Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
9. The markets and restaurants
10. The trails, paths, and running routes
11. Gore Park
12. The climate
13. The safety
14. The landscapes and views
15. The ability to live modestly
I know, this may be a tough one to understand.
We have a big problem in Hamilton with poverty. Percentage-wise, there's a great deal of people who are struggling financially.
However, one of the great advantages of Hamilton is that there's a much larger middle ground than other cities. It doesn't cost $300k for a studio apartment. Nor does it cost $700k for a bungalow.
It's an easier city to become a homeowner in, which is a big step out of poverty. One can get a townhouse for $80k and a very nice townhouse for $120k.
And the mortgage doesn't take a big chunk of income like it does in other cities. If this is your dream, you can get a great house here for $200k, and one parent can stay home - whereas in another market that may be impossible, whether that's the $300k+ Milton market or the Leaside market or the Uxbridge market.
And the existence of the upper class means there's many service jobs and skilled trade jobs. So I've landscaped, I've painted, I've served coffee at a market tailored to a upper-middle-class clientele.
And as discomfiting as my stupid pride finds that, I'm OK with it. People need their lawns cut and their houses painted and their coffee served -- and the fact they live here means I have jobs here.
I had an uneasy realization a couple years back. I was in the middle of my master's, facing enormous loans (that are still enormous) and contemplating doing a different program just to make enough money to be financially secure - while working in my other field for next to nothing.
And the realization was... in today's world, you make a lot or you make a little. It's difficult to make a "moderate" income - you either get education and get a good one, or don't get education and get a bad one (unless you're one of the very lucky who can get a good apprenticeship deal).
But I knew my choice... either I keep making minimum wage or slightly better, finish my master's, and try for a (relatively impossible) teaching job.... or I go back for a couple years and make a lot more in a second field.... then be able to finish my masters and Ph.D. and even own a house and get out of wasting money and owing student loans. (So I went back for a couple years, and hopefully soon I'll be making enough to live on while my husband finishes school).
In another city, if you get that higher income, almost all that money would go into buying a house or renting a nicer place. Add on more for childcare, transportation, the cost of living... And here, when the time comes, we don't have to make that choice. We can buy a nice, but modest house - and still have money left for donation, for investment, for helping others.
Even if I have to commute a few days a week, which I certainly hope won't be the case, because of our lack of job opportunities. Even so, if I do, I'll come back to this great city at the end of the day.
I already know some people who are living modestly and able to donate quite a bit without taking undue hardship to themselves. And I love seeing those examples of people who just quietly keep working and keep giving. And I love that it's possible here.
Hamilton is a city that one doesn't have to choose between living in wealth or poverty. Because of that, one can live better and be more generous here. And that's another thing I like about Hamilton.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 14
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
9. The markets and restaurants
10. The trails, paths, and running routes
11. Gore Park
12. The climate
13. The safety
14. The landscapes and views
This is where my (small) artistic streak kicks in.
Line of sight matters to me.
Vignettes matter to me.
Composition and frame matter to me.
I'm particular about what I put on a shelf.
I'm particular about the views one sees as they walk into a room of the house or the perspective one has while sitting in each chair.
I've been able to greatly improve those views over the past couple years.
And for the city itself, I've been struck since moving here how amazing those views can be --- and how terrible others can be. One more category where our main streets do a great disservice to the rest of what's out there.
From my back deck, I can see a lot just about anything. A lot of sky, to start.
To the south and east, I can see several kilometres of the escarpment. At night, this turns into a swath of rock criss-crossed with streams of light. (In the winter this is even more incredible!)
To the north, I have a pretty clear view of the city to the harbour and several century-old trees.
And at night, inside from my floor-to-ceiling windows that face the west, I see tree branches moving in the breeze, and behind them a tower that gleams with 43 stories of light. (Here's a few of the views from that tower.)
And when there's a storm, I can sit under the porch roof, watch the rain pour down and the lightning strike and stay warm, dry, (mostly) safe and entertained.
Hamilton has waterfront. Escarpment. Forest. Waterfalls. Trails. Buildings. Lights. Towers. Ice. Snow. Leaves... open fields on the Mountain, shallow creeks. Gardens. Ravines. In short, there's a lot of places and a lot of great landscapes and views in the city.
For me, my favorite part is what I can see on a clear night looking up from my deck or my sidewalk... a sky full of stars - thousands and thousands! - that come second only to what I've seen up north. I never expected that in the city, but wow... I'll take it!
We have a ton of spectacular views. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
9. The markets and restaurants
10. The trails, paths, and running routes
11. Gore Park
12. The climate
13. The safety
14. The landscapes and views
This is where my (small) artistic streak kicks in.
Line of sight matters to me.
Vignettes matter to me.
Composition and frame matter to me.
I'm particular about what I put on a shelf.
I'm particular about the views one sees as they walk into a room of the house or the perspective one has while sitting in each chair.
I've been able to greatly improve those views over the past couple years.
And for the city itself, I've been struck since moving here how amazing those views can be --- and how terrible others can be. One more category where our main streets do a great disservice to the rest of what's out there.
From my back deck, I can see a lot just about anything. A lot of sky, to start.
To the south and east, I can see several kilometres of the escarpment. At night, this turns into a swath of rock criss-crossed with streams of light. (In the winter this is even more incredible!)
To the north, I have a pretty clear view of the city to the harbour and several century-old trees.
And at night, inside from my floor-to-ceiling windows that face the west, I see tree branches moving in the breeze, and behind them a tower that gleams with 43 stories of light. (Here's a few of the views from that tower.)
And when there's a storm, I can sit under the porch roof, watch the rain pour down and the lightning strike and stay warm, dry, (mostly) safe and entertained.
Hamilton has waterfront. Escarpment. Forest. Waterfalls. Trails. Buildings. Lights. Towers. Ice. Snow. Leaves... open fields on the Mountain, shallow creeks. Gardens. Ravines. In short, there's a lot of places and a lot of great landscapes and views in the city.
For me, my favorite part is what I can see on a clear night looking up from my deck or my sidewalk... a sky full of stars - thousands and thousands! - that come second only to what I've seen up north. I never expected that in the city, but wow... I'll take it!
We have a ton of spectacular views. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 13
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
9. The markets and restaurants
10. The trails, paths, and running routes
11. Gore Park
12. The climate
13. The safety
Crime across Canada continues to drop. And as far as big cities go, Hamilton's incredibly safe.
And as far as the largest 100 cities in Canada go, it's below the national average for most crimes.
I've seen dozens of articles on studies on this, but here's a more recent Maclean's one that cites StatsCan data.
For example, I'm less likely to be victim of a break and enter than I am in most areas - even less likely than Niagara.
Nasty things like sexual assault also happen less here then most other cities. (Although I'm not stupid - I know that does happen rarely - recently there was a random attack and SA a couple kilometres from here).
Murder rates are very low. That speaks for itself.
And while Hamilton ranks 15th or so in how likely you are to be robbed (higher than the national average), it's still one of the lowest rates as far as major cities go - lower than Victoria, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, or Vancouver and a dozen others
And like every city, there's areas where this stuff concentrates.
There's some neighbourhoods where you call the cops and they're not likely to come.
But most of our crime is petty or related directly to an activity that people choose to be involved in... and you can safeguard yourself against the one, and decide not to get involved in the other.
Living in Toronto I got used to keeping my head up, always wearing my purse on a long strap across my body (so it can't be snatched) and looking around when I walk. I don't usually carry anything worth taking - no phone, no money, nothing like that. And safeguarding yourself like that is second nature. And I worked in some pretty high-crime areas... and stayed out of trouble.
So I feel fine going to the store or to deposit a cheque at the ATM at midnight, along the better-traveled routes. (It's also well-lit and there's always people around, much more than I can say for the smaller town I lived in). If I'm traveling during the day, I don't worry a bit. I know if Jarod and I decide to go for a walk in the early a.m., we're good. And I know which places I won't go to too.
Sure, I know I'm not invincible, and I know that crime happens, whether you're in Niagara or Toronto or Saskatoon. And I also know that crime in Canada is low. Considering all that, Hamilton's a very safe option.
As far as cities go, it's really safe here. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
9. The markets and restaurants
10. The trails, paths, and running routes
11. Gore Park
12. The climate
13. The safety
Crime across Canada continues to drop. And as far as big cities go, Hamilton's incredibly safe.
And as far as the largest 100 cities in Canada go, it's below the national average for most crimes.
I've seen dozens of articles on studies on this, but here's a more recent Maclean's one that cites StatsCan data.
For example, I'm less likely to be victim of a break and enter than I am in most areas - even less likely than Niagara.
Nasty things like sexual assault also happen less here then most other cities. (Although I'm not stupid - I know that does happen rarely - recently there was a random attack and SA a couple kilometres from here).
Murder rates are very low. That speaks for itself.
And while Hamilton ranks 15th or so in how likely you are to be robbed (higher than the national average), it's still one of the lowest rates as far as major cities go - lower than Victoria, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, or Vancouver and a dozen others
And like every city, there's areas where this stuff concentrates.
There's some neighbourhoods where you call the cops and they're not likely to come.
But most of our crime is petty or related directly to an activity that people choose to be involved in... and you can safeguard yourself against the one, and decide not to get involved in the other.
Living in Toronto I got used to keeping my head up, always wearing my purse on a long strap across my body (so it can't be snatched) and looking around when I walk. I don't usually carry anything worth taking - no phone, no money, nothing like that. And safeguarding yourself like that is second nature. And I worked in some pretty high-crime areas... and stayed out of trouble.
So I feel fine going to the store or to deposit a cheque at the ATM at midnight, along the better-traveled routes. (It's also well-lit and there's always people around, much more than I can say for the smaller town I lived in). If I'm traveling during the day, I don't worry a bit. I know if Jarod and I decide to go for a walk in the early a.m., we're good. And I know which places I won't go to too.
Sure, I know I'm not invincible, and I know that crime happens, whether you're in Niagara or Toronto or Saskatoon. And I also know that crime in Canada is low. Considering all that, Hamilton's a very safe option.
As far as cities go, it's really safe here. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
Friday, February 12, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 12
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
9. The markets and restaurants
10. The trails, paths, and running routes
11. Gore Park
12. The climate
Short and sweet today.
Because it's February 12th and I didn't need to wear my gloves outside.
Hamilton has a lake and an escarpment. The main difference being that you get more snow above it than below.
Every resident in every area, though, gets to benefit from Hamilton's climate.
Gorgeous summers.
Milder winters.
A good growing season for crops (this is important stuff).
Just enough rain and snow to keep things growing without flooding us right out. (well, most of the time ;))
I'll take Hamilton winter any day - over the storms between Woodstock and London, or the snow dumped on St. Catharines or Markham. We've got it good here. Even the one fairly cold/wet winter that I lived here wasn't that bad. And we get a lot of sun, even in the colder seasons... Mostly because of that, my S.A.D. has been a tenth of its former strength, and getting better each year.
And I'll take Hamilton summer over an Illinois summer any day. I don't mind the humidity, and it's not as pressure-cooker oppressive as it is elsewhere. Plus, (again with the escarpment and buildings!), we get incredible breezes all summer.
I enjoy the climate here. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
9. The markets and restaurants
10. The trails, paths, and running routes
11. Gore Park
12. The climate
Short and sweet today.
Because it's February 12th and I didn't need to wear my gloves outside.
Hamilton has a lake and an escarpment. The main difference being that you get more snow above it than below.
Every resident in every area, though, gets to benefit from Hamilton's climate.
Gorgeous summers.
Milder winters.
A good growing season for crops (this is important stuff).
Just enough rain and snow to keep things growing without flooding us right out. (well, most of the time ;))
I'll take Hamilton winter any day - over the storms between Woodstock and London, or the snow dumped on St. Catharines or Markham. We've got it good here. Even the one fairly cold/wet winter that I lived here wasn't that bad. And we get a lot of sun, even in the colder seasons... Mostly because of that, my S.A.D. has been a tenth of its former strength, and getting better each year.
And I'll take Hamilton summer over an Illinois summer any day. I don't mind the humidity, and it's not as pressure-cooker oppressive as it is elsewhere. Plus, (again with the escarpment and buildings!), we get incredible breezes all summer.
I enjoy the climate here. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 11
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
9. The markets and restaurants
10. The trails, paths, and running routes
11. Gore Park
There's a plethora of Hamilton parks. There's a small one almost in my backyard, three more within a 2-minute walk, and dozens more within a short trip.
This is about my favorite one.
In 1860, Edward, Prince of Wales came to Hamilton to open Gore Park.
In 2009, I was walking home through Gore Park on a Friday afternoon.
It was a gorgeous, sunny day: with a slight breeze, a jazz band playing in the middle of the park, and I was heading home. So I stopped for caffeine at the local restaurant's patio, and flipped through my notes for that Sunday while the band played on. And it was perfect.... (well, except for the buses screaming by through the middle of the park every five minutes.)
Ah, Gore Park. Already, I know... I can hear the cries of protest already. Maybe you've had experiences like this. Fun fun fun fun fun.
But that's not all there is. Gore Park itself is still pretty amazing.
And it's the centre - symbolic and geographic - of the entire city.
It's a great size and a great location, is across from the Right house and near a few amenities like banks, clothing shops and restaurants. The ones I can vouch for are definitely Mahal and al Centro, and the landmark Victoria Hall (Foster Hall) and Mackay Building. Not to mention the office towers surrounding it, the statues and history in the park itself and of the name "Gore" - remarkable.
And I hope we can make it a better space. The city can plan redo after redo, and I'm sure some of those changes will be great. But at the bottom line, you need to change the mix of people using the park to be more diverse and a better balance - not get rid of anyone, but give new people things to do, and give productive activity for some already present.
And to do that you need to make sure there's (a) quality destinations around the park and (b) multiple activities to do at those destinations as well as (c) improving the park itself
Because right now there's a big disconnection between those who work downtown and live downtown, and those who use Gore Park. (I know, because I take the bus with both types of "commuters" every day...)
And that disconnect is the killer, when it's only the users are those who default into Gore Park and don't have a positive reason to be there. There need to be more positive reasons to be around the area, and it needs to be a park that all types of people can feel comfortable in.
If I could see just one thing, we really need a decent coffeehouse in the Gore - for an extra two quarters, I'll pay for a better coffee and better atmosphere. Or two coffeehouses, but one decent chain to start, to draw in some of the cubicle dwellers who are a ready-made market. I know... they'll buy 2-3 cups a day, Monday to Friday... I've worked in chains near offices. People all over want an option besides Country Style and Tim's... Williams was rumoured to want a spot in the Foster Building... it's a shame that didn't work out. Second Cup beats any other chain for coffee quality, and the only one downtown is at the hospital. Yeah...
Not to mention I really want a space I can work in downtown, plug in a laptop, and not be interrupted by social Mac kids or an impromptu grassroots revolution (and you know I love ya both, Westdale Second Cup and Bread and Roses ;))
Events and attractions held there also help balance the equation (whether that's the Christmas attractions in the winter or Music in the City in the summer). Markets, festivals, theatre, public art... this has to happen too, an intentional filling of the space. Removing the buses means that the restaurant patios will become a better experience, and there's possibilities on that road for markets and other things.
In the meantime, I'm a firm believer in ordinary people enjoying what's there and being present... just there... and the incremental but real change that brings.
So I walk there.
Or read there.
Or head there on a cold night when few others are out... but the ice and the lights combine to make the entire park into a gigantic, brilliantly faceted diamond.... like last Tuesday. Amazing.
I'm thankful for the very fact this space exists. And I'm hopeful for what it may become.
I love Gore Park. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
9. The markets and restaurants
10. The trails, paths, and running routes
11. Gore Park
There's a plethora of Hamilton parks. There's a small one almost in my backyard, three more within a 2-minute walk, and dozens more within a short trip.
This is about my favorite one.
In 1860, Edward, Prince of Wales came to Hamilton to open Gore Park.
In 2009, I was walking home through Gore Park on a Friday afternoon.
It was a gorgeous, sunny day: with a slight breeze, a jazz band playing in the middle of the park, and I was heading home. So I stopped for caffeine at the local restaurant's patio, and flipped through my notes for that Sunday while the band played on. And it was perfect.... (well, except for the buses screaming by through the middle of the park every five minutes.)
Ah, Gore Park. Already, I know... I can hear the cries of protest already. Maybe you've had experiences like this. Fun fun fun fun fun.
But that's not all there is. Gore Park itself is still pretty amazing.
And it's the centre - symbolic and geographic - of the entire city.
It's a great size and a great location, is across from the Right house and near a few amenities like banks, clothing shops and restaurants. The ones I can vouch for are definitely Mahal and al Centro, and the landmark Victoria Hall (Foster Hall) and Mackay Building. Not to mention the office towers surrounding it, the statues and history in the park itself and of the name "Gore" - remarkable.
And I hope we can make it a better space. The city can plan redo after redo, and I'm sure some of those changes will be great. But at the bottom line, you need to change the mix of people using the park to be more diverse and a better balance - not get rid of anyone, but give new people things to do, and give productive activity for some already present.
And to do that you need to make sure there's (a) quality destinations around the park and (b) multiple activities to do at those destinations as well as (c) improving the park itself
Because right now there's a big disconnection between those who work downtown and live downtown, and those who use Gore Park. (I know, because I take the bus with both types of "commuters" every day...)
And that disconnect is the killer, when it's only the users are those who default into Gore Park and don't have a positive reason to be there. There need to be more positive reasons to be around the area, and it needs to be a park that all types of people can feel comfortable in.
If I could see just one thing, we really need a decent coffeehouse in the Gore - for an extra two quarters, I'll pay for a better coffee and better atmosphere. Or two coffeehouses, but one decent chain to start, to draw in some of the cubicle dwellers who are a ready-made market. I know... they'll buy 2-3 cups a day, Monday to Friday... I've worked in chains near offices. People all over want an option besides Country Style and Tim's... Williams was rumoured to want a spot in the Foster Building... it's a shame that didn't work out. Second Cup beats any other chain for coffee quality, and the only one downtown is at the hospital. Yeah...
Not to mention I really want a space I can work in downtown, plug in a laptop, and not be interrupted by social Mac kids or an impromptu grassroots revolution (and you know I love ya both, Westdale Second Cup and Bread and Roses ;))
Events and attractions held there also help balance the equation (whether that's the Christmas attractions in the winter or Music in the City in the summer). Markets, festivals, theatre, public art... this has to happen too, an intentional filling of the space. Removing the buses means that the restaurant patios will become a better experience, and there's possibilities on that road for markets and other things.
In the meantime, I'm a firm believer in ordinary people enjoying what's there and being present... just there... and the incremental but real change that brings.
So I walk there.
Or read there.
Or head there on a cold night when few others are out... but the ice and the lights combine to make the entire park into a gigantic, brilliantly faceted diamond.... like last Tuesday. Amazing.
I'm thankful for the very fact this space exists. And I'm hopeful for what it may become.
I love Gore Park. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 10
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
9. The markets and restaurants
10. The trails, paths, and running routes
I'm a constant walker, an occasional hiker, and an off-and-on runner. This city has an amazing array of great routes for all three no matter where you are, and many runners realize that.
However, I am no spandex-clad Running Room devotee, so the other 99% of you can relate too, I hope.
First, the trails...
Trails are everywhere, mostly thanks to the escarpment. Thanks to the Escarpment and the Bruce Trail, there's hiking paths directly through the middle of the city, mostly flat and well-traveled enough for a quick jog or leisurely walk, but far-reaching enough that one can go just about anywhere. (I don't even mind the cut through the golf course... I find it kind of funny, actually). It's also really nice to run past a waterfall or two, and there's many more of those around the city.
And you can start hiking right afer stepping right off a paved city street... instead of driving half an hour to the trail, like we used to. The connection of the Bruce trail being right IN Hamilton, running through the city, is enormously advantageous.
Around the Bayfront, a huge paved trail connects the entire Harbour area as well, and there's another trail along the East Hamilton beach... The Bayfront trail's the one I use the most, and I love the views.
And running...
Type "running routes Hamilton" into Google and your first result is this: several routes mapped out, with variety in length, difficulty, and geography (west mountain, waterfront, downtown, etc.)
And of course we have Runner's Den and Running Room and more if you're with that set.
I rarely identify myself with that subculture, but to let Stuff White People Like rest easy, let's do the tally. Hmmm.. I do have New Balance Shoes, but not much in the way of "Outdoor Performance Gear" besides a ten-year-old-jacket and even older shorts. I guess that means that as I run through an area, I'm gentrification-neutral.
Even running on the harder surface of sidewalks, there's enough of a variety in streets, whether in residential neighbourhoods on the Mountain or quieter routes in the lower city to take a different route every day and not get bored. (and the fact this city's statistically so safe, and most neighbourhoods are safe, is also a big bonus for that)
I don't do it often, but I really enjoy Stinson from Victoria to Wentworth, then ducking down to Cumberland and going east to Gage Park. It's quiet and bright and full of trees.. and next to no road noise.
And of course, the stairs.
I remember after just moving here and re-certifying my CPR at a lovely lady's house on Auchmar. I ended up walking the Dundurn stairs there and back.... and it didn't hurt to pick up a croissant at Zarky's on the way back. I was amazed at how easy the walk was.
The Spec did a decent summary about them a couple years ago and Jeff Mahoney just wrote another one... Where else do you get that kind of outdoor workout for free - and that type of much-needed connection between upper and lower city?
What we have here is unique. There's a great network of places to walk and run in the city. And the escarpment means that we have great geographical advantages and features for even more of those.
And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
9. The markets and restaurants
10. The trails, paths, and running routes
I'm a constant walker, an occasional hiker, and an off-and-on runner. This city has an amazing array of great routes for all three no matter where you are, and many runners realize that.
However, I am no spandex-clad Running Room devotee, so the other 99% of you can relate too, I hope.
First, the trails...
Trails are everywhere, mostly thanks to the escarpment. Thanks to the Escarpment and the Bruce Trail, there's hiking paths directly through the middle of the city, mostly flat and well-traveled enough for a quick jog or leisurely walk, but far-reaching enough that one can go just about anywhere. (I don't even mind the cut through the golf course... I find it kind of funny, actually). It's also really nice to run past a waterfall or two, and there's many more of those around the city.
And you can start hiking right afer stepping right off a paved city street... instead of driving half an hour to the trail, like we used to. The connection of the Bruce trail being right IN Hamilton, running through the city, is enormously advantageous.
Around the Bayfront, a huge paved trail connects the entire Harbour area as well, and there's another trail along the East Hamilton beach... The Bayfront trail's the one I use the most, and I love the views.
And running...
Type "running routes Hamilton" into Google and your first result is this: several routes mapped out, with variety in length, difficulty, and geography (west mountain, waterfront, downtown, etc.)
And of course we have Runner's Den and Running Room and more if you're with that set.
I rarely identify myself with that subculture, but to let Stuff White People Like rest easy, let's do the tally. Hmmm.. I do have New Balance Shoes, but not much in the way of "Outdoor Performance Gear" besides a ten-year-old-jacket and even older shorts. I guess that means that as I run through an area, I'm gentrification-neutral.
Even running on the harder surface of sidewalks, there's enough of a variety in streets, whether in residential neighbourhoods on the Mountain or quieter routes in the lower city to take a different route every day and not get bored. (and the fact this city's statistically so safe, and most neighbourhoods are safe, is also a big bonus for that)
I don't do it often, but I really enjoy Stinson from Victoria to Wentworth, then ducking down to Cumberland and going east to Gage Park. It's quiet and bright and full of trees.. and next to no road noise.
And of course, the stairs.
I remember after just moving here and re-certifying my CPR at a lovely lady's house on Auchmar. I ended up walking the Dundurn stairs there and back.... and it didn't hurt to pick up a croissant at Zarky's on the way back. I was amazed at how easy the walk was.
The Spec did a decent summary about them a couple years ago and Jeff Mahoney just wrote another one... Where else do you get that kind of outdoor workout for free - and that type of much-needed connection between upper and lower city?
What we have here is unique. There's a great network of places to walk and run in the city. And the escarpment means that we have great geographical advantages and features for even more of those.
And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 9
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
9. The markets and restaurants
I love food. I'm no chef, but I enjoy it. (And coffee/cafes will take up a whole future post).
In Hamilton, food is plentiful, affordable, delicious and diverse. And we're even lucky enough to grow some of it around here.
Regular grocery stores... they're all here. One a couple minutes away from me, a few others a little farther.
Specialty foods? No problem.
Just to start, we have Denningers, Duartes, a plethora of Asian grocers (I go to this one), Goodness Me!, Reardons, Locke Street Bagel, Zarky's (locations all over the city), cheese shops, Italian and Portuguese bakeries... need I go on?
A few weeks ago, I had canoli from Frank's Sicilia Bakery at Barton/Sherman. Unbelievably good.
Of course, there's also the markets - Hamilton Farmers Market, Ottawa Street, Westdale, the Mountain, Dundas, Skydragon... and different CSA/Foodshare boxes too (around the corner from me, you can get the Good Food Box ordered at the FRWY, fyi).
(not to mention the Makers Markets that also happen all year)
This is the first list of Hamilton Cuisine I saw, and I like Chowhound to find new grocery stores and new restaurants. Viewmag's "best of food" or Restaurantica are also starting points. I've barely scratched the surface.
Restaurants are my favorite... although I don't dine out that often. Here's my very short and very biased list of the ones I like the most.
Harbour Diner Pay the same as any other breakfast place, but nicer atmosphere and better food, plus creative options if you feel like it. (Beats the pants off the Egg and I, at least in the "pancake quality" and "level of background noise" divisions)
Rolly Rockets BBQ (real southern BBQ)
Go Tempura (for AYCE, I like it better than Sapporo, which is also pretty good. At Go Tempura, it's a bit fresher, a bit cheaper, and a bit more variety. You can get the $12 lunch menu at dinner. HUGE sushi portions a la carte for a great price too)
La Luna (locations in several places, Mediterranean, a little pricey but good.)
Rebel's Rock (Irish pub, good food, near to us. n)
Pho Dau Bo (Pho with good quality broth and other options)
Le Chinois (Chinese takeout at a good value without the grease of Forbidden City).
and of course Al Centro, the Italian place in Gore park.
I'm sure I've missed several that are fantastic.
There's many, many, many more like Affinity or Lulu's I still need to get to - and someday figure out how Wild Wing (which I do like) measures up to Right Wingers that I've heard about and I hear Bronzie's Place is good food and huge portions. Not to mention Mex-I-Can and Poco Loco
If Hamilton gets an AYCE Korean BBQ, another piece of the world will fall into place ;)
I'm always open to further recommendations. I like to eat, I like good food. I like making food and I like going out for it. Hamilton has food in abundance, it's really good, affordable, and there's all different kinds.
And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
9. The markets and restaurants
I love food. I'm no chef, but I enjoy it. (And coffee/cafes will take up a whole future post).
In Hamilton, food is plentiful, affordable, delicious and diverse. And we're even lucky enough to grow some of it around here.
Regular grocery stores... they're all here. One a couple minutes away from me, a few others a little farther.
Specialty foods? No problem.
Just to start, we have Denningers, Duartes, a plethora of Asian grocers (I go to this one), Goodness Me!, Reardons, Locke Street Bagel, Zarky's (locations all over the city), cheese shops, Italian and Portuguese bakeries... need I go on?
A few weeks ago, I had canoli from Frank's Sicilia Bakery at Barton/Sherman. Unbelievably good.
Of course, there's also the markets - Hamilton Farmers Market, Ottawa Street, Westdale, the Mountain, Dundas, Skydragon... and different CSA/Foodshare boxes too (around the corner from me, you can get the Good Food Box ordered at the FRWY, fyi).
(not to mention the Makers Markets that also happen all year)
This is the first list of Hamilton Cuisine I saw, and I like Chowhound to find new grocery stores and new restaurants. Viewmag's "best of food" or Restaurantica are also starting points. I've barely scratched the surface.
Restaurants are my favorite... although I don't dine out that often. Here's my very short and very biased list of the ones I like the most.
Harbour Diner Pay the same as any other breakfast place, but nicer atmosphere and better food, plus creative options if you feel like it. (Beats the pants off the Egg and I, at least in the "pancake quality" and "level of background noise" divisions)
Rolly Rockets BBQ (real southern BBQ)
Go Tempura (for AYCE, I like it better than Sapporo, which is also pretty good. At Go Tempura, it's a bit fresher, a bit cheaper, and a bit more variety. You can get the $12 lunch menu at dinner. HUGE sushi portions a la carte for a great price too)
La Luna (locations in several places, Mediterranean, a little pricey but good.)
Rebel's Rock (Irish pub, good food, near to us. n)
Pho Dau Bo (Pho with good quality broth and other options)
Le Chinois (Chinese takeout at a good value without the grease of Forbidden City).
and of course Al Centro, the Italian place in Gore park.
I'm sure I've missed several that are fantastic.
There's many, many, many more like Affinity or Lulu's I still need to get to - and someday figure out how Wild Wing (which I do like) measures up to Right Wingers that I've heard about and I hear Bronzie's Place is good food and huge portions. Not to mention Mex-I-Can and Poco Loco
If Hamilton gets an AYCE Korean BBQ, another piece of the world will fall into place ;)
I'm always open to further recommendations. I like to eat, I like good food. I like making food and I like going out for it. Hamilton has food in abundance, it's really good, affordable, and there's all different kinds.
And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
Monday, February 8, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 8
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
You've probably seen this commercial:
You may not have realized it was shot completely in Hamilton. How about this one?
We moved here in October 2007... and for some reason, some main streets downtown were always closed for film shoots. I'm pretty sure that's because what is now the 2-million renovated London Tap House was the Hulk set.
I had no idea about that - or about any of the film industry here. I knew the railway station was used in X-Men and that was about it.
Since then, I've realized just how many movies I've seen were filmed here, walked by a lot more movie shoots, seen just how many are being made, and met a lot more people in the film industry. It employs people of various skill levels in a wide variety of jobs. And job creation in this city is one of our biggest needs.
In the film industry, we've got a good thing going.
I hope we can make it even better. A pretty comprehensive article was just published on Sunday about what's happening right now in Hamilton.
As they mention, we've already got momentum happening with tax credits, location, staff, people, and settings. We film more large projects, proportionately, and fewer small ones, which is both good and bad. Hamilton's a stand-in for other cities and also plays itself at times.
The last couple paragraphs mention the newly proposed Creative Catalyst project - (early proposal here and much more recent report here) which would include studio space.
Not that the "triple bottom line" means much anyhow, but I find it very encouraging that the early report did not recognize that it would make Hamilton a city of choice and make people want to be here... and as they've learned more, the city checked the "yes" box beside that item -- the city is recognizing that arts, culture, media bring economic benefits and attract people... even "high performance public servants."
They also mention the need for better hotel space. (I've said ever since I moved here we need a boutique hotel, and there's several locations to build one. Smaller, unique, individual, specialized. There's five locations and concepts I can think of within seconds.) I know studio projects have been tried before... but I think one can stick. Another that's not a potential part of this project would be a great use for a former brownfield.
I love being in a city that movies are made in. I love how it adds to the city. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
8. The film industry
You've probably seen this commercial:
You may not have realized it was shot completely in Hamilton. How about this one?
We moved here in October 2007... and for some reason, some main streets downtown were always closed for film shoots. I'm pretty sure that's because what is now the 2-million renovated London Tap House was the Hulk set.
I had no idea about that - or about any of the film industry here. I knew the railway station was used in X-Men and that was about it.
Since then, I've realized just how many movies I've seen were filmed here, walked by a lot more movie shoots, seen just how many are being made, and met a lot more people in the film industry. It employs people of various skill levels in a wide variety of jobs. And job creation in this city is one of our biggest needs.
In the film industry, we've got a good thing going.
I hope we can make it even better. A pretty comprehensive article was just published on Sunday about what's happening right now in Hamilton.
As they mention, we've already got momentum happening with tax credits, location, staff, people, and settings. We film more large projects, proportionately, and fewer small ones, which is both good and bad. Hamilton's a stand-in for other cities and also plays itself at times.
The last couple paragraphs mention the newly proposed Creative Catalyst project - (early proposal here and much more recent report here) which would include studio space.
Not that the "triple bottom line" means much anyhow, but I find it very encouraging that the early report did not recognize that it would make Hamilton a city of choice and make people want to be here... and as they've learned more, the city checked the "yes" box beside that item -- the city is recognizing that arts, culture, media bring economic benefits and attract people... even "high performance public servants."
They also mention the need for better hotel space. (I've said ever since I moved here we need a boutique hotel, and there's several locations to build one. Smaller, unique, individual, specialized. There's five locations and concepts I can think of within seconds.) I know studio projects have been tried before... but I think one can stick. Another that's not a potential part of this project would be a great use for a former brownfield.
I love being in a city that movies are made in. I love how it adds to the city. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 7
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
Hamilton's got some great nature going for it.
This is Sean and Katie, and they are awesome people. Last July or so, they were visiting the province from Alabama (they'd flown to Buffalo, and were hitchiking up to Montreal). They were couchsurfing nearby and I met them in church on Sunday. They're pretty awesome, and we ended up hanging out a few times while they were there and on their way back.
When I first met them, it was a hot, brilliantly sunny day, and we headed down to the waterfront trail.
It's one of my favorite parts about Hamilton.
Not long after, another one of their hosts, Mandy, took them down to the beach and the waterfalls (no promotion required)
Two tourists. Two hosts. Three different destinations, all natural features we've taken advantage of. That's huge.
I like the Dundurn stairs, where you can head several different directions.... and seeing a few dozen snakes sunning themselves on the rocks, and little creatures moving amongst the undergrowth. (And yelling SNAKES ON A ROCK! har har...)
There's lots of great fishing here too, whether you're going off the waterfront trail or slightly out of town, there's many areas to go with lots of fish.
Among other odd jobs, I did a lot of landscaping last summer, and remember the variety of wildlife that would bolt back into the ravine as we came into Ancaster and Dundas backyards.
I even remember seeing herons in the water from my vantage point on the early morning GO train. (this is a picture of another one sighted in the Hamilton area, not the one I've seen)
There's also an enormous amount of conservation area here. I haven't ventured out to Cootes Paradise yet. And also, of course, the many farms and fantastic farmland that's so rare over much of the country is worth mentioning again.
(Although as far as nature goes, I could live without squirrels and pigeons, for obvious reasons)
So tonight I started to write a post about nature in Hamilton, and "The World Is Just Awesome" kept running through my head. So hey, I figured, let's run with it.
It never gets old huh?
Nope
It kinda make you wanna..break into song?
Yep
I love the oak trees
I love the clear blue skies
I love the Bruce Trail
I love when herons fly
I love Hamilton
And all the nature here
Boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah
I love the waterfront
I love deer in backyards
I love Princess Point
I love the escarpment
I love the whole place and all its craziness
Boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah
I love the nature folks
I love taking walks
I love my fishing hole
I love SNAKES ON ROCKS!
I love Hamilton
Its such a brilliant place!
Boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah
Boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah
Boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah
Hamilton's full of amazing creatures and plants and life. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
7. The nature
Hamilton's got some great nature going for it.
This is Sean and Katie, and they are awesome people. Last July or so, they were visiting the province from Alabama (they'd flown to Buffalo, and were hitchiking up to Montreal). They were couchsurfing nearby and I met them in church on Sunday. They're pretty awesome, and we ended up hanging out a few times while they were there and on their way back.
When I first met them, it was a hot, brilliantly sunny day, and we headed down to the waterfront trail.
It's one of my favorite parts about Hamilton.
Not long after, another one of their hosts, Mandy, took them down to the beach and the waterfalls (no promotion required)Two tourists. Two hosts. Three different destinations, all natural features we've taken advantage of. That's huge.
I like the Dundurn stairs, where you can head several different directions.... and seeing a few dozen snakes sunning themselves on the rocks, and little creatures moving amongst the undergrowth. (And yelling SNAKES ON A ROCK! har har...)
There's lots of great fishing here too, whether you're going off the waterfront trail or slightly out of town, there's many areas to go with lots of fish.
Among other odd jobs, I did a lot of landscaping last summer, and remember the variety of wildlife that would bolt back into the ravine as we came into Ancaster and Dundas backyards.
I even remember seeing herons in the water from my vantage point on the early morning GO train. (this is a picture of another one sighted in the Hamilton area, not the one I've seen)
There's also an enormous amount of conservation area here. I haven't ventured out to Cootes Paradise yet. And also, of course, the many farms and fantastic farmland that's so rare over much of the country is worth mentioning again.
(Although as far as nature goes, I could live without squirrels and pigeons, for obvious reasons)
So tonight I started to write a post about nature in Hamilton, and "The World Is Just Awesome" kept running through my head. So hey, I figured, let's run with it.
It never gets old huh?
Nope
It kinda make you wanna..break into song?
Yep
I love the oak trees
I love the clear blue skies
I love the Bruce Trail
I love when herons fly
I love Hamilton
And all the nature here
Boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah
I love the waterfront
I love deer in backyards
I love Princess Point
I love the escarpment
I love the whole place and all its craziness
Boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah
I love the nature folks
I love taking walks
I love my fishing hole
I love SNAKES ON ROCKS!
I love Hamilton
Its such a brilliant place!
Boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah
Boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah
Boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah, boom de ah dah
Hamilton's full of amazing creatures and plants and life. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 6
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
A lot of the time, I just like walking around and looking at buildings. We have the some of the best building stock around.
Incredibly historic buildings. Some pre-Confederation. (this heritage list is 184 pages!)
Victorian houses (this is just my neighbourhood. there's many more.)
1930s-ish 2 1/2 stories (again, just one 'hood. these are EVERYWHERE).
The first indoor mall in Canada
The last metal-facade building in Canada
Our first skyscraper
Fantastic density
Even Modernist buildings
(this history is not without several mistakes thus far and demolition by neglect).
And so much of our housing is in truly fantastic neighbourhoods. Strathcona and Stinson are two that have a combination of high, middle and low-end housing. There's several decent neighbourhoods with good starter homes. There's several higher-end neighbourhoods that cater to more of the yuppie and yuppie family markets like Locke. There's gorgeous mansions in Durand and swaths of bungalows in the East end. There's stone townhomes and brick cottages and glass-fronted condominiums.
Even the bad - truly run-down- neighbourhoods are generally not that way because of the housing stock. Gibson, which is a ruin (at least parts of it) has a stock of those double brick 2 1/2 stories that makes me weep to look at it being squandered. Just large enough for a family of 4, still able to fit a family of 6, and a truly palatial space for 2. With a vertical, efficient use of land, this type of building is a favorite of mine among Hamilton's incredibly diverse building stock.
I love those buildings. The history. The density. The character. The potential.
I rent one. It's a Victorian house from around 1910. Jarod and I just have the top floor - which is a 2-bedroom at around 900 square feet. We've got floor-to-ceiling windows that open, hardwood floors, beautiful wood trim and the biggest kitchen we've ever had. (For dirt cheap).
I plan on owning one. Victorian possibly... but there's a ton of 2.5 story places from the 1930s or so with less period detail, but great double-brick bones, that I would LOVE to gut and redo.
I plan on developing some. I don't make much money right now, but one day I will. So I want to be a good landlord. I want to get a building that's been neglected - or several. And make them great again.
But I don't want to buy the worst house in the best neighbourhood and flip it. I want to lift up and make better whatever area I'm in, and invest not just to make money, but to make the city a better place. I'd also love to help people own homes who couldn't otherwise and give safe places to live for people who need it.
This building - four stories of brick, with banners covering the top three storeys, was on sale for about $250k a few months ago. $250k! That's it! If me or someone else could secure a half-million, imagine the possibilities with this one. Smack in the centre of downtown and part of a historical streetwall. Make it the best thing in the neighbourhood. Raise the bar.
People are already doing this. They own apartment buildings, homes, commercial, storefronts. I know people who are renovating all of these types of buildings, and making the city better. And I know of many more that aren't acquaintances or friends.
There's areas where this isn't happening, or is a lot slower. Sure, we face a lot of poverty, absentee slumlords, and rental issues where conditions are terrible. But how much worse could these issues be if every poor person in Hamilton was put into a decrepit tower like in other cities? Here the possibility exists of renting a house for a very good price, and even owning a house if you're making a single minimum wage income.
And most people in the city can AFFORD to buy. This is a city where a lot of people can take on the smaller projects (of the three townhouses adjoining (picture here) , two have very new renovations and the third is in great shape. Victoria from King to Barton has a couple dozen houses that were renovated in the past two years... very encouraging). Several slightly-larger projects are already underway
Right now, I just came back from the newly inaugurated monthly By-Law Crawl. Basically, if people have buildings with trash in front, broken windows, decaying exteriors or other kinds of neglect, the only way they get dealt with is by a by-law officer. Those officers only investigate if people complain. So 50+ of us walked around today, noted the worst offenders, and complained.
Even now, I take good care of the space I rent (These guys sell cork flooring coated in vinyl that can be used in washrooms - I've considered asking our landlord if we can buy and install them. It can't only be in big, expensive cities that tenants improve spaces while they live there).
I do my best to make this city better while I'm here - and it's not hard, because we have great stuff to work with.
I love the buildings. And I love this city.
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
6. The buildings
A lot of the time, I just like walking around and looking at buildings. We have the some of the best building stock around.
Incredibly historic buildings. Some pre-Confederation. (this heritage list is 184 pages!)
Victorian houses (this is just my neighbourhood. there's many more.)
1930s-ish 2 1/2 stories (again, just one 'hood. these are EVERYWHERE).
The first indoor mall in Canada
The last metal-facade building in Canada
Our first skyscraper
Fantastic density
Even Modernist buildings
(this history is not without several mistakes thus far and demolition by neglect).
And so much of our housing is in truly fantastic neighbourhoods. Strathcona and Stinson are two that have a combination of high, middle and low-end housing. There's several decent neighbourhoods with good starter homes. There's several higher-end neighbourhoods that cater to more of the yuppie and yuppie family markets like Locke. There's gorgeous mansions in Durand and swaths of bungalows in the East end. There's stone townhomes and brick cottages and glass-fronted condominiums.
Even the bad - truly run-down- neighbourhoods are generally not that way because of the housing stock. Gibson, which is a ruin (at least parts of it) has a stock of those double brick 2 1/2 stories that makes me weep to look at it being squandered. Just large enough for a family of 4, still able to fit a family of 6, and a truly palatial space for 2. With a vertical, efficient use of land, this type of building is a favorite of mine among Hamilton's incredibly diverse building stock.
I love those buildings. The history. The density. The character. The potential.
I rent one. It's a Victorian house from around 1910. Jarod and I just have the top floor - which is a 2-bedroom at around 900 square feet. We've got floor-to-ceiling windows that open, hardwood floors, beautiful wood trim and the biggest kitchen we've ever had. (For dirt cheap).
I plan on owning one. Victorian possibly... but there's a ton of 2.5 story places from the 1930s or so with less period detail, but great double-brick bones, that I would LOVE to gut and redo.
I plan on developing some. I don't make much money right now, but one day I will. So I want to be a good landlord. I want to get a building that's been neglected - or several. And make them great again.
But I don't want to buy the worst house in the best neighbourhood and flip it. I want to lift up and make better whatever area I'm in, and invest not just to make money, but to make the city a better place. I'd also love to help people own homes who couldn't otherwise and give safe places to live for people who need it.
This building - four stories of brick, with banners covering the top three storeys, was on sale for about $250k a few months ago. $250k! That's it! If me or someone else could secure a half-million, imagine the possibilities with this one. Smack in the centre of downtown and part of a historical streetwall. Make it the best thing in the neighbourhood. Raise the bar.
People are already doing this. They own apartment buildings, homes, commercial, storefronts. I know people who are renovating all of these types of buildings, and making the city better. And I know of many more that aren't acquaintances or friends.
There's areas where this isn't happening, or is a lot slower. Sure, we face a lot of poverty, absentee slumlords, and rental issues where conditions are terrible. But how much worse could these issues be if every poor person in Hamilton was put into a decrepit tower like in other cities? Here the possibility exists of renting a house for a very good price, and even owning a house if you're making a single minimum wage income.
And most people in the city can AFFORD to buy. This is a city where a lot of people can take on the smaller projects (of the three townhouses adjoining (picture here) , two have very new renovations and the third is in great shape. Victoria from King to Barton has a couple dozen houses that were renovated in the past two years... very encouraging). Several slightly-larger projects are already underway
Right now, I just came back from the newly inaugurated monthly By-Law Crawl. Basically, if people have buildings with trash in front, broken windows, decaying exteriors or other kinds of neglect, the only way they get dealt with is by a by-law officer. Those officers only investigate if people complain. So 50+ of us walked around today, noted the worst offenders, and complained.
Even now, I take good care of the space I rent (These guys sell cork flooring coated in vinyl that can be used in washrooms - I've considered asking our landlord if we can buy and install them. It can't only be in big, expensive cities that tenants improve spaces while they live there).
I do my best to make this city better while I'm here - and it's not hard, because we have great stuff to work with.
I love the buildings. And I love this city.
Friday, February 5, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 5
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
I'm about as creative as a zebra mussel.
When it comes to thinking of truly new ideas, I'm not the person to talk to. My talents in the world of visual art lie somewhere beneath my writing, (but above my singing ;)) I find myself pretty clumsy and derivative. Most visuals I put together for work consist of hacking some sxc.hu photo and text together, and my paintings usually run on similar colours and themes.
So I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to be in a place where people have the grace and originality I lack - and can change the environment in ways I cannot.
Originality, vision, passion, creativity... It's here. In a fresh way. Without a lot of attitude or "hey-look-no-I'm-the-coolest-hipster" crud. People are good - really good! at what they do, but they're also unpretentious. And that's true especially on James North, but present all over the city.
At the same time, the arts in the area are established, with more traditional things (museums and opera, both things I enjoy once in a while) to entertainment venues and other types of art. but I'll talk about entertainment and music in a future post.
I must, at the top of everything, highlight Flar's photo tours of Hamilton. They really helped orient me to the city, both the brutal and the beautiful. He also took the photo at the top of this blog and let me use it. (My house is in this tour somewhere.)
Here's some of the places, people, things that stand out to me. Almost all stand out because I've been there and enjoyed them a great deal. (A few I haven't been to, but keep hearing great things about).
If you want to look further, the first link should connect you with a whole lot more.
The whole James Street North area - many, many galleries and events like the James North Art Crawl here. (Also, Supercrawl was epic).
Hamilton's becoming an artistic city in a wildly unpretentious way, and I like it. I like that artists are generally very low-income people, but add tremendous value to a city. It's a very selfless thing, no matter how much you love your art.
It's been thought and said that we need more higher-end galleries and a few more things to give sustainability to the arts in Hamilton, but the current situation should provide a lot of affordable, artistic critical mass for a long time. It's also interesting how in a post-industrial economy there's a lot that the arts can do - and are doing! to catalyze change.
Where else in Canada are you going to get this?!?! That's another reason I love Hamilton.
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
5. Creativity and the arts
I'm about as creative as a zebra mussel.
When it comes to thinking of truly new ideas, I'm not the person to talk to. My talents in the world of visual art lie somewhere beneath my writing, (but above my singing ;)) I find myself pretty clumsy and derivative. Most visuals I put together for work consist of hacking some sxc.hu photo and text together, and my paintings usually run on similar colours and themes.
So I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to be in a place where people have the grace and originality I lack - and can change the environment in ways I cannot.
Hamilton's a great place for that.
Originality, vision, passion, creativity... It's here. In a fresh way. Without a lot of attitude or "hey-look-no-I'm-the-coolest-hipster" crud. People are good - really good! at what they do, but they're also unpretentious. And that's true especially on James North, but present all over the city.
At the same time, the arts in the area are established, with more traditional things (museums and opera, both things I enjoy once in a while) to entertainment venues and other types of art. but I'll talk about entertainment and music in a future post.
I must, at the top of everything, highlight Flar's photo tours of Hamilton. They really helped orient me to the city, both the brutal and the beautiful. He also took the photo at the top of this blog and let me use it. (My house is in this tour somewhere.)
Here's some of the places, people, things that stand out to me. Almost all stand out because I've been there and enjoyed them a great deal. (A few I haven't been to, but keep hearing great things about).
If you want to look further, the first link should connect you with a whole lot more.
The whole James Street North area - many, many galleries and events like the James North Art Crawl here. (Also, Supercrawl was epic).
The Imperial Cotton Centre & the Cossart Exchange
Think|Haus: a place for hackers, makers, artists, crafters, and DIYers
Mixed Media
Transit Gallery (Locke)
HIStory and HERitage
You Me Gallery
Hotel Hamilton
Classical Stained Glass
Flophouse Gallery
The Pearl Company
Gallery on the Bay
First Fridays (free) at the AGH
Heart of the Hammer and FRWY and Skydragon and My Dog Joe and other cafes/gallery spaces.
Think|Haus: a place for hackers, makers, artists, crafters, and DIYers
Mixed Media
Transit Gallery (Locke)
HIStory and HERitage
You Me Gallery
Hotel Hamilton
Classical Stained Glass
Flophouse Gallery
The Pearl Company
Gallery on the Bay
First Fridays (free) at the AGH
Heart of the Hammer and FRWY and Skydragon and My Dog Joe and other cafes/gallery spaces.
Hamilton's becoming an artistic city in a wildly unpretentious way, and I like it. I like that artists are generally very low-income people, but add tremendous value to a city. It's a very selfless thing, no matter how much you love your art.
It's been thought and said that we need more higher-end galleries and a few more things to give sustainability to the arts in Hamilton, but the current situation should provide a lot of affordable, artistic critical mass for a long time. It's also interesting how in a post-industrial economy there's a lot that the arts can do - and are doing! to catalyze change.
Where else in Canada are you going to get this?!?! That's another reason I love Hamilton.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 4
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
4. The scale
Four years ago this April, Jarod and I went to Florence for our honeymoon.
And here's why. We knew it was the only real vacation we'd afford for years. And we didn't just want to lie on a beach all week. On the other hand, we didn't want to expend a lot of energy on walking tours, train rides, or running from site to site. We wanted a lot of things to see, a bit of history, and just a bit of movement. We'd saved enough money to go to B.C. or somewhere in Europe.
So we picked Florence. The old city is small, and we stayed at a hotel just south of the river (100 euros a night, 120 with a view of the river). Every day, we'd finish our breakfast and walk across the river to one or two of the local sights - maybe more if we felt like it. We had a 3 Euro pocket map that was more useful than anything else on that trip.
And it was perfect. It was relaxing, it was beautiful. History was everywhere - and close by. Any destination was just a few minutes away. Whether that was the Duomo or the Medici Chapel or even going to see Botticelli's Venus in the Uffizi, it was all within a compact area that we walked through at our leisure. (And found things like the grocery store and even an English-speaking pharmacy within a few minutes of seeking them out).
And when the tour groups hurried by, guide hoisting aloft a one neon yellow umbrella, we smiled. And when day-trip tourists went past clutching a water that cost 8 euros, we smiled and cracked open another 1.5 litre bottle of sparkling water from the grocery store that cost a tenth of that (insert our ridiculous, smug silly Canadian tourist grins here).
Okay, so Hamilton isn't Florence, and good luck buying sparkling water here for that price ;).
But I can relive one part of that trip all the time here. I don't have to expend a lot of energy getting around. Everything is compact. The scale of this city is great. Anything I need is within a fairly small footprint. And many of our streets are scaled well for pedestrians, as well as the overall layout.
For the things that are further out, I don't need to go far out of my way. If I have a meeting on the edge of the Mountain, it's an 11-minute bus ride from Gore Park. (I timed it). 11 minutes to get to the edge
of town. If I need to get to Dundas or Stoney Creek, it's 20 minutes on a good day or 40 on a bad. Even the topography of the city, with the Escarpment, allows for neighbourhoods like Concession that are very friendly and well-scaled within different areas.Were we to add truly decent transit (not a bus system) the potential is enormous. We have the scale.
And the 2.8 km walk from my house on the east edge of downtown to my work on the west edge of downtown takes about 25 minutes. Enough for exercise, enough to lower my stress levels... but not so much that it adds a lot of time to my day, especially when the bank and the market and most other errands I need to run can be done on the way there or back.
I know a large group of people find driving relaxing. It's their favorite time of the day. And I understand that - having your own space to control, perhaps the only time you get to be alone, can be enjoyable.
However, I am not part of that group! My depth perception sucks and my reflexes are terrible and well, I just generally hate paying that much attention to my surroundings. There's more to that story (and no, it doesn't involve accidents or tickets anything of that sort, lol) , but I personally don't miss driving at all.
Compared to St. Catharines, which didn't have much of a "core" i like the scale of Hamilton's centre. (And that our streets are parallel/perpendicular for the most part, if you've ever driven in St. Catharines, you know what I mean!)
Compared to Toronto, where a meeting "in town" could take me to places an hour apart by driving, I like the scale of the entire city of Hamilton..
And compared to Florence, well, they're apples and oranges, but I think I'll go back there someday too.
(picture 1: jarod broughton. picture 2. flar from Skyscraper forum, who has given graciously permission to use photos on my blog and a few other nonprofit projects. please contact them before using any of their photographs).
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 3
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
Half a million people is a good size. At least in my books.
"Toronto envy" is a phrase I've heard a lot since moving here. I don't know why. Mid-sized cities are great.
Hamilton's big enough for me.
There's enough people for critical mass in just about any initiative. There's enough people passionate about just about any issue. There's enough people that you can find just about anything already in existence, or common minds to start it up. Whether that's business, charity, recreation or anything else... there will be others who think alike.
Hamilton's also not too big for me.
It's easier to be heard.
It's easier to get to know people.
It's easier to comprehend what's going on in local matters.
It's easier to work together for change in any single area.
Mid-sized cities are more manageable. (The flipside, of course, is that mismanagement is much more obvious ;))
For me, Hamilton is just right in size.
And that's what I love. Compared to Toronto, where there was so much activity of every single kind - good, bad, crime, business, arts, food, media, culture, festivals that it couldn't possibly be understood, or even become a part of (for or against) in a meaningful way... Hamilton is a city where it's possible to stay informed about a lot... and act on it.
It's large enough that diversity of opinion can coexist peacefully and there's many options for anything. At the same time, though, I think that while both aspects need to exist, it forces us to be more of a melting pot than a mosaic. And that spreads out the good things.
So when I compare Hamilton - in the "what is" and "what could be" categories, I don't ask why we're not Toronto or Chicago or New York or Dubai or even Vancouver. I don't want to live in any of those places, great as they may be.
But how about mid-sized cities? Memphis, Boston, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Atlanta, Miami, Cleveland... even Las Vegas or Nashville. What about Edinburgh or Manchester? There's many more cities more in line with what we are. Mid-sized cities one can look towards rather comfortably for examples of good (and bad) within... and better than looking towards great big cities and bemoaning that we can't be them.
In Tuesday's Spectator, I like this quote about those who used to leave for Toronto now staying in Hamilton and finding they have a place here:
Yes, there is. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
3. The size (population)
Half a million people is a good size. At least in my books.
"Toronto envy" is a phrase I've heard a lot since moving here. I don't know why. Mid-sized cities are great.
Hamilton's big enough for me.
There's enough people for critical mass in just about any initiative. There's enough people passionate about just about any issue. There's enough people that you can find just about anything already in existence, or common minds to start it up. Whether that's business, charity, recreation or anything else... there will be others who think alike.
Hamilton's also not too big for me.
It's easier to be heard.
It's easier to get to know people.
It's easier to comprehend what's going on in local matters.
It's easier to work together for change in any single area.
Mid-sized cities are more manageable. (The flipside, of course, is that mismanagement is much more obvious ;))
For me, Hamilton is just right in size.
And that's what I love. Compared to Toronto, where there was so much activity of every single kind - good, bad, crime, business, arts, food, media, culture, festivals that it couldn't possibly be understood, or even become a part of (for or against) in a meaningful way... Hamilton is a city where it's possible to stay informed about a lot... and act on it.
It's large enough that diversity of opinion can coexist peacefully and there's many options for anything. At the same time, though, I think that while both aspects need to exist, it forces us to be more of a melting pot than a mosaic. And that spreads out the good things.
So when I compare Hamilton - in the "what is" and "what could be" categories, I don't ask why we're not Toronto or Chicago or New York or Dubai or even Vancouver. I don't want to live in any of those places, great as they may be.
But how about mid-sized cities? Memphis, Boston, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Atlanta, Miami, Cleveland... even Las Vegas or Nashville. What about Edinburgh or Manchester? There's many more cities more in line with what we are. Mid-sized cities one can look towards rather comfortably for examples of good (and bad) within... and better than looking towards great big cities and bemoaning that we can't be them.
In Tuesday's Spectator, I like this quote about those who used to leave for Toronto now staying in Hamilton and finding they have a place here:
Yes, there is. And that's another reason I love Hamilton.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 2
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
Hamilton's in a good spot, and it has connections.
Hamilton's in a good spot.
Halfway between Toronto and the border.
Proximity to Niagara and London and Kitchener and Waterloo and Guelph...
Surrounded by farmland that produces great stuff (if we don't build over all of it ;))
Near the lake, so our climate's great.
We've even got this handy escarpment thing running through the city.
Of course, there's connections to everything.
And I like that in a city.
And all of that works for me.
I love where Hamilton is located, and I love its connections.
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
2. The Location
Hamilton's in a good spot, and it has connections.
Hamilton's in a good spot.
Halfway between Toronto and the border.
Proximity to Niagara and London and Kitchener and Waterloo and Guelph...
Surrounded by farmland that produces great stuff (if we don't build over all of it ;))
Near the lake, so our climate's great.
We've even got this handy escarpment thing running through the city.
Of course, there's connections to everything.
And I like that in a city.
- We can drive to Guitar Centre in Tonawanda without too much trouble.
- I've commuted to Toronto on the train for a month (the sunrise over the harbour... incredible).
- I often eat food grown on Hamilton farmland.
- If I need to fly, I prefer to have an airport in my own city.
- The GO goes to Niagara now.
- The Bruce Trail even goes through the middle of our city via the escarpment.
And all of that works for me.
I love where Hamilton is located, and I love its connections.
Monday, February 1, 2010
28 Reasons I Love Hamilton... Reason 1
Why write 28 reasons I love Hamilton?
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
A proper city. Not a bedroom community. Not a village or hamlet. Not a suburb or subdivision. Not a municipality or township. And I like that.
I'm the first to admit my experience is very Ontario-centric. I've lived in St. Catharines. I've lived in Toronto. I've lived in Jordan Station. I've lived in Uxbridge. I've visited Italy and a few places in the States. And I always had a sneaking suspicion that I would end up in Hamilton one day.Toronto's a bit big for me, and well... after a summer with a contract job in Uxbridge, the "bed and breakfast" town for Toronto commuters, I realized I'm a city girl and set my sights on the Hammer.
It almost didn't happen. After almost landing a job in Milton and narrowly missing another very near Hamilton... I was relieved beyond words to be able to move to Hamilton, much sooner than expected.
I love cities.
Canada does not have many cities, dispersed as we are. Even more foreign is the concept of moving around different cities in a smaller geographical area. People think of moving to provinces... but more rarely to particular cities in that province.
And rarer still are "cities" in Ontario that are not bedroom communities... or that have a livable core with real amenities. Very few of the smaller 'cities' in Ontario are anything more than conglomerates of suburbs and new Smart Centers or similar (really.. everywhere.) with a tiny "core" of a few historical buildings. Witness the current Brantford debacle over bulldozing pre-Confederation buildings on Colborne Street. Witness the (very) slow revitalization of St. Thomas' downtown and the parts still suffering great neglect. Witness the past 10 years finally starting to bring some change in St. Catharines' downtown.
By contrast, our downtown, though suffering from demolition of many key buildings (the Century near me among them most recently), has a great deal left, and a great deal already going for it - if you dig beyond the one-ways. And things are localized and centralized.
Even the International Village around the corner has 62 of 72 storefronts filled. No matter what time I walk by, someone's always working at Bizclip. On this street I've got everything from great coffee to food to guitar strings. I've seen great art and cafe shows and danced to the big band at the Mustard Festival and got a great sandwich at Waxy's. Not to mention the Makers Market and P0WNZ and more - and that's just one stretch of one street in my neighbourhood.
And Hamilton, aside from simple population, has the things that make it a city. We're interconnected, dense, have a small footprint for our population. Cultural parts of a city, whether traditional like opera and museums, or less traditional, both abound. We're multicultural, as we should be. We've got a real central core to work with as a city, and the opportunity to extend transit and roads strategically around it.
At the same time, the surrounding suburbs are rightly recognized as part of the city, however much the odd cry of protest is still heard.
And everything is centralized here. Everything. Whether that's rock-climbing near my church or indoor swimming down my street or a decent Pho restaurant... it's here. (Well, everything except AYCE Korean BBQ.. yet. But that's gettin' specific :)
I love being in a city. Millions of pages have been written about the advantages of cities - the advantages of their density or their efficiency or a thousand other things. Cities concentrate things. Critical mass of anything can be reached first in a city, whether good or bad.
And that's the first reason I love Hamilton.
It's a city, and it's my city.
1. Hamilton is a CITY.
A proper city. Not a bedroom community. Not a village or hamlet. Not a suburb or subdivision. Not a municipality or township. And I like that.
I'm the first to admit my experience is very Ontario-centric. I've lived in St. Catharines. I've lived in Toronto. I've lived in Jordan Station. I've lived in Uxbridge. I've visited Italy and a few places in the States. And I always had a sneaking suspicion that I would end up in Hamilton one day.Toronto's a bit big for me, and well... after a summer with a contract job in Uxbridge, the "bed and breakfast" town for Toronto commuters, I realized I'm a city girl and set my sights on the Hammer.
It almost didn't happen. After almost landing a job in Milton and narrowly missing another very near Hamilton... I was relieved beyond words to be able to move to Hamilton, much sooner than expected.
I love cities.
Canada does not have many cities, dispersed as we are. Even more foreign is the concept of moving around different cities in a smaller geographical area. People think of moving to provinces... but more rarely to particular cities in that province.
And rarer still are "cities" in Ontario that are not bedroom communities... or that have a livable core with real amenities. Very few of the smaller 'cities' in Ontario are anything more than conglomerates of suburbs and new Smart Centers or similar (really.. everywhere.) with a tiny "core" of a few historical buildings. Witness the current Brantford debacle over bulldozing pre-Confederation buildings on Colborne Street. Witness the (very) slow revitalization of St. Thomas' downtown and the parts still suffering great neglect. Witness the past 10 years finally starting to bring some change in St. Catharines' downtown.
By contrast, our downtown, though suffering from demolition of many key buildings (the Century near me among them most recently), has a great deal left, and a great deal already going for it - if you dig beyond the one-ways. And things are localized and centralized.
Even the International Village around the corner has 62 of 72 storefronts filled. No matter what time I walk by, someone's always working at Bizclip. On this street I've got everything from great coffee to food to guitar strings. I've seen great art and cafe shows and danced to the big band at the Mustard Festival and got a great sandwich at Waxy's. Not to mention the Makers Market and P0WNZ and more - and that's just one stretch of one street in my neighbourhood.
And Hamilton, aside from simple population, has the things that make it a city. We're interconnected, dense, have a small footprint for our population. Cultural parts of a city, whether traditional like opera and museums, or less traditional, both abound. We're multicultural, as we should be. We've got a real central core to work with as a city, and the opportunity to extend transit and roads strategically around it.
At the same time, the surrounding suburbs are rightly recognized as part of the city, however much the odd cry of protest is still heard.
And everything is centralized here. Everything. Whether that's rock-climbing near my church or indoor swimming down my street or a decent Pho restaurant... it's here. (Well, everything except AYCE Korean BBQ.. yet. But that's gettin' specific :)
I love being in a city. Millions of pages have been written about the advantages of cities - the advantages of their density or their efficiency or a thousand other things. Cities concentrate things. Critical mass of anything can be reached first in a city, whether good or bad.
And that's the first reason I love Hamilton.
It's a city, and it's my city.
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