All Statements of Support
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Greg King says,
Hey tell Donna Skelly to get her butt out of her car and maybe try public transit?
We need LRT. Buses will NOT cover the needs of a badly needed system. Especially mac students like myself who need to get to school on time and with an overcrowded bus a good many times that was very unlikely!!
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Aaron Bieber says,
I recently have moved to Hamilton and this is the first of this project. It is very important that based on the recent and predicted growth of the city, that transportation and infrastructure grow and improve with it.
This project is huge for Hamilton and the city can only benefit from the decision to say yes.
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Brandon Corbett says,
I moved to Hamilton from Rochester N.Y. to attend McMaster University ten years ago. I urge the city council not to make the same mistakes Rochester made by failing to invest in city infrastructure. Downtown Rochester is a ghost town because downtown businesses could not compete with newer ones in the suburbs. One prime example of this is the Midtown Mall (once a major Rochester attraction) which closed in 2008 due to lack of customers. In my opinion, the LRT is ESSENTIAL to keep downtown businesses viable (such as those in Jackson Square Mall). We need this Hamilton.
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Bruce Appleby says,
Yes I agree with the LRT
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Juan Bonilla says,
I lived ten years ago in Bogota, Colombia. I have seen first hand how bus rapid transit, while a decent solution at first, would quickly become too little, too late. After the Transmilenio solution quickly became obsolete, Bogota is now -FINALLY- considering a Subway or an LRT. HAMILTON HAS THE CHANCE NOW to make a future-ready decision. GO LRT!
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David Blatch says,
I currently live in ward 8, bus service here isn't amazing, but it's enough for now. Living up the hill I always viewed a car as a requirement.
I lived in wards 1 and 2 before I owned a car. I regularly traveled around Hamilton.Starting with the B-Line makes the most sense.
And having a train instead of bus improves the chances of transit being on time, of more people taking it, and it not being overcrowded.I've lived here 9 years and have loved watching the whole city transform for the better. Don't stop now.
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Joanne McCallum says,
The time has absolutely arrived to embrace LRC and move this City forward and work towards integrating public transit across the region. As a Hamiltonian who embraces sustainability and understands city building, LRT is essential. Across the entire age spectrum, many people are choosing to reduce their reliance on cars and are choosing car share and all forms of public transit as affordable and sustainable alternatives. This city needs to make the courageous decision to approve LRT that will facilitate growth, support urban residential and commercial density, creating a vibrant city to be enjoyed by all age groups, residents and visitors alike. LET'S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!
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Robert Connolly says,
It's time for Hamilton to join the ranks of modern cities with up-to-date public transportation.
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Derek Podsiadly says,
LRT is an important part of keeping the momentum of growth and revitalization of Hamilton's downtown going. To let city council squander an opportunity to help make this a more livable city for the future would be extremely disappointing. There's such great potential in the downtown core, a strong sense of community and more and more people are noticing it. Not going forward with LRT would be a step backwards and certainly discourage young professionals like myself from committing to setting up roots in this city and investing my own money back into the community. LRT is a must if we'd like to develop this city's full potential as progressive and strong economic centre in Ontario. The future of every city will depend more than ever on a healthy downtown core. Without it Hamilton will struggle to attract new people and new investments.
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Michael Majcher says,
This email has been addressed to my Ward 5 Councillor- Chad Collins.
Hello Mr Collins.
I am a ward 5 resident and would like it known that I am in favour of the LRT for this city, and I am not the only one in this ward who feels that way. Yet I only ever hear you speaking out against it. Why are you only representing those that are not in favour?I really don't understand or see why you think the LRT would be more detrimental to Hamilton than it would be beneficial. Yes there will be challenges with this project...just like there are with every other construction project that goes on, but those projects aren't getting stopped because of challenges so why should this one? You plan it out with the best people. You rally to get everyone behind it, and we all do whatever we have to do to make it successful. Many other cities have done that. Why do you feel that Hamilton can't do an even better job of it now that we have all their learned lessons to draw on?
I also haven't heard any other alternate solutions presented that would help prepare this city for the long term in the way that LRT would, particularly when it comes to dealing with the mandated densification, or in terms of the economic benefit that could come from this if it's done right. When I hear people speaking against LRT it mostly boils down to people not wanting change. I get the human nature aspect of that, but that is in no way an acceptable reason to hold a city back. The future is coming whether we like it or not just as it always has. We can choose to either be prepared for it or stick our heads in the sand and hope for the best.
I'm not going to be able to drive forever, yet I'm still going to need to get around, as is everyone else who is ageing and moving into Hamilton. The city over the last number of years has done little on it's own to improve the bus system, so I don't know why I would think that all of a sudden now they'll make miraculous changes to improve things if LRT doesn't happen. And when you have outlying areas demanding better service, yet don't want to pay taxes to make it possible.....I just don't see the status quo as the solution. LRT will force the door open and put a red carpet out inviting the rest of the bus system to step it up.
I've gone out of my way to find out everything I can about LRT for Hamilton. I've learned a lot. From what I read and hear from others, they have not done the same. And I don't feel the city has done nearly a good enough job to sell the project. Yes, there are information/status sessions, but that's not the same as selling and educating people on the whole thing, both the pros and cons. That has led people to make inaccurate assumptions and draw conclusions based on false information. To hold a referendum under those circumstances is not fair to the citizens of this city. How can you ask the people to make such a big decision in that environment.That will do more harm than good to the city and it's people.
You are in a position of leadership, someone who is charged with getting us through the hear and now, but also to ensure we're ready for the future. Please show some vision (that's being handed to us on a silver platter this time), and be a city builder.
Mike Majcher
Bow Valley Drive
Ward 5 -
Smithb165 Smithb165 says,
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Paul Craig says,
Governments dithered for 25+ years over the Linc/Redhill....and look at the benefits now.Lets not do the same with LRT...build the darn thing..It will benefit the city for years to come.
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Sarah Cellini says,
Support the LRT project: it is a City-enhancing project for the betterment of Hamilton's social, environmental and economic future.
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Tim Amos says,
Good morning,
I'd just like to pass on my thoughts and support for the LRT project.
There are many naysayers who aren't even within the LRT area (*ahem* mountain councilors) and are trying to abolish a wise investment. This needs to happen. As a proud Hamiltonian, I can honestly say that I've seen the change in pace, culture, and overall well being of the city in the 5 years I've lived here. This investment would help boost our cities reputation. It would bring us closer to a more sustainable city and one which draws in MANY people from a younger generation. These are the ones who are environmentally conscious, who don't plan to have a car, and who want to live in an affordable city. What is now viewed as a proactive approach at $1billion, will most definitely turn into a reactive approach at the coast of $1.5 billion in a short time.
For those business owners who are worried along the construction corridor, I would suggest the city try to come up with a plan to help keep them afloat if/when business slows down. This is where the city does need to step in.
During construction, the foot traffic may dwindle slightly, but it may direct that traffic to other parts of the city like Kenilworth and Ottawa St which would help immensely to the local businesses.
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Hubert Shen says,
I really like the LRT from Hamilton can be able to build at the end. As all the newer millennials, immigrants,people from all around GTA will potentially attracted to city of Hamilton. LRT is one important element to improve the city attractiveness and improve city transport for more people to consider to live in Hamilton. Just look at all the cities that has LRT, and see the improvement on access and city transportation efficiency for the public. It will be a significant improvement for accessing Hamilton from east to west end, with currently HSR routes. LRT will only make the transportation access in a much more improve way. Think long term, it will help Hamilton as a city to a next level for attracting younger people to come in and start their life in Hamilton.
Regards
Hubert S. -
Laura Stewart says,
I'm really excited to see our city plan for its future like this. I'm also excited to use my car much less!
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Don Holland says,
Please do not squander this once in a generation opportunity. The councillors who are spreading misinformation must be taken to task. The city needs this if you wish to have a vibrant healthy city in the future.
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Desirée Kelleher says,
To whom it may concern,
I am an employee at McMaster University. I am a parent. I am pleased to live in the ever-growing city of Hamilton. I have for many years, now. My husband has lived here for most of his life.
I only want to see this city become even greater and part of that greatness is the ability for its citizens to move around with dignity and ease.
Not everyone can operate a car for so very many reasons. Physical inability do so. Brain injury. Age.
Some, by choice.
No matter what the reason is to use public transport, a light rail running East to West in our city will improve the journey of many of us and those that will come after. Don't fear the growing pains of construction.
Be visionary and bring Hamilton forward with LRT.Thank you for your time,
Desirée Kelleher -
Chris Cotoi says,
I strongly believe the LRT will improve transportation in Hamilton and it will also have a positive impact on businesses along the route.
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Ron Heres says,
Once Hamilton gets the LRT it will greatly transform the ability and lifestyle of its inhabitants . It will deliver the ability to get around town and enable people to expand their opportunities on many fronts . Less street traffic and more efficient travel will make this city a key proponent on the "Green " Front .
Clean city living is in demand and lays the groundwork for a city that balances its industrial roots with modern health and prosperity. Gone should be the days of unkept and unchecked pollution and now Hamilton can forge a new destiny of renewal and hope for many generations. I believe the "New" Hamilton will be one that makes this city proud and offers many a chance in the prosperity that follows.
Increased ability and efficiency is the engine that drives productivity . I'm proud that my Family has the chance to partake of the wonderful opportunity this will afford this great city. A great Thank You to the Govenrmental agencies that recognized the need and the foresight to implement and allocate the funds required . Hamilton says Thank You ! -
michael Maccharles says,
We must bring the city of Hamilton into the 21st. century as quickly and efficiently as is possible .. I have travelled the world quite extensively .. and European cities have for the most part far better people moving systems than we do.. whether they be LRT or old subway systems .. they move people.. millions of them daily.. IE : London ..Paris .. Boston ..NY Density is a must for a city to survive.. and Hamilton must get on with urban density and Transit.
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Eric Kania says,
Even if I lived on the mountain or Flamborough I would still support this considering there is 1 billion being offered by the province for this project. It'd be incredibly inept for council not to take advantage of this offer. Benefits far outweigh the cons so long as the council focuses it's efforts on ensuring the project is managed and planned as best as possible rather than wasting time returning to decisions that have already been made...Multiple times.
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Jane Cudmore says,
Dear Councillors,
I am a ward 1 resident, and I fully support implementation of the proposed LRT plans while hoping the final plans will include additional stops.
I am disappointed and saddened to learn some councillors' apparent firm and ongoing opposition to LRT and I do not understand the basis for their opposition.
I believe the proposed LRT plans will benefit all of Hamilton, making our streets safer, more walkable, add to economic prosperity, and most of all, remove reliance on cars which is harmful to our environment.
I urge you to follow through on the commitments you have already made to supporting this project, and that you get on with the work that needs to be done rather than entertain debate in attempts to sabotage the project ultimately aiming to cause it to fail, which would represent an unacceptable mistrust and mismanagement of money paid by all taxpayers in Ontario.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
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William Renwick says,
I am against the LRT initiative for Hamilton. I am sure that you have already heard the reasons.
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William Gray says,
Hamilton has no need for LRT. It will be a waste of badly needed tax dollars that could be used to fix Hamilton's streets.
LRT will run from nowhwere to nowhere. The proposed route will impede the progress of Emergency vehicles and if there is a traffic accident at any of the crossing nodes the whole system will be shut down.
A bad idea concieved by incompetent people.
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Nadine Bernacki says,
The LRT and associated public amenities and design will bring Hamilton into the future as a world class city. It will reduce our contribution to climate change (via the use of fossil fuels for transportation) and have positive impacts on the mental and physical health of the urban population of our city as well as draw new people here.
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Les Szamosvari says,
Your Worship, Mr. Mayor, and Honourable Councillors,
more than ever, I am convinced that LRT is necessary in Hamilton to weaken the deadlock that an antiquated, automobile-based, transit plan holds on the progress of sustainable public transportation. -
Anita Kuehn says,
I'd like to express my support for LRT -- the City of Hamilton needs it!
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Tom Belshaw says,
As I said before,we need to get the word AMBITIOUS back to describing our great city.....now is the time for a MODERN EFFICIENT LRT to transport all those people who will be moving into those new downtown residential buildings being built at the moment. City council,get your heads out of the sand & look at what OTHER progressive cities are doing with transit (LRT)... The people of Hamilton voted you to the council to do the right thing in implementing an up-to-date transit service (LRT)The money is already allocated to this project...LET'S MAKE HAMILTON AMBITIOUS AGAIN for the future.........................TOM
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Brad De Boer says,
This is a step in the right direction. Moving forward is never easy. This will be a benefit for future generations! Congratulations! Hamilton!
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