Statement by Brendan Wilson

I moved to Hamilton to raise my family. I am proud to be from here because I see the way this city is moving in to the future. It makes me sad to think we could miss an opportunity to grow our city.

A billion dollars for LRT would create a lot of jobs for people in this city. It would encourage commerce along the affected area. It would create a city where walking is encouraged. People in other cities - of all stripes and socioeconomic backgrounds take the train. It will not just be used by the people who live in the community.

This year I have started working as a postal worker and I am delighted to have the opportunity to walk deep into the neighbourhoods that this LRT will serve. Main and King themselves are blighted in many places - empty storefronts, dilapidated buildings. What many don't see is how bright and vibrant the neighbourhoods nearby are. The LRT could serve these neighbourhoods, lift them up and bring King St to life.

What you see in other cities with mass transit is that the area around them is bolstered. Can you imagine the train before and after a Ticats game? Or leaving an event at Copps? Bustling and full of people proud of where they are from. Most people will be able to take transit home, even if they need to connect to a bus elsewhere.

There have been lots of projects that have served other parts of the city. Projects designed for the inner city only face resistance from the mountain and the rural areas. I see how projects for other parts of the city have helped me - I don't use the RHVP or Linc every day, but when I need them, I am glad they are there. Why hold such contempt for people in other parts of the city? What does it serve people outside of the inner city to keep one part of the city down and deny it something that would have the ability to serve everyone?

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