What's Happening in Hamilton, ON…

A generous offer made by city officials in nearby Burlington, ON to the football team the Hamilton Tiger-Cats may be good for the team, but football fans in the Steel City worry that the local economy will get tackled if the team leaves. Bar owners who thrive on quenching the thirst of frenzied fans and printing companies in Hamilton who are relied upon to produce signage, banner printing, program and ticket to every home game in the six-month Canadian football season are none too pleased to think about the team huddling in Burlington.

City council in Burlington voted 5-2 on Jan 6 on a motion to request city officials to investigate the feasibility of building a new multipurpose stadium near Highway 403. They have asked for a report to be produced by Jan 18. Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring told Hamilton media that having the Tiger Cats in his city would be a wonderful opportunity, as the stadium would be constructed with no capital required from Burlington itself, and would also be used to house soccer for the Pan Am Games in 2015. CFL officials have assured the City of Burlington that the municipality would not be responsible for maintenance or operating costs.

Mayor Bob Bratina, a strong ally in the interest of business in that city and of poster and banner printing companies in Hamilton, said he will hold out hope that council will endeavour to revive the process of creating a new improved stadium in Hamilton, despite the $160 million price tag, with $45 million coming directly from the city of Hamilton. He is confident that City Fathers will do what’s in the best interest of Hamilton football fans and the businesses that support them.