We inhabit a lampoon of capitalism. Marx would certainly get a laugh out of the view: the mountain of capital left to rust unused, and just beyond, a second mountain, still alive with fire and action and thriving alongside the corpse of its former rival. — Numéro Cinq
Canadian writer Shawn Selway provides an intimate and critical view of the urbanization—and subsequent decline—of Hamilton, Ontario. The issues he raises can be found around the globe. Hamilton is one more piece in the puzzle we're all trying to live in—and solve.
Another quotation from the piece:
Consultants overran the joint. Their maps reconfigure the territory and their perspectives are disturbing in a surprisingly intimate way. Attending public meetings at the rail station turned banquet hall, or at the neighbourhood recreation centre, you are made uneasy by the scale of what is proposed. Your understanding of “market forces” deepens when the invisible hand is pressed to your own back, steering you firmly toward the door.
2 Comments
It's just Hamilton...
Outside of its CFL team, what else is there?
A fantastic music and arts festival every summer.
An recovering annual music festival (it's popularity was it's downfall).
Some really good, non-genericized/upscaled food in the form of delis and bakeries. Not to mention the escarpment is a gateway to some wonderful produce and wine country is down the road.
More importantly, for good and bad, Hamilton provides access- which is huge. As the essay suggests theres a balance being drawn between the lure of being affordable to people trying to own property and remaining affordable to future generations. There was a time when the city was actually very aware of it's transitioning nature and pliable public spaces. 10/15 years ago the city reassessed parks and recreation based on the changing demographics of the city and neighborhoods- recognizing that not everyone plays hockey at Chedoke or lacrosse on the mountain. Those were people immigrants w/o means, and no sense of place.
Now that people (some who are sensitive to the history of the Hammer) are moving into or back to Hamilton people across the age spectrum are very aware of what the impacts be on their ability to stay or live their lives.
But here's the question- Hamilton is in the top 10 for metro areas in Canada. Granted it's not "international," but that's only Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal (barely). So what does it take for a city to be relevant in Canada?
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