Statement by Margaret Bennett

We moved to Hamilton 4 years ago, in part because of the promise of LRT. Originally from Toronto, we lived in Burlington prior to our move because of work logistics. Unfortunately Burlington was transit-unfriendly and we ended up having to get a second car. Fortunately we could afford it, but it is not our ethical choice. So when work shifted we considered a move back to Toronto or to Hamilton and chose Hamilton because it seemed to be moving forward and was appearing to be transit friendly. We wanted to be part of the revitalization of this city and make it work for all residents. We looked along the LRT line and moved on a great bus line as it is. Transit and accessibility is one of the things we were most excited about and one of the things we love about Hamilton. Transit is a huge part of affordability and accessibility of a city. That’s why the promise of an LRT was so exciting. Women and children disproportionately use transit and it’s important for them to access the city and its services. We believe that the LRT is an equity issue for that reason.
When you look at the Hamilton GRIDS II Plan, you can see how much development is on the LRT line. This isn’t even just residential development; it’s commercial and employment opportunities. That’s what transit does; brings development to the people who will often benefit most from it. It’s not just people like us that chose Hamilton for the potential of LRT, it’s businesses and builders who can make this city better on a larger scale than anything we can do individually. LRT will make Access to the city and it’s services and employment opportunities better. It’s an equity issue.
The LRT has been proposed for years. It’s had something like 70 separate votes for it. If you’re truly for the people, the people and its elected representatives have spoken for 12 years that this is the way forward for our city, so let’s get on and build it FOR THE PEOPLE! It will keep us moving forward equitably.

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