Every day, McMaster grad Ciaran Egan walks by a giant piece of art at the corner of James and King William streets on his way to work. And every day he is reminded of the innovative program that launched his career.
In 2018, while still a McMaster student, Egan was part of the inaugural cohort of the CityLAB Semester in Residence (SIR), an experiential learning initiative that connects Hamilton postsecondary students with the City of Hamilton to work on addressing actual community challenges.
Egan and fellow SIR student Miranda Floreano worked on a project focused on the pedestrianization of King William Street — developing surveys, engaging stakeholders and supporting public consultation efforts aimed at strengthening community connections and supporting local business activity.
“They pulled us into meetings with local artists,” said Egan. “We got to stay involved through most of the process.”
That project has had lasting impacts on how people experience the area, contributing to broader efforts to create more pedestrian-friendly public spaces in Hamilton.
Today, Egan and Floreano both work in the field of sustainable mobility at the City of Hamilton. Their experience in the SIR program played a key role in shaping their career paths, they say.
“It made my career,” said Egan.
Woodgate, the art work that marks the King William project, is still there as a reminder today.
A hands-on learning experience with enduring impact
CityLAB brings together students, municipal staff and community partners to work on real city projects, often tied to planning, transportation, public space and community development.
“CityLAB enables McMaster students to co-create solutions that address Hamilton’s civic priorities,” said Kim Dej, vice-provost, Teaching and Learning.
“Our students aren’t just learning, they’re gaining hands-on experience by engaging with the community in a real, tangible way.”
For students exploring career pathways, the SIR program also provides mentorship and exposure to municipal practice. Rachel Johnson, who supervised Floreano, Egan and other CityLAB students during the program, highlights the lasting professional connections it creates.
“When we work with the CityLAB students, we create such a good connection with them,” she said. “We really get to know them. And it’s great for City staff to get to know young professionals who are about to enter the workforce. I always keep in touch with the CityLAB students from the projects I’ve worked on.”
The SIR program is open to students who are interested in creating change in their communities, offering opportunities to work directly on civic challenges alongside experienced practitioners. Through this collaboration between students and City leaders, the program continues to generate practical solutions and lasting impact across Hamilton and the wider community.
Students can apply now to join the Fall 2026 cohort of CityLAB Semester in Residence.