Do you remember the protests at Cambridge city hall in 2020?
I do, and I hope we never have to do it again. The citizens that had bothered to show up for the municipal election chose a left leaning former Liberal provincial cabinet minister Kathryn McGarry for mayor. If you recall, at the time one of the main issues before many councils, including Cambridge’s, was Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) sites. McGarry was in favour of having one in Cambridge. A significant portion of city residents were against a CTS site anywhere in the city. In the end a survey was done to get public opinion on two possible locations (15 Easton Street and 8 Oxford Street). Many surveys came back saying neither was acceptable. Out of the blue council recommended putting a CTS site at 150 Main Street; less than 200 metres from Central Public School. At the time only Councillor Ermeta was the only vote against the motion after then councillor, Jan Liggett, left the meting after arguing with Mayor McGarry. Scott Hamilton supported the motion. The facts as reported by CBC are here
The public was so upset that protests were held at city hall, in front of 150 Main Street and in front of 8 Oxford Street.
Why do I fear this could happen again?
Scott Hamilton is running for mayor.
Several of his endorsements can be traced right back to special interest groups. If you have taken time to study his campaign you would see
We have incredibly dedicated experts in Cambridge and Waterloo Region that spend their lives addressing social issues such as mental health, addictions, homelessness, and poverty. We should seek out their knowledge and heed their advice! As Mayor, my solutions to these challenging issues will be informed by the people addressing these issues in their work, every single day. I will prioritize collaboration with local service providers, non-profits, healthcare partners, and first responders who understand what’s actually happening on the ground.
In other words he is not going to be interested in what the taxpayer thinks or says. He is going to listen to the opinion of social service agencies and experts that work with homeless addicts.
This is what our streets looked like in 2019.
Situations like this are bad for the community and for local business.
Mr. Hamiltons web page reads like a well written thesis or autobiography of his accomplishments. Missing however, are the facts, like where is the funding coming from. He says he
“will work with our local charities and social service agencies ‘working out in the field’ to ensure they are adequately funded and supported,”
But he will not support the rebuilding of the dam on the Speed River:
“as unnecessary river dams, that do not reflect community needs yet cost an extreme amount of money to please a small few.”
Well Scott, how is working and funding local charities and service agencies helping more than a few special interest groups? And as far as the dam goes, do you realize if it fails there is a good chance it could take out the railway bridge located just below the dam. The same rail line that services local business including Toyota. Many have verbalized how they would like to see the river returned to it’s natural free flowing status of 180 plus years ago. Well in case you haven’t noticed, things have changed in 180 years – more people – more business. And, 180 years ago, what was the threat level of invasive species. Dams also prevent invasive species from moving upstream and damaging the eco system.
In closing, lets just look at a couple of Scott Hamilton’s pet projects during his time on city council.
Build affordable projects over city parking lots.
He only wanted city staff to look into the possibility. As if they didn’t already have enough to do. The cost and the disruption to current parking are the first problems I see. But the real problem is this: even people living in affordable housing have cars. In fact you can likely figure on 1 and 1/2 cars for every 2 housing units. Where are these extra cars going to be kept? The lots already being used.
Reactivate the fountains at the intersection of Hespeler Road and Pinebush.
Do you remember the last time they were active. There were complaints! In cooler temperatures wind blew spray onto the surrounding sidewalks and roads where it often turned to ice creating a rather dangerous situation.
Maybe our current leadership isn’t perfect. What one is? But, I remember what the previous mayor was like and I don’t want to go back to a situation where we need to rally and protest to take our city back because our streets aren’t safe. I remember this and I don’t want to go back there.
