Nine hours of delegations reflect divisions in community over LRT

A key vote related to Hamilton’s light rail transit project is now scheduled for next Wednesday.

The latest delay, in regards to the project’s updated environmental assessment, is the result of a motion presented by Ward 8 Councillor Terry Whitehead.

He says holding the vote until the next council meeting gives councillors time to “digest” nine hours of public delegations and ensures “fresh minds” will be making the decision.

The environmental assessment includes details around the routing of the 11-kilometre line, primarily along King Street, between McMaster University and the Queenston traffic circle.

If the environmental assessment is approved, the project’s timelines would move forward including the scheduled start of construction in 2019.

A “no” vote could stall the project and result in what Ward 1 Coun. and LRT supporter Aidan Johnson has referred to as “death by delay.”

Wednesday’s meeting of the general issues committee, which lasted well over 13 hours, started with city councillors hearing from about 50 public delegations, many in favour and many opposed to the project.

Architect David Premi has urged politicians to “stay the course,” adding that “attracting young talented people” is critical to Hamilton’s future.

Tej Sandhu, founder of Merit Brewing Company on James Street North, says the LRT represents progress and signals whether council “takes my investment in the city seriously.”

Megan Platts with the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington, insists new tax assessment that will result from investment along the light rail transit corridor, is “one of the only ways to reduce the burden on existing taxpayers.”

Hamilton Chamber of Commerce president Keanin Loomis warns that the province’s $1-billion commitment to the project will go to another community if council doesn’t “get on with building LRT.” He adds that the city will also have wasted the $30 million it has spent to date on planning and design.

Those speaking against the project include Tom Lazich of Gilbert’s Big and Tall Men’s Shop. He urges councillors to think carefully about the impact of years of construction on businesses along the corridor.

Others question the projected economic benefits of LRT and predict it will result in permanent traffic chaos in the lower city. Small business owner Cheryl St. James describes the current plan as “deeply flawed.”

Carol Lazich alleges that opponents of the vision are being bullied by the “yes” side. She describes “boycotting of businesses, slander, bullying, name calling and personal threats” against LRT opponents as having become the norm.

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