Angry debate over Aberdeen traffic plan

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(Updated)

Converting a busy inner city road from 4 lanes to 2, the economic benefits of the Pan Am games and where families can toboggan this winter. Those subjects were discussed today at what became a long and heated meeting at Hamilton City Council.

They cost $2.5 billion, backed by lofty promises of new sports facilities, much needed infrastructure and an economic boon for the local economy. And 4 months later city staff say the Pan Am games paid off. Hamilton has a new football stadium, a new GO station, and new international relationships resulting in 2 new business investments.

“We wouldn’t necessarily had Columbia connection with this if we didn’t have the games, same with Costa Rica, same with brazil.” said Jennifer Patterson, Senior. Business Development Consultant.

Or would they? It appears that connection already existed. “Colombia trade commission. It was already in the plans but we materialized and complete them during the Pan Am games.” said Alvaro Concha, Columbia Trade Commission.

“If you look back to 2007 all the minutes related to the Pan Am games and the promises that were made by all stakeholders. We fell very short on seeing the benefits particularly from an economic development perspective.” said Hamilton city councillor Sam Merulla.

It’s been over a year since this current council was elected and with all the new faces came expectations of a more cooperative group, but if you think this is a kinder gentler team, think again.

And nothing is more divisive for this council than traffic. A request by the Kirkendall neighbourhood association to convert Aberdeen Avenue from 4 lanes to 2 triggered an exchange between councillors Matthew Green and Terry Whitehead. After 2 hours of debate, the committee agreed to ask staff to study the matter.

And the city is finalizing a list of hills it will sanction this winter for tobogganing. Other city owned hills will have signs posted warning to use at your own risk. Councillors hope this will protect the city from being sued.