About Us

The Hamilton Spectator – The voice of our communities since 1846

The Hamilton Spectator was first published July 15, 1846, and since that date has been the voice of Hamilton and the surrounding area. Originally named The Hamilton Spectator and Journal of Commerce, the paper was founded by Robert Smiley and a partner, and was eventually sold in 1877 to William Southam, founder of the Southam newspaper chain. The Spectator was the first newspaper in the group, which grew from a single property to become a significant media voice in Canada for more than 100 years.

Now the newspaper is part of the Metroland Media Group Ltd. and the Torstar Corporation, which also publishes the Toronto Star, The Record of Kitchener-Waterloo, The Guelph Mercury, Metroland community newspapers and several other media properties. The Spectator's reach and impact is greater than any other media source in the region. It services Hamilton, Burlington and surrounding communities Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough and Glanbrook, as well as the Niagara communities of Grimsby and Beamsville along with Brant County and Haldimand-Norfolk towns such as Caledonia, Hagersville and Dunnville. The Spectator also serves Halton Region, as far east as Oakville.

The Hamilton Spectator is committed to making a substantial contribution to our community. This is done through sponsorship, partnerships, in-kind advertising and ongoing support of the area's numerous community initiatives. Through an initiative called SpecKids Unlimited, the lives of children and youth are improved and supported. SpecKids Unlimited is the primary vehicle for The Hamilton Spectator's philanthropy, community partnerships and community capacity-building.

The SpecKids Unlimited mandate is a simple one: to improve the lives of children and youth in the community. Funds donated to SpecKids Unlimited support the following initiatives: The Summer Camp Fund supports kids living at or near poverty levels enjoy a week-long, fun-filled adventure at camp; Jeff Dickins Memorial Award give bursaries for students who excel in academics, athletics and community involvement; Kids Unlimited is an Employee Involvement Program that combines charitable giving with initiatives designed to provide service and support to local, high-needs schools; and Community Building initiatives will see the installation of a Green Gym playground at Jackie Washington Rotary Park.

The Newspaper is important to our community, and our community is incredibly important to this Newspaper. As The Hamilton Spectator continues to provide partnership, support and award-winning journalism to our community, we invite you to be part of the everyday miracle of publishing a newspaper.