[thistleclub]

Maybe not the best way to neutralize misconceptions about the downtown core.

A Slice of the Downtown Core Community [United Way of Hamilton Burlington Blog, Aug 15, 2011]

What do you think is in store for Hamilton’s future?
I hope that the small business community continues to develop downtown. It’s doing a lot for the core as it fosters a strong sense of community. There has been a lot of talk about people buying buildings downtown to develop real estate, condos and businesses. I think that is exciting and hopeful for Hamilton’s future because it will bring more people into the core, which will allow it to develop and grow, and change the face of the community. There is so much to do down here, we just need more people to invest and help the city move forward.

What do you think are some of the city’s biggest challenges in getting there?
I think that Hamilton’s reputation sometime precedes itself and people tend to write it off before they even come here and get a chance to see the beautiful buildings, the shops, the restaurants, the parks. There are so many misconceptions about the downtown core that make people afraid to come down here – but if they would, they would see how much it really does have to offer.

If you could change one thing in Hamilton, what would it be?
It would be so great if Gore Park could be somewhere nice that you could go and sit and eat your lunch, and not be hassled or feel unsafe. They are working on that now, and the promenade is doing a good job of that, but Jackson Square seems to be a magnet for some questionable people that look like they are into some questionable activities. Even some of the shops in the mall seem ‘off.’ If we could revitalize Jackson Square, perhaps bring in some new stores, I am sure a different crowd would come along with it.