Decisions, decisions... Transformation of city's fortunes, image on the line
September 05, 2009
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/629342
Never in Hamilton's history has there been so much anticipation of great success and risk of gross disappointment.
In the coming months, Hamilton will learn the outcome of three major decisions that could transform the city, both on the ground and in the minds of people far beyond its borders.
If fate favours Hamilton, light rail trains will soar down its streets in a few years, ferrying international athletes past a renovated Copps Coliseum, home of the Coyotes.
Even if one or two of those dreams comes true, Mayor Fred Eisenberger believes it will have a profound impact on the city's future.
"Whenever have we had this level of excitement in Hamilton?" he asks. "These are big, huge opportunities."
Pam Am Games
The decision: Will the Golden Horseshoe win the privilege of hosting the Pan Am Games in 2015?
When: Nov. 4
Who decides: Pan American Sports Organization, 52 votes cast by delegates from 42 nations.
The competition: The southern Ontario bid is up against Lima, Peru, and Bogota, Colombia. Observers expect Toronto 2015 will garner most of the 26 votes from the Caribbean plus get two each from Canada and the United States and a few in Latin America. If the other competitors split the remaining votes, Canada could win on the first ballot.
What's at stake: The city would gain $114 million in new recreation facilities. City council has committed to spend $60 million to build a new stadium and velodrome near the waterfront. Upper levels of government would fund another $54 million. Private investors, such as the Tiger-Cats, could contribute to the project. McMaster University would gain a training pool.
The city also stands to benefit from the international exposure that comes with the Games.
Context: Support for the bid is far from unanimous. Some taxpayers, particularly those hit by recent flooding, want the city to invest in sewers and pipes before sporting facilities. The Freedom Party of Ontario has launched a campaign to kill the bid, arguing multisport games only leave debt and that public funds could be better used.
Quote: "This is not a one-time deal by any stretch of the imagination. I've described it as a party with no hangover."
-- David Peterson, former Ontario premier and chair of the Toronto 2015 bid.
National Hockey League
The decision: Will BlackBerry billionaire Jim Balsillie win his $212.5-million US bid to relocate the Phoenix Coyotes to Hamilton?
When: As soon as next week.
Who decides: Arizona bankruptcy court Judge Redfield T. Baum.
The competition: Two other bids for the Coyotes franchise are before the court. Ice Edge LLC, a Connecticut-based consortium, is offering $150 million US to keep the team in Phoenix. The NHL put in its own bid for $140 million, with plans to sell the team later.
What's at stake: Balsillie has promised a $150-million makeover of Copps Coliseum. He would put in $30 million, then ask the city to appeal to upper levels of government for additional funding. Taxpayers would also save $5 million a year by handing over full control of its entertainment facilities.
The relocation would help spur significant economic development and downtown renewal.
Context: Hamilton has found itself at the centre of a bitter battle between the NHL and Balsillie. And there's little the city can do but watch from the sidelines. The BlackBerry baron has failed twice to bring a team here. The clock is ticking on his lease agreement on Copps, which expires Oct. 31 or two weeks after a losing court battle, whichever comes first. If the court case goes into overtime -- and the threat of appeals is in the air -- the city will have to decide whether it wants to extend the agreement. Even if another team wants to come here, the Toronto Maple Leafs remain opposed to a competitor in their area.
Quote: "The NHL would bring us up to the major leagues."
-- Gabe Macaluso, former CEO of Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc.
Light rail transit
The decision: Will Metrolinx pick light rail transit or rapid buses for Hamilton and how much funding will they commit?
When: Expected in November.
Who decides: Metrolinx board, 15 members including Hamilton airport's Richard Koroscil and Mohawk president Rob MacIsaac.
Competition: Hamilton's proposal for rapid transit is just one of nine transit projects in the GTA looking for funding. There's a limited pot of money left as Metrolinx has already committed $9 billion of its $11.5 billion in startup funds.
What's at stake: Hamilton wants to build 16 kilometres of rapid transit from Eastgate Mall to McMaster University. The city would prefer light rail over rapid buses. The system would cost an estimated $650 million, but promises more than $1 billion in economic and community spinoffs.
Context: No one knows how much government funding will be offered to the city if Metrolinx approves light rail for Hamilton. City council will be forced to decide how much money local taxpayers should invest in the system at a time when money is already tight.
The proposal could position Hamilton, notorious for its car culture, as a transit leader. It would also change the city's one-way main streets.
Staff plan to recommend converting Main and King streets to two-way traffic in order to make way for rapid transit on King. Some businesses are already worried about the impact in tight corridors.
Quote: "It's seen as transformational, a way to bring about the change Hamiltonians are looking for."
-- Scott Stewart, former head of public works.
Compiled by Nicole MacIntyre, The Hamilton Spectator
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