Welcome to The Hammer
Your hub for everything Hamilton: upcoming events, local businesses across every category, and a weekly newsletter covering local news, new openings, community happenings, history, and the underrated gems that make this city ours.
Here’s how it all started.
How It Started
Back in April 2015, Concession Street was torn up for repairs. The construction dragged on, and the small businesses lining the street were hurting — with little promotional help from the city or anyone else. Philip Bradshaw knew the struggle firsthand: he ran both a heating and cooling company and a pet store on the street. So he did something about it. He started a Facebook page, Concession Street News, to shine a light on his neighbours and keep customers coming through their doors.
What began as a volunteer effort to support one street grew into something bigger. Over the past 11 years, that little page became one of Hamilton’s most recognized sources for local news and discovery — now more than 60,000 followersstrong, and known today as The Hammer.
Along the way, we’ve done more than post. We’ve run charity bowling tournaments, hosted a home-decorating “Scare Contest,” and sponsored a mural at East 16th and Concession to honour the area’s history. Philip served on the Concession BIA and chaired the Concession Street Festival for three years running.
Where We Are Now
After more than a decade, a long-held dream finally came true: a dedicated website to promote Hamilton businesses and events year-round. As of June 2026, the onlyinhamilton.ca directory features over 275 businesses and 50+ events — and we’re just getting started.
The Hammer Community Hub is still young, but the goal is simple: become Hamilton’s go-to destination for supporting local. If you’ve subscribed to the newsletter or added your business or event, thank you. None of this works without you.
Our Vision
We want to build a true local media brand and community — news, a directory, events, and stories about Hamilton’s history, landmarks, and hidden corners. What started as a Facebook page is growing into a real hub for Hamiltonians — whether you’re here, or you’ve moved away and still call this city home.
Why We Offer Paid Services
From day one, The Hammer has been about doing as much for the community as possible, and promoting local businesses for free wherever we can. That won’t change. But we’ve always wanted to do more — original videos, in-person events, and a small team of contributors spotlighting everything Hamilton has to offer.
To make that possible, we’ve created optional ways for businesses to support The Hammer and local media in exchange for real value. Emphasis on optional. The free promotion we’ve always done for the city we love isn’t going anywhere.
What’s Next
A merch shop, a roster of local creators, features on Hamilton artists, and plenty more. Stay tuned. 🔨