This site has been sitting…

As an Architect and Hamilton resident, I know there are widely-available technical solutions to resolve the rail operator's concerns.

This site has been sitting vacant for nearly a decade, which is far too long for any property within the downtown core. Hamiltonions need housing, and the need is particularly strong for low-income residents, of which there are many.

This site is the perfect location for a medium-density mixed-use development that supports residents and non-residents alike. It will bring more activity into the downtown core and North End neighbourhood, and it is located right next to the West Harbour GO station, which is a critical connection point for residents without access to a car.

In my opinion, as an Architect licensed in Ontario, and a Hamilton resident living very close to this development, the objections provided by the rail corridor owner are mostly irrelevant: citing issues of noise and odours et cetera. My response is: there is already housing along the rail yard, so what's new about these concerns? Has the operator not already addressed these with current residents?

As an Architect, I know there are widely-available technical solutions to resolve the rail operator's concerns: block walls, triple-glazed windows, airtightness control, and high-performance ventilation systems for the residential suites. This is all feasible.

The rail operator will no doubt be lobbying hard against this MZO, but it's a property that has been sitting vacant for far too long when it could be put to better use.