Statement by Jonathan Heemskerk

Dear Hamilton City Council,

As a resident of Hamilton, I urge you to support the LRT funding offer from the provincial and federal governments.

Reason #1. You already have a clear mandate, with the last municipal election being very much a one-issue vote, and a clear victory of 54% to pro LRT feed vs 38% anti-LRT Vito. Anything less than full support would be turning your backs on the will of the people. We are democracy. Listen to us!

2. It will bring much - needed infrastructure to our city. Investing in our future is never a bad thing. Think of it like investing in your own house. If you hope to live there for many years, do you cheap out on the roof or furnace? No. The LRT project will allow for much needed upgrades to city infrastructure below - grade on the route. It's like someone offering new plumbing for your house, on top of a new car! And as it is clear it is an LRT-only offer, you should take that offer, even if you maybe thought you wanted a new roof instead of a car. You're getting free plumbing AND a car. TAKE IT.

3. Environmental impact. This issue only grows more important as time goes on. We NEED to people out of automobiles and into the most efficient transportation possible. Electric trains are by far the greatest option for this. When there is a permanent solution like LRT in place, it allows people to be better equipped to build their lives around transit rather than cars.

4. Business investment. Again, the permanence of an LRT system will encourage investment like no other option will. No developer will build in a location just because there's a new bus route. But if the city commits to LRT, businesses will commit to our city. We already saw public statements as such when the project was cancelled - several developers came out and said projects would now be on hold until it goes ahead. With firm, mutlti-government commitments, that investment will only grow more. Look to Kitchener-Waterloo, where they have had billions ion new investment along their line. And it's not just big money either. I myself put my money when my belief is, and bought a home along the proposed route.

Hamilton is called "the Ambitious City" . BE AMBITIOUS! Build something that will have a positive impact on us for decades to come. Make history for our great city! Hamilton has at times been a world leader in industry, electrification, and even rail with the local mountain climber rails! We won't lead the world with LRT but we can at very least keep up, and give our city the best opportunity to continue its ambitious growth!

Support LRT
Jonathan

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