Raise the Hammer

The Durand Neighbourhood Association actually claims responsibility:



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HISTORY

A DURAND CHRONICLE: 1972 - 2004

The Durand Neighbourhood Association came into existence in 1972 when a group of concerned citizens organized themselves to try to stem and bring under control a seemingly unplanned surge of demolition of housing accompanied by massive high-rise development. Their initiative in defence of the integrity of their neighbourhood led to the establishment of Hamilton's first official neighbourhood plan and other measures to bring order to rapid change in the Neighbourhood.

1972 Durand residents organize to protect the neighbourhood from uncontrolled development and demolitions; the Durand Neighbourhood Citizens' Association holds its first general meeting.

1973 A 2,000-signature petition requests City Council to halt demolition and construction until the Durand neighbourhood is planned; the Durand Neighbourhood Association Inc. is formally established as a provincially-authorized not-for-profit association with a constitution and bylaws; a citizens' committee completes the Durand Neighbourhood Plan and Program; Hamilton City Council imposes a four-storey height limit.

1974 The Association joins the City in an intricate legal battle to acquire property for creation of the Durand Park.

1975 The Durand Neighbourhood Plan wins approval with implementation of neighbourhood rezonings; the Durand Park opens followed by a bazaar, the first of many events organized by the Association.

1976 The Association co-operates with the owners in the commercial redevelopment at the corner of Herkimer and Caroline; Sandyford Place is designated as a National Historic site; a children's playground is erected in Durand Park.

1977 The Association proposes an architectural competition for housing on the old Ryerson Public School site; neighbourhood residents organize to save Central Public School from closure in the face of declining enrolment.

1978 Central Public School is recognized as a provincial historic site; the old Ryerson Public School is demolished.

1979 The Association is instrumental in winning City and Ontario Municipal Board support preventing creation of a strip mall at Bay and Robinson; the leasing of the top floor of Central Public School to an insurance company provides an innovative solution to prevent the school's closure; the Association is involved in preparation of a new Plan covering the entire Central Area, including Durand; Site Plan controls are reintroduced.

1980 The City approves the sale of Sandyford Place; the Association joins a three-year, ultimately unsuccessful, battle to save a Victorian mansion at 206 James Street South.

"1981 - A proposed provincially-endorsed elevated rapid transit rail link between downtown and the Mountain running above James South is derailed after fierce opposition by citizens in which the Association plays a key role"

http://www.durandna.com/history.htm