Raise the Hammer

"We want to reaffirm our city council has been clear with respect to its position on potential revenue tools and how we believe the Big Move should be funded. We want to continue to have dialogue with Metrolinx and believe it is important that when Metrolinx consults with municipalities on these tools, that Hamilton is at the table and can share our perspective."

Mayor Bob Bratina


"The premier should only consider a province-wide tax, HST, that must be used for rural bridges, roads and urban regional transit. Everyone pays and everyone gains."

Councillor Brad Clark


"I believe it is unconscionable for the province to impose more taxes on Hamilton when 20 per cent of our operating budget or $600 per house is paying for provincial expenses. The proposal is regressive in nature, which is unaffordable and will impact household economies and Hamilton's economy. Wynne's proposal is a lose-lose tax scheme Hamiltonians can't afford."

Councillor Sam Merulla


"I keep talking about the cost of not doing something — let alone the gridlock, but of not moving progressively here in Hamilton on our future transportation needs. We have to think 10, 20, 30 years from now — and guess what — 10, 20, 30 years from now, things are going to cost a heck of a lot more."

Councillor Jason Farr


"I think the bigger picture … is that it's really challenging to burden local taxpayers with big project funding when we're already challenged with lots of additional costs. We've seen council step up for social services for the last few years, so I certainly wouldn't want to see that replaced. But I think as a society, we can make choices to move around in a more effective manner … It's all part of the same puzzle, really."

Tom Cooper, director, Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction


"The Metrolinx recommended investment strategy released Monday falls very much in line with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce's position that was released on May 1. The business community understands that we have a transportation congestion problem that is killing productivity in our region. It is clear that something must be done to make up for the years of lost investments. We can no longer afford to sit by and do nothing."

Louise Dompierre, chair of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce


"This is just another way to make life harder for folks and it's not something we support."

Andrea Horwath, NDP Leader and Hamilton Centre MPP


http://www.thespec.com/news-story/3239640-city-s-lrt-wish-edges-closer-to-reality/