Kroetsch and Questions

It seems that comments recently made by Clr. Kroetsch at a police service board meeting regarding private funding for the new arena, are blowing up. Our friends at The Hamilton Spectator today feature an opinion piece by Scott Radley (see it here), where Mr. Radley argues that Clr. Kroetsch has missed the point concening the value of having a renovated arena in his ward. We are not so sure we agree.

It’s easy to be swept up in the excitement of a $300-million private investment — especially when it promises to revitalize a downtown that has struggled for decades. We recall not so long ago when the renovated Lister Block was supposed to be the missing link to a revitalized core.

Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch's measured approach to the redevelopment of Hamilton's arena shouldn't be misread as a lack of enthusiasm. It is a reflection of his responsibility as a local representative committed to ensuring that the benefits of large-scale development are shared by those most impacted — his constituents.

Kroetsch's concern over community benefit is not obstructionist; it’s principled. Downtown Hamilton is not just a blank canvas waiting for private capital to paint over — it is home to thousands of residents, many of whom live on modest incomes, rely on accessible public space, and have historically borne the externalities of urban "revitalization" projects. To ask how profits will be reinvested in the community, how local infrastructure will bear increased foot traffic, and how policing and public safety costs will be addressed is not to undermine progress — it's to advocate for thoughtful, equitable planning.

Asking “who pays for added policing?” is a fiscal question every councillor should ask when private profits come with public costs. If the city is saving on operations and maintenance of the arena, why shouldn’t part of that savings — or new revenue from the project — be directed toward services that ensure local residents aren’t merely hosting success, but participating in it?

Being a steward takes courage. Councillor Kroetsch is doing what we should expect from our elected leaders — asking the right questions to ensure that possibility becomes prosperity for the people who call downtown home.

You have to get up bright and early to penetrate the concerns of Hamiltonians. They are a resilient bunch who have seen the promise of a revitalized downtown where everyone benefits, come and go many times. Keep asking those questions Councillor!

The Hamiltonian