Here we go! It sounds like everyone has taken off their Buzz Lightyear suits at City Hall and finally come to a sane conclusion as to the location of the Pan Am Stadium....just in the nick of time!  I know I was surprised, not only by the fact that Mayor Fred was quick to shout "Yes!", but by the location that everyone seems to be smiling about. The East Mountain, close to where the Red Hill Creek Expressway and the Linc meet. Now, this does seem a bit odd,  because it is such a realistic location, and I for one, am not accustomed to this type of rationale from Hamilton City Hall.

I personally had problems with the West Harbour site, mainly because it wouldn't be fair to the residents. I, for the love of me, couldn't imagine how the traffic was going to flow in and out of the stadium, let alone where all of the cars were going to park. I've frequented Ivor Wynne Stadium hundreds of times over the years, and the overflow parking there jams the streets for blocks. What a nightmare this would be for the residents of much narrower streets in North West Hamilton. The traffic jams would hold the residents hostage for hours, and why would that be considered an option when there are other good locations that wouldn't cause this type of hardship?

I know the City had a vision of land remediation and light transit and I don't think they have to scrap that at all. There's so many things that could go in down there that would totally enhance the Downtown/Bayfront lifestyle. A lot of Cities have wonderful commercial sections right on their water fronts. Shops, restaurants, and promenades. Hess Village, Locke Street and James St. North are strong examples of what the typical downtown resident wants and it would be fantastic to see our waterfront expanded in a positive, non intrusive fashion.

So, thank you Mr. Bob Young for dangling the monetary carrot and getting everyone to "quickly" embrace the East Mountain location....you're a genius and the location is absolutely perfect!