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Saturday May 23, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 23, 2020

Should Hamilton taxpayers ride to the rescue of SoBi bike share network?

Thousands of people have signed a petition calling on the city to save Hamilton’s imperiled bike share network — but councillors are divided over whether local taxpayers should ride to the rescue.

January 20, 2018

The Uber-owned operator of SoBi Hamilton shocked the city Friday by announcing it will shut down local bike share operations June 1 because of pandemic challenges, despite a recent contract renewal.

The two-wheeled emergency hit just as the city prepares to unveil a pandemic “mobility plan” expected to highlight cycling as a safe, affordable alternative as Hamilton emerges from COVID-19 lockdown.

Some council members have already vowed to fight to preserve the program. “We’re going to find a way,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger during a COVID-19 news conference.

“We WILL find a way to keep our bike share program operating,” added Ward 3 Coun. Nrinder Nann on Twitter in response to resident questions. “It is too critical a link in our transportation network.”

But not everyone believes that support should extend to a municipal takeover or public subsidy.

December 7, 2019

Planning general manager Jason Thorne said Wednesday SoBi Hamilton did not make a profit and bike share models in other cities commonly rely on subsidies. It could cost $700,000 a year for the city or another operator to run the system.

“I’m not on for taxpayer money being used,” said Flamborough Coun. Judi Partridge. “It is successful, it has been great, people have been riding more and it’s healthy for our city — but is it sustainable?”

Ward 4 Coun. Sam Merulla and Ward 14 Coun. Terry Whitehead also both argued public money should be “off the table” when it comes to bike share rescue efforts. Merulla emphasized the city faces a $60-million-plus pandemic deficit and the economy is in “depression mode.” 

He said cash-strapped Hamilton cannot afford to spend on a bike share program that is “not a city-wide network” and any solution should come from a private or nonprofit venture. While the city has explored expansion opportunities for SoBi, the current service area is mostly limited to Dundas and the lower city up until Ottawa Street.

A survey of 420 SoBi members by CivicPlan suggests many live in the service area — but others are scattered throughout the city including on the Mountain, in Glanbrook and Stoney Creek. About 40 per cent reported using SoBi to commute to work, including using the bikes to connect to GO Transit or the local bus service.

A cycling equity program, the Everybody Rides Initiative, also provides subsidized SoBi passes to 500 low-income residents. Social service providers like shelters also have group passes available to help clients get around. (Hamilton Spectator) 

 

Monday May 2, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Monday May 2, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Monday May 2, 2016 Get ready for Ôpop-upÕ patios on HamiltonÕs streets this summer Are HamiltonÕs commercial areas ready for Òpop-upÓ patios on parking lots? Hamilton politicians approved a motion at their April 27 council meeting requesting staff to examine a pilot program that would allow local businesses or BIAs to establish temporary, seasonal patios and seating areas using on-street parking spaces. The program would begin in 2016. ÒThis is very innovative and non-expensive for the taxpayer,Ó said Mountain councillor Donna Skelly who supported the idea. She said after the reconstruction of Concession Street last year, there are some businesses which would benefit from the extra business by allowing outdoor patios on the street. ÒThis is an opportunity for Concession Street,Ó said Skelly. Mountain councillor Terry Whitehead also supported the motion, introduced by Ward 3 councillor Matthew Green. But he wanted to allow patios for commercial areas that are not in a BIA. Whitehead also insisted that business owners who want to establish patios on the street have the proper insurance. After some squabbling among councillors, WhiteheadÕs amendment was approved by council. Although no councillor opposed the idea, staff will examine if having a patio on the street will impede traffic, impact parking revenues and pose a safety issue. BIAs that could look at the idea includes Stoney Creek, Concession Street, Ottawa Street, Lock Street, Waterdown, and Ancaster. So-called Òpop-upÓ patios have proved popular in New York City, Toronto, Orillia, and St. Catharines, where that cityÕs council approved it in 2012. A fee of $300 is charged to the business to cover the cost of parking. These patios canÕt serve liquor because of liquor laws involving public sidewalks, and businesses are not allowed to brand the place. Mayor Fred Eisenberger said the motion is another step to increase the ÒvitalityÓ to Hamilto

Get ready for ‘pop-up’ patios on Hamilton’s streets this summer

Are Hamilton’s commercial areas ready for “pop-up” patios on parking lots?

Hamilton politicians approved a motion at their April 27 council meeting requesting staff to examine a pilot program that would allow local businesses or BIAs to establish temporary, seasonal patios and seating areas using on-street parking spaces. The program would begin in 2016.

“This is very innovative and non-expensive for the taxpayer,” said Mountain councillor Donna Skelly who supported the idea.

She said after the reconstruction of Concession Street last year, there are some businesses which would benefit from the extra business by allowing outdoor patios on the street.

“This is an opportunity for Concession Street,” said Skelly.

Mountain councillor Terry Whitehead also supported the motion, introduced by Ward 3 councillor Matthew Green. But he wanted to allow patios for commercial areas that are not in a BIA. Whitehead also insisted that business owners who want to establish patios on the street have the proper insurance.

After some squabbling among councillors, Whitehead’s amendment was approved by council.

Although no councillor opposed the idea, staff will examine if having a patio on the street will impede traffic, impact parking revenues and pose a safety issue.

BIAs that could look at the idea includes Stoney Creek, Concession Street, Ottawa Street, Lock Street, Waterdown, and Ancaster.

So-called “pop-up” patios have proved popular in New York City, Toronto, Orillia, and St. Catharines, where that city’s council approved it in 2012. A fee of $300 is charged to the business to cover the cost of parking.

These patios can’t serve liquor because of liquor laws involving public sidewalks, and businesses are not allowed to brand the place.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger said the motion is another step to increase the “vitality” to Hamilton’s streets. Another barrier that restaurants have that council should consider lifting is the city has banned music being played in patios. He compared the patio music bylaw to the city’s ban on tobogganing. Council this winter season allowed tobogganing in certain areas of the city for the first time. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

 

Thursday February 25, 2016

 

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Thursday February 25, 2016 The rising price of driving Gas prices in Ontario will rise about 4.3 cents a litre and residential natural gas bills will go up about $5 a month under the Liberal government's cap-and-trade plan. Premier Kathleen Wynne said she expects the program won't increase electricity costs for the industrial and commercial sectors. She revealed economic impacts Wednesday, a day before her government introduces its budget, which is expected to include more details about carbon pricing. "The cost of doing nothing is much, much higher than the cost of going forward and reducing greenhouse gas emissions," she said. (Source: CP) http://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2016/02/24/wynne-says-cap-and-trade-plan-will-add-about-4-3-cents-a-litre-to-gas-prices-2/#.Vs4ItjYir8t Meanwhile, Hamilton is in the midst of a $10-million-plus installation of cameras on the Red Hill Valley Parkway and at hundreds of major city street intersections in order to allow better signal and traffic control in emergencies. But it turns out those cameras can track speeding cars, too. Not enough to send you a ticket Ñ the city deliberately chose an image resolution for the cameras that is supposed to be too low to allow eyeballing of your face, licence plate or curtainless bedroom window. But the cameras are capable of tracking vehicle speed and speeding trends over time, said councillor and police board chair Lloyd Ferguson Ñ and that could help police "focus enforcement where and when it's needed." City council formally asked the province to allow photo radar on the Red Hill and Linc late last year after a consultant suggested a troubling spike in parkway collisions was due in part to chronic speeding. Toronto has made a similar request to use the contentious technology to save on policing costs. (Source: Hamilton Spectator) http://www.thespec.com/news-story/6329522-photo-radar-can-traffic-cams-help-curb-speeding-/

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 25, 2016

The rising price of driving

Gas prices in Ontario will rise about 4.3 cents a litre and residential natural gas bills will go up about $5 a month under the Liberal government’s cap-and-trade plan.

Premier Kathleen Wynne said she expects the program won’t increase electricity costs for the industrial and commercial sectors. She revealed economic impacts Wednesday, a day before her government introduces its budget, which is expected to include more details about carbon pricing.

“The cost of doing nothing is much, much higher than the cost of going forward and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” she said. (Source: CP)

Meanwhile, Hamilton is in the midst of a $10-million-plus installation of cameras on the Red Hill Valley Parkway and at hundreds of major city street intersections in order to allow better signal and traffic control in emergencies.

But it turns out those cameras can track speeding cars, too.

Not enough to send you a ticket — the city deliberately chose an image resolution for the cameras that is supposed to be too low to allow eyeballing of your face, licence plate or curtainless bedroom window.

But the cameras are capable of tracking vehicle speed and speeding trends over time, said councillor and police board chair Lloyd Ferguson — and that could help police “focus enforcement where and when it’s needed.”

City council formally asked the province to allow photo radar on the Red Hill and Linc late last year after a consultant suggested a troubling spike in parkway collisions was due in part to chronic speeding. Toronto has made a similar request to use the contentious technology to save on policing costs. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

Meanwhile, Hamilton Councillors voted to hike the cost of a monthly city parking lot pass by $10 this year, but put off any debate on meter rates until next year.

Temporary exemptions are also in the works for municipal lots in Dundas and on Concession Street, with the possibility of adding Ottawa Street and Kenilworth Avenue at a budget meeting Friday.

In theory, the rate bump should provide the city with an extra $238,000 in revenue — although senior director of bylaw and parking Marty Hazell noted the city will pay about $61,000 of that total for its own employees to park.

Downtown Coun. Jason Farr applauded the lot rate hike as a good first step, but added he’s still interested in a “robust discussion” on the city’s $1 meter rates.

“It’s the cheapest deal in Ontario,” he said. “I think we need to address that if we’re truly trying to encourage more people to get out of their cars and onto the bus.” (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

Friday August 28, 2015

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator - Friday August 28, 2015 Exile on Ottawa Street: BIA battleground bubbles over Business owners on Ottawa Street are calling for the resignation of their BIA board members after a heated meeting Wednesday morning dissolved into a yelling match. The conflict is leading Coun. Matt Green Ñ who owned a business on Ottawa Street before being elected as a city councillor Ñ to call for a sweeping review of the governance structures, hiring practices, and codes of conduct for all business improvement areas across the city. Business owners and the BIA board met Wednesday to discuss the so-called "exile list," a document that emerged Monday and listed 11 businesses. A BIA employee reported that they were instructed to avoid contact with businesses on that list, take their calls, promote or include them. BIA chair Nancy Leo said the list was simply a reminder to staff that incident reports needed be written up about those 11 establishments. She said she initially understood the list to be an "Excel list" Ñ referring to the computer program Ñ that outlined which businesses the board planned to file incident reports on. "It wasn't an exile list. I found out about that word 'exile' in an email on Sunday afternoon," Leo said. Leo refused to discuss what the incidents entailed for legal reasons, despite being given permission from several business owners to discuss exactly what "incidents" led to their names ending up on the list. She did explain that several food trucks were on the list because they didn't meet their agreement to serve food on Ottawa Street during the Pan Am Games. The meeting, which saw business owners and BIA board members yelling at each other and hurling accusations back and forth, didn't satisfy business owners. While Leo was speaking, several meeting attendees shouted at the board to "tell the truth" and "stop spinning stories." (Source: Hamilton Spectator) http://www.thespec.com/news-stor

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday August 28, 2015

Exile on Ottawa Street: BIA battleground bubbles over

Business owners on Ottawa Street are calling for the resignation of their BIA board members after a heated meeting Wednesday morning dissolved into a yelling match.

The conflict is leading Coun. Matt Green — who owned a business on Ottawa Street before being elected as a city councillor — to call for a sweeping review of the governance structures, hiring practices, and codes of conduct for all business improvement areas across the city.

Business owners and the BIA board met Wednesday to discuss the so-called “exile list,” a document that emerged Monday and listed 11 businesses. A BIA employee reported that they were instructed to avoid contact with businesses on that list, take their calls, promote or include them.

BIA chair Nancy Leo said the list was simply a reminder to staff that incident reports needed be written up about those 11 establishments. She said she initially understood the list to be an “Excel list” — referring to the computer program — that outlined which businesses the board planned to file incident reports on.

“It wasn’t an exile list. I found out about that word ‘exile’ in an email on Sunday afternoon,” Leo said.

Leo refused to discuss what the incidents entailed for legal reasons, despite being given permission from several business owners to discuss exactly what “incidents” led to their names ending up on the list. She did explain that several food trucks were on the list because they didn’t meet their agreement to serve food on Ottawa Street during the Pan Am Games.

The meeting, which saw business owners and BIA board members yelling at each other and hurling accusations back and forth, didn’t satisfy business owners. While Leo was speaking, several meeting attendees shouted at the board to “tell the truth” and “stop spinning stories.” (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

 

Saturday January 17, 2015

Saturday January 17, 2015

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday January 17, 2015

U.S. Steel looks to sell “surplus” Hamilton lands

A “for sale” sign is up over chunks of former Stelco land around Hamilton Harbour.

Since mid-December, U.S. Steel Canada has been quietly seeking offers for pieces of its sprawling 328-hectare property. It’s unclear how much of that land is on the block.

In court documents seeking to extend its current creditor protection order, the company said if any offers are accepted it will sell pieces of the property. Those land sales would proceed whether or not creditors agree to any other restructuring plans.

As part of an outline of efforts to get the struggling company back on its feet, chief restructuring officer Bill Aziz said in an affidavit the company has started an “organized” process to sell land in Hamilton, with a Jan. 22 deadline for filing expressions of interest.

“(P)rompted in part by inquiries from interested third parties, USSC in consultation with Rothschild (the company’s financial adviser) and the [court-appointed] Monitor, determined that it would be useful to start an organized process to solicit expressions of interest in connection with the possible acquisition of the land owned by USSC in Hamilton,” Aziz wrote.

Rothschild, he said, has been looking for potential buyers “who have an interest in, and track record of, redeveloping brownfield industrial properties.”

Any sale, he said, could be done in a way that would not “preclude the continued operation and/or sale of its coke ovens, iron and steel making assets and finishing lines located at Hamilton Works.”

Potential purchasers will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement before being given access to due diligence information.

U.S. Steel Canada, which purchased Stelco in 2007, owns prime industrial land in an area roughly bounded by the bay, Industrial Drive, and the northern ends of Ottawa Street and Sherman Avenue. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)