"Cities are everywhere in decline. Trade, industry and agriculture bend under the weight of taxation." -- Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Certainly not politicians. For over six- and one-half decades I have resided in Hamilton, Ontario. During a period of time (1970's, 1980's and early 1990's) it was a fairly decent place to live as well as work. For my short time (six years) I was a Firefighter for the once Ambitious City (refers to one of Hamilton's nicknames). I was very proud of the metropolis and dedicated to my job.
The city was mainly prospering and flourishing in the 70's and 80's. Even though inflation was high, Steel Town was developing and progressing. Economically it was suitable for most people. Groceries, consumer goods, alcohol and tobacco had reasonable prices. There were plenty of jobs and crime was held to a minimum. Unfortunately, some big companies permanently closed their doors such as Hoover Suction Sweeper - 1972, Canadian Canners - 1986 and Otis Elevator - 1987. International Harvester as well as Susan Shoes Industries permanently folded in 1992 and 1994 respectively.
More upsetting was the closure of downtown department stores like Graftons - 1973, The Right House - 1983, Robinsons - 1983, Zellers - 1988, Woolworths - 1990 and Kresges - 1999. Customers were in their heyday shopping at those stores. Supposedly the reasons for the stores closing were the high dollar, high energy prices and overseas competition. So sad. Do we blame the government? I think so.
Back in the 1960's Hamilton City Council developed an urban renewal project to revitalize the downtown area. Little did they know it would be the beginning of the end for the core. It started with the opening of Jackson Square in 1972 followed by the Stelco Tower in 1973. Standard Life Office Tower in 1983. Copps Coliseum along with the Sheraton Hotel in 1985. Employment was wonderful, especially in the construction sector.
Meanwhile back to this day and age, our "beloved" and "adored" Mayor Andrea Horwath always describes Steel Town as a vibrant city. Excuse me for almost vomiting. I'm very interested to find out what city she is actually talking about. The Hammer is far from lively, sparkling and dynamic. Okay, I did read she now lives in Burlington, Ontario. Now it all comes together. Our "treasured leader" must be referring to Burlington.
The Spectator (Hamilton's Newspaper) had a disturbing and depressing article titled "Our City Is Basically Dying. How do we stop downtown Hamilton's progress from unravelling" on Aug. 29/24. The story described Steel Town becoming a truly dismal and dangerous city. Harassment of shop owners, panhandling, drug use, including break and enters at stores are constant as well as increasing.
Of course we can't forget about the murders, shootings and stabbings that have started to plague The Hammer. One of many comments at the end of the feature was stated by a woman who said she was never afraid of being in the core in the 70's and 80's. She also added, now the city is a shell of it's former self. It's truly sad and disappointing.
It's been indicated many times the core is driving people away. It started to decline in the mid 1990's. I'm one of those individuals that refuse to travel downtown unless it's absolutely necessary. It's been more than a few years since I use to journey to the Hamilton Farmers Market at Jackson Square, Starpolski's Delicatessen at Barton and Ruth St. along with Pane Del Sole Bakery on John Street North. I would visit each location at least six times a year. Now, no more. See you later, goodbye and farewell. I have permanently faded out.
I would like to reveal one more fact and comment before I wrap this up. The city blunderers have reduced our fire protection since the 1990's. It's disgraceful, unsafe and completely unacceptable.
At any given time, there are three senior officers located throughout the city. Each officer also had a driver. But guess what? If you answered not anymore? You win the cigar. However, that was only the start of the feather brain politicians' cutbacks. The elimination of various apparatus would follow. Cars 6, 8, 11, Arieal Truck 111, Snorkel 106, Pump 2 and Rescue 9 were placed out of commission. The shameful task was performed through attrition. Seven less vehicles and twenty less firefighters on each of the four shifts to handle emergencies. Unquestionably disgusting and inexcusable.
Epilogue`11
I have lost total delight for the city I once admired, appreciated and liked. For me it was very disturbing and upsetting watching Steel Town go down the toilet over the years. It's changed so much. WHY did this happen? HOW did this happen? I think it's quite obvious.
The End
The Harvenut Puritan Project
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