Raise the Hammer
Demolish Demolitions from Strathcona Secondary Plan
Nearly all of the Strathcona Secondary Plan is a great blueprint for future development, but it's a mistake to demolish the remaining high-quality homes along Devenport, Strathcona, Inchbury and Locke.
by Jason Leach
Published March 05, 2013 in Downtown Bureau (31 comments)
Ideas for Vibrant City Building
There are lots of ideas circulating in Hamilton right now that could maximize our return on investment and further our goals of city building.
by Jason Leach
Published February 22, 2013 in Downtown Bureau (25 comments)
Full Service Supermarket Opening In Jackson Square
A new 55,000 square foot full service supermarket is opening in Jackson Square in the spring of 2013.
by Adrian Duyzer
Published August 17, 2012 in Downtown Bureau (38 comments)
Hamilton's Waterfront Needs Vibrant, Mixed-Use Development
Pier 8 doesn't need more green space. It needs thousands of residents who can bring life to the waterfront year-round and support new businesses.
by Jason Leach
Published August 13, 2012 in Downtown Bureau (60 comments)
G.S. Dunn Mustard Mill Changes Hands
G.S. Dunn, the world's largest dry mustard miller, has been sold to Parrish & Heimbecker in a hostile takerover.
by Eric McGuinness
Published July 20, 2012 in Downtown Bureau (8 comments)
Gore Park Promenade: Glimpse of a Real City Square
Head downtown for the rest of the summer and enjoy the Gore as it should be: a vibrant, fun heartbeat for our city.
by Jason Leach
Published July 12, 2012 in Downtown Bureau (53 comments)
New Building a Milestone in James North Revitalization
If a proposed new building on a vacant lot at James and Vine goes ahead, it will mark an important milestone in the ongoing revitalization of James North.
by Ryan McGreal
Published July 05, 2012 in Downtown Bureau (48 comments)
Supermarket Debate Shows Council Unwillingness to Follow Vision
When it comes time to implement plans that will actually achieve Council-mandated revitalization targets, Councillors can't muster up the courage to act.
by Ryan McGreal
Published July 04, 2012 in Downtown Bureau (68 comments)
$1.2M Incentive for 275 King West Development
The City's planning and economic development committee has approved $1.2 million in financial incentives for a development on 275 King Street West.
by Joey Coleman
Published May 02, 2012 in Downtown Bureau (15 comments)
Vranich Shares Details of Downtown Development Plan
Darko Vranich plans to add five storeys to the Revenue Canada building and convert it into condos, as well as adding a multi-level garage and attracting a drug store, LCBO and grocery store at street level.
by Eric McGuinness
Published April 30, 2012 in Downtown Bureau (33 comments)
Hamilton's Newest Parking Lot: 55 Queen Street North
The property at 55 Queen Street North (at Market Street) is being developed into yet another downtown parking lot.
by Joey Coleman
Published March 27, 2012 in Downtown Bureau (33 comments)
Corridor Planning Principles Should Lift Height Restrictions
We'd be crazy to spend three quarters of a billion dollars on LRT and then tell developers they can only go 12 stories high along the entire route.
by Jason Leach
Published February 23, 2012 in Downtown Bureau (19 comments)
West Harbour Plan Has Potential
The possibilities for the West Harbour are endless, but we must get it right the first time and plan a dynamic community that will get the attention of both developers and buyers.
by Jason Leach
Published February 10, 2012 in Downtown Bureau (45 comments)
Supermarket Subsidy Spurs Spirited Discussion
Downtown advocates discuss opportunities to establish a new supermarket in the underserved downtown core.
by Ryan McGreal
Published February 07, 2012 in Downtown Bureau (109 comments)
Time to Embrace Proven Good Ideas in Livability
The future will arrive in Hamilton at some point. Do we want to start benefiting today, or do we want to wait another fifty years?
by Jason Leach
Published November 09, 2011 in Downtown Bureau (28 comments)
Cannon Knitting Mills to be Redeveloped
Forum Equity Partners has commissioned David Premi Architects Inc to redevelop the Cannon Knitting Mills building in Beasley Neighbourhood as a mixed-use facility.
by Ryan McGreal
Published June 28, 2011 in Downtown Bureau (38 comments)
Downtown Update: Quick Hits
Downtown continues to thrive and develop with new investments and increased amenities. Here are a few quick hits just opening up.
by Jason Leach
Published January 26, 2011 in Downtown Bureau (47 comments)
Ten Favourite Hamilton Moments of 2010
As Hamilton slowly but steadily comes back to life, here's a quick look at Jason's ten best news stories of the past year.
by Jason Leach
Published January 05, 2011 in Downtown Bureau (34 comments)
More Like Hamilton
Despite the knee-jerk cynicism and Hammer-hating rants, our economic prospects are looking pretty good.
by Jason Leach
Published October 24, 2010 in Downtown Bureau (19 comments)
Renovated Market Will Hold Fewer Stalls
With fewer stalls in a renovated Farmers' Market, the City will prioritize which vendors can still fit with a scoring system that encourages local farmers over wholesalers.
by Ryan McGreal
Published September 13, 2010 in Downtown Bureau (32 comments)
Portland Plan Should Inspire Hamilton
Other North American cities are surging ahead with revitalized downtowns and booming economies. The only thing holding Hamilton back is an outdated mindset that refuses to change with the times.
by Jason Leach
Published June 17, 2010 in Downtown Bureau (98 comments)
York Renovation Starts Today
The City starts work today on the York Blvd Streetscape Master Plan.
by RTH Staff
Published May 31, 2010 in Downtown Bureau (56 comments)
Downtown Update
After a looooong delay, Jason Leach is back prowling the streets for the RTH Downtown Update.
by Jason Leach
Published May 09, 2010 in Downtown Bureau (29 comments)
Not Another Hess Village!
I've been in cities as diverse as Capetown, Bogota, Veracruz, Montreal and Portland and always end up bemoaning the lack of patios in Hamilton compared to those cities.
by Jason Leach
Published April 06, 2010 in Downtown Bureau (70 comments)
Siemens Factory to Shut Down
The Siemens factory on Sanford Ave will be shut down and over 500 well-paying jobs will disappear with it.
by Trey Shaughnessy
Published March 11, 2010 in Downtown Bureau (48 comments)
Citizens on the March at First By-Law Crawl
Whether the City is aware of a building's condition but chooses not to enforce the property standard by-laws is a moot point after the building becomes a heap of rubble.
by Trey Shaughnessy
Published February 07, 2010 in Downtown Bureau (43 comments)
Council to Vote on Connaught Plan
If it seems like there are a lot of 'ifs' in this proposal, it's because there are.
by Jason Leach
Published September 14, 2009 in Downtown Bureau (33 comments)
Pondering What Might Have Been
While other universities have figured out how to embrace integrated downtown campuses, McMaster remains addicted to four-storey box buildings more suited for the North Service Road in Burlington.
by Jason Leach
Published June 19, 2009 in Downtown Bureau (21 comments)
Banning Daycares: Gentrification Goes Amok in Toronto
How do we preserve our housing variety and urban fabric, while still encouraging revitalization and vibrancy in a sustainable manner?
by Jason Leach
Published May 28, 2009 in Downtown Bureau (10 comments)
New York Transportation Commissioner Takes Lead on Pedestrian Infrastructure
Kudos to New York for leading the way, once again - a city that huge has some massive problems, yet is willing to make courageous choices and do what is best for the city
by Jason Leach
Published April 28, 2009 in Downtown Bureau (2 comments)
Main-King LRT Split May Be a Good Idea
Hamilton will find out by July if Metrolinx has chosen LRT for the B-Line. Having just experienced an LRT system and its economic development impacts firsthand, I don't see any other logical conclusion.
by Jason Leach
Published April 08, 2009 in Downtown Bureau (68 comments)
Downtown Update
Decisions, dilemmas and drive-thrus downtown could demolish our doldrums or derail our developments.
by RTH Staff
Published November 26, 2008 in Downtown Bureau (26 comments)
Help Develop Hamilton's Truck Route Master Plan
If we want to restore the downtown, our new truck route policy must divert through transport trucks out of downtown streets and onto our ring highway system.
by Jason Leach
Published November 26, 2008 in Downtown Bureau (3 comments)
Farmers Market Renovation Process Painfully Slow
One only needs to look at old photos of our market and market square to realize how much we've sacrificed in this city for the privilege of high speed commuter and truck traffic.
by Jason Leach
Published November 04, 2008 in Downtown Bureau (6 comments)
Downtown Update
There's plenty going on in business, politics and advocacy across the city.
by RTH Staff
Published October 02, 2008 in Downtown Bureau (5 comments)
Downtown Update
September has hit with a plethora of exciting (and a few harrowing) developments in the city.
by RTH Staff
Published September 11, 2008 in Downtown Bureau (4 comments)
Downtown Update
Just a quick run-down on recent events and initiatives in the Hammer.
by RTH Staff
Published July 07, 2008 in Downtown Bureau (11 comments)
Downtown Update
Lots going on in Hamilton over the next couple of weeks. Here's a look at some upcoming events.
by RTH Staff
Published June 05, 2008 in Downtown Bureau (3 comments)
Downtown Update
Everything's coming up Millhouse! Amid all the frustration and despair of crumbling buildings, faceless bureaucrats and clueless politicians, it's good to see evidence of great happenings in Hamilton.
by RTH Staff
Published April 30, 2008 in Downtown Bureau (3 comments)
LRT Could Really Happen
Jason Leach is encouraged after meeting with the public works planners studying rapid transit.
by Jason Leach
Published April 30, 2008 in Downtown Bureau (40 comments)
Roads: Worst Bang for the Biggest Buck
$6 million can barely build anything in the world of roads, but it could outfit most of Hamilton's main roads with bike lanes.
by Jason Leach
Published February 14, 2008 in Downtown Bureau (18 comments)
Downtown Update
Spare a little love for the Hammer.
by RTH Staff
Published February 14, 2008 in Downtown Bureau (2 comments)
Downtown Update
Good, bad, ugly: Hamilton's got it all, and we love it.
by RTH Staff
Published January 18, 2008 in Downtown Bureau (6 comments)
Downtown Update (at Last!)
Jason is a marked man. He was threatened with bodily harm if he did not publish a new downtown update soon.
by Jason Leach
Published November 27, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (22 comments)
Downtown Transportation Master Plan Review: Promising, But Needs Improvement
Contact the city Department of Public Works and add your comments to the plan.
by Ryan McGreal
Published November 08, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (2 comments)
Chedoke Browlands Provide the Opportunity to Create a Real Neighbourhood
Who in the western half of Hamilton Mountain wouldn't love their own little mountain-brow village
by Jason Leach
Published October 22, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (3 comments)
Downtown Update
Summer's over, and municipal affairs are springing back to life with several upcoming events.
by RTH Staff
Published September 09, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (4 comments)
Downtown Update
Just a quick update before the summer break, including a couple of projects on the escarpment.
by Jason Leach
Published June 27, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (19 comments)
Downtown Update
The core is cooking! Jason serves up the tastiest treats that downtown has to offer.
by Jason Leach
Published May 18, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (11 comments)
Downtown Update
The good, the bad, and the ugly in recent Hamilton activity.
by Jason Leach
Published April 30, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (5 comments)
Downtown Update
After a long and doleful hiatus, Jason is back with the best new happenings in the core.
by Jason Leach
Published April 10, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (13 comments)
Laying the Groundwork for Rapid Transit
It's quite exciting finally to see the future of transit being developed in Hamilton after years of neglect.
by Jason Leach
Published April 10, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (2 comments)
Reinventing the Farmers' Market
Improve it, expand it, take it to the streets and surrounding neighbourhoods, but please don't yuppify it or ruin it.
by Jason Leach
Published April 10, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (16 comments)
Getting On the Right Track
We can learn from Toronto and other cities and develop the right system for our city without the obstacles and negative side effects being incorporated.
by Jason Leach
Published March 19, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (4 comments)
Tidbits from the Census
Despite the obvious problem of sprawl still existing in a big way across Canada, Hamiltonians should take heart that the bleeding has finally stopped.
by Jason Leach
Published March 19, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (18 comments)
A Plan to Put Streetcars on Main St.
Jason finished evaluating Main Street and King Street and came up with a suggestion for Hamilton to develop a Modern Streetcar system from Mac to Eastgate.
by Jason Leach
Published February 26, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (19 comments)
'Tacoma Aroma' Smells Like Success
A once-drab place like Tacoma proves once again that any city in any location can revitalize itself when the political will exists.
by Jason Leach
Published February 09, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (14 comments)
HSR Bursting at the Seams
It does the city no good to add new riders in far-reaching areas of Stoney Creek or Ancaster only to lose riders in urban neighbourhoods who can't squeeze on the system.
by Jason Leach
Published January 24, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (5 comments)
One Less Car
The potential for the HSR to become a leader in increasing ridership in Canada is very possible due to the urban nature of our city.
by Jason Leach
Published January 10, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (5 comments)
Downtown Update
First call for Last Call, the ascent of The Staircase, cranes join the falcons downtown, and Jason gets some funny ideas about a dangling bus.
by Jason Leach
Published January 10, 2007 in Downtown Bureau (3 comments)
Rapid Transit in Hamilton
With BRT/LRT and better pedestrian streets, Hamilton could become a model city in the fight against congestion and poor planning.
by Jason Leach
Published December 13, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (20 comments)
Downtown Update
As much as Jason loves to scour the city for nuggets of awesome, he can't do it all alone. This issue calls on RTH readers to pitch in and help explore the core.
by Jason Leach
Published December 13, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (2 comments)
Downtown Update
A plethora of new cafes and studios are opening up through the city.
by Jason Leach
Published November 23, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (18 comments)
The Difference Between Bad Streets and Good Streets
One can't help but wonder why more candidates don't have revitalization at the top of their platforms.
by Jason Leach
Published November 08, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (1 comment)
Downtown Update
Jason tramps around the city and gathers a scintillating flotilla of ephemera in his grasp.
by Jason Leach
Published October 20, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (6 comments)
Downtown Update
Jason spreads a little je ne sais quois in Ontario's burgeoning "Montreal West".
by Jason Leach
Published October 06, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (3 comments)
Pedestrianize Gore Park
The Gore deserves to become a southern Ontario attraction, not a strip mall parking lot.
by Jason Leach
Published September 20, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (21 comments)
Downtown Update
Jason is all over the place. Literally.
by Jason Leach
Published September 20, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Downtown Update
Jason explores what's going up and what's going down through the core of the city.
by Jason Leach
Published August 30, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (3 comments)
Big Plans for the Farmers' Market
Imagine a vibrant, cultural market district in the heart of our historic core.
by Jason Leach
Published July 05, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (1 comment)
Downtown Update
The pace of reinvestment into James St., recently converted to two-way, should be a wake-up call to City Council.
by Jason Leach
Published July 05, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Downtown Update
The International Village is well on its way to becoming Hamilton's most multicultural eating neighbourhood.
by Jason Leach
Published June 16, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Farmers Marked
Newly proposed regulations on farmers' markets could burden them while more plausible health risks from industrial food processing go unattended.
by Jason Leach
Published May 26, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (1 comment)
Downtown Update
Discover a new cafe on the water, three-car train trolley, public art, restaurant walking tours, funky infill, and a lot more.
by Jason Leach
Published May 26, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Downtown Update
Jason returns with his regular rundown on the downtown.
by Jason Leach
Published May 05, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (5 comments)
Hamilton CAN Kickoff
A citizen's group challenges City Hall's culture of entitlement and disdain for public input. Get ready to watch the sparks fly.
by Jason Leach
Published April 21, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Downtown Update
Jason's regular round-up of what's up downtown.
by Jason Leach
Published April 09, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Downtown is Looking Up
Don't look now, but downtown Hamilton is potentially on the verge of a major makeover.
by Jason Leach
Published March 18, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (8 comments)
Downtown Update
Jason trawls the core for juicy morsels of news.
by Jason Leach
Published March 18, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (9 comments)
From Bombed Out to Booming
If all of these projects are built and built properly, we will see our downtown become the people place it was originally meant to be.
by Jason Leach
Published March 01, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (23 comments)
Downtown Update
Jason rounds up the good, the better, and the missed opportunities for urban revitalization in Hamilton.
by Jason Leach
Published March 01, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
A Poverty of Insight
Beasly is home to some of the city's best music, theatre, art, culture, dining, and architecture. Bland suburbanites beware.
by Jason Leach
Published February 15, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Downtown Update
Downtown hamilton is developing all over the place. Here's a scattershot listing of some recent developments.
by Jason Leach
Published February 15, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (15 comments)
Downtown Update
Downtown's looking up with a flurry of new investments in the core.
by Jason Leach
Published January 09, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Big Box Blunder
If Centre Mall is going big box, so be it, but stop calling it revolutionary or modern.
by Jason Leach
Published January 09, 2006 in Downtown Bureau (1 comment)
It Lives!
Slowing down traffic and bringing a balance between pedestrians, cars, buses and bikes is essential to seeing downtown Hamilton become full of life and vibrancy.
by Jason Leach
Published December 14, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
A Decent Proposal
Even City Hall slowly appears to be realizing that investing some public money into core projects brings about a much higher rate of return than investing in sprawl.
by Jason Leach
Published December 14, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Making a List? Check it Twice
Whatever happened to the list of companies just waiting for highway access to Glanbrook Park? It's still there, but it doesn't contain the names you expected.
by Jason Leach
Published November 28, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (1 comment)
Scrooged!
Don't let big business control your Christmas gift-giving this year.
by Jason Leach
Published November 10, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
News: The New Hollywood
Nobody really knows where the stories of $3 a litre gas started, but we do know the media ran with it without any verification or proof.
by Jason Leach
Published October 07, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
All About the Realism
A lot of what politicans call "realism" merely excuses the absence of political will - the desire to make the city a better place for all of us to live in.
by Jason Leach
Published September 15, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (2 comments)
Planning For The Future...the Distant Future
It's not enough for City Counil to develop great urban revitalization plans, only to leave them on the shelf for fifteen years while they ram more big boxes down our throats and pad the pockets of suburban developers.
by Jason Leach
Published August 22, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Best and Worst of Summer 2005
Jason Leach runs down the ten best and ten worst aspects of Hamilton this summer.
by Jason Leach
Published August 22, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Downtown Hamilton Investment Plan
It City Council can scrape up $100 million to expand the urban boundary, it can afford to invest in the core.
by Jason Leach
Published July 01, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (5 comments)
Attack of the Clones
Hamilton is in grave danger of becoming another clone town like every other boring suburb from here to Laval, QC.
by Jason Leach
Published July 01, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (3 comments)
Centre Maul: Revitalization or Destruction?
We may be seeing the grand renovation of the centre mall into the form of - get ready for it - a big box power centre.
by Jason Leach
Published June 16, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (22 comments)
Taking Life from the Gore?
Shouldn't the city be promoting the huge potential of Gore Park? Apparently the Downtown Hamilton BIA doesn't think so.
by Jason Leach
Published June 16, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Sick Transit
Hamilton has a unique opportunity to invest in transit, walking and cycling to help create a healthy, vibrant city.
by Jason Leach
Published May 31, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Hamilton: Cultural Capital of Canada
As a challenge to our City Council, I offer this: develop a marketing campaign with appropriate funding that will promote Hamilton as Ontario's newest cultural capital.
by Jason Leach
Published May 31, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
A Big Victory For Downtown Hamilton
Despite the swath of trendy cafes, and restaurants, and art galleries downtown, people still spend all their time talking about Lister.
by Jason Leach
Published May 16, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (7 comments)
Bringing Life Back to the Gore
Hamilton is blessed to have our city centre, Gore Park, largely intact today just as it was over 150 years ago.
by Jason Leach
Published May 16, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (1 comment)
A Bold Step
Maybe Hamilton needs a bold, signature project to proclaim loudly that we've rediscovered our ambition.
by Jason Leach
Published April 14, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (3 comments)
Power to the People
Cities are built for people, so why are Hamilton's citizens afraid to live it up a little?
by Jason Leach
Published April 14, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Pedal Power
Walking and cycling provide exercise, conserves gas, saves money, and reduces air pollution.
by Jason Leach
Published April 14, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Save the Tivoli
This may be our last chance to save one of Hamilton's greatest treasures.
by Jason Leach
Published April 04, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hamilton
Hamilton is a city of contradictions, drab from the outside but filled with hidden wonders.
by Jason Leach
Published March 14, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (1 comment)
Off the Rails
There is simply no question about it: our VIA rail station must be downtown - another great piece in the downtown revitalization puzzle.
by Jason Leach
Published March 14, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (3 comments)
Some of my Favourite Things
This is simply a sampling of some of my favourite things about Hamilton.
by Jason Leach
Published February 19, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (0 comments)
Can Hamilton Become a Green City?
I can't think of a better storyline than to have Hamilton proclaimed as Canada's Greenest City someday.
by Jason Leach
Published February 19, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (1 comment)
Hamilton: Open for Business, Pleasure & Fun...
Hamilton's potential is amazing, but will never be realized unless our city council determines to make the necessary and difficult choices to bring a balanced approach back to our urban neighbourhoods.
by Jason Leach
Published January 14, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (1 comment)
Hamilton's Café Scene Heats Up
I've noticed a common thread about cities that have thriving, vibrant downtown cores - an amazing café scene. It will vary from city to city, but I've yet to find a "cool" city without great coffee.
by Jason Leach
Published January 14, 2005 in Downtown Bureau (5 comments)
Proper investment and planning are key
Does downtown Hamilton have a bright future? Only if our city officials choose to give it one.
by Jason Leach
Published December 14, 2004 in Downtown Bureau (2 comments)