If you're reading this, you're likely 1 of 63,399 (2020 US Census) who call the City of Hamilton home. That isn't shared to make you feel small or inconsequential. No, this is said because, yes, although a large number, know it's possible to have your voice rise from the crowd or know your actions could have a citywide impact.
That 63,399 is spread out through seventeen strong and unique neighborhoods across the city. Seventeen Strong—that has a nice ring to it. Strong because time after time, each neighborhood has withstood and endured every type of storm that has come its way.
And unique because of the people who make up each neighborhood. Whether you have lived in Hamilton your entire life, relocated here from elsewhere, or decided to return armed with worldly knowledge and experience, we all make up the city together.
"I enjoy being part of 17STRONG and the interactions with residents from all parts of the City of Hamilton. Working alongside the City's Department of Neighborhoods is an added bonus; we are able to discover what is available to citizens and how to organize cleanups or other activities in our neighborhood. The best advice I can give everyone is, do not wait until you are in your 70's to get involved with your city, neighborhood, and 17STRONG." - Vicki Cross, 2025 Kathy Klink Neighborhood Leader Award Winner.
From all corners of the city, handfuls of dedicated individuals are working and volunteering to ensure you and your neighborhood have a voice and are proud to call this city home. Take a walk through any neighborhood, and if you pay close attention, you'll likely see small yard placards sprinkled throughout displaying the signature 17, little markers that suggest, "I believe."
Belief in a better Hamilton for all.
From yard markers to more recognizable symbols such as "The Cube" or the large mural painted downtown, 17STRONG is on full display. Although displayed throughout, you may still be curious: "Who or what is 17STRONG"? Whether you are homegrown, transplanted, or returning, 17STRONG is Hamilton.
The Cube signifies community cleanups. Whether you know your neighborhood's name or not, this green trailer can be seen throughout town, especially each May, when the Cube is in full-fledged, neighborhood-to-neighborhood use for 17 days of cleanups—but as important as this is, it's only one part of the story.
The story extends much further. Did you know 17STRONG wants to support that project or event that's on your mind? Yes, 17STRONG will grant the means for those things that promote engagement, add an aesthetic touch, better functionality, or safety to the neighborhood. The Neighborhoods Microgrant Program is available for this very thing, whether you are doing so as an individual or as part of a larger group.
"To me, 17STRONG means unity and inclusion. It's a way of demonstrating how welcome everyone is. No matter the age, race, or gender. I think it is beautiful how 17STRONG continues to welcome all who may feel excluded and assure they are welcome in Hamilton." - Ashley Santiago, 2024 Student Award Recipient, Microgrants.
Maybe this sounds more like you: "Clean-ups and grants are nice, and I see the value, but I'm not sure how that helps me find my voice or create a sense of belonging to the city. I am not involved—and that's what I'm truly seeking."
"You Are Welcome"—This was the slogan and theme of the 2025 Third Annual Neighborhoods Summit (where more than 500 of your neighbors registered and attended), but it's more than a theme. It is the ethos of 17STRONG. It is the spirit of what 17STRONG is and aims to be. If belonging and involvement are what you seek, you are welcome to come to one of the various committees or neighborhood meetings occurring throughout the year, a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of those striving to make a better Hamilton.
The primary committees are Outreach, Communications, and Microgrants, all with their own goals and responsibilities, and now subcommittees have been created. These subcommittees were created out of necessity, with the intent being to reach further and to give proper attention to the various details that make up the city.
That being said, even those with the best intentions and efforts can still miss something, and that's where your voice is needed.
Your unique voice can raise awareness of happenings and issues that might be missed, or it might highlight all the many things that make your neighborhood and your corner of the city great.
Perhaps your voice will be the next to be featured here; these words today are those of a transplant now calling Hamilton home, an opportunity made available through this organization.
So yes, you are only 1 of 63,399, but you are also 1 of 17, and that 17 is STRONG.
- Christopher Norton, 2017 Transplant