Hamilton on the right track: Eisenberger
Says small steps, not mega deals, transforming city
September 29, 2009
Meredith MacLeod
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/643976
There are obvious signs that Hamilton is on the right track, Mayor Fred Eisenberger told a breakfast meeting of business and community leaders this morning.
A mega light-rail project, a successful Pan Am Games bid and the potential arrival of an NHL team would each have a transformational effect on this city. But it’s the smaller steps, more exclusively in the control of the community, that are truly building the city’s foundation, Eisenberger said.
He pointed to the renovation of the Hamilton Farmers’ Market, the Central Library, the downtown transit terminal and Hamilton City Hall, along with the restoration of the Lister Block.
“They are leading to the next step, hopefully not too far down the road: a revitalized Gore Park.” He also highlighted efforts on the waterfront, the city’s push on economic development and efforts to create an arts catalyst.
Eisenberger told a packed audience for the annual Mayor’s Breakfast, hosted by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, that he is confident the regional transit authority, Metrolinx, will ratify the city’s choice of light-rail transit and “pick up the lion’s share of the cost, well in excess of 75 per cent.”
He’s also optimistic about a new stadium and other improvements a winning Pan Am Games bid would bring to Hamilton.
And as for RIM billionaire Jim Balsillie’s protracted fight to relocate the Phoenix Coyotes, Eisenberger said: “The more I see of Jim, how tough and passionate and determined he is, how he absolutely refuses to give up no matter what, I can’t help but think this guy belongs here in Hamilton.”
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