Raise the Hammer

Mr. Di Ianni, I think there are very few of us who think that we "must stop everything" as a response to climate change, rising oil prices and the other challenges ahead of us in a less energy-rich world. The real fight is to ensure that everyone is educated about these possible challenges so that we can make informed choices about the development paths we take. We can't focus our resources on one path - it may turn out to be a dead end.

That being said, it is clear from your recent blog posts that you truly believe that highways and airports are going to be the major drive of the economy in the future. If you truly believe that rising oil prices are a real danger, then I do not understand how these types of development can be considered sustainable? Their very existence and continued maintenance rely almost 100% on abundant affordable energy.

Hamilton is geographically blessed. There is a huge potential for us to easily reach the intensification goals set out by the higher levels of government if only we'd spend the time, effort and money to develop our existing land instead of sprawling ever outward.

None of us wants to "stop everything". We all want to see the city develop. We all love Hamilton. But what we really want is for the city to step back and take a fair and balanced look at ALL of our alternatives instead of working under the assumption that the airport is our golden egg. We want to see honest evaluation of many alternatives. We want to see alternatives that include aerotropolis, as well as those that don't.

How about looking at an investment strategy that focuses on enticing high tech firms to open up shop downtown? Projects like the Innovation Park are going to be the things that truly move us forward. This is just one example of a future which is independent of the aerotropolis.

Please understand that those who oppose the RHVP, those who oppose aerotropolis, those who oppose the cloverleaf at clappisons being built to service a big box plaza -- those people do not oppose ALL DEVELOPMENT. Some may be more interested in seeing McMaster develop a greater presence in the core. Some may be passionate about investigating a light rail line to replace the beeline buses. Some may be obsessed over developing tourist attractions and hotels, and building infrastructure to support them.

None of us wants to put the brakes on development. We also don't want to just point the car down a one way street and hit the gas either -- because once we run out we'll be alone in the middle of nowhere and it will be our own fault.

On a side note, I think it would be a great idea for you to start up a comments section on your blog. I would love to hear the opinions of all of your readers. We all may be able to open each others' minds up just a bit :-)