historic Site (Canada's most famous warship and the last remaining Tribal Class in the world), the Bruce Trail (showcasing more than 100 waterfalls and cascades), the African Lion Safari Park, the Cathedral of Christ the King, the Workers' Arts and Heritage Centre, McMaster University and Mohawk College and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

There will be five curling clubs from the Hamilton and Area Curling Association participatingon the closing day. In addition to the host Burlington Golf & Country Club, Grimsby, Glendale, Glanford, and Hamilton Victoria will each be represented by one rink.