Stelco land redevelopment a ‘major opportunity’ for Hamilton taxpayers; April 7
It is well-known that Hamilton Harbour’s industrial lands are prone to environmental and health problems. There is a large piece of land available for redevelopment at 386 Wilcox St., which could potentially be worth 800 acres. Why not use this opportunity to improve the relationship between the land itself and the people who live there? The city’s suggestions for land uses, such as manufacturing and other industrial activities, have in the past caused damage to the environment. These suggestions for possible land uses do not consider the potential for learning from the mistakes of the past. There is a way to bring in significant employment opportunities and economic growth without involving infrastructure that damages the surrounding environment — it just requires innovation and the willingness to do what’s right, not just what’s easy.
Just adjacent to the industrial lands being discussed is Randle Reef — the largest and most contaminated site in the Canadian Great Lakes. This was due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PATH) entering the ecosystem from unsafe industrial manufacturing practices, which have been occurring in Hamilton for more than 150 years. Environment has been affected by practices like coal gasification, petroleum refining and steel making.
However, in the past 20 years, an exciting sediment containment/remediation project has been underway to mitigate the harms of past industrial contamination. It is irresponsible for anyone to suggest that more manufacturing could be used on land. Hamilton doesn’t need another multimillion-dollar toxic waste cap project and contaminant project. It costs $138.9 million. Hamilton needs leadership and sustainable thinking to maximize economic growth opportunities. We should use integrative planning to all new developments in Hamilton, including this parcel. This is not the time to discuss past mistakes, but to explore new possibilities.
Moving forward, who says industrial and environmental goals can’t work together? Stelco land is a prime example of harmony between environment and industry, despite its past pollution. Local and international organizations work together to promote sustainable development. They bring attention to environmental issues and hold companies accountable. The triple bottom line — a concept stating that companies should commit as much to social and environmental concerns as they do to profit — should be a priority for every company looking to grow.
With the proper planning and the right voices around the table, it’s possible to work toward a greener future for Hamilton — leading the way for communities everywhere. The new owners of the land aren’t in this alone. Their actions will impact the surrounding communities, so why not include those with ideas on how to make this development viable? The future is collaborative and integrated. Listening to local experts on sustainable strategies will show that the Stelco landowners are here for Hamilton and ready for the future.
The potential for significant growth is available to the new owners of this parcel by considering the triple bottomline, planning in an integrated manner, and partnering up with stakeholders who are advocating for a Hamilton sustainable future. I implore the drivers of the new development to demonstrate they have learned local industry’s past environmental mistakes.
Madeleine Hayes is a fifth year student at McMaster University pursuing a BSc. in Environmental Sciences
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