leisure

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)

 

Monday March 28, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Monday March 28, 2016 Bayfront is not just a beach, but a symbol DonÕt swim in Hamilton Harbour. ThatÕs hardly new advice, nor has it been particularly shocking for the better part of a century. Hamilton has been as hard on its precious waterfront as any major metropolis in the developed world, perhaps more so. But recent news that the City of Hamilton has closed the small beach this year at Bayfront Park is still a cause for concern. A consultant will deliver a report on water quality there by the end of the summer, at which time council will decide what the long-term future holds for the ill-fated beach, and whether the closure should become permanent. The challenge is that poor water quality already forces the city and health officials to close the beach more days than not each summer. Turns out itÕs closed 78 per cent of days during summer. The water can make people sick. Farm run-off is often a problem for water quality at beaches across Ontario, as is municipal waste following big storms. BayfrontÕs beach is additionally burdened by its human-made geography, which traps water in the tiny bay that protects the beach, as well as by excrement from geese and gulls. High E. coli counts and toxic algae have plagued the area in recent years. The consultants will look at ways to improve water quality, but the report may well recommend Òanother feature that is sustainableÓ for the site. In other words: no beach, no swimming. Council should weigh the latter option carefully. Whatever the challenges, it is far too early to give up on this gem in downtown Hamilton. ItÕs not merely a nostalgic notion. To be sure, swimming is hardly a big part of this unique leisure and recreation area, but it is symbolic of a healthy environment and a city that cares about itself. A clean beach is a tourist attraction and landmark for which we can all be proud. A polluted beach is a reminder of the mistakes we have m

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Monday March 28, 2016

Bayfront is not just a beach, but a symbol

Don’t swim in Hamilton Harbour. That’s hardly new advice, nor has it been particularly shocking for the better part of a century.

Hamilton has been as hard on its precious waterfront as any major metropolis in the developed world, perhaps more so.

But recent news that the City of Hamilton has closed the small beach this year at Bayfront Park is still a cause for concern.

A consultant will deliver a report on water quality there by the end of the summer, at which time council will decide what the long-term future holds for the ill-fated beach, and whether the closure should become permanent.

The challenge is that poor water quality already forces the city and health officials to close the beach more days than not each summer. Turns out it’s closed 78 per cent of days during summer. The water can make people sick.

Farm run-off is often a problem for water quality at beaches across Ontario, as is municipal waste following big storms.

Bayfront’s beach is additionally burdened by its human-made geography, which traps water in the tiny bay that protects the beach, as well as by excrement from geese and gulls. High E. coli counts and toxic algae have plagued the area in recent years.

The consultants will look at ways to improve water quality, but the report may well recommend “another feature that is sustainable” for the site.

In other words: no beach, no swimming.

Council should weigh the latter option carefully. Whatever the challenges, it is far too early to give up on this gem in downtown Hamilton.

It’s not merely a nostalgic notion. To be sure, swimming is hardly a big part of this unique leisure and recreation area, but it is symbolic of a healthy environment and a city that cares about itself.

A clean beach is a tourist attraction and landmark for which we can all be proud. A polluted beach is a reminder of the mistakes we have made in the past and our inability to deal with it in the present. The fact is we must do better when it comes to the environment if we are to continue to enjoy it, profit from it, and remain healthy because of it. Closing the beach is an admission of defeat.

Meanwhile, Bayfront Park is well used by Hamiltonians and visitors, but it is destined to see much greater use in the future as the area grows in population and popularity. We don’t know how this downtown jewel will be used in the future, but we should remember that the possibilities are endless, and that swimming, and fun on the beach, should remain one of them if at all possible. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)