These words, from Petula Clark’s classic hit Downtown, evoke an image of a vibrant city centre full of life and comfort. Sadly, Hamilton’s downtown in 2025 feels far removed from that sentiment.
For decades, Hamiltonians have heard promises of downtown revitalization. The restoration of the Lister Block was once hailed as a turning point, a symbol that the core’s renewal was finally underway. Yet today, the downtown continues to struggle. Crime remains a pressing concern, and some of our most visible landmarks project a negative image rather than a welcoming one. See example here.
Against this backdrop, budget discussions at City Hall have again brought downtown investment into sharp focus. Councillor Cameron Kroetsch is calling for funding to support the core, arguing that further investment is essential. Long-time Councillor Tom Jackson has pushed back, cautioning against repeatedly prioritizing downtown renewal at the expense of his ward. It is unclear how many other councillors share Jackson’s view.
Councillor Alex Wilson,, has emphasized a citywide perspective, suggesting that Hamilton must consider its expenditures through the lens of being “one city.”
At The Hamiltonian, we strive to remain neutral. Yet, we must acknowledge that it is increasingly difficult for residents to place their faith in revitalization efforts when so many of the same problems persist—and in some areas, appear to be worsening.
For decades, Hamiltonians have heard promises of downtown revitalization. The restoration of the Lister Block was once hailed as a turning point, a symbol that the core’s renewal was finally underway. Yet today, the downtown continues to struggle. Crime remains a pressing concern, and some of our most visible landmarks project a negative image rather than a welcoming one. See example here.
Against this backdrop, budget discussions at City Hall have again brought downtown investment into sharp focus. Councillor Cameron Kroetsch is calling for funding to support the core, arguing that further investment is essential. Long-time Councillor Tom Jackson has pushed back, cautioning against repeatedly prioritizing downtown renewal at the expense of his ward. It is unclear how many other councillors share Jackson’s view.
Councillor Alex Wilson,, has emphasized a citywide perspective, suggesting that Hamilton must consider its expenditures through the lens of being “one city.”
At The Hamiltonian, we strive to remain neutral. Yet, we must acknowledge that it is increasingly difficult for residents to place their faith in revitalization efforts when so many of the same problems persist—and in some areas, appear to be worsening.
Giving Councillor Kroetsch the benefit of the doubt, we reached out to him directly to ask: what would make this time different? How can Hamiltonians believe that renewed investment will lead to lasting change?
Here is our Q\&A with Councillor Kroetsch.
Here is our Q\&A with Councillor Kroetsch.
You are advocating for significant new investment in Hamilton’s downtown. While many may support this in principle, there is also considerable skepticism. For decades, revitalization has been a recurring theme, yet downtown continues to face persistent challenges, including crime and social issues.
What would make this effort different from past attempts? If substantial funds were committed, what specific changes do you envision that could truly transform the core? And why should Hamiltonians place their confidence in this renewed push for revitalization?
Here is the Councillor's reply:
At some point or another, every single member of our current Council has either spoken to or voted in favour of initiatives directly aimed at improving our downtown. I don't see much division on the issue from that perspective. I think this is a citywide issue and one that deserves the attention of every member of Council. I'm not suggesting there's a silver bullet approach here, but we do need to invest more in our downtown. That's obvious and should go without saying. Many of our downtown roads, tunnels, stairs, underpasses, sidewalks, bridges, and bike lanes are either in significant disrepair or need to be improved to make them safer. When I travel to other parts of the city, I don't see the same level of disrepair or the same safety issues. Downtown is unique and we have to fund it uniquely.
While I can't yet speak to specific motions I have coming forward during the budget process, I do think it would be a good idea to allocate a budget to the newly formed Downtown Sub-Committee, in collaboration with City staff, to take on projects as they come up, with Council's approval and sign off, of course. Area rating can't help with everything. That could be one step in the right direction, but I know there are many more. We can't keep saying we want something to be better, but then not take action to actually make it better. Everyone in our city benefits when our downtown thrives and that's the principle upon which I'll continue to advocate for increased funding and service levels in the core. Hamiltonians, visitors to our city, and downtowners all deserve better.
Cameron
Thank-you Councillor Kroetsch for engaging with Hamiltonians in The Hamiltonian!
Let's conclude with a sense of optimism
So go downtown
Things will be great when you're downtown
No finer place for sure, downtown
Everything's waiting for you
I am not sure, Cllr. Kroetsch gets it. He is unwilling to work directly with the police. He views the core as a social experiment. One of his many ridiculous statements included that "if people stop talking about how bad it is, it will get better." Another sub-committee will not improve anything. Just a deflection shield so that Ward 2 thinks he is addressing the issues.
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