| Gallagher, John |
Yes |
This is a simple question that stirs a tad of embarrassment in most of us. We can't do much at this time of the view from the Skyway of our steel making factory skyline, however, the downtown must be returned to its former glory. Again, high taxes play a major role in the why Hamilton visitors first impression is what it is. The cost of owning a commercial property in downtown is quite competitive compared to other cities, including Toronto, but, most business owners downtown will tell you that the property and business tax burden and other ancillary fees and charges the city forces small and medium business owners in our downtown to pay is way out of line. Bringing the cost of doing business downtown lower is the first step to encouraging new operators to locate downtown and existing business to stay downtown. Aside for those two matters, our Hamilton can compete and compare with any other city in Canada as a great place to live and work. |
