Where are we going, Hamina? – The discussion event discussed the city's economy, the Customs Warehouse and the school network in an open spirit

A discussion event entitled Where are we going, Hamina? was held in the Kasper Hall of Hamina Main Library on Thursday, June 4, 2026, and attracted a large number of interested residents. The event was attended by 107 people in the hall, and the total number of listeners was approximately 125.

In an open and lively event, the city's management and senior officials answered direct questions from residents about the current state of Hamina, economic challenges, and local projects that have aroused great emotions.

Chairman of the City Council Elina Inkeroinen-Lalu opened the event by thanking the people of Hamina for their activity.

Economic constraints and the changing operating environment force us to adapt.

Mayor Ilari Soosalu The strategy approved by the new council elected last year obliges officials to act within a framework that requires them to react to the drastically falling birth rate and population. The consequences of the welfare area reform and cuts in government transfers have left Hamina in a tight spot.

However, he emphasized that even in a difficult situation, we must keep our eyes on the future: the city is continuing to make land acquisitions, for example, to secure future jobs and tax revenue.

The sale of the customs warehouse was a talking point – Legal obligations behind it

One of the topics that sparked the most discussion of the evening was the situation at the Tullimakasiini warehouse in Tervasaari, which was explained by the technical director Sari Paljakka and vitality director Mia Hamalainen. The city has a legal obligation to rectify the current, illegal lease agreement of the property, which violates EU state aid regulations, the Municipal Act and national competition law. The property has been leased as commercial premises for €0,79/m²/month, while the market price in the area is €6–9/m²/month.

The property has a repair debt of approximately one million euros, which is why the property was put up for public sale. The City Board ended up accepting Offer A (€100,000 from a real estate company to be established), which was considered to best support the vitality and future development of Tervasaari thanks to a strong business plan.

City Secretary Alexander Eriksson reminded of the principle of equality and the article of the Administrative Procedure Act:

• The city cannot provide illegal private support through substandard rents or contracts.
• The decision-making process has been carefully followed and both potential buyers have been consulted.
• The municipality is not legally obliged to sell the property to the highest bidder in an open auction if there are strategic grounds for another decision.

The townspeople strongly expressed concern about the long-term work done in the area. I am sorry. regarding the continuation of the operation and the history of the site. The officials assured that the National Board of Antiquities will be involved in the process to ensure that the protected building is renovated in accordance with the requirements. It is possible to appeal the decision to the City Council, which will assess the requirements in accordance with the law.

Mäkelänkangas: Facts in the midst of social media hype

Rumors about the Mäkelänkangas area were straightforwardly corrected at the event. Claims circulating on social media about "buying a landfill" were shot down.

Environmental manager Tapio Glumoff and technical management clarified that the area will be treated in accordance with the valid environmental permit. The city has purchased the land and negotiations for the sale are underway with two international, environmentally friendly operators. The project would have significant job and tax revenue impacts.

Further investigations will be carried out in the area this coming summer. If materials that violate the environmental permit are found on the land, the supervisory authority has the opportunity to cooperate with the police in the matter. The environmental permit holder remains responsible for the handling of any hazardous waste under official supervision.

School network changes: “More content than walls”

Director of Education and Training Summer Jacket supported school network solutions that appeal to families with children. The number of students in Hamina will decrease by 500 students over the next five years.

Savings must be sought from walls and property costs so that the funds are sufficient for the quality of teaching and renewed learning support. In the case of the Husula school, the room for maneuver is bound by the lease agreements of the previous service network (leasing schools). Takkinen emphasized that each school closure decision will still be processed separately.

Looking to the future and local vitality

Although the economy was a talking point, there is also a lot of positive vibes under the surface in Hamina. Vitality Director Mia Hämäläinen reminded that, according to the Municipality Barometer, entrepreneurs are very satisfied with the support they have received. 

Land acquisition will continue in accordance with the strategy, and the question regarding the battery factory plot was also answered: the environmental permit for the battery factory plot is in the permitting process. Technical Director Sari Paljakka and Director of Vitality Mia Hämäläinen are coordinating the investments together with Cursor. The discussion also highlighted the fact that not all information about large investments can be revealed in advance, but that there are big issues lurking beneath the surface. Chairman of the City Council Titta Erkkilä also reminded the audience that the city council always has the facts on all matters when making decisions.

The question of the fate of the flagpole was also raised during the discussion. Measures regarding the flagpole are currently being considered by the committee's working group, which is looking for the best solutions for the future.

City Council Chairwoman Elina Inkeroinen-Lalu and Mayor Ilari Soosalu ended the evening by thanking the city residents and reminding them of the common direction: