[raisethehammer]

it's the same story time and time again. People who've never been into Hamilton say it sucks/stinks etc.... but once people come, they are impressed with what we have to offer, even with some of the rougher areas and downtrodden areas. TO has downtrodden areas too. Every city does.
The key is to figure out a way to get more people to visit the city.
Having Hamilton Place rated on of the top 50 concert halls in the world this year certainly helps. I live near York and can assure you that I don't need to know what's happening at Copps to know that something big is happening. I just look out front and see York traffic slowly crawling by (which I love...much more city-like, quiet and safe). TONS of out-of-towners come here for big shows...like last night.
I had a guy pull over on Dundurn at Tom and ask me how to get to Copps. Lol. I told him to get back on York and just keep going - you'll drive right into it.
Too bad York is such a bland, crappy entrance to the city with it's 6 lanes and no retail/commercial activity.
Anyone else who lives near York can confirm this though - a huge portion of concert-goers come from out of town, presumably the GTA if they're getting off the 403 at York.