Comment 51378

By -Hammer- (registered) | Posted November 11, 2010 at 12:22:32

I disagree with this article, and while I still would have preferred a West Harbour location or a true downtown core location, the CP rail location isn't a complete bust for the city as a whole as this article states. It is a far better site selection then Confederation Park, that is for sure.

First off having a major hotel and conference hall in proximity to McMaster Innovation Park makes sense. McMaster innovation park is intended to bring jobs and innovation to the city, and seems like exactly the place where a nearby hotel should be for visiting businessmen. The advantage if of course is the tax revenue such an establishment can bring in for the city, and increasing tax revenue so we can offer further incentives to build downtown benefit's the city as a whole. The fact there is a hotel development gives something to entice a hotel developer into contributing to the stadium costs itself, for their own benefit.

Second, the stadium is to be used for more then just football. Bob Young has pursued bringing an NASL franchise to the city for some time. NASL being of course the league where the Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps began playing and they have since been promoted to MLS play. This is the same league which FC Edmonton is joining.

Third, the CP Railyard is also in need of redevelopment. Granted that redevelopment is not as urgent as the West Harbour but it is a location that offers brownfield remediation.

Fourth, a stadium at this site further enhances the appeal of a LRT. Main successful cities utilize a concentrated downtown core that then utilizes major transit lines along attractions to encourage further development of a city.

Fifth, this site is linked to the existing GO transit line, thus offers the ability to have trains run into the site for game days to somewhat alleviate traffic concerns that have plagued our city.

and last is that the site promotes a positive image for Hamilton. Too long people have bit into the Skyway bridge's view of Hamilton. This site is located on the beautiful West end between Cootes Paradise and the Escarpment, with Chedoke Golf Course and the nearby trail system.

The point is, it's a compromise site, it offers benefits for both the Tiger-Cats and the city and failing anything if the club does approach financial stability, increasing the rent is always an option further down the road.

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