Council messed up on Gore demolitions

News of Hamilton city councillors’ vote to demolish historic Gore Park buildings, in addition to their efforts to open parts of the Niagara Fruit Belt for development, leave me wondering what is wrong with them.

Having lived in Kingston, Ottawa, Quebec City and Derry Northern Ireland, I’ve seen how these cities appreciate their heritage buildings, protect, restore them and then benefit from these unique character buildings.

Imagine Kingston councillors voting to demolish the charming old limestone buildings that define that city’s core, for steel and glass condos! They found money to save their heritage buildings. Why can’t we? Hamilton deserves to have its past preserved and restored, so future generations can experience the charm of our heritage in juxtaposition with the new developments downtown.

Bravo to the Ontario government for rejecting Hamilton’s request to remove tender fruit lands from Greenbelt protection. Councillors demonstrated lack of vision wanting to allow more development on these lands instead of promoting the fruit farming activities. The Niagara Fruit Belt is a gift. One of just three major fruit growing areas in Canada, uniquely endowed geographically for fruit growing. And it’s right on our doorstep!

Our obligation is to celebrate and protect the Niagara Fruit Belt, and the Gore Heritage buildings, for future generations ... not carve up for developers to build on, pave over and destroy. Marion Shynal, Stoney Creek