Image: Tactical Urbanism Hamilton
Davis stated in his memo: “These changes to City streets are illegal, potentially unsafe and adding to the City’s costs of maintenance and repair. The City can consider this as vandalism, with the potential for serious health and safety consequences for citizens, particularly pedestrians. There is potential liability and risk management claims to both the City and the individuals involved.” Following Davis’ memo, the temporary crosswalks and bumpouts were removed. However, as RaiseTheHammer.org reported, the memo failed to account for the unsafe pedestrian and cycling conditions that served as the catalyst for the tactical urbanism interventions by concerned residents.
Furthermore, while Davis referenced several traffic safety plans for the city’s neighbourhoods, RaiseTheHammer.org countered further that it had taken years of citizen advocacy, petitions, and presentations to get the Hamilton Traffic Department to install a single crosswalk at the intersection of Aberdeen Avenue and Kent Street. Thus, the interventions were not only needed and justified but also consistent with existing city plans and policies. Following the dust-up, the HBSA responded to Davis’ memo by explaining why tactical urbanism can be beneficial to the city, as it “takes the approach that short-term action can lead to long-term change while building social capital between neighbours, neighbourhoods, local associations, organizations, and City staff and Councillors.”