Hello Duranders, in the news this week we have more on heritage preservation, an update on neihbourhood bike lanes, a reminder of our movie night and a call out to complete the Durand-focused built heritage inventory.

St. Mark’s Preservation – Letter to the Editor

We cannot afford to lose the heritage designated St. Mark’s or the associated park located at the corner of Hunter and Bay streets. The former Anglican Church and associated green space are much more than the sum of their parts. There are compelling reasons for the site to be fully restored for public use and parkland.

The Durand continues to be the most densely populated neighbourhood in the city. Our boundaries are from Main to the Escarpment, Queen South to James South. The small neighbourhood has almost 12,000 residents with only one functional park, Durand. The city has acknowledged that there is a deficit of 7.16 hectares of parkland. More than half of our residents live in highrise apartments or multi-unit buildings. As a result, they have very limited access to green space or parkland and virtually no local recreational and community space.

St. Mark’s will fill those needs and add cultural space for ongoing programming for Whitehern as a venue for special events. The Durand Neighbourhood Association has successfully partnered with Whitehern on many successful occasions. We support the upcoming staff report which should detail the next steps.

It is highly unlikely that the Durand will ever see another funding opportunity of this magnitude. The federal government has rallied behind us; the community, staff and Coun. Jason Farr have supported us; we have all come together with resources to finally make a restored St. Mark’s a reality. After 20 years of discussions, we ask that Mayor Fred Eisenberger and our present day council consider what is at stake and support this wonderful initiative. This will indeed be a wonderful 150th birthday party celebration for Hamilton and Canada!

Thank you to all those past and present who have helped to conserve this site and green space for all of those who shall come after us!

Janice Brown, President, Durand Neighbourhood Association

http://www.thespec.com/opinion-story/5797385-st-mark-and-park-must-be-preserved/

Durand Bike Lanes Update
Next month, the City of Hamilton plans to install parking-protected bike lanes on Charlton Avenue West and Herkimer Street between Dundurn Street South and James Street South. Read the raisethehammer article here.
Durand Built Heritage Inventory 
The City is conducting a built Heritage Inventory Survey focusing on the Durand neighbourhood. Have your say: . We encourage all Duranders to fill out this inventory and spread the word to their neighbours.

Durand Movie Night Update (Sept. 19th, 5-10 pm, HAAA)

You can now visit the Movie Night event page and RSVP your attendance.  If you plan to attend the event on September 19th at the HAAA, its great for us to know you are coming!

History and Heritage

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