The development of the Airport Employment Growth District will play a critical role in Hamilton’s renaissance.
by Jay Rosenblatt
Partner, SimpsonWigle LAW LLP
When we look at the all-too-prevalent downsizing of manufacturing in Ontario, it’s easy to see that Hamilton has paid more than its share. Despite a history that we can be proud of, we can’t rely on the past as we envision a prosperous future. We have to seize new opportunities and the Airport Employment Growth District (AEGD) is, in my opinion, one of those new and special opportunities. When completed, the AEGD will be a much sought-after location for the companies and light industries that will define the NEW Hamilton of the 21st century. Its very presence will raise national and international awareness of Hamilton and will give what was once the Steel City a profile that truly reflects the varying skills and talents we have; skills and talents that will no longer have to leave Hamilton in search of opportunity!
While the Hamilton International Airport will certainly benefit from AEGD development, we must understand that its growth will result in prosperity for all of us. The years of research and numerous studies conducted by reputable firms and individuals are detailed on this website. When compared with the opinions of those who are opposed to this evolution, it appears that their concerns have to be weighed against the benefits that Greater Hamilton will experience.
History has shown that progress IS beneficial and that protracted delays have a negative impact on the growth of our Hamilton. As examples, look at the history of the Red Hill Valley and Lincoln Alexander Parkways. They have both been successful, but certainly late in coming. Let’s hope that our AEGD will not suffer the same delays.
Yes, it is important that we listen to and acknowledge the opinions of others, but we cannot allow these opinions to stand in the way of this important development.
While I deeply respect Mr. Rosenblatt, the closing comment “… acknowledge the opinions of others, but we cannot allow these opinions to stand in the way of this important development”, merits the response that we live in a democracy and the opinions of others if sufficiently numerous will stand in the way, and should stand in the way.
The Red Hill Valley and the Lincoln Alexander Parkway are cited as long delayed but successful projects; it should be noted that while they were proposed to stimulate demand, but by the time that they were built there was in fact a need to serve. A much better comparison in the category of building to stimulate development would be the destruction of a swathe of the downtown to build Jackson Square, Copps Colesium et al – a joyless, soul-less, de-populated wasteland for the last thirty years.
AEGD should not proceed without a thorough evaluation of the benefits of taxpayer investment in a range of public policy options including AEGD, development of existing brownfield sites in Hamilton to capitalize on existing infrastructure, and investment to capitalize on existing human capital.
‘Build it and they will come’ makes a great movie; it is not a basis for public policy.
Peter McCann – October 17 2009
thank you peter for your comments; i too respect your opinions; our democratic principles are important, and the opinions are all have to be heard and weighed; i will leave final determinations up to council after appropriate input from all interested parties; best regards, jay – october 19, 2009
There is no question that Hamilton needs to rebuild it’s core which has been neglected for years, but we must not let this deter us from moving forward with the AEGD.
We are already spreading out down the QEW towards Niagara, and out the 403 toward Brantford, and this makes it easy for people to avoid coming into Hamilton.
Let’s find more reasons for people to live and work in Hamilton, not just in the core, but in all areas of this city.
THE AEGD is a great opportunity for this community and I believe this city needs to take advantage of all the great opportunities that come our way.