Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 4, 2009
Councillors OK City Hall ‘wow’ factor
City Hall is closer to having an extra $2-million “wow” factor.
Glorious architecture gallery
Councillors on the public works committee voted 5-3 yesterday to add to the project’s $74-million budget to create a glass enclosure in the building’s forecourt.
“I think it’s critically important that we get this right,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger, who believes the money is well spent to create a “wow” factor. “Let’s not be a penny wise and a pound foolish.”
The enclosure below the council chambers was previously approved by the renovations committee and must still go to council.
Councillor Bob Bratina said the city is kidding itself if it believes the indoor space will make City Hall more of a gathering place.
“I don’t see the value in spending that money,” he said, adding City Hall has never been welcoming.
“It’s just a forlorn place beside a highway.”
Councillor Chad Collins, who joined Bratina and Sam Merulla in opposing the project, said he’d rather see the money spent on other infrastructure work. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)