June 2017 | Urbanicity Hamilton

J U NE

Shifting Gears plan needs to shift gears

CAN WE AFFORD NOT TO HAVE TRAFFIC?

THE convenience and value of congestion

KEEPING LRT ON TRACK

A LANDMARK PROJECT THAT DESERVES TO BE CONSIDERED WITH ACCURATE INFORMATION

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE EXPLORING HAMILTON, ONE STEP AT A TIME

2 0 1 7 | T R A N S P O R TAT I O N I S S U E | C O M P L I M E N TA R Y

Cycling master plan

DEREK DOYLE

DANIELLE GRANT

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U R B ANI C ITY . C A

A letter From

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the city of Hamilton

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Photo provided by CITY OF HAMILTON

We often talk about Hamilton’s renaissance and how the city is rapidly changing in unique and exciting ways. Over the past several years, it has become one of the fastest-growing regions and continues to attract a growing number of new businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, visitors and residents. A thriving culinary scene, cultural attractions, green space, exemplary heath care and educational systems are putting Hamilton on the map as an excellent destination.

How people move around our city is changing too. Investment in all forms of transportation is positioning the city well to build a comprehensive transit network. There is growing recognition that how we plan/ design our community has a major impact on our health and quality of life. In growing communities like Hamilton, a strong transit network for the movement of goods and people has a critical effect in creating healthier, livable and more ‘complete communities’.

The City’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP) demonstrates the importance of this robust transit system. The TMP will guide the future of transportation planning, including investment planning, to accommodate future growth past 2031. All aspects of transport are considered, from walking and cycling facilities, to connecting rail, to marine and aviation facilities.

Hamilton will continue to plan for the future, as it will remain a major contributor to the movement of goods across Southern Ontario. The planning must continue with work from the provincial and federal governments to ensure Hamilton can sustain all future commerce through one of Canada's most vibrant Trade Corridors.

The City of Hamilton is also implementing a 10-year transit strategy with a focus on service, reliability and standards for our local transit network. Local transit service will be enhanced to meet service standards.

Complete communities support the greater use of public transit and active transportation. This leads to improved overall health, wellbeing and prosperity for residents of all ages and abilities.

Greater use and access to public transit and active transportation helps reduce traffic related injuries and improves air quality. Better air quality coupled with increased physical activity will result in the improved overall physical and mental health of our community.

The light rail transit (LRT) is planned to keep up with population growth, which by 2041 is expected to grow by 30% to 780,000 people. The LRT is planned to be operational by 2024. The timing has been modified to take advantage of the acquisition of buses through the federal government’s Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF). Over the last two years, Hamilton has added 25 buses to its fleet. Hamilton is committed to improving local transit for our growing community.

Creating a robust transit system comprised of traditional and rapid transit, has been a key aspect of our growth planning strategy for over a decade.

The LRT project will move forward in partnership with Metrolinx, providing fast and reliable transit service between Mcmaster and Eastgate Square.

There are 17 stops on route with connections to the existing HSR and Go Transit services. Hamilton’s LRT will help drive economic growth, grow the tax base and bring with it many new jobs. The LRT is an investment in improved quality of life as we move Hamilton forward.

The past decade has also seen an important expansion of cycling infrastructure in Hamilton. The city now has approximately 180 kilometres of on-street signed bicycle routes and almost 200 kilometres of marked bike lanes, along roadways such as Hunter and Cannon streets. Bay Street will be added beginning later this year. Multi-use trails also provide cycling mobility with approximately 150 kilometres of major multi-use trails across the city.

centrally-controlled traffic management system that will allow us to effectively manage movement and travel needs throughout the city, in real time.

It will ultimately use cameras at key intersections to monitor and adjust signal timing remotely and respond to potential traffic back-ups caused by accidents or other issues.

Along with real time adjustment, data will be collected to enhance traffic movement. Centrally-controlled systems have been proven to lower collision rates and congestion. Future enhancements include active pedestrian and cyclist detection to automatically count through video to determine high volume areas.

Our plan is based on all forms of transportation and will help realize our collective vision to make Hamilton the best place in Canada to raise a child and age successfully. It will help ensure our transportation needs are met in terms of a growing and aging population. Our plan will position Hamilton to attract investors, grow our economy, reduce climate change and bring about an overall better quality of life. It is important we work hard now to implement a transportation system that is sustainable, economically, environmentally and ergonomically, now and into the future.

SoBi Hamilton, our public bike share system has been embraced as an integral part of Hamilton’s transportation system and cultural landscape. Spanning approximately 35 square kilometres with 750 blue bikes at 115 hubs, it has over 15,000 members. It’s largely used for commuting by residents and is an excellent solution for first/ last mile connectivity to transit. This year, we’re working on the ‘Everyone Rides’ pilot project, which aims to provide subsidized memberships as well as free bike education and trip-planning for low income residents. New By chris murray bikes and station locaChris Murray has been the City Manager of tions will also be arrivHamilton since January 1, 2009. Chris is a ing this summer, aimed registered professional planner with over 25 primarily at our East years of experience and has lead major infrastructure projects, including the $1.2B LRT End Service area.

The City is currently implementing an integrated,

and GO Station initiative. Chris is committed to ensuring that City of Hamilton employees proudly serve the residents and businesses of this community. @ cityofhamilton

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JUNE 2017

ISSUES

Cycling Master Plan Needs More Teeth The Shifting Gears plan needs to truly shift gears

The City

of Hamilton is undertaking a sweeping review of the over arching Transportation Master Plan, which was first approved in 2007. Part of that plan is the Cycling Master Plan, "Shifting Gears", which was approved in 2009.

We're only eight years into the Shifting Gears plan, but it's already clear the plan is overdue for revision.

We have seen some remarkable new pieces of cycling infrastructure, including the Hamilton Bike Share network and the protected Cannon Cycle Track, but Bike Share was funded entirely by Metrolinx and Cannon happened as a result of broad community advocacy beyond the scope of the Shifting Gears plan. Similarly, a planned cycle track on Bay Street this year is getting half of its funding from the Province.

Our current Cycling Master Plan has three serious flaws that need to be resolved if Hamilton is going to achieve a truly functional cycling network: it is limited to specific streets, it is not adequately funded, and Councillors can veto projects in their wards.

The City's Pedestrian Mobility Plan follows a principle called "routine accommodation" - the idea is that every street being built or rebuilt should be designed to support walking.

In contrast, Shifting Gears prescribes a defined network of cycling routes on specific streets. There is no consideration for cycling infrastructure on streets that are not already specifically identified in the plan.

As a result, streets all over the city have been repaved or reconstructed over the past eight years with no cycling infrastructure even considered for addition.

Each of these is a missed opportunity to add cycling routes for a very low marginal cost: if a street is being resurfaced anyway, it's no more expensive to resurface it with bike lanes than to reinstall the status quo.

And Shifting Gears needs all the financial help it can get. When Councillors approved Shifting Gears, the idea was to spend $2.5 million a year over 20 years to build out the network. This would have represented about 2.5 percent of the annual roads budget for the past eight years, which is actually conservative given that walking and cycling already make up more than 10 percent of commuting trips.

Yet even that stingy target did not survive Council's annual budget process.

Since 2009, actual annual spending has averaged less than $900,000. At this rate, it will take 63 years to finish building out the Cycling Plan. It doesn't matter how ambitious a plan is if Council doesn't supply an implementation budget.

But that's not the only way City Councillors have been able to undercut the plan. Councillors are also entitled to veto cycling projects in their own wards at their own discretion. A transportation network only works if routes and destinations connect to each other, so each vetoed segment is a broken connection resulting in fragmentation and reduced utility.

It's interesting to look at why some cycling projects got the axe. Some were victims of budgetary shortfalls during road reconstruction projects, like planned lanes on Mohawk Road from McNiven to Filman and paved shoulders on Trinity Church Road south of the existing bike lanes.

Those streets are now locked in for the next 20-30 years.

When Concession Street was completely reconstructed in 2015, the absence of bike lanes was a glaring oversight on this lively urban retail corridor. Perhaps things might have gone differently with strong leadership from the local Councillors, but it was not listed in the Plan so the bike lanes were not included.

Other projects were vetoed by the Ward councillor. In 2010, Ward 6 Councillor Tom Jackson vetoed bike lanes on Queensdale Avenue, a wide residential side street that runs eastwest across the north Mountain from Upper Ottawa to a block west of Upper James. At the time, Jackson said he opposed the lanes because he didn't think people would use them.

Queensdale also extends into Ward 7, and in 2013, the City installed painted bike lanes between Upper Wellington and Upper Wentworth. Scott Duvall, then Councillor for Ward 7, said the 850 metre lane was a pilot project that he would evaluate "based on complaints". He must have received some, because the road was resurfaced in 2015 and the lanes were not replaced.

Photo provided by CITY OF HAMILTON - PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Our current Cycling Master Plan has three serious flaws that need to be resolved if Hamilton is going to achieve a truly functional cycling network

Instead, the City painted bike stencils on the road reminding drivers that cycling is allowed. Called "shared lane markings" or "sharrows", these stencils are not real cycling infrastructure, since cyclists are already allowed to use regular streets. (And evidence from other cities indicates they may actually be more dangerous than nothing.)

Likewise, in 2015, Ward 5 Councillor Chad Collins vetoed bike lanes on Greenhill Avenue after some local residents complained. It's interesting to note here that this argument never works the other way. When lower city residents complain about the postwar legacy of dangerous, high-speed oneway streets, they are invariably told that city streets are for everyone and commuter traffic should take precedence over what local residents want.

Bike lanes are transportation infrastructure, and we need to start treating them as firstclass components in the city's transportation plan. Every street that is due for reconstruction should receive consideration for added cycling infrastructure, and the cost of adding

bike lanes should be evaluated against the benefits of reduced roadway wearand-tear, reduced air pollution and improved public health.

Given that our transportation network is city-wide, it should not be easy for ward-heeling Councillors to pander to NIMBYism and veto local projects that connect neighbourhoods with the broader community. Wards are not walled gardens, and in any case, bike lanes make streets safer and more inclusive for everyone - including drivers.

Shifting Gears was an important first step in Hamilton's move toward a more integrated transportation system, but its limitations need to be resolved so we can really move confidently into a more multi-modal future.

By Ryan Mcgreal

Ryan McGreal is the editor of Raise the Hammer (raisethehammer.org), a civic affairs website in Hamilton. He is also a founding volunteer with Hamilton Light Rail (hamiltonlightrail.ca), a citizens group dedicated to bringing rapid transit to Hamilton. He lives in Hamilton with his family and works as a programmer, writer and consultant.

@ ryanmcgreal

URBANICITY.CA

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I ssues

Can We Afford not to Have Traffic?

The cost of convenience and the value of congestion restaurants per kilometre than it does as a one-way freeway. Even when it becomes two-way in the east, where it faces far more challenging economic conditions between Main/Kensington and Queenston/Parkdale, it maintains a rate of approximately 10 per kilometre.

On the topic of varying economic challenges, this is not to say that two-way conversion would solve all our urban woes in Hamilton, but it is hard to ignore the impact that it can have on ensuring a street sustains, if not thrives. Upper James, between Fennell and Rymal, probably faces some of the most grating urban congestion in the city, yet despite this and its low walkability, it maintains as a one of the city’s most commercially powerful streets.

Even Barton Street between James and Ottawa, which faces some of the most substantial economic and societal challenges in the city, sustains itself with a minimum 10 restaurants per kilometre for its 4.3 km stretch.

Photo by KEVIN LEE

Dean Martin maintained that his secret to happiness as he aged was experiencing daily, massive, steady, bowel movements.

Not only is this a sign of happiness but it’s also symptomatic of good health.

Too little, too slow, too fast, or too, ummm, not together, and it indicates that something is likely amiss health wise.

So this was a dark way to start an article, but it has a purpose.

On the one hand, because as we leave (for now) the great LRT debate behind us while also broaching two-way street conversion, I think about the two big, bad “T” words, taxpayer and traffic, and how they were at the root of any sh*t argument against LRT and twoway streets. And more importantly, because the slow, steady flow of traffic through a city (at least twice daily), like a good bowel movement, is good for the overall health of that city.

Now, for clarity’s sake, I’m talking specifically about urban congestion due to volume on city streets, as opposed to highway traffic jams. The latter is indeed very costly and can have very negative impacts on both economies and people. The former however, both indicates and exemplifies a healthy city.

Considering the two-way street debate, and specifically concerning the oneway freeways that are Main and King streets, we as Hamiltonians need to ask ourselves a few serious questions.

Namely, can we afford to not have traffic? And, what is the cost of our convenience?

Sure it’s nice to catch the green wave and zip from one end of the city to the other in 10 minutes, but for the sake of our city, should we? The answer is no, and I am even someone who appreciates this convenience daily.

One of the best, most immediately tangible indicators of the cost that these one-way freeways, and the absence of congestion as a result, has upon our city, can be found in restaurants along Main and King, or lack thereof.

As populations move to large urban centres, restaurants and the restaurant industry continually becomes a critical indicator of economic health. The restaurant industry matches economic cycles, and their tie to discretionary spending habits and cultural diversity each reflect, drive, and result from good economic conditions.

So here are some sobering facts.

The one-way, 6.5 km stretch of King Street, between King/Paradise in the west and King/Kensington in the east, has a total of approximately 65 restaurant establishments (of varying repute), the majority occurring in the core between Bay/Wellington. Contrast this with where it converts to twoway in the west, between King/Paradise and King/Sterling (King becomes residential beyond Sterling), on this 0.8 km strip there are approximately 25 restaurant establishments.

In other words, where King is two-way, there are over two times the number of establishments per kilometre.

Main Street is even more shocking. For the 7 km stretch between Main/Paradise and Main/Kensington, there are between 25 and 30 restaurant establishments. This, in the best case of 30, works out to an absurdly sad four restaurants per kilometre, which is a massive, far cry from the nearly 20 restaurants per kilometre on the 2.3 km twoway stretch between Main/Paradise and Main/Osler.

Bluntly, where Main becomes two-way in the west end, it has five times as many

Could you imagine how desolate Barton would now be if it were converted to one-way along with King and Main in the 1950s?

Or a better question, can you imagine what that one-way conversion has cost this city across the past six decades?

Whether costing us as taxpayers through the impact on the commercial and residential tax balance, costing our employment rate through the loss of direct commercial or spin-off employment, or costing the overall GDP of the city.

So, as we look towards our transit future, and the prospect of LRT and two-way conversion, we should remember that the maybe 10 additional minutes it may take to get home, is the insignificant pill we (only maybe) have to swallow for a significantly better standard of living.

And as some who drives those routes daily, I can happily live with that.

By Ryan Moran

Ryan is a proud Hamilton, Ontario native, interested in style, travel, adventure, arts and culture and always trying to be better. In other lives Ryan is an MBA, a Senior Manager of Marketing for Niagara Parks, and a CoFounder/Owner of CoMotion On King. In his rare spare time, he enjoys writing and photography.

@ RPMoran

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JUNE 2017

ISSUES

Traffic Troubles Is Hamilton’s aging system causing speeding?

Traffic. It's a contentious subject in Hamilton and complaining about it is certainly on-trend right now.

Most Hamiltonians of a certain age know that, in the past, the Main Street East intersections were progressively synchronized to keep the flow of traffic moving at 50 kph.

Some may even recall that the City used to have signs posted indicating exactly this. Essentially, drivers were rewarded for driving at relatively slow speeds.

Photo by HERMES RIVERA

But speeding has increased along Main Street East over the years. Frustrated drivers accustomed to the synchronization of the lights are driving faster to avoid getting caught at a red. Many have complained that the Main Street East traffic signals have become unsynchronized, with some even claiming they've been re-synced to a higher 60 kph. The reckless and selfish drivers racing through our downtown may give the impression that the latter is true, but the truth is much more ordinary; our aging traffic signals' internal clocks are wearing out.

Traffic congestion is a typical sign of an improved economy. That is an undeniably great thing that has happened to our downtown during the past few years. But sitting repeatedly at red lights increases pollution as well as driver stress and tension. This generally leads to an unhappier population.

Just ask London, England, the city with the worst traffic congestion in the world according to INRIX’s 2015 Traffic Scorecard. With institutions like McMaster drawing hoards to the core again, Hamilton's current condition

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is the result of more people crowding into the exact area with failing traffic signal clocks.

David Ferguson, Superintendent of Traffic Engineering for the City of Hamilton, says the Main Street East lights are still currently synced to 50 kph. The problem lies in the controller boxes that operate each set of lights.

"The City of Hamilton system is old," states Ferguson. "The oldest clocks are up to 15 years old." Hamilton is a long and narrow city, and while some people live within it, others need to get through it. With the City's mandate to move traffic as safely and efficiently as possible, those old clocks need to go.

Traffic department activities today include upgrading the city-wide traffic management system and re-setting clocks that go out of sync with the rest in the traffic corridor. Clock reset duty falls to the staff, who must travel to each location in order to physically change the clocks, a time-consuming venture. When the system upgrades are in place, Ferguson says the new technology will allow staff to monitor

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traffic and change signals remotely in cases of accidents. Some of this technology is already in use in other parts of the city, but it's not wide-spread.

The new technology is being installed under a five year plan. Intersections will receive traffic cameras and radios which the staff can use to monitor vehicular flow. The new system will also be able to send alerts to staff at the Traffic Management Centre, notifying them of locations that may need their attention. Staff can then decide to extend a green light for a few seconds to allow the back-log of travellers to clear the overburdened streets.

The new system won't solve all our problems. As a tool, it will help control congestion and speeding, but there is still a need for alternatives. Ferguson agrees there needs to be a balance between cars and alternate forms of travel, such as bicycles. But, he points out, eliminating a lane of traffic does affect congestion elsewhere. There's a domino effect to every change the city makes, and it can be challenging to get people to alter their behaviour.

When the controller box upgrades are complete, Main Street East will remain synchronized to 50 kph, which will alleviate some of the speeding problems the downtown area is currently seeing. Asked if they had considered timing the lights to 40 kph, Ferguson said there is no plan to change the timing of the lights, and his department has received no direction from city council to do that.

Moving the city safely and efficiently is the priority, and keeping vehicles moving reduces pollution and stress on citizens. Hamilton is headed in the right direction. We need to continue to find ways to overcome the difficulties inherent in incorporating alternative modes of transportation.

Ferguson's department is currently looking at ways to improve safety for all road users as part of the City of Hamilton Strategic Road Safety Program.

From 9,586 in 1988 to 3,673 in 2010, vehicular collisions in Hamilton have decreased 62%, which is a strong indicator that the city is on the right track.

By Marty edwards

Marty Edwards lives in Hamilton. His writing has appeared in The Hamilton Spectator, Ragtop magazine and DeLorean World magazine. He is a photographer and social media manager at The Generator. Pro-LRT, pro-car, pro-bike, pro-walking.

@ DMCMarty

URBANICITY.CA

7

IDEAS

Transportation’s Missing Middle Share a car, the cost and commute effectively

I

n urban planning and development we are seeing more and more concern over something called the “Missing Middle”.

The term references the gentle density, as it’s called, often lacking in urban areas outside the core of a city.

These developments, when planned for, help make neighbourhoods more well-rounded and accessible. They bridge the gap between towers and detached houses, supporting a complete community and allowing more people access to the benefits of urban areas. One of these benefits is choice in personal transportation.

When it comes to how we get around, many people think of only two camps: ABOVE: Map of where you can find Community CarShare cars / Photo Courtesy of COMMUNITY CARSHARE BELOW: An example of one of the shared cars those with cars, and those without.

In the extreme of those views, people without cars might be seen as poor or the rest of your car trips. It frees you marginalized. This privileged attitude from your own vehicle so you can ride also lends itself to the thinking that the HSR or the nearest Sobi to get to public transit vehicles and bike lanes work. The vehicle is there to give you just take up space on a road meant for peace of mind for transportation tasks best suited for a cars. On the other car; large grocery end, some don’t When it comes to how we trips, visiting a think cars have get around, many people friend in the next any place in the think of only two camps: town, or driving downtown of a the kids to mulcity.

However, those with cars, and tiple soccer practhe most under those without. tices. Now the utilized reality is thought of not really somewhere in the middle. Just like the detached owning a car may make us a little anxhome and the 30-storey tower, there is ious, but when we continue to own cars an overlooked segment of moving peo- for the convenience of a couple situaple, a missing middle of transportation. tions, for the “just in case”, we’ll concar they needed. A compact hybrid driveway does not mean you will never tinue to use them for everything.

What you find there is carsharing. for errands across the city. A pickup drive again.

Personally, I’ve been carsharing for Cars are expensive. When you add truck for running to IKEA in Burlingyears. The premise is simple: a car is together all the ownership costs that ton. A Minivan for just a few times a With all my passion for the LRT projparked in a neighbourhood and peo- chip away at your pay cheque, even if year when you need a little more room. ect, and my support for protected ple in that community use it when they you don’t drive it, insurance, parking, This is the future we should be mov- bike lanes and complete streets, you need it. Everyone contributes to the the car payments, you need to be sure ing to. Hamilton’s LRT project, and all wouldn’t expect me to also be a propocost of the car proportionally, based a vehicle of your own is worth your the other transit improvements that nent of anything with the word “car” in on how much they drive. In Hamil- hard-earned money. Even then, most will take place around it, will provide a it. After all, isn’t the whole idea to get ton we have private companies that cars spend more than 90% of their time huge boost to the number of Hamilto- people out of their cars? Yes. And that’s run this service for a profit, and others parked. Carsharing is a world in which nians who can use transit to commute. why Hamilton needs more carsharing. like Community CarShare, a co-opera- you only have to pay for the 10% of a With a solid spine across the city, carsharing and tive non-profit. With a carsharing ser- vehicle you’re actually using. transit will continue to vice in the area, the whole community

By Corey Hélie-Masters stands to benefit. You have the free- It was eight years ago in 2009 when complement each other.

After living in Hamilton for 7 years Corey has dom of mobility offered by a personal Community CarShare became Hamil- Once you no longer become its biggest fan. When he isn’t in a vehicle but you’re also freed from the ton’s first carsharing provider. Almost a need a car for commutHamilton HIVE meeting, you can find him excrippling cost of what you might call a decade later, and with 25 vehicles blan- ing, you no longer need ploring all areas of our great city, supporting local business, sustainable transportation, keting the entire downtown of our city, to own your own vehimoney pit on wheels. and doing what he can to bolster an equithe network and our usage of it still has cle. The key to this shift table revitalization of Hamilton.

Now to be clear, this neighbourhood a lot of room to grow. Imagine what is the realization that carshare vehicle isn’t meant to be used Hamilton would look like if everyone in not having a car in your for commuting. It supports you for our urban areas had access to whatever @ CoreyHMasters

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JUNE 2017

I ssues

Keeping LRT on Track with Facts A landmark project that deserves to be considered with accurate information

E

very issue of public significance comes with a generous amount of civic debate. Hamilton is wellacquainted with such hot topics, and is known to use “live ammunition” (to quote a City employee I recently chatted with). One only needs to consider the 50 year war over the Red Hill Valley Parkway, the heritage battle of the Lister Block, the stadium debate, the casino debacle, and most recently, the gong show surrounding the Metrolinx Hamilton light rail transit (LRT) project.

The public discourse surrounding the topic of LRT in Hamilton reached levels of absurdity that were impressive even by local standards.

Throughout the debate over whether or not Hamilton should accept the fully-funded $1 billion transit package from the Province, arguments and theatrics from both pro and anti-sides reached hysterical levels. LRT opponent Carol Lazich compared LRT to SARS and AIDS. Councillors Matthew Green and Terry Whitehead jousted over a podium in a farcical press conference that resembled a pre UFC match weigh-in. Councillor Donna Skelly provoked ire in Kitchener-Waterloo when she called their LRT “ugly”. It was a circus of engagement and inanity. Leaders led, rebels roused, grandstanders grandstanded, trenches were dug, lines were drawn, and there were casualties on both sides.

Unfortunately, one of the most unfortunate casualties was the truth.

Now, with only one unlikely “off ramp” that could terminate the project, Hamilton’s LRT is moving full steam ahead. In the process of reaching this point, however, civic dialogue celebrated great engagement and suffered severe injury.

I’m convinced that, more than in other debates, the prevalence of misinformation, fake

news, and alternative facts reached a new high. Social media channels were regularly filled with personal vitriol, uninformed opinion, and false claims about nearly every aspect of the LRT project (pro and against). Established media channels regularly printed and broadcasted incorrect or incomplete information about the project, and gave air to endless op-eds by the ignorant and opinionated.

Even the communication from Metrolinx and the City’s LRT office seemed to lack both volume and vigour. Blame Kellyanne Conway, TMZ, or the age of modern media if you wish, but it’s a sad reality that the clarity and quality of information exchange surrounding the Hamilton LRT debate has been marred by inaccuracy and inadequacy from day one.

The consequences of compromised communication are tremendous. In the case of Hamilton’s LRT debate, the muddy waters surrounding the project nearly led to the cancellation of the initiative by legislative delay. An ill-informed public is a fierce opponent and an unreliable ally for politicians to consider, especially on an issue as significant as a billion dollar transit investment. Fortunately, the frantic wave of campaigning and public engagement that preceded the Council vote to send the updated environmental assessment to the Province on April 19th was successful, and the project is still on the tracks for now. As a proponent of LRT, I am thrilled that the project is moving forward, but I shudder to think of how close we came to losing it in a cloud of confusion and chaos.

While Hamilton’s LRT initiative is a major project with many stakeholders, a huge budget, and a long timeline, the facts most often disputed remain the same. And they’re still facts.

Myth: LRT is a silly train to nowhere Fact: LRT uses state-of-the-art, accessible rail vehicles that are both environmentally efficient and aesthetically beautiful. The LRT route runs along Hamilton’s busiest public transit corridor and connects multiple important nodes. Furthermore, the B-line is simply a part of the BLAST network; a multi-phase public transit structure that will integrate with regional transit networks throughout the GTHA. While this silly train may not stop at your front door, it is a part of a large strategic program that will enable you to get anywhere in the region easily and affordably.

Myth: LRT is going to cost Hamilton taxpayers all kinds of cash Fact: The cost of the Hamilton LRT project is being covered by the Province of Ontario through Metrolinx. Hamilton will not be required to pay any of the capital costs of the LRT project unless specifically stated or negotiated (based on a change of scale or scope of the project) at the request of the City. The operating costs of the project are not a great unknown, but can be estimated accurately based on the hundreds of comparable LRT systems throughout the world. While the operating agreement has not yet been determined, the projected ridership, fares, and overall tax assessment increases tied to the LRT project are anticipated to far outweigh the highest operating costs the City could incur.

Myth: LRT is a poor investment because electric cars and flying cars are around the corner Fact: Yes, electric cars are becoming more popular by the day, and flying cars are already being tested. No, they will not replace the need for an affordable and accessible public transit system any time soon. The simple reality of traffic congestion must be addressed, regardless of the fuel type used by cars. Hamilton cannot continue to add lanes for more cars.

And no, we will not be flying in cars at any point during the useful lifespan of the LRT project. LRT is a sound investment because of the permanence of the tracks laid in the road. Investors and developers love LRT because of its permanence. The route can’t be quickly changed, and so the land surrounding it inevitably sees a bump in value, which means higher tax value, which means more revenue for the City.

LRT opponent Carol Lazich compared LRT to SARS and AIDS.

Myth: LRT won’t benefit anyone in the suburbs or rural areas of Hamilton Fact: LRT is a critical city building tool that will help to increase the viability of the tax base in the lower city. This means increased revenues for City coffers, which benefits everyone throughout the city.

A viable urban center is critical for the health of the entire municipality.

Myth: LRT could never work in Hamilton Fact: It’s time that we put an end to the idea that the things that work in hundreds of other cities would never work in Hamilton. There is simply no basis for this rationale. Hamilton has a population, urban density, transit ridership, and a surrounding region greater than those of the many cities already operating with successful LRT systems. Yes, Hamilton is totally different and unique, just like every other city in the world.

I could go on for pages with more facts, but now that I’m no longer Editor of this fine magazine, I have been told that I am limited to so many words. For more facts, however, you can take a look at HamiltonLightrail.ca. Better yet, go right to the official hub for the project at Hamilton. ca/LRT. Take some time to read the FAQs, view the maps and renderings, and learn about this project. It’s a landmark project for this fine city, and it deserves to be considered with accurate information. Public debate is a great thing, but it can become a dangerous and detrimental black hole when opinions aren’t informed. Let’s keep the conversation going with respect for facts and each other – perhaps also limiting the use of ‘live ammunition’. See you on the silly train to nowhere!

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TOP: Hamilton LRT Render BOTTOM: Proposed LRT route for Hamilton Images provided by METROLINX and CITY OF HAMILTON

By martinus Geleynse

Martinus Geleynse is the former editor and founding publisher of urbanicity Magazine.

He currently operates Make Media, a creative agency located in Downtown Hamilton.

@ martinus_g

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EXPERIENCES

Walk on the Wild Side Exploring Hamilton, one step at a time

Aside from the exercise and the intimate knowledge of the city, there is so much joy in meeting new and friendly faces.

A

dmittedly, when I first moved to the Hamilton area, my experience of Hamilton was pretty much sleeping in Dundas and driving to other cities —pretty standard fare for a lot of people. So much has changed since then!

For people who like to walk (or “hike” as I hear people call it), I live about a block away from the Escarpment Rail Trail which heads into the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. The DVCA and lots of other areas around town are a nature lover's dream. Many trails and paths snake around the city, through the forest, beside the beach, along the escarpment and by our many waterfalls.

(In addition to our waterfalls, I'm petitioning for waterslides to run alongside the various Mountain staircases.)

The distance from my house to my office downtown is around 10km. It often doubles given the circuitous routes I take in the warmer months.

That means, it can take two to four hours depending on how many stops I make along the way.

Typically, I take the Rail Trail to somewhere parallel with McMaster University, then cut over to walk across campus breathing in the unbridled enthusiasm and joie de vivre exhibited by the students. Before I know it, I'm in Westdale where I might pause and grab a tea or coffee at any one of their numerous cafes.

Photo by Benjamin Schneider

The next half of my sojourn involves winding my way somehow to Locke Street and popping in on clients along the way. My client list often dictates my route downtown. Inevitably, I run into other people who are out and about and plans tend to erupt for later in the day or week.

By the time I get downtown, I often feel like I need to check in on James North and the Bayfront area before I really get started. The great thing is, that in this modern age, I carry a magic phone that connects me to my clients and all my work. If something comes up, there are (approximately) 100,000 cafes and restaurants along my path that are more than happy if I stop in to answer some emails.

Aside from the exercise and the intimate knowledge of the city, there is so much joy in meeting new and friendly faces. Recently a woman moved here from Toronto and I said I would show her around. She was struck by how every 20 yards, it seemed like we ran into old friends of mine—and I have not lived here all that long. It is a rather constant reminder of the small town feel we engender in this Steeltown.

One time, I left a client's house somewhere near the Scottish Rite on King West and this car pulled up beside me and the window rolled down. I heard a voice say, “Get in!” Instantly I found myself looking for candy. (Don't try this

at home, folks!) I looked at the driver and I actually did not know this gentleman. It turned out he lives on my street and has seen me walking by his house.

Sure enough, we are now friends.

Another odd human detail is the bizarre amount of abandoned clothing that I find on our streets. I have found whole outfits, pairs of shoes and single boots left on King William on a Saturday morning. I often wonder what the stories are behind these shed skins.

Have our citizens been vaporized? Was this a moment of passion in a completely inappropriate place?

Of course, I started posting some of these on Instagram (#nakedinthecity #hamont—for the city that loves to turn it on and take it off!). Now I run into people on the street who lure me around corners to show me other clothing that they have found. I guess it is a little weird but I have to admit that I am strangely curious...

There is always a certain amount of safety concern when you are walking or cycling through the city (especially given these apparent vaporizations of people).

The winter months pose their own risks.

Personally I have come to know which homes

shovel their sidewalks in a timely manner and which do not. Let's just say I have a lot more respect for those that do.

Personally, I feel that the bridges that cross over the highway near Dundurn on both Main and King West could be a little safer, and in your own areas, you might have other spots that feel a bit sketchy. Nonetheless, the zebra-striped crossings and bike lanes from the past few years are welcome additions to the pedestrian commuter experience. I can only encourage more of the same.

I also would encourage more people to get out there and walk around. The more people out on the streets, the safer it will be and the more likely I will run into you. Try to keep your clothes on!

By Mackenzie Kristjon

Mackenzie Kristjon is a financial consultant and a singer-songwriter who performs under the moniker “This Mad Desire”. He has published numerous books including the awardwinning Culinary Saga of New Iceland.

@ mackenziek629

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URBANICITY.CA

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E x periences

Hamilton’s Small Business Enterprise Centre Funding students to run their own businesses “When I was 14 my parents drove me to a car show so I could take some photos of all the cars. Little did I know, my career was already beginning to take shape.”

For some, a career comes from years of soul searching, experimentation at various jobs and hours upon hours of researching. For Lucas Scarfone, it all happened in a flash — the flash from his camera.

For over 10 years, Lucas has been a professional photographer, capturing some of the world’s most exclusive vehicles, homes, private jets, and their owners — some of Canada’s wealthiest individuals.

How did he accomplish all this?

He received a very simple government grant from the Province of Ontario’s Summer Company program.

The Summer Company program aims to encourage and foster youth entrepreneurship in Ontario, with Hamilton having one of the busiest branches in the entire province. Each year, students aged 15-29 who are returning to school in a full-time capacity (following the summer) are eligible to receive up to $3,000 in government grants to start and run a government business. Lucas was a former participant of this program, and is now one of the ambassadors.

“I really enjoyed the program because I was exposed to some fantastic mentors who really gave me insight on the ins and outs of running a business,” said Lucas.

“Being so young and running a business for the first time was a little daunting. I was still learning the mechanics of photography while at the same time trying to master an invoicing system, figuring out marketing and HST and ensuring that I chose the right lawyer to set up my incorporation papers. It was a lot, but the Hamilton Small Business Enterprise Centre was there to help me through the entire process.”

After establishing his photography business, Lucas started to build his clientele and portfolio by attending several local track days, cruises and special events.

A chance meeting with Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank star, Robert Herjavec, gave Lucas the credibility and exposure to help grow the business and put his talents in front of some five star clientele.

“I saw Rob’s Lamborghini parked in the Toronto Star booth at the Auto Show and took about 100 photos of it. I found his email address and sent him all the photos that I spent countless hours editing and perfecting. Little did I know, it would turn into shooting several corporate and personal events including all three of his book launches," added Lucas.

"Rob has been so supportive since we met, with both my photography business and my magazine (Autostrada Forum Magazine) graciously agreeing to be on the cover of our very first issue which gave us credibility with potential advertisers and readers."

Most of Lucas' clients are very private so he can’t use any specific names, but a fair amount of them are listed on the Top 100 Wealthy Canadians list.

As he moves from small business to big, Lucas has words of wisdom to aspiring Hamilton entrepreneurs and young professionals.

"Have a plan and clear goals, don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone to move your business up a gear or two, and always be proud to represent this great city of Hamilton!"

Learn more: www.Ontario.ca/page/startsummer-company-students

TOP: Lucas Scarfone // MIDDLE-LEFT: Young Lucas with BMW MIDDLE-RIGHT: Lucas with Ferrari Scuderia 16M // BOTTOM-LEFT: Lucas & business partner Sean Patrick // BOTTOM-RIGHT: Lucas at launch party // All Photos Provided by LUCAS SCARFONE

By Michael Marini

Michael Marini is the coordinator of Marketing for the City of Hamilton's Economic Development Office. He can be reached at michael.marini@hamilton.ca @ hamiltonecdev

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ART GALLERY OF HAMILTON WHAT’S ON IN JUNE Encourage your child’s creativity!

AGH camps inspire children to think outside of the box and see connections in the world around them. Each week is different. Campers explore the galleries and then create drawings, paintings, sculptures and other projects in the studio.

Join us for a fun-filled week of activities!

Art Adventures AGES 4 TO 12 July 17 to 21: The Artist’s Studio July 24 to 28: Creative Expressions August 14 to 18: My Place in the World August 21 to 25: Art Adventures

Become an AGH Member and receive discounted pricing on camp registration.

Family Memberships $70 for AGH campers. (reg. $90)

Art Express AGES 13+ July 10 to 14: Art Express

Program Fees for All Summer Camps

Photos: Mike Lalich

Registration : AGH Members: $195 | Non-Members: $220 Extended Care is available 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.: $8 per day.

Pre-registration is required. Registration is for full-week sessions only.

For more information: www.artgalleryofhamilton.com 905-527-6610 x254 | education@artgalleryofhamilton.com

OPENING JUNE 17 JOSEPH HARTMAN: THE ARTIST’S STUDIO | THE LIVING ROOM: SELF MADE | OPENING JUNE 28 CARVING HOME: THE CHEDOKE COLLECTION OF INUIT ART | BEHIND THE SCENES: THE 19TH-CENTURY STUDIO REIMAGINED | KENOJUAK ASHEVAK & TIM PITSIULAK: DRAWING LIFE | BARRY POTTLE: THE AWARENESS SERIES EVENTS AT THE AGH ANNEX 118 James Street North Friday, June 9 from 7 pm to 9 pm | ART CRAWL: CHIPPEWAR!

Jay Soule, a.k.a. Chippewar, is an indigenous artist who is quickly establishing himself with his bold, graffiti style and the drive to keep Native people and their heritage in the mind’s-eye of our social consciousness.

Chippewar will be presenting the latest in his series of mock-horror film posters as a pop-up exhibition, and will speaking about art, activism, and contemporary Indigenous issues. Organized in partnership with Hamilton Community Legal Clinic and a multitude of community partners!

FREE ADMISSION. Saturday, June 10 from 12 pm to 3 pm BRUSH LETTERING WITH JENN LEWIS Brush marker lettering is fun and easy to learn and is a great way to adapt your handwriting into a fun script. This workshop will teach you about the basics of brush marker lettering and a simple alphabet to help you develop your own brusch marker script. Then we will put everything we learned together to create a framed piece of work you can take home and be proud of. All materials provided.

AGH Members $100 | Non-Members $110

Wednesday, June 14 at 7 pm | ilovefilm series Maurizio Cattelan: Be Right Back Maura Axelrod, USA , 2016 , Documentary, 95 minutes. NYR AGH Members $8 | Non-Members $10 Community Partner: Strangewaves Music & Art Festival Friday, June 16 at 7 pm | ilovefilm series Reel Injun Dirs. Catherine Bainbridge & Neil Diamond, Canada, 2010, 85 minutes, Documentary. Rated PG AGH Members $8 | Non-Members $10 Friday, June 23 at 7 pm | PAINTING UNCORKED All materials provided and fee includes one drink. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

AGH Members $45 | Non-Members $55 FREE OUTDOOR SCREENING | Irving Zucker Sculpture Garden/AGH Wednesday, June 21 at 7 pm Maliglutit (Searchers) Country: Canada | 2016 Dirs. Zacharias Kunuk & Natar Ungalaaq, Canada, 2016, Inuktitut, 94 minutes. Rated 14A Join us in celebrating National Aboriginal Day with a free outdoor film screening. Community Partner: imagineNATIVE Film & Media Arts Festival

123 King Street West, downtown Hamilton L8P 4S8 905.527.6610 www.artgalleryofhamilton.com

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#UrbanicityEats Guilt free eats with Eat Well and Little Big Bowl

Where can you eat locally, eat fresh food fast, and eat on a budget? Where can you Eat Well for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner?

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onest Foods aims to provide just that for the city of Hamilton with their two new ventures; Eat Well and Little Big Bowl. They may be located in the same building on John Street North in Corktown Plaza, but they are very much their own separate entities.

Little Big Bowl is the breakfast provider of the pair, serving up smoothie and yogurt bowls topped with fresh fruit and housemade toppings like bee pollen granola, roasted banana and candy kale. Breakfast no longer has to be boring!

Eat Well focuses on the lunch and dinner side of things, serving up a variety of cheekily-named bowl options; everything from grain bowls with spicy turnip, avocado and onion pickles to a shrimp and citrus bowl with sour fruits, edamame and coconut.

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3. Two-words, not actually this colour, this large roadway covers our East end top to bottom

1. The largest of all transport, you will find these in the harbour any day

8. A 'social bike'

2. These types of buses were used by the HSR from 1951 to 1992

9. Slang for a one gear road bicycle

7. Again, an acronym of past #HamOnt transit debates

4. The best way to 'tap' your way on to a bus or train

10. Street of the Hamilton GO Centre

5. The main road vein going east, mostly

12. You have probably gotten a yellow one of these on your windshield

6. Although not in this close-by city, this northern street adorns its name

14. Two-words, you have seen their big red buses shuttling kids around town for a cause

11. The sweetest word following a street name for those seeking a shortcut up the mountain

17. As fun to spell as it is to navigate up, this is our

13. Two-words, take this 'community' automobile program when you need it

Under the direction of Honest Foods’ culinary director Chef Mark Andrew Brown, the Executive Chef of the new locations, Joshua Wortley, spoke about the concept behind the restaurants.

He explained that their intent with Eat Well and Little Big Bowl is to introduce finer dining in a fast, casual fashion at an affordable price point that everyone can enjoy regardless of dietary requirements. He believes this has yet to be done in the city of Hamilton. Top quality ingredients will be brought into play at both

Photos Provided by EAT WELL AND LITTLE BIG BOWL

restaurants, because they believe to Eat Well is to Live Well.

If you’re vegan, vegetarian, glutenfree or just plain hungry, there is something for you at Eat Well and Little Big Bowl. They will be serving up top quality, flavourful ingredients, that showcase the actual tastes of the produce and toppings. They may even have omnivores (or carnivores!) considering that you may not need meat with every meal.

None of the Chef Inspired Bowl options at Eat Well are speaking to you today? Build your own bowl with their six-step process. (It’s easier than it sounds.) Top it with choices like a soft-boiled hen’s egg, chili popped grapes, date yogurt, peanut sauce with adobo pepper and more! Every time you visit Eat Well and Little Big Bowl you can have a new experience.

Their goal to source locally from 100km within the GTA has them utilizing locally-made ingredients such as:

organic produce from Simpler Thyme farm, dairy items from Hewitt’s dairy, Kozlik’s mustards, and chards and beet greens that they have grown. Staff at both restaurants will be able to explain to guests where each ingredient is from and the background of the product. In this modern world, that’s a breath of fresh air, since many of us are often unsure where the food we are eating comes from.

With Eat Well and Little Big Bowl, Honest Foods hopes to attract like-minded people; people who are interested in eating top quality, just-plain-good-for-you food.

With the hospital nearby, and many of the St. Joe’s staff on the look-out for new lunch options, they likely won’t have an issue attracting that kind of clientele.

View their menu offerings at www.goeatwell.com and www.littlebigbowl.com or go Eat Well yourself today!

By HEATHER PETER

Heather Peter is a restaurant marketer, food industry graphic designer, writer, blogger & avid home-cook. When not out supporting the local food scene, Heather immerses herself into the culinary community. Beyond food, Heather loves tea, animals, & exploring Hamilton’s green spaces. @ hamontsmallfry

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I deas

What's the Brouhaha?!

A guide to local events and live experiences in Hamilton Coast to Coast Community Picnic

THIS MONTH

It’s the Brüha here again to bring you a sample of the many events happening in Hamilton this month. Summer is just around the corner and the need to be outside soaking up the sun and inhaling the fresh air is strong. Thankfully, there are many outdoor activities all month long. Plus, with it being Canada’s 150th Birthday this year, tons of extra spectacular events are lined up. Here is our top 10 list to help guide you around the city and explore the best of what Hamilton has to offer.

100 in 1 Hamilton Date: June 3 Location: All across Hamilton WEBSITE: 100in1day.ca

Architecture Crawl 2.0 Date: June 9th Location: 5 unusual Hamilton spaces *Tickets available at bruha.com It’s well known that Hamilton has some of the most unique old buildings still standing. Is there any better way to enjoy Hamilton spaces than by going on an Architecture Crawl? Enjoy the night by exploring five unusual spots, listening to music provided by Hamiltonian bands, and celebrating all the amazing architecture that Hamilton has to offer.

The Hamilton Vintage Ball Date: June 7th Location: The Scottish Rite Club *Tickets available at bruha.com Step back in time to the good old days of swing dance. Held at the Scottish Rite Club you will also have the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of the property and learn the history behind this beautiful place. Also, don’t forget to enjoy the three-course dining experience brought to you by Chef Jolene. Be sure to grab your tickets and take part in some Lindy Hop dancing action.

Date: June 24 Location: Battlefield House Museum & Park WEBSITE: sclerodermawalkrun.ca/hamilton th

Join this cross country event to help raise awareness for Scleroderma, a chronic disease that affects 1 in 2500 Canadians. Get up and active to help raise money to research this disease and enjoy Battlefield Park. Don’t miss the chance to make a difference at this fun filled event complete with activities and prizes for everyone.

Concession Street Fest Date: June 10th Location: Concession Street

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100 changes in 1 day? The goal is simple, people from around the city joining together to see changes made across Hamilton. Lead your way through the city, individually or in groups, creating urban interventions. Work together as a community to inspire each other in small-scale acts to help make Hamilton great.

Walk, Run or Ride For Scleroderma

Join the fun and the summer weather by heading out to the 21st Annual Concession Streetfest. Reaching from Upper Wentworth to E 25th street, the road will be closed for a full day of family enjoyment. Live music, activities for kids, vendors, food and more will be shared by all at this event.

Hamilton Mini Maker Faire Date: June 11th Location: Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology This Mini Maker Faire is an all ages event dedicated to those tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkers, hobbyists, engineers, scientists, artists, and so much more. Here you can come together to share what you’ve made and learn with others who are excited to share in the experience. If you’re curious and fascinated by almost absolutely everything, bring the whole family for a day of exploring new possibilities and ideas.

A Day On The Bridge Date: June 11th Location: McQuesten High Level Bridge *Tickets available at bruha.com In honour of Canada’s 150th birthday this year, A Day On The Bridge is an event to celebrate the environment around us. The historic McQuesten High Level Bridge, which overlooks Cootes Paradise, Hamilton Harbour and the escarpment is the perfect spot to enjoy the day and take in our surroundings. Food, music, arts, and activities will be enjoyed by all throughout the day, and to end the night, a gala fundraising dinner. The fundraiser and all other donations of the event will go towards purchasing and protecting the land that will become a part of the Cootes To Escarpment EcoPark System.

Date: June 15th Location: Gore Park A community picnic in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday will be held at Gore Park. Bring along your own dinner to enjoy under a huge tent with neighbours and friends. Performances

by Hamilton Ariel Group and Comedy Magician, Graeme Reed will be held to delight all guests. Have no fear, tables, chairs and place setting are near!

Pop Up Hamilton Presents: Summer of ’84 Date: June 17th Location: Secret location will be announced 48 hours before the event *Tickets available at bruha.com Get ready to turn back time to 1984.

A night of cultural homage and delicious food. Bring it on back 33 years and enjoy a multi-course dining experience featuring some of Hamilton’s wicked chefs. Plus, live entertainment.

The catch? The location is top secret until 48 hours before hand.

Tall Ships Date: June 30th - July 2nd Location: Hamilton Waterfront, Pier 8 Canada’s 150th Birthday has all sorts of amazing events happening around the city and country. More than 40 Tall Ships will be sailing Canadian waters, and 11 of them will be staying in Hamilton waters. A very rare and beautiful site will be held during Canada Day weekend at the waterfront. Be sure to check out these magnificent ships.

By Kristian Borghesan.

Brought to you by Brüha.

Brüha is an event discovery and ticketing platform changing the way people interact with their local community, discover events & purchase tickets. Buy and sell tickets for upcoming events using Brüha.

@ BruhaExclusive

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Running a Green Business Hamilton’s premier Eco-Spa celebrates its 5th anniversary Kabuki Spa & Skin Centre, a full service day spa, opened seven years ago as Hamilton’s first certified Green Spa. In June, we are celebrating five years on Locke Street. The out pour of community support has been instrumental in growing little Kabuki from a single person enterprise to a bustling six employee venture. Kabuki knew right from the start that it wanted to be as ecologically friendly as possible. The goal was to run a spa that made minimal impact on the environment. Running a business this way saves money, increases revenue, community spirit and goodwill.

In the last few years, Hamilton has seen an increase in awareness of environmental practices. Currently we are the leaders in waste management in Ontario and one of the best in Canada. We Hamiltonians now demand that our businesses care for the environment, their staff, and the community as a whole.

We want our dollar to mean something. Kabuki is proud that our business has flourished among such caring and conscientious people.

Here are just a few of the ways in which Kabuki keeps green: First, we look at ways to decrease power consumption. When not in use, all power cords and lights are unplugged or turned off. Heat and air conditioning is kept at a reasonable temperature. It is our theory that keeping the inside temperature more in line with the outside temperature will result in less sickness and compromised skin health.

We choose reusable and biodegradable options when possible. The majority of our implements are sterilized and reused, and our hair removal system is all natural and biodegradable. We were the first to offer hot coconut oil in place of the petrol by-product, paraffin, which is chemically laden and awful for the environment.

We have in-spa recycling awareness, placing recycling and compost bins throughout spa. We have reusable

coffee cups that the staff are encouraged to use. Being beside a Starbucks, this has made a huge impact. There are far too many people sitting inside coffee shops with disposable cups.

We are also proud to say we do not provide bottled water. Bottled water has to be one of the worst environmental impacts in the past decade.

Over 50 billion water bottles a year are purchased and most are not recycled.

Plus, the cheap plastic they are made with leaches into your water. Tap water is rigorously tested and held to a high standard. According to a 2009 study by the Polaris Institute, bottled water companies have shoddy practices and testing is “essentially voluntary”. Companies like Dasani and Aquafina actually bottle tap water.

One of the most prevalent things we do at Kabuki is to carry and use only natural, organic and fair-trade products. Sadly, the skincare industry in Canada is very loosely regulated, allowing companies to use chemicals, by-products and fillers. As consumers, we can’t trust labelling and advertisements to lead us to healthy choices.

Companies ‘greenwash’ their products, a combination of outright lies, misleading key words and images. We are led to believe their product is clean and green. At Kabuki, we take great care to ensure that our products are healthy, good for the earth, and deliver results.

Why should you care about what you put on your skin? What goes on, also goes in. It can take 26 seconds for some cosmetics to enter your blood stream.

We also have to remember that everything we use eventually makes it into our drinking water. We don’t want to be drinking parabens, hormone disrupters and plastic.

Kabuki is proud to be at the forefront of a sustainable spa effort in Hamilton. We are particularly thrilled to be celebrating five years on Locke with the people who seek out, demand, and expect healthy skin care and spa services.

Join Kabuki on June 15th from 7-9 p.m. and find out how good it feels to make healthier choices. Plus, there is wine!

By Alexis Fletcher

Alexis Fletcher has an unwavering commitment to her community, as well as a dedication to making the world a happier and healthier place. It has always been her intention to uplift women mind, body and soul.

She does this through her education, volunteer work and environmentally sustainable endeavors. @ kabukiskin

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Artists Rising Together Creating a community and connecting local artists Hamilton continues to gain momentum as one of the major players in the Canadian music scene. Ontario is now considered to be the top ranked province in Canada for artists looking to break into the music and entertainment industries. After producing some of the world’s most successful artists, such as Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Shawn Mendes, Alessia Cara, and Drake, it is no secret that Ontario is a music powerhouse.

What role does Hamilton play in all of this? Well, take a walk down James Street, or some of the surrounding downtown areas, and you will quickly see that the city is rich with culture and filled with Hamiltonians who are eager to significantly impact the world of music.

This deep desire has been around the city for years, and has resulted in some big Hamilton acts dominating the world stage of music, such as the Arkells and Monster Truck. Although the city has an abundance of artistic talent, the real question is, how can artists transform this talent into a profitable career and build a substantial fan base? One organization believes they have the answer, and they are already impacting Hamilton in a BIG way!

Hamilton, meet One New Era! One New Era is an organization that is dedicated to uniting artists for collaborative projects, building promotional campaigns, assisting with social media marketing, and providing videography/photography services for artists looking to maximize their artistic potential. What makes One New Era unique is that every artist they work with receives their own personalized promotional campaign. No artist is the same, and therefore each project is uniquely created to match an artist’s identity and personal goals.

One New Era was founded by Hamilton-born entrepreneurs Anthony DiDomenico and Joanna Bis. Anthony and Joanna are extremely active in the Hamilton community. You may recognize them as two of the founders of YogaFest, Southern Ontario’s largest yoga festival. Anthony is also the CEO of iHELP Entertainment, which organizes events around the idea of “partying with a purpose” and donates a portion of profits from every event to local charitable organizations. DiDomenico and Bis are no strangers to the entertainment industry and have a lot of experience organizing performances, creating videos, and generating a crowd. The young entrepreneurs are also artists themselves and have a deep desire to share their passion for music and marketing with others, and thus created One New Era in order to unite like-minded artists.

The organizations mission is to inspire independent artists to work together and realize how impactful collaborative art can be. The Hamilton organization helps bridge like-minded artists with one another in order to create projects that are rooted in similar goals and passions. This helps artists increase their fan base, expand their network, and maximize online viewers. One New Era prides itself on creating a family environment with their artists and focusing on creating art that is rooted in a powerful message.

Although viewers and fan numbers are important, they believe that creating a genuine experience for an audience and focusing on an artist’s passion is the ultimate key to building a success- In order for Hamilton to officially gain the title of “Canada’s Music City”, local ful career. artists will need to recognize that it is essential to build a team and collaborate with other artists. One New Era is helping to organize team building and make artistic collaborations a lot easier to execute. It is an exciting time to be a No artist is the same, rising artist from “The Ambitious City” — the new era belongs to Hamilton! and therefore each project is uniquely If you are a passionate artist that created to match is interested in connecting with an artist’s identity One New Era, visit their website at and personal goals. www.onenewera.ca, or follow them on Instagram at @onenewera

By Dre pao

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Founders Anthony Didomenico & Joanna Bis Photos Provided by ONE NEW ERA

Dre Pao is a Hamilton-born songwriter/recording artist discovered in 2012 by Spanish artist Xuso Jones. Dre’s debut single, “WithoutChya” was officially released on June 3rd, 2017 on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, and all other music platforms. The Canadian artist built his multicultural fanbase over the past few years by covering songs on YouTube in both Spanish and English. @ DrePaoMusic

22

JUNE 2017

G ames

crossword *A n s w e r s o n P a g e 1 8

STEVEDOKU *A n s w e r s o n P a g e 6

Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.38)

PUZZLE 1 LEVEL: EASY

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#GetMoving

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Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.46)

PGenerated U Z Z L Eby 2 L E V E L : M E D I U Mon Sun May 28 02:54:44 2017 GMT. Enjoy! http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku 17

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3. Two-words, not actually this colour, this large roadway covers our East end top to bottom

1. The largest of all transport, you will find these in the harbour any day

7. Again, an acronym of past #HamOnt transit debates 8. A 'social bike'

2. These types of buses were used by the HSR from 1951 to 1992

9. Slang for a one gear road bicycle

4. The best way to 'tap' your way on to a bus or train

10. Street of the Hamilton GO Centre

5. The main road vein going east, mostly

12. You have probably gotten a yellow one of these on your windshield

6. Although not in this close-by city, this northern street adorns its name

14. Two-words, you have seen their big red buses shuttling kids around town for a cause

11. The sweetest word following a street name for those seeking a shortcut up the mountain

17. As fun to spell as it is to navigate up, this is our shadowy separation of transport between lower Hamilton and the mountain

13. Two-words, take this 'community' automobile program when you need it

20. High over the harbour this roadway is an imprint of Hamilton passersby 21. These type of railways moved riders up/down the mountain from 1892-1936

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Puzzle 1 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.66)

PGenerated UZZLE 3 L E V E L : H A R D on Sun May 28 02:54:53 2017 GMT. Enjoy! by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku

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Doug is a marketing expert with Forge & Foster whose charitable background includes Canadian Tire Jumpstart, the Heart & Stroke Foundation and Bike for Mike!

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16. Now a Boulevard, Nikola certainly does not mind, but Hamilton might

By Doug Lecinski

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23. On the mountain, short-formed, a part of a chain or Honest Abe

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15. A ride share app, most would agree is better than getting a cab

18. The 'R' in HSR seen on every bus

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22. Most Hamiltonians will argue this is the oldest, but best way to commute (not it's not a horse!)

@ DougLecinski

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19. This specialized 4-letter service provides transportation for people with disabilities

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Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Sun May 28 02:54:58 2017 GMT. Enjoy!