City hands out $8 million for capital projects

[SteelTown]

City hands out $8 million for capital projects

June 09, 2008
By Nicole MacIntyre
The Hamilton Spectator

Hamilton’s poorest neighbourhood is getting a new recreation centre thanks to a council spending spree that will sprinkle millions in goodies across the city.

A skating rink and restaurant will also be built at the waterfront as part of the $8-million investment.

Councillors were asked earlier this year to pick the top three ways they would like to use extra capital dollars, including $3 million from the province for brownfields. Staff reviewed the wish list and recommended its top picks yesterday.

The approved projects include:

- $3 million for waterfront development, including a restaurant, skating rink and redevelopment of Pier 8.
- $2 million to build a community centre as part of the new Dr. J. Edgar Davey school on Ferguson Avenue in the Beasley neighbourhood. Another $1 million will clean up contamination in a neighbouring park.
- $1 million to create city housing in the core.
- $500,000 to renovate Hammill House in Ancaster so it can be used by minor sport associations.
- $150,000 for a feasibility study on a seniors’ residence and recreation centre in the lower city.
- $300,000 for a feasibility study on a welcome centre at the QEW and Fifty Road.

Downtown Councillor Bob Bratina, who pitched the Beasley project, said the centre will send an important message to children in the inner-city neighbourhood.

“They’ll see they count in the big picture,” he said.

Down the road at the bay, Werner Plessl, executive director of Hamilton Waterfront Trust, is optimistic a skating rink and restaurant will give residents another reason to visit the shore.

The project, pitched by Councillor Chad Collins, will make the waterfront a year-round attraction, he said.