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Fabulous website, congrats DNA and webdesigner.
Yes, that’s right! The Durand Neighbourhood is now on the map, showing proudly its display of architecture, both of buildings and of community.
A big thank-you Frank to you and the HEAT Team. Its nice to hear that these jokers are being caught and held accountable.
Thanks for keeping us updated!
Thank you Frank for all your help in catching the bad guys in Durand and elsewhere. The Association is most grateful for all that you do.
I will be there and looking forward to seeing my fellow Duranders
The DNA will continue to monitor and are awaiting the staff report and ultimately changes that will ensure that this never happens again, not only in the Durand, but across the entire City.
Thank you to the residents who alerted the DNA to this issue.
What is wrong with the councillors in this city???? – they let this happen and act surprised – the fire escape looks horrible, it brings down the value of my home and then they UP MY PROPERTY TAXES!!!
This fire escape is appalling – I say take it down and build a true New York style fire escape with a ladder that drops down when needed!!! Then we don’t have to look at the ugly thing!
That is a good news story that the church become cultural space. I take it that means for the city as well as the neighbourhood? As well as cultural space would the DNA be able to hold meetings there or a social event?
Just curious if the space could also act as a “community centre” like other neighbourhoods have.
Hello Loretta,
Jason will ask that the DNA be given a key so that we can indeed use it as a community space for the Durand…long time coming as we have been hosting monthly meetings in dining rooms of the Executive for the past 40years…Janice
PS: I would like to involve input from Duranders…we would also like to become caretakers of the open space…
Great work, Guys! The park looks gorgeous ! 🙂
My Wife and I love this community/neighborhood and would’ve loved to have been there to help!
Hello and thanks for the support. Our next clean-up is scheduled for Sunday September 16th, the week before our Dinner Movie Night at the Park. Please mark your calendars for both events. We sure could use the help. Janice
A beautiful article for a beautiful Durand ! We moved to the Durand on Duke Street three years ago and love all four seasons. Richard
Thanks Paul, great article. Diane is an inspiration and wonderful woman. I have been a member of the Durand and on the Board of Directors for the DNA. I love my neighbourhood, thanks to her efforts it still exists. It brings a tear to my eye whenever someone speaks so passionately about fitting for a worthy cause.
I am very proud of the work that Diane Dent and the DNA has done over the years. I grew up at 41 Inglewood and then later 17 Ravenscliffe. I was thrilled to hear that 41 was saved by the DNA. I remember going to meetings with my Mom in the 70’s and believe that Durand would be a different place today without the association. I moved to Toronto over 20 years ago but have finally just convinced my born and raised in Toronto husband that Hamilton, specifically Durand, is the best place to be for our young family to grow. Our search continues and we hope to be there soon. When we do arrive back in Durand, I look forward to getting involved with you. Keep up the great work and thank you Diane etc.!
Hello Sarah,
We look forward to your return and in the meantime you can stay in touch through the website.
Please join us for the ongoing celebrations for the Community -at- large on Saturday September 22nd in the Durand Park. We are having a Dinner and Movie night….details on the website….another save for the DNA as our one and only park was slated for highrise apartments….Janice Brown
We are in full agreement that the conversion study recommendations should be carried out ASAP. We are very concerned re the safety of pedestrians on Queen street related to the speed of the average vehicle. Existing from Duke street to Queen is always a a problem with oncoming traffic.
Thank you Ralph and Melodie and please do send your comments to Carolyn Biggs, and or Councillors McHattie, Farr and Mayor Bratina…Janice
I don’t want any kind of a casino in downtown Hamilton.
WE DON’T WANT A CASINO DOWNTOWN!!!!
Thanks to honest people in the City of Hamilton,we do understand that there are more things at risk than grubby casino money!
The mayor should be ashamed of his underhand behaviour .Try working with people who want the best for our citizens ,instead of the others more concerned with lining their own pockets ! I am sure the council as a whole do know that they are not trusted , perhaps some fresh air needs to pervade ? A hayes
No more big towers dwarfing smaller buildings and homes in the neighbourhood please. Our aging infrastructure seems barely able to cope with the existing population density; witness our streets being dug up on a regular basis to fix yet another water main break. The initial plan was for a much smaller building at that site, was it not? If I recall correctly, this smaller building was promised in return for accepting a tall tower as the first offering in this development, the tower currently nearing completion. Some people would call this a bait and switch.
I am not happy with this new proposal to increase the number of floors of this building on Robinson to 17. I was on the Durand Board when Horizon worked with the Association and an agreement was struck to have both buildings be 9 /10 floors. This needs to be addressed
i think it would be a mistake to continue to let “high-rises” be built in this charming neighbourhood……lets try to reserve a bit of the past, character and charm – so much of this has been obliterated already!
I am a new homeowner moving into the City Square Tower One in June. I was quite shocked to read of the proposal to amend zoning to allow a 17 storey building. My building is 9 stories and Tower Two was also to be 9 stories but grew by 2 more floors before sales of units in that building began so it is 11 stories. Never did I ever envision a 17 story building on our little plot of land. B. Henderson
Can you please explain further what exactly
PBW2 is going to do to improve Ward ‘2’. Not
heard about it before now. Tks. R. White
Thanks for sharing this information. I completely agree we do not want another tall structure in the heart of the Durand.
As things stand it is already a tragedy that we let the Thistle Club fall into such a state of disrepair that it had to be torn down, now in its place we have 2 unappealing large condo towers, and a deceptive developer trying to pull a fast one those of us living in the Durand! No Way, not going to happen!
There are already too many apartment buildings. When can we start demolishing some of the existing ones. I am in favour of that motion. – Lets start with the bedbug infested and high crime buildings first!
I just checked on Hamilton’s web site and jason farr’s address is listed as jason.farr@hamilton. ca NOT .co
Can I ask what the Association is objecting to with respect to the building being 17 storeys. It seems we have several buildings in this neighborhood that are about the same height.
The area is already dense with buildings. Surely the two buildings on the Robinson/Charlton lot of eleven and nine stories are high ENOUGH! The original plan of New Horizon for a FOUR story building on that Robinson/Park lot is accepted. Leave it alone!! City Hall should put their foot down here. Get some guts!!!
In this residential area there are already too many high rises obscuring the view and causing too much traffic, along with a severe parking shortage. The older one-family homes or duplexes are wedged in between the high rises, and property values are declining rapidly because the lovely old homes are overshadowed by these giant buildings that repeatedly get zoning bylaw amendments to go higher than the initial plans indicated.
I live at 7 Robinson st and am willing to hand out flyers to stop this 17 story building. I will be sending my councilor , plus a written submision to the city.
Thank you so much for your kind offer. We have had great success with volunteers and our flyers are gone! Hope to see you on Thursday evening at the meeting,
Janice Brown,
President.
I attended last nights meeting. It was very clear that the well attended meeting was a resounding thumbs down regarding the intended 17 storey building.
I believe Mr Paikin is hoping to increase the agreed upon four storys any way he can, by requesting a 17 storey building { maximum height} he will be quite happy to get nine or ten storey as a compromise.
This beautiful neighbourhood is oversaturated now. Traffic is horrendous and will get worse.
Mr Paikin needs to hear the word NO over and over. Right now Robinson st is a mess . Trucks removing soil from the site number over at least seventy trips a day. Yesterday following the rain the street was a river of mud.
When Queen st closes for road work in June, Robinson and Herkimer will be a nightmare. It is very difficult to make a left turn from Robinson and right now with the added daily trucking of soil waiting time to make a right turn is dangerous to our many elderly pedestrians on that corner.
I received a flyer for the mteeing, and if I had not been so sick this week, I would have expressed my anger. I am one of the people who will be living in the nearly finished condo. I never would have considered moving there is the 17 story proposed tower would be brought up at any time.If this proceeds, there will be many lawsuits pending for the developers. This site was going to be different from the past that is evident in the crummy apt-condos littering Duke St., Robinson, Bold St. and many more. The original plan Mr. Paikin was not aware of, is very much in effect. They are called rules and any deviation from them will not be tolerated, and the site for 17 stories will be another blight on the city and Mr. Paikin’s reputation.Stop this from happening.Judy Hendry221 Park. St. S.905-523-8696
In this residential area there are alerady too many high rises obscuring the view and causing too much traffic, along with a severe parking shortage. The older one-family homes or duplexes are wedged in between the high rises, and property values are declining rapidly because the lovely old homes are overshadowed by these giant buildings that repeatedly get zoning bylaw amendments to go higher than the initial plans indicated.
While I appreciate that NHH organized this meeting, and it was very informative, it still does not make the pill any easier to swallow.
I am sorry, but we have enough tall structures, traffic, cars, and noise in the DNA – We simply do not want another tall concrete structure in our neighbourhood.End of discussion.
We don’t care how many study’s you do that illustrate this that or the other thing. What your studies don’t reflect is feelings and sentiment and common sense.
I might also point out that NHH and the Planning/Design firm GSP Group are the same bright lights that engineered that albatross on the corner of Aberdeen and Dundurn on the site of the former Tim Horton’s. Every time I drive by there I shake my head and say… who the H*** ever allowed this structure to be built on such a small lot right up against the sidewalk and smack beside the other buildings. OMG. You call this urban planning and you have to go to school for this? (http://www.newhorizonhomes.ca/urbanwest_brochure.html) I call it jam as much as you can into a small footprint and make the developers as much $$ as possible and to hell with everyone else. GSP staff must have gone to the same school as those who are behind the Smart Centres Malls… I.E. Center Mall and Mountain Plaza Mall… just look what “Urban Design” has done to the concept of a mall. – Again… all is good on paper and engineering drawings… but lacks common sense and true usability! Nobody wants this urban design nonsense.
I received a flyer for the meeting, and if I had not been so sick this week, I would have expressed my anger. I am one of the people who will be living in the nearly finished condo. I never would have considered moving there is the 17 story proposed tower would be brought up at any time.
If this proceeds, there will be many lawsuits pending for the developers. This site was going to be “different” from the past that is evident in the crummy apt-condos littering Duke St., Robinson, Bold St. and many more. The original plan Mr. Paikin was not aware of, is very much in effect. They are called “rules” and any deviation from them will not be tolerated, and the site for 17 stories will be another blight on the city and Mr. Paikin’s reputation.
Stop this from happening.
Judy Hendry
221 Park. St. S.
905-523-8696
I attended last nihgts meeting. It was very clear that the well attended meeting was a resounding thumbs down regarding the intended 17 storey building. I believe Mr Paikin is hoping to increase the agreed upon four storys any way he can, by requesting a 17 storey building { maximum height} he will be quite happy to get nine or ten storey as a compromise. This beautiful neighbourhood is oversaturated now. Traffic is horrendous and will get worse. Mr Paikin needs to hear the word NO over and over. Right now Robinson st is a mess . Trucks removing soil from the site number over at least seventy trips a day. Yesterday following the rain the street was a river of mud. When Queen st closes for road work in June, Robinson and Herkimer will be a nightmare. It is very difficult to make a left turn from Robinson and right now with the added daily trucking of soil waiting time to make a right turn is dangerous to our many elderly pedestrians on that corner.
Thanks for sharing this iniormatfon. I completely agree we do not want another tall structure in the heart of the Durand.As things stand it is already a tragedy that we let the Thistle Club fall into such a state of disrepair that it had to be torn down, now in its place we have 2 unappealing large condo towers, and a deceptive developer trying to pull a fast one those of us living in the Durand! No Way, not going to happen!There are already too many apartment buildings. When can we start demolishing some of the existing ones. I am in favour of that motion. – Lets start with the bedbug infested and high crime buildings first!
There is nothing wrong with cutting down trees which are dangerous an/or diseased. In fact, it is the proper thing to do. One suggestion I have is that we insist that the trees to be planted be chosen from among Carolinian Forest species which are native to this area. Excellent specimen trees include: Kentucky Coffee Tree, Flowering Dogwood, Ohio Buckeye, Tulip Tree etc. For a more complete listing go to: http://www.carolinian.org/SpeciesHabitats_ForestsFlora.htm.
Great Letter Janice! Nicely put.
This cityhas seen a jumble of ugly apartment towers dumped into attractive residential neighbourhoods with no regard for the look or tone of city’s development. It’s time we told the City “No” and these builders just think they can do it cause our city council wants the money! I agree with the previous email writer who asked “how can they close a lane on a main street in the city for nearly a year just for a condo tower build?” Money! that’s how!
Anyone else get hit by a 9% property tax hike this year? Just saying – thanks MPAC! – you try to treat your property well and keep it nice looking and you pay more! I’m pretty sure the two broken down houses on either side of me aren’t paying what I’m being taxed. At some point the taxes on my property are going to hit a level that no one will want to buy my house….
I am all in favour of bike lanes, but I cannot understand this obsession with ridding Hamilton of one-way streets. Other cities, such as Portland, Oregon, seem to function perfectly well with a network of one-way streets, even in the charming downtown.
What is the rationale for this? It is fatuous to imagine that converting our city completely to two-ways will solve its traffic problems. It certainly hasn’t in my neighbourhood.
Great work Kelly and Dennis. – The results were very interesting. Having lived on Hess for 15 years, its funny how I never considered that the one way portion of Queen St. may be accounting for a significant portion of the rush hour traffic. I am defiantly for the conversion of Queen back to 2-way.
Hello,
I patiently await my reply to be moderated.
Michael Adkins
Hello Michael,
I do apologize, but I may have lost your reply. I know I read it and do appreciate your comments and your correction to my post. Would you be so kind as to send again and I will make sure to moderate and post.
Janice Brown, President DNA
I do not want the Pan am games, nor the casino. the latter would be the worst thing for this city that is finally showing growth in the down town area, and optimism for the city. Casinos here are a totally negative idea, and one that promises revenue, but the minuses outweigh any positive, if any exist. A fool’s paradise, I say.
We also need a light at the corner of Park Street south and Charlton Avenue. This is as dangerous a corner as I can imagine, similar to the rediculous two way turn at the James Street and the Jolley cut turning lanes.
sincerely,
Judy Hendry
Great work Kelly and Dennis. The results were very isnnrettieg. Having lived on Hess for 15 years, its funny how I never considered that the one way portion of Queen St. may be accounting for a significant portion of the rush hour traffic. I am defiantly for the conversion of Queen back to 2-way.
I am not happy with this new proposal to icserane the number of floors of this building on Robinson to 17. I was on the Durand Board when Horizon worked with the Association and an agreement was struck to have both buildings be 9 /10 floors. This needs to be addressed
The area is already dense with bilnduigs. Surely the two bilnduigs on the Robinson/Charlton lot of eleven and nine stories are high ENOUGH! The original plan of New Horizon for a FOUR story building on that Robinson/Park lot is accepted. Leave it alone!! City Hall should put their foot down here. Get some guts!!!
This is beyond ridiculous!
New Horizons Homes should be made to honour their original application for 4 stories. They are ruining this neighbourhood with these concrete monstrosities.
Greed is clearly the driver here.
Lets try and save what is left of our beautiful neighbourhood!!!
It is disturbing to see that the developer has used deceptive (dishonest)wording in his second zoning amendment application. As he pointed out to us at the public meeting earlier this year, there is no way that he will stick to what he claims to have been the initial plan of four stories: “I guarantee you, it won’t happen”, he said. One way or another, he will eventually get what he wants. Money talks.
I suppose that the goal of this version is to be a “compromise” between 17 stories and 4. I also suspect that was the original intent — to get something like 10 stories.
This is great! Sustainable development in our community! Thanks Horizon!
It’s incredible and disappointing that the developer can thumb his nose at what he agreed to in buying the Thistle property and still have some credibility at City Hall. He says quite proudly that he “NEVER planned only 4 storeys” – and that’s acceptable? This is taking intensification to an unwelcome extreme. Many neighbours bought nearby properties, thinking they were aware of what was to come, and will now lose some quality of life and some money.
Maybe if they release their Media Releases as a web page, or a PDF, or something other than the proprietary Microsoft Word format they would get a better response.
The Traffic Survey is being skewed by one or two elitist, entitled individuals who desire return of the horse and buggy. For almost every street they propose adding bike lanes, speed bumps & reductions, and two way traffic. Two way traffic is unsafe for cars and pedestrians. I have ridden a bike for 50 plus years and would never use Queen or Main or other busy streets.
That’s plain stupid. Speed bumps should be paid for by Duranders Durand must recognize that as important as they are, the rest of Hamilton citizens do need access through the Durand neighbourhood to reach the hospitals, university, businesses, Innovation Centre, and schools. Do not be hijacked by one or two fanatics who want the rest of Hamilton’s citizens obstructed if they decide to travel through the West End.
Re: Mike O’Conner open letter
Dear Mr. O’Conner,
You claim “one or two elitist, entitiled individuals” are trying to return the Durand neighbourhood to “the horse and buggy”.
Who are these individuals, Mr. O’Conner?
You say they propose adding bike lanes, speed bumps and two way traffic for “almost every street” in the Durand. And obviously “two way traffic is unsafe for cars and pedestrians”.
Perhaps you would rather have all one-way streets, which are safe for cars but not for pedestrians. You are correct that it would be “plain stupid” to ride your bicycle on Oueen or Main streets. One-way streets can be dangerous.
I agree that people need to be able to pass through the neighbourhood. But they don’t need to do so at 60 km/h. Removing obstacles to the smooth flow of traffic while slowing the rate of speed should make for approximately the same travel time as now.
To accuse, and not name, “one or two fanatics” of wanting to obstruct travel through the Durand is an emotional response to an issue that requires much discussion and compromise on all sides.
The Durand neighbourhood is an antique neighbourhood and designated as of heritage interest. I think, when the opportunities arise, as during reconstruction of sidewalks and streets, a few decorative bricks here and there would help restore a sense of that heritage.
Perhaps if you lived in the Durand Instead of Westdale you might alter you opinion. If you want to improve traffic flow in your neighbourhood, why not make King S. one-way all the way to McMaster. Oh, right, the residents wouldn’t want that, would they/
What follows, Mr. O’Conner, if you haven’t already read them, are some of my concerns and suggestions regarding traffic in the Durand.
Durand Neighbourhood Traffic Concerns
– Hess St. South
1. Speeding
Even outside of rush hour, almost everyone speeds on Hess St.
South, like they do on Queen St., Herkimer, Charlton and others.
Too many motorists use the stop sign on Hess at Duke
St. as the starting line to race up the hill to the Hunter St.
traffic light.
Likewise southbound from Duke St. to the Charlton St. signal.
2. Vehicle noise
– beginning about 6 a.m. vehicles with noisy, illegal or
nonexistent mufflers, along with HSR buses, roar as they arrive
and depart the Hess and Duke intersection
– during the day, trucks of all kinds use Hess as a thoroughfare
Suggested solutions for Hess St. South
– restrict truck tonnage on Hess St. South to seven tonnes,
unless on local business
– post “no left turn 7-9 a.m. 4-6 p.m.” at Hess South and
Herkimer
_ post “no right turn 7-9 a.m. 4-6 p.m.” at Hess and Charlton
– creation of, and enforcement of, 40 km/h speed limit
throughout Durand neighbourhood
– remove solid yellow line from Hess South
– remove stop signs on Hess S. between Charlton and Hunter
– resurface Hess St. from Herkimer to Hunter and install
traffic calming humps
– widen sidewalks with larger curbs
– bump outs, with fence-protected trees from Charlton St. to
Bold which will eventually obscure the Hunter St. traffic lights
(while there are leaves) and beautify the street
– since the entire Durand neighbourhood is already designated as a heritage district, reconstruction designs should reflect the heritage character of the Durand neighbourhood.
General Suggestions
– creation and enforcement of city-wide “noisy vehicle” bylaw
– return Queen St to two-way
– traffic calming solutions, and heritage design incorporation,
on Herkimer, between Locke and Queen, and on Charlton from Bay
to Locke
Of course, Mr. O’Conner, I don’t expect all, or really any, of my suggestions to become reality but they are food for thought and I look forward to hearing what you bring next to the discussion.
Rand Kemsley
175 Hess St. S.
rkrand@yahoo.ca
Just looking forward to this so much! Thanks for putting on something so unique and informative.
I do hope that the Niagara Escarpment Commission will be consulted regarding the building of a parking area so close to the escarpment.
On behalf of the St James Place neighbours, I would like to express our gratitude for the outstanding commitment and team work that was brought forth to save #1 St James Place. Our home at #3 is for sale only because of a job relocation. We will be sad to leave such a dedicated, vibrant community spirit that the DNA builds
Julie MacCuish
On behalf of the St James Place neighbours, I would like to express our gratitude for the outstanding commitment and team work that was brought forth to save #1 St James Place. Our home at #3 is for sale only because of a job relocation. We will be sad to leave such a dedicated, vibrant community spirit that the DNA builds.
All of these suggested changes will impact most on Durand residents themselves but I get the feeling that they are suggested for being implemented to keep “outsiders” at bay. Some of them will REALLY get locals complaining. For example, the speed bumps on Markland are right now unnecessary due to the absolutely terrible condition of the road itself!! Who needs speed bumps when the road is already a rough asphalt track? Let’s not implement overkill. In terms of cyclists’ paths, why not asphalt pave 1.5 meters on the city allowance side of the sidewalk rather than have cyclists ride in the debris-filled gutter and dodging thrown empty garbage containers all the time as well as snow piles in winter?
I think some of these suggestions were made by people on foot. They need to ride bicycles and drive cars along the routes they are suggesting changes for.
We must all remember that we are responsible for our own safety. I’d never argue with a vehicle when crossing the road. I’d be patient and let the danger pass. What’s the rush? Young people these days don’t even look before crossing, believing that pedestrians are entitled to their right of way! We need to train pedestrians in addition to looking at the infrastructure and the enormous costs involved in changing it with little benefit.
I agree with Peter Hill. The bump outs, white posts only make this area into a gated type community not worthy of Hamilton Citizens. Since when did going “two way” make streets safer. Pedestrians can now experience traffic coming at them from two sides rather just one. I think that the over zealous anti-car group have far more influence in this area than the normal , rational people who want to avoid the ghetto affect, and be part of the entire city.
Characterizing traffic calming as creating a gated community is like characterizing polio vaccine administration as racist. High speed and high volume vehicle traffic impacts are clearly established. The difference in accident frequency and severity has been fully documented. Drive faster, kill and maim more people, particularly children and seniors. And the work of Donald Anderson demonstrated how traffic volume and speed changes the lives of people who live next to high volume streets. We have wonderful examples of how high speed high volume traffic along the Main, King, Cannon and Wilson expressways have impacted the lives of local residents. There is a reason why people pay more for homes on dead end streets and why smart development communities keep high speed high volume vehicles off residential streets. Hamilton is slowly growing up from its dedication to using streets only for the most efficient getting from A to B. What is intriguing is that converting drivers to “Drive Easy” produces interesting impacts. At 50 k the pedestrian is an object. At 30 k the pedestrian is a person, with eyes and a face and an indentity. A community just becomes a better place to live when vehicle traffic is forced to share the space between houses. And if, perchance, you started your planning thinking by engaging children in the discussion, 30K becomes the solution very quickly.
Hi Peter, thanks for the comment.
These suggestions arose from consultation with residents all over Durand as well as those who attended a public meeting with representatives from the traffic department. In choosing them we also referenced best practices in traffic management from cities which have proven strategies.
I agree with your statement on bike lanes, and in fact we have suggested a similar approach which places the bike lane between the parked cars and the sidewalk as is already a proven design in places like New York. The city has thus far refused to consider it opting instead for the status quo putting bikes between traffic and parked cars, vulnerable to car doors opening. There is no apparent reason for this, but we are trying to influence the design of future bike lanes so that this is considered.
Regarding the speed bumps on Markland, it was residents on that street who suggested them, citing speeding cars frequently between Caroline and Queen.
Since we live in an urban neighbourhood where ‘arterial’ streets that move the most traffic are also residential streets, we can’t design them to prioritize traffic movement over pedestrian safety. Our objective is not to keep ‘outsiders’ away, but to maintain safe speeds and driving practices on all streets. We do not want drivers to treat our streets as a short cut. We recognize that in an urban environment our streets serve both local and through traffic – but we insist that they do so at a safe speed.
It is important for pedestrians and cyclists to take safety into their own hands as you suggest. But in reality, education and enforcement of pedestrian safety is not sufficient to reduce deaths and injuries. Far more successful are safety measures engineered into the roads themselves. People, whether driving or on foot, respond to the environment more so than the posted speed limit or the rules of the road. For example, stop signs are almost never obeyed, rather they are rolled through and 100 years of ticketing has not stopped this. Likewise, pedestrians tend to cross the street to get where they are going, not waiting for the next traffic light. Rather than enforcing laws that are impossible to fully enforce, lower traffic speeds and more frequent pedestrian crossings (where drivers must stop) both increase safety and reduce law breaking.
The changes the DNA has proposed also follow the general recommendations of the 2010 Ontario Coroner’s Pedestrian Death Review
http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/stellent/groups/public/@mcscs/@www/@com/documents/webasset/ec161058.pdf
which recommends following the World Health Organization’s suggestions that “The vulnerability of the human body should be a limiting design
parameter for the traffic system, and speed management is central”
Contrary to your impression that the inattentive young pedestrians are the main problem, the Coroner found that by far the highest risk group for pedestrian deaths are the elderly, of which the Durand has a high proportion:
Pedestrians over 65 years of age accounted for a strikingly disproportionate
share of fatalities based on their representation in the population.
They account for about 13.2% of the population, but 36% of the fatalities. Children accounted for 3% of the deaths.
In contrast, the highest risk group for drivers killing pedestrians are males ages 25-54.
The main recommendation of the Coroner is that municipalities adopt a “Complete Streets” approach and lower the default speed limit to 40km/h and 30km/h on residential streets (which are all streets in the Durand).
Thus, the recommendations we have proposed are aimed at lowering speeds (ideally to around 30km/h) and making easier for pedestrians, especially elderly pedestrians, to cross the streets. They are not aimed at keeping anyone out, just at slowing them down.
I’m not sure whether your proposal of making Queen St two lanes, with parking on each side includes the part of Queen St coming down the mountain south of Aberdeen. I certainly hope it does, as the sidewalks on this stretch of Queen abut the road (without any buffer) and the traffic coming down the mountain is moving VERY fast. It is very dangerous for pedestrians, dogs on leash, and bicyclists. Since the majority of the traffic coming down the mountain appears to be turning left on Aberdeen, the extra lane just encourages speed. This is a residential neighborhood! Isn’t anyone looking out for the people who live there?
I disagree with the Durand Neighborhood’s position of the number of parking places required for the new 98 James St. development. People moving into this building will not have to own a car. First, they will live within walking distance of many services. Secondly the HSR is right at their doorstep, allowing them to access most of Hamilton. Thirdly, they can use a bike from the bike-stand that is in close proximity. And finally, when they need a car, there are 4 cars within close proximity available to them though Community Carshare. For just $10, they can become a member and then have access to these cars whenever they want. If they want, they could also offer a parking space to Community Carshare in the building. There are several examples already in downtown buildings in Toronto that have carshare parking spaces.
I expect the Durand Neighborhood Association to be forward looking in its positions. I suggest that you invite someone to a board meeting to inform your members about the new transportation modes that are available right now in Hamilton.
Jeanne Mayo
Durand Resdient
Community Carshare member
I remember the frosty midnight solo clearing and flooding of the rink in the mid 70s. One night there was a 100 F. degree difference between my family in Naples , Florida and me on the end of the hose in the park. One year we had a cold snap that allowed the rink to keep going until March 6th since the temperature did not rise above freezing day or night. The rays of the sun eventually eat away the ice under the surface and that ends it no matter the temperature.
The biggeat mistake I made at first was flooding too much with the water cascading north to Charlton and then freezing. It was not good for drivers or pedestrians. – Live and learn.
I just received a flyer regarding conversion of Bold to two-way.
This deeply distresses me. I live at the corner of Bay & Bold.
The traffic and confusion with children crossing Bay & Bold is alarming.
That poor crossing guard deals cars wanting to turn left onto Bay, cars
trying to cross Bay to get to James St. and children on all four corners
trying to get to school.
This would be madness.
I thought I was seeing things March 27, 610 am, a coyote walking south on Chilton Place from Markland Avenue. I walked eastbound through an alley when it saw me.
I fully support the movement to save the Auchmar Estate!
by what time will we know if the event has been cancelled? my large family is looking forward to this but also do not want to make the journey if it’s already been rain checked due to weather. and the weather is looking ify.
I’ve seen coyotes on the rail trail in daylight. I didn’t know what to think. Thanks for clarifying the situation.
The web page is jumbled.
Diane…do you think we should document issues that endanger seniors, or those with disabilities etc?
Re: Bushes that cover part of the sidewalk, safety is espically needed in winter
etc… I’d be happy to work with you to document issues that make safe walking in all weather safer for everyone, not just seniors or those with disabilities.
Thank you.
I attended the recent meeting and was surprised that the owner was not held to account for the reason he originally bought the building which was to tear it down for parking! The estimate to bring it up to standard are greatly exaggerated based on my experience with renovations. The building sits quite high and the basement is actually almost at the same level as the main floor of the property on Markland right behind it so waterproofing of the basement and related drainage would not be a huge issue and should be considered as standard maintenance for such a structure. I am also concerned if the heritage designation would prohibit interior repairs such as stripping the walls and installing new insulation. vapour barrier and new drywall throughout to bring it up to current codes.This is commonly done in older structures.
Dear Councillor Farr,
As a life long resident of Durand, I have accepted the growth of infill necessary in this old historic section of town. I however do not agree this the request to
especially since it is a classic house from the Bauhouse movement. The Home/office on Markland which is adjacent to it has just been restored. To it’s classic image. The street St. James is residential not commercial. The hospital should be the one to shoulder parking to meet the current or future need.This type of infill only continues to destroy this section of town, but also eats into the balance of commercial and residential. Inner city hubs must meet both needs, but not when it eats into the fabric of the community. Destroying a significant historical home on a pure residential street should not be permitted. Inner city spaces are precious, protecting them long term is necessary. Allowing creeping situations such as this case, should be intolerable, living space is at a premium today; as is a historic home market. The loss of this structure destroys Hamilton’s balance for life,and work space and places added pressure on an already limited historical inner core. Thank you. M. M. Denton
As a long timer member of the DNA I want to say how much I have appreciated the effort and skills which those on our Board of Directors put into representing our interests over the years. “Thank you” to the retiring Board members and “keep up the good work” to our new Board!
Doubt this considered an Intervention but perhaps could be …
Re City Square / Thistle Club Site
If no 9-11 storey building set to begin in near future: Clean & Clear
More Immediate :
Has anyone recently seen the 17-19 pieces of facade ( of probably 50 ) taken from original building during demolition ?
They were to be carefully stored to be placed around the exterior of site after
completion of buildings – if on display in or out, where so I can view & count.
Bay Street is sometimes a daunting speedway. Lots of traffic turns from Charlton. Not sure if traffic calming or diversion is possible.
Couple of small problems. What person or department should I complain to?
1. Driving on Duke at Bay, we have to edge out onto Bay because there’s a hedge blocking the view to the south.
2. At Caroline turning right onto Bold there’s a manhole/pothole combination that is impossible to avoid.
Are the gardens on thus years tour reachable by foot? I’d love to leave the car at home and come by go
Yes! The gardens are definitely reachable by foot. We recommend that our guests walk the route as parking is not always available. Thank you for your inquiry.
We really enjoyed the Garden Tour yesterday.
Could you please confirm if this event only happens every other year?
Also, I understand there may possibly be a tour of DNA interiors this fall – any details?
I think that it would be great if the Durand NA spear headed trying to get a tree by-law passes for the city. We were very upset a few years ago when a magnificent old tree was taken down by our backyard neighbours and there was nothing that could stop them. both Ottawa and Toronto put in good tree by-laws after they suffered from ice storms as they did nt want their tree cover to disappear. They can be looked at and take the best from them. I think that Jason Farr would be on side.
Hamilton tried for a tree by-law awhile ago, but put the rural areas in as well and the people who ownd tree lots were very against such a by-law so it was voted down. A tree by-law should just be for the city proper and not the rural areas of Hamilton.
We love trees in Durand but the City is cutting so fast this year with essentially no warning to anyone close by yet if someone wants to do a little improvement on a building then there is a huge regulatory framework to jump thru Why this double standard? The next time the City wants to cut a huge tree in Durand let it consult with the neighbourhood association first and then see if there are any alternatives Thx for the article
what a great idea! thank you for planning this event for our community. your hard work is appreciated
I wonder why they totally left out Wesanford Place. Although just built in the 1930s, each house contains some part of the old Wesanford mansion, so they should be of some interest.
Jackson Street West is also missing from the survey, which includes Whitehern, the Pinehurst mansion (the CHCH building), and the 1850s mansion across the street from Pinehurst (168 Jackson West). A few other old homes on the south side of the block between Bay and Caroline are also interesting. I’m not sure if anything on Main Street West between Queen and James is interesting (ie. City Hall and the old library), but anything on the south side of Main is also in the Durand.
Hamilton must recognize that it’s historical fabric is part of what makes the City attractive and what will make it unique into the future with resulting interest from existing and prospective citizens. Council needs to take a leadership role in safeguarding the City’s heritage character and especially in such a prominent location as the historic core of downtown where it still exists more or less intact.
I was just wondering why I haven’t been receiving any notices or info from DNA even though I paid my membership a few years ago. Should we be paying for a membership every year?
I tried to send a petition about the Gore but the whole “sign in” was so complicated I just gave up. I really tried but it just didn’t work. I’m not on Facebook by preference and am somewhat perplexed why I have to be in order to sign the petition.
I recall that the HWDSB did an accommodation review in 2001. It took so long that the province sent a consultant to take over. He said that while the province said that it was just bcause there were too many ‘vacant educational spaces ‘ in the schools that were under the jurisdiction of the former HSB. He stated that while that was true many of those schools were more than 60 years old and that there were too many temporary portable classrooms being used. His recommendation was to close all of the middle schools. The HWDSB just closed schools like Tweedsmuir and Bennetto in the lower income spaces in the lower city but left others like Dalewood and Ryerson open. Most of his suggestions were ignored (no surprise there). I know someone who is a consultant in Heritage Buildings. He told me that places like Central School cannot be torn down but they can be used for other things. Since Benetto and Robert Land are being used the Central building would have to remain though not as a school.
Where is the link to reject the LRT?
This is a no brainer ; job creation , public transportation boost, less emissions , less road congestion etc etcetc…….
To those opposing the LRT initiative, I politely ask you to take a 1 king , 5 Delaware, 10b line or any bus during peak hours for that matter and get back to me . Good luck !!
The LRT is a plan for the futurre of our city and should be supported. Just look at the mess that Toronto transit is in due to years of procrastination!
Update on Heritage: At the time I wrote the heritage updates, the Mimico on the Go was under construction. Since then, Stanton Renaissance the developer is in receivership once again. This is the same outfit that stated James Street Baptist was in imminent danger of collapsing. You know the rest! This does not bode well for the Connolly. The developer claims that the Connolly is not part of the Mimico. I am not holding my breath!
I am going to be away on May 17 – to whom can I send a letter expressing my concerns about the size of this development and the impact it will have on the neighbourhood
New to the neighborhood; would like to become more involved in Heritage activities. How do I go about it?
I will be working but have concerns about height, loss of affordable rentals. Cheers.
I will vote to restore Auchmar Estate. Hamilton has been ignoring much of it’s heritage buildings and estates for too long. The City is bound and determined to make this into a condominium city that is car centered. The staff will even agree. I have to say though that I was disappointed when I went on a tour during Doors Open Hamilton event. It would take much dedication and a lot of money to make it an attractive site.
WOW! You guys are the best! Thank you for organizing all this. A wonderful treat.
Hello, what time is Laura Cole performing at Durand Park on Saturday, please? Thank you!
Laura Cole will be on at 5 (approximately)
thanks
I wish I could have made it! I’m a new member of the association, and I want to get involved. However, I was struck by a bit of a medical condition that day and had to forgo the pleasure. Next time for sure!
It was indeed a lovely day for the event and the renovations in this park are stunning – well done, however my family (with 2 grandsons) were really disappointed at the short amount of time given to the face painting and the fact that there was no notice about when the line was cut off. We lined up and a person came up and said the end of the line was just in front of us – most disappointing!
The music was excellent and the ice cream booth and the horse wagon ride with commentary about the houses in the neighbourhood.
It was a great event! Thank you to the DNA and the awesome volunteers for your hard work.
There is no notice on our apt bulletin board about this event
33 Robinson St
Tks
I cannot open
Where will the sale be held??
Just walked through the park…happy sounds!!! Water ‘s a-splashing!
A gentleman walking his dog this morning in Durand Park informed me that it was an act of vandalism which closed the splash pad. This morning, four picnic tables are turned over. He said a woman witnessed two men turning over the tables around 11 PM last night, “to keep the (expletive) Muslims out of the park.” I am disgusted! I’ll bet these same vandals are responsible for the fire damage to one of the tables I saw earlier this summer. Unlike racism and xenophobia, everyone is welcome in this neighbourhood, city, province, and country.
I live on the same block as CHCH. Surely the city cannot approve the construction of yet 2 more high rise buildings here. The one at Caroline and King has barely started! Who has funds ‘starting at the low $200,000’s to purchase these ‘homes’ which the large sign promises. Durand has become a regular mecca for condominiums while it’s importance to the history and present are being ignored.
I have discussed the project at the CHCH site with councilor Farr. He told me that the developer has had only one meeting with city staff and Mr. Farr does not know why that sign has been put up so prematurely. The owners of CHCH have a lease on that property so no changes can occur until the plan for the future of the station has been determined. Then the site will have to be rezoned so it would be several years before the new redevelopment could begin.
Where is St. Pauls church?????????????
St. Paul’s Church is at the corner of James Street South and Jackson Street.
They look taller than the escarpment!
How can there be a deadline for anything? If there isn’t a public meeting, then quite simply, there isn’t a deadline. This isn’t a minor variance! Where does the Councillor sit on this? If the developer is proceeding and soliciting investors or pre-selling without even approvals that says quite a bit unless this has already been pre-determined. I am trying so hard to be tactful. Before the City’s meeting, maybe a neighbourhood meeting is in order when the Councillor and the developer are ‘summoned’ to explain how they feel they can move ahead.
Nice to know NIMBY-ism is alive and well in the DNA.
Love it!
New Horizons tried to build Tower 3 with 16 floors
They were turned down
This new project is just a few blocks away
They should be turned down as well
The Durand Neighbourhood cannot handle all the cars from the visitors that these twos towers will generate
Plus how long the streets will be tied up during this construction
There is absolutely no transition into the neighbourhood, particularly to the east on Wesanford Place. This cul de sac is zoned Residential C Protected.
Janice is so correct. The proposed development is far beyond the height of already standing apartment buildings in the area but what a shock with respect to Wesanford Place!
I’ve sent my comments to Tiffany Singh and J. Farr. Thank you for sending.
We need responsible development for our neighbourhood.
Hamilton needs much more affordable housing. If they can make this work then that will be great for the City. They will need to work on improving the infrastructure to make this happen. Seems like a huge undertaking with the size of the development.
Congratulations everyone.
I have also discussed this project with Jason Farr on the phone and submitted comments to Tiffany Singh. This neighbourhood is not the place for such such a development. Other reasons already stated my concerns are mainly with the changes needed in the traffic and with the safety issues. Having completed the Transportation Planning program at Mohawk College many years ago I am still aware of the increased traffic this development would cause. The condition of the streets and the fact that we now have bicycle lanes and have always had on-street parking and bus stops means that there is no place for the construction equipment and the increased volumes. Also many residents of this area are seniors or disabled people who rely on scooters, walkers and canes who would be cut off by Television City both during and after construction. Traffic has always a safety issue for pedestrians in this city as well.
I have already put my concerns in writing and sent it out via the internet. I live at 181 Jackson. When I go outside and see all of the white stuff that he has put down as landscaping I am amazed at the sloppiness of the work and shudder to think what will happen inside the building. The kind of mirror like face that seems to be planned has a reputation for falling off, according to someone I know who knows about that stuff and about this developer’s reputation.
I really wish I could make it to the Wednesday night meeting, but I have a health problem (COPD) and the weather is keeping me indoors as I don’t have vehicle. I am very interested in this particular issue, as I live next to the area where they will be building. I will try very hard to make the next meeting! Please keep us informed.
My best wishes for the holiday season to all! And may the year coming be the best ever.
Thank you.
In the new year, would you please let me know when my membership needs up-dating.
Thank you.
M.T. Gervais