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| Candidate | Brief Response | Full Response |
|---|
| Daljeet, Suresh Venodh |
Yes |
Yes, we should have new development right across the city. There is still significant single use development happening mostly on the outskirts. I think condo developments will bring people to the city and it should happen in both the lower city and on the mountain. |
| Farr, Jason |
Yes |
I believe in this strongly and it has been my focus as Councillor. We have abundant opportunities to build "up" in Ward 2 and other built areas of the city. Our Planning policies, like TOC, Nodes and Corridors, LRT, the NEW Downtown Secondary Plan, the James Mobility Hub, West Harbour Setting Sail Secondary Plan, CIPA's and more are indicators that we (Council) are supportive of growth in built areas.
As most RTH readers and contributors will appreciate, these efforts speak to both Hamilton answering Provincial policies like Places to Grow and the Provincial Policy Statement. As well, with the infrastructure already in place (although in need of upgrades in some areas), in both short and long term, this form of growth is cost effective to the taxpayer. I should also add that we have an abundance of evidence that urban living is increasingly desirable. While some families may still long for the white picket fence in a new suburban survey, more and more want to shake the car, live more active lifestyles (walking and biking to shops etc) and raise a family in the vibrant heart of our city. |
| Kroetsch, Cameron |
Yes |
Yes, I do think Hamilton needs to concentrate new development within already-built areas. This is important for a number of reasons. In part, because the increase of suburban sprawl requires infrastructure improvements that cost, on average, twice as much as they would cost in already-built areas. This sprawl also means that many people are required, because of existing transit area rating, to purchase and drive cars. The development of new land ignores the existence of already underutilized downtown parking lots and other sites that would be put to better use in Hamilton’s core. Finally, moving people away from the vital services they require and that already exist in the core can have a marginalizing effect that not all can overcome. Those who rely on transit, need affordable housing, and require access to social services and supports are put in even more precarious positions when they’re forced to live in Hamilton’s suburban rather than urban areas. |
| Smith, Nicole |
Yes |
Hamilton very much needs to concentrate new development in the already-built area. We need to strengthen our tax base without further stretching our infrastructure (especially given the $3.5 billion deficit) so that we can improve the quality of life for everyone in the city. |
| Tennant, Mark |
Yes |
First and foremost, the communities input must be considered before moving forward with any new development or renewal plans. The neighbourhood associations would advocate for the best interest of the community and filter all ideas before presenting to their council representative. Once the majority of the community understands that they have a voice, it would encourage more neighbourhood association memberships and a stronger collective partnership to the betterment of Ward 2. I support the mixed-use development plan for downtown Hamilton. Urban sprawl draws development to the suburbs and away from the downtown. I would advocate for private and public redevelopment and renewal of already built areas to draw new entrepreneurs, singles and families to the downtown to live and work. Blended commercial and residential use with entertainment and cultural attractions. Open green space and active play areas with vehicle free sections to promote a residential feel. If vacant storefronts are available to be purchased publically, I would advocate for a tax break for urban entrepreneurs to begin small businesses. The Secondary Plan includes the development of 5000-8000 new dwellings in the downtown area. |
