Seeing With Other Eyes

Last night, I took a trip down to Pier 8. You know, Williams' Coffee Pub, a big-band concert on the grass, the odd roller-skater making use of the rink, etc. I went there with Mahesh P. Butani. Who is, beyond the contention he's known to create within the Comments sections of articles on sites such as Raise the Hammer, is an amazing resource when it comes to urban development. Possessor of a Masters degree of Arts and a Bachelors degree in Architecture, he's a licensed architect elsewhere.

Recently, Mahesh published an article on The Hamiltonian about a Pier 8 project he was involved in a few years back. So to go on an informal tour of what's there now with him was an illuminating experience. 

As he was pointing out various aspects of the buildings...especially the former Discovery Centre...I think my consistent question was 'How could they have done all this?!?"

He's also offered some insight into two 'proposed' downtown projects highlighted this week in The Spec and at Raise the Hammer, on the realities of James Street North's ongoing resurgence...and of the merits of a slice of Hawaiian pizza versus pepperoni. (Kidding. Sorta, kinda.)

Although I fervently believe in the idea that in order to genuinely contribute to discussion and discourse about the city, you have to develop informed opinions, it's becoming clearer that to get to the point where informed opinions are being developed, there has to be better awareness of issues and there have to be opportunities where residents can see what these issues involve. (Which is why I began the Town Halls Hamilton initiative.)

So I'd be curious to hear the reactions if someone like Mahesh were to provide a guided tour for residents of a Hamilton fixture such as Pier 8 or the downtown-core.

And I'd pay to have councillors in attendance, especially were things unfolding under 'Liar, Liar' circumstances. 

M Adrian Brassington