Re: Nice pics
^ As a bit further elaboration, I think Hamilton has cashed in, to a great extent, on suburban expansion,
to the extent that there is any "cashing in" to be had. Suburban areas of Hamilton (Ancaster, Stoney Creek,
and Waterdown) have grown hugely. These areas have exploded, for better or worse.
They are all part of the City of Hamilton, since amalgamation happened there as in Toronto.
The problem in Hamilton is the downtown area, which has faced challenges for years and continues to do so,
in spite of some recent signs of improvement. There are large chunks of unused or grossly under-utilized land within
a few minutes' walk of King and James. The former Eaton Centre, as in some other cities, sucked life off the streets,
but the irony is that it has not done well itself in recent years. The former Royal Connaught Hotel has gone
through a number of ownership changes, and its future is doubtful.
Several signs of hope: a growing artistic / gallery community along James Street North (Hamilton's version of
west Queen West), conversion of a couple of buildings to condos, several formerly derelict storefronts now occupied,
McMaster opening an operation on Main Street downtown (smallish, but a start), a good stock of very handsome
heritage buildings, new waterfront development around Pier Four, expansions at the two hospitals closest to
downtown(Hamilton General and St. Joseph's), and conversion of James and John Streets from one-way to two-way traffic.
