Raise the Hammer

I see where everyone is coming on this, but I'm just not sure I can agree. First, for those who don't know, I'm a Ticat fan, Multi-pack ticket holder and thus want to see the team stick around for...well, forever. So, note the bias early!!

I believe we live in a city with incredible potential. The natural setting of waterfront, escarpment, and forestry bookending the city-scape. Few centres can top what we have. However, I find that we have an incredible image problem that leads greatly to erosion of our city core. Simply put, people still see this is a blighted, smog covered, grungy steeltown.

By having a piece that allows us to showcase our city to the rest of the country (and, arguably, more importantly, about 50 minutes down the QEW), we can begin the conversation of what opportunities Hamilton has to offer. Instead, of constantly trying to defend its weaknesses.

Does that mean erecting a 30,000 seat stadium that's used 10 times a year will ensure everyone in Beasley has a full tummy before school? No, it won't. But, it might start to lure young professionals to downtown. It will begin to erode current conceptions of what Hamilton is like. It might increase the demand for condo living downtown. It might spur on additional development from investors who want to take a wait-and-see approach. That means, if nothing else, the values of homes rise.

There's no quick fix here. But, I think when there's government money on the table to give one of the most public facing physical icons we have a significant upgrade, I'd hate to pass it up.

I definitely recognize the hypocrisy of relative extravagance when there are bigger priorities out there. Don't get me wrong. I'm not that cold-hearted. But there are some intangible benefits that this would bring (and that the Ticats currently bring) to Hamilton.