Raise the Hammer
What happens when an innovative press-grabbing idea appears out of the ether that would irreversibly transform the City for the Better in more ways then one?
By Margaret Lindsay Holton
Published November 02, 2013
Thomas B. McQuesten High Level Bridge, designed by architect John Lyle, is a cantilever short steel bridge built by the Hamilton Bridge Company in 1932 and now designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
A new hashtag recently emerged on Twitter, #ambitioushamont, that bolsters the Hamilton Economic Development Office's latest promotional efforts on behalf of the City of Hamilton. A companion video is pumping a somewhat machismo 'New City Vision!' that shouts out the 'ambitious' future of the City built on the back of its industrial core.
As of November 2, that newly launched video had been seen over 20,000 times. Not too shabby.
The Hamilton Economic Development webpage now lists members of the 'creative industry' as the "top tier of innovation" in the "health, technology and engineering" sectors. The push is clearly on to court national and global investors to put their capital into this City's necessary transformation from an industrial giant to a hotbed of audacious high-tech innovation with a progressive forward-thinking future.
Yet, what happens when an innovative press-grabbing idea appears out of the ether that would irreversibly transform the City for the Better in more ways then one? Who - and/or what - will actually turn that idea into reality?
On August 13th, 2013, CBC Hamilton ran an intriguing story about just such an idea put forward by a fourth-generation industrialist with deep roots in the region, Patrick Bermingham.
In short, what Patrick wants to do is have a picnic on York Boulevard, on the High Level Bridge.
Site of proposed picnic: the High Level Bridge 'platform'.
Huh? What? Whacky, eh? Why would we do that?
As he says, "Close the bridge. Just for an evening. Then let the people take over. Let them bring their picnic baskets and enjoy the peace, the panorama and, the Gods permitting, a sunset." The point, according to Patrick, is to celebrate and appreciate what this City really has to offer.
YES! What a wonderful way to "embrace the city". Visually, there's the humming industrial harbour to the East, and to the West, the sculpted natural bounty of Cootes Paradise.
Enveloping all is an unparallel panoramic view of the Niagara Escarpment. It's one of the best and most welcoming views of the entire City and, hypothetically, a riveting spot for a leisurely picnic to absorb the lovely setting sun over Cootes Paradise.
View looking east
View looking west
Very few take the time to appreciate this unique vantage as they speed along the boulevard into or out of the downtown core. Patrick wants to change that, if for only just a few hours.
In the light of the avowed re-purposing of the 'ambitious City', what has happened to this ambitious idea? Last week I phoned Patrick to find out.
First, where did this idea come from? Apparently, while in conversation with his older sister, Susan Jasper, (founder of the now wildly successful 'Telling Tales' children's authors' festival held at Westfield Heritage Village), the siblings got talking about fundraising in general.
Specifically, it evolved to a discussion about how could they raise funds for Susan's latest philanthropic venture - the Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark System. She has joined the fundraising camp.
The Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark System has been percolating since 2007, with initial exploratory funding supplied by the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formally signed between the ten partnering organizations earlier this past summer. Those partners now include Conservation Halton, Hamilton Conservation Authority, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Cities of Burlington and the City of Hamilton, the Region of Halton, the Hamilton Naturalists' Club, McMaster University, and the Bruce Trail Conservancy.
Their combined mission is "to collaboratively continue preserving and enhancing the natural lands using a sustainable approach that balances natural ecosystem health with responsible human appreciation and activities to achieve the vision."
Their mission is built on the vision that the proposed Ecopark: "will be known internationally as a protected, permanent and connected natural lands sanctuary from the Harbour to the Escarpment that promotes ecosystem and human health within Ontario's Greenbelt. "
Cootes to Escarpment Park System: Conservation and Land Management Strategy
Overall, it is certainly a noteworthy and ambitious plan of conservation and rejuvenation that has profound long term business, tourist and resident ramifications for the entire region.
YES! The picnic on the bridge now has an #ambitioushamont purpose: raising funds for the Ecopark.
To test this plan, Patrick invited the Mayor to attend a breakfast on the bridge to discuss the potential site as a "fundraising venue".
As Patrick reasoned, the city closes the road for the hugely popular Around-the-Bay Running Race. So why not this?
Mayor Bratina 'got it' and has subsequently suggested that the summer solstice, June 21, 2014, would be an opportune evening to hold the event. So, seemingly, the City is more or less on board.
Yet, the nagging particulars remain... Who would come, how much would it cost to attend, who would cater? Would it be 'dry' or 'wet' event? What would it cost the City? Who would do the heavy lifting to get this event up and running? I grilled Patrick on these issues.
By necessity, to raise funds for the Ecopark, the 'picnic' would have to be a ticket-only or private affair. Patrick did, however, seem agreeable to opening it up, allowing the necessary 'fundraising' through sponsorship pledges. As he says, HOW it's actually done is of little concern to him. "He's the idea man," and hey, wouldn't it just be grand to have a "big party" up there on the bridge?
When pressed on details, he reiterated that he's not really the "executioner", what he's done has put the idea on the table. What he hopes will happen is that other interested persons or groups will "take over and run it."
His one fear, though, is that some groups might attempt to hijack the idea of closing the bridge. He has no wish to see the 'Sunset Picnic on the High Level Bridge' turn into a vendor-heavy noisy rock-n'-roll music "circus". The primary purpose, after all, is for patrons to slow down and enjoy the exquisite view.
In answer to my continued questions about accessibility and cost, Patrick was rather vague. He concluded our conversation by saying that my questions were acting as an impetus to organize and implement the idea. He promised he would email with additional information last Friday. I emailed him on Sunday asking again for those outstanding details. I haven't heard from him. Yet.
As it stands today, I'm still not 100% sure if this idea is incubating, percolating or if it has just been moved right off the table. Will this wonderful idea ever play out on the High Level bridge?
It has been suggested by the Laura Babcock's Powergroup that Hamilton is, perhaps, on the tipping point of Greatness. Frankly, that seems somewhat doubtful if press-grabbing and innovative ideas evaporate in much the same way they appear, into the ether.
'Ambitious Hamilton', regardless of the all its scintillating promo vids, hashtags and inventive ideas, will remain dead in the water if there is no practical 'down-to-earth' follow through by residents and City Council.
So, over to you Hamilton. Like the Invest in Hamilton video suggests, "THIS STORY IS FAR FROM OVER".
Do we Dare?
Consider that the slow-but-sure development of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System will certainly transform this City in many ways yet imagined.
It is an ambitious and progressive, forward-thinking long term plan now established with a formal MOU within a practical time-line. You can learn more about it.
Rather then be dismissive or discouraged by its rather slow evolution, let's be inspired - and motivated - by the derring-do of a maverick with moxie who leapt into the limelight for a few seconds to test the 'Do We Dare Do It?' parameters.
Mr. Bermingham may not, in the end, actually organize the picnic, but he has certainly launched a GOOD IDEA. If you do think a picnic on the High Level bridge - in support of the Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark System - is something worth supporting, it's now up to us to make it happen.
To start, you can show your support by 'liking', 'joining' and volunteering with the Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark System on Facebook. Check back often to that webpage for fundraising initiatives.
It may yet include the ambitious plan to have a Sunset Picnic on the High Level Bridge... if we dare.
Stay Tuned...
By Fred Street (anonymous) | Posted November 02, 2013 at 17:06:40
Novel fundraiser idea, but there's obviously limited capacity on the bridge.
Solution? Charge something $1,000 a ticket, with the names of the lucky picnickers drawn at random. You'd be allowed to bring a single guest (making the price point similar to posh and exclusive HHS fundraisers like http://www.hamiltonhealth.ca/premiercru), but you would have no guarantee that you'd actually make it onto the bridge.
By Missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted November 03, 2013 at 13:23:42
Fred, the capacity of the bridge is easily 7-800 or more. I don't have the actual measurements, but scoping it out last week, while standing at one end, I could barely see the other end. (See photo 2 above). My best guess is 1000, tops. There is really a lot of prime picnicking & sunset viewing 'space'.
As much as I do realize that this is now a fundraising event, (akin to #Race4Hope that's happening today with multiple lane closures, from the escarpment to the lake), the point is it CAN be done if managed and co-ordinated properly.
Personally, rather then see it as an 'exclusive' buy-in private affair at $1000 per head on a random draw, perhaps it could be run as a competition to get 'pledges' for the Ecopark with those who get the most pledges getting a perch on the bridge? It could also be done through schools ...
The greatest draw back, at present, is that as much as Bermingham has hatched this idea, he has not, at present, taken real ownership of it. There is no website, no contact person, no 'other' point man to inquire further. It just remains an inspiring IDEA that's 'out there'.
Granted, there is still time to pull it together, if not for the spring, for the fall of next year. But SOMEONE will have to step up to take it on. Currently, there doesn't seem to be anyone willing to do just that.
Also, small point, the map of the Ecopark posted above (as of 12 noon, Sunday) is not the comprehensive map that shows the ENTIRE development scheme of the Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark System. It extends far into Burlington and north of the QEW. It really is a massive development. I would try to post it here, but I'm not quite sure how to do that. ... I've asked the editor to fix it.
By SCRAP (anonymous) | Posted November 03, 2013 at 15:42:27
An ecopark, are you people for real? Given that Line 9 piepline is close to this area and if the toxic bitmn gets out, so mcu for your ecopark.
Anyways, this concept is indicative of poor bashing, when only those who ahve lots of money are in the mix.
By missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted November 03, 2013 at 17:39:32 in reply to Comment 94157
? - A toxic spill could happen anywhere where pipelines run over, under or around Hamilton and would be tragic no matter where it happened. That possibility is no reason to stop with the creation of a sustainable ecosystem for a variety of different living species that also promotes long-term health for the human community. Is it?
And why is a 'fund-raiser' considered poor bashing? Much of any fund-raising effort is to increase accessibility, services, equipment and facilities that benefit everyone.
As example, you can walk or hike the Bruce Trail at any time from a number of different access points between Niagara to Tobermory. This trail only exists because of dedicated forward-thinking volunteers who spent a lot of time 'fundraising' to get it up and running. Scores of volunteers continue to devote many hours to its safety and accessibility for all ages, regardless of class and colour.
Imagine, for one second, if Cootes Paradise or the RBG had not been created. Imagine if private 'industrial' development had been allowed free rein to build all around that now protected inland waterway. Likewise, imagine if car-dependent suburban sprawl is permitted to eat up the rest of the proposed protected area. Is that the kind of Hamilton you really want for you, your family and friends? I think not.
Growth is inevitable. Managing that growth wisely is what this 'conservation and preservation' of the extended Ecopark is all about. Raising funds to make it a reality, privately and publicly, will benefit all in the region.
By Ed Sernie (anonymous) | Posted November 03, 2013 at 16:42:50
How does "Close the bridge. Just for an evening. Then let the people take over. Let them bring their picnic baskets and enjoy the peace, the panorama and, the Gods permitting, a sunset." get transformed into charging people $1000 to attend a fund-raiser? I don't know too many people who could do this.
I would love to walk out to the bridge with my picnic basket, some blankets & cushions, and enjoy the view. I think we should first try to build a community -- which may then be more willing to donate money towards an ecopark.
By Missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted November 03, 2013 at 17:55:39 in reply to Comment 94158
Ed, couldn't agree with you more. The idea of a picnic is inspired and best amplifies the 'Take Back the Night' concept where people, community and civility matter more then cars do.
But, short term, the current reality is that in order to re-route traffic for several hours - to stop the 'economic engine' coursing through the city - a 'reason' has to be given for City to close the bridge. I'd much rather it was for a 'fundraiser' for the Ecopark then for a privileged few to have an exclusive 'big party' with no objective other then access. Wouldn't you?
Also, to be clear, Fred was the one who suggested a $1000 fee. That figure wasn't in the above article or ever suggested by Patrick Bermingham.
By Fred Street (anonymous) | Posted November 03, 2013 at 20:43:12 in reply to Comment 94161
Because of the geographic nature of the Ecopark, it would only be neighbourly to invite Burlington to the figurative table as well, which complicates things somewhat.
The HLB is a hundred-meter span that's four lanes wide, or maybe 1,500 square meters. That probably gives you enough real estate for 400 picnic blankets as long as people are content to be shoehorned in like a campus yoga class.
The event will be exclusive by nature. Make it a ticketed fundraiser or a free "happening", but if the bridge is used for a static event like a picnic and not just a walk-through viewing platform, participants will by definition be the privileged few. I floated the notion of a fundraiser simply because environmental stewards can always use more cash.
Philanthropic foibles aside, the main hitch is closing vehicular access: Two highway ramps and whatever through traffic is generated by Plains (transit connectivity to Burlington, for example).
By Dm (anonymous) | Posted November 03, 2013 at 19:12:19
Too bad this was not done when York ramp was closed. As far as a fund raiser: close the road from Burlington boundary to dundurn and make a free event for all to enjoy the view. Unlikely to happen ultimately as this road is the only road to detour on if a major incident happens on 403.
By Noted (anonymous) | Posted November 03, 2013 at 20:51:40
"First, where did this idea come from? Apparently, while in conversation with his older sister, Susan Jasper, (founder of the now wildly successful 'Telling Tales' children's authors' festival held at Westfield Heritage Village), the siblings got talking about fundraising in general.
Specifically, it evolved to a discussion about how could they raise funds for Susan's latest philanthropic venture - the Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark System. She has joined the fundraising camp."
By missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted November 03, 2013 at 21:36:56
Fred, the bridge is closed annually for the Around the Bay race in the middle of the day. The vehicular traffic 'pressure' will be a lot less at sundown .... for a few hours.
2 people per 400 blankets = 800 minimum. Not everyone will sit anyway. Some will stand at the railings ~ many will be moving back and forth from each side ...
When the editor replaces the map with the right map for the proposed Ecopark area, you'll see that the City of Burlington is an integral part of the overall conservation scheme. Those who are interested from Burlington ~ or beyond ~ should be able to appreciate the sunset venue as well. No? Does it make any sense, for example, to restrict 'Supercrawl' to only Hamiltonians?
If the bridge was just closed to traffic but 'open' to the public for a few hours for whoever wants to come ~ who is really likely to turn up? Hard to say. Regardless, it is likely that security of some kind would have to be in place to manage 'flow'. And that will be a City expense that would have to be added in to the overall cost to make it happen. Volunteers could play a part here ~ but ultimately, the City would be liable for any accident. ~ This could well be the 'deal breaker'. Though, again, it's worth remembering that the Around the Bay Race crosses over the bridge ~ without incident.
All questions/problems to be dealt with by the ultimate organizing agent ... if and when one steps up.
By Missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted November 03, 2013 at 21:40:01
p.s. The new map is now up. Thanks Ryan!!
By Fred Street (anonymous) | Posted November 04, 2013 at 07:20:04
You've identified an good precedent in the ATB Race (though the westbound 403 ramp remains open). And just as traffic is light mid-day between rushes, it is likely to be light after the evening rush as well.
Who handles outreach for the HCA? They seem like a good group to carry this forward.
By Mal (anonymous) | Posted November 04, 2013 at 12:00:57 in reply to Comment 94180
Even with half the bridge closed to traffic, you still create something unusual. The city needs to take chances and shift its perspective from time to time.
I'd be more for a wander, personally.... prefer picnicking on grass.
By Missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted November 04, 2013 at 10:10:21
Fred, yes, though I'm guessing that the Ecopark organization would act as the 'umbrella' organizer for the other partners within the MOU.
I've just sent out a note to Susan Jasper, Patrick's sister, (and on the fundraising team of the Ecopark) to find out if, in fact, anything 'new' has developed on this idea. Should hear something shortly. Pro or Con.
By RobF (registered) | Posted November 04, 2013 at 10:59:01
I think the idea is an excellent one, though I'm strongly against turning it into an exclusive fundraising type of event. I could support linking it up with fundraising if it was framed differently. Doing it annually or once a month from June to September on a weekend afternoon/evening. Make it routine and expected like the Art-Crawl on James North, so people know its happening and plan for or around it. That could make it a way to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of Cootes Paradise and Hamilton Harbour. Some of us, myself included, are fascinated by the industrial landscape and consider it beautiful in its own way ... admittedly i'm less amused by the pollution emitted, especially the soot that collects on my window sills, etc. I'd love the chance to spend a summer afternoon or evening with my family on the high-level bridge with other like minded people ... it has one of Hamilton's best vistas and is a guilty pleasure to drive across (i always look forward to it).
By Missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted November 04, 2013 at 11:48:04
In principle, I agree with you. Once a month during the summer would be GREAT, perhaps on Sunday evenings ...
With 10 'partners' supporting the Ecopark, maybe they could each take a 'turn' at hosting a Sunday eve ... ?
Realistically though, it's going to cost money to do, one way or the other. Either the City will have to pick up the tab, (ie. city-wide taxpayers), or the supporting organizations will have to carry the expense. And that, in truth, defeats the entire purpose for closing the bridge as a fund-raiser.
The fact remains: the event would have to be subsidized somehow.
What do you suggest?
By RobF (registered) | Posted November 04, 2013 at 11:57:18 in reply to Comment 94200
I'm not opposed to linking it to fundraising ... but at $1000 that isn't something i could support ... that moves into exclusionary territory. It's hard to know what would work given i don't know what is required to close the bridge temporarily to traffic or what it would cost.
By missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted November 04, 2013 at 12:30:08 in reply to Comment 94201
RobF - The $1000 figure came 'out of the ether' from Fred, another commentator, see above. It was not in the original article, or ever suggested by Patrick Bermingham. And I agree, it's a ridiculous sum that very few would ever consider.
That said, if 800 people were willing to pay, say $25 for two hours on the bridge, (=$20,000), for 6 months for 4 Sundays per month,(6x4=24 Sundays, x $20,000) that could hypothetically raise $480,000. If half went to the event itself for security, transit, road closures etc, the other half could go to the Ecopark.
Win-win. No?
Thing is, like you, I have no idea what this IDEA would really cost to manifest. City would have to collaborate with Ecopark organizers to determine a 'working budget'.
Right now, as is, it all remains 'pie-in-the-sky' conjecture ... Yet, it does seem doable if there is enough political and resident interest to do it.
By RobF (registered) | Posted November 04, 2013 at 14:30:58 in reply to Comment 94208
Sorry, I should have made it clear that the $1000 figure was floated by another poster and not you or anyone associated with floating the idea originally.
I agree that $25 is quite reasonable as part of a fundraiser. Perhaps it could be a summer theatre/concert and picnic/dinner event on the bridge ... but you are right it is hard to figure out what is possible without numbers on cost side of the budget.
By Fred Street (anonymous) | Posted November 04, 2013 at 13:09:32 in reply to Comment 94208
The figure was drawn from the ether but the price point is not without precedent. Health care and political fundraisers seem to be routinely in the $300-$500/ticket range, and often in far less distinctive or attractive settings. (The event I cited was black-tie dinner in aid of a new operating suite at Hamilton General, and tickets are $500 per.)
If someone is willing to part with $250 to join 800 people in the Convention Centre, what's to say they wouldn't double down for a chance to be part of something historic?
The HCA would have to spitball it based on its roll of individual and corporate givers. If they think there are not 400 bread-earners of that power in Greater Hamilton, lower expectations.
At an elevated price point you would need to supply more than just the scenery, but I suppose it it comes down to ambition. Or conjecture. However you want to slice that pie in the sky.
By Fred Street (anonymous) | Posted November 04, 2013 at 12:27:37 in reply to Comment 94201
What if there were two bridge closures?
One could be free and open to all, the other a fundraiser intended to rake up as many dollars as possible for the Ecopark venture (with the HCA doling out golden tickets however it deemed most appropriate)?
By Missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted November 04, 2013 at 12:33:41 in reply to Comment 94207
Fred - The free and open to all would still require transit, security and traffic 'financing'. Who would pay for that? What do you suggest?
By Fred Street (anonymous) | Posted November 04, 2013 at 13:12:21 in reply to Comment 94209
Sponsors might be able to help. Presumably Bermingham Foundation Solutions would be onboard.
By Fred Street (anonymous) | Posted November 04, 2013 at 13:31:39 in reply to Comment 94211
Brand-positive association.
http://www.investinhamilton.ca/key-industries/clean-technology/
http://www.investinhamilton.ca/key-industries/creative-industries/
http://www.investinhamilton.ca/key-industries/life-sciences/
By missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted November 04, 2013 at 14:26:34
All doable - it just needs a 'champion', ideally from the numerous conceptual supporters of #ambitioushamont ....
- - - Question is:
Will anyone step up?
By Susan Jasper (anonymous) | Posted November 05, 2013 at 09:12:15 in reply to Comment 94214
Great coverage of an idea that needs to happen when the time is right. We must try to be patient and just float Patrick's for a while yet. For many reason, it has been decided that it is too early in the capital campaign for the Ecopark to introduce a major rally or gala event. The picnic would be a wonderful way to celebrate the completion of the campaign. There is ground work to be done first gaining much needed funds for this internationaly significant ecopark -right in our backyards. In the meantime, thanks to you and others the idea is perculating with many. The vision of endless picnic tables and an event open to all on the bridge makes me smile every time I cross the bridge. Let's keep scheming and dreaming - the leaders to pull off such an event will pop up soon. It is the absolute perfect evening picnic spot.
By lawrence (registered) - website | Posted November 05, 2013 at 13:51:33 in reply to Comment 94232
We look forward to it. Why not an entire weekend. Have the posh event and time for the rest of us to enjoy the picnic.
By Missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted November 05, 2013 at 11:52:10 in reply to Comment 94232
Good to hear!
Keep us posted. :)
By Jay Robb (anonymous) | Posted November 04, 2013 at 16:54:43
Great idea. Seem to remember reading about other communities that shut down bridges for a day.
How about holding the community picnic on Canada Day with fireworks in the harbor capping off the day?
Buses could drop folks off on either side of the bridge.
By deleted (anonymous) | Posted November 04, 2013 at 17:53:54 in reply to Comment 94218
insult spam deleted
By Macintosh Man (anonymous) | Posted November 04, 2013 at 17:07:40 in reply to Comment 94218
Canada Day fireworks in Burlington at Spencer Smith Park and in hamilton at Pier 4/Bayfront. Party on the Skyway!
By Missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted August 19, 2014 at 07:20:45
Stumbled on this, an interesting addendum to the proposed 'picnic' ... http://www.hamiltonmagazine.com/sitepage...
By Missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted December 22, 2016 at 09:30:02
It's Official. Happening June 11th, 2017, during the 150th Celebration of Canada.
By Missy2013 (registered) - website | Posted May 08, 2017 at 11:10:15
UPDATE - Day on the Bridge - LINKS for Facebook Event & GALA dinner.
Enjoy food, fun, activities, arts and music on the bridge throughout the day, and then a gala fundraising dinner and grand finale celebration for Canada’s 150th birthday to cap off the night!
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/67327766...
GALA dinner tickets: https://www.bruha.com/event/391
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