50 Years In The Heart Of Downtown Hamilton
In 1976, the International Village BIA was established as Hamilton’s first business improvement area (BIA).
The International Village BIA includes the areas: Main Street East, King Street East and King William Street (from West Avenue to Mary Street) in Downtown Hamilton. It is the historic centre of four of Hamilton’s oldest neighbourhoods, Beasley, Stinson, Corktown, and Landsdale.
Progressive and creative, our BIA has served as a commercial hub in Downtown Hamilton from its early railway history as the Hamilton terminal for the Grand Truck Railway Company. The station was located where Ferguson Station calls home today at the corner of King Street East and Ferguson Avenue.
By the 1960s the area was colloquially named “International Row” and was home to many international businesses with products from around the world; some of those businesses are still in operation today including Denninger’s Foods of the World, Shakespeare’s Fine Dining, and Aladdin’s.
Today, our BIA continues to be a hub for new small businesses owners and entrepreneurs. The BIA has a very diverse membership with 140+ businesses including cafes, restaurants, retailers and world-class theatre productions at Theatre Aquarius.
The International Village BIA has hosted many landmark events over the year. Village Pride, Summer Movie Nights, Village Station Bizarre, Octoberfest, Rib Row Festival, and Mustard Festival have all worked to add to the vitality of our neighbourhood and create a sense of place for residents and visitors in the core.
Celebrate with us this year! Be sure to visit your favorite shops and restaurants and take a look at the special 50th Anniversary banners decorating the street.
Stay tuned for details on our 50th Birthday Party event happening at Ferguson Station on May 30th (11AM-3PM).
Your Village in Downtown Hamilton is ready for what’s next!
