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Aerotropolis fate in question
September 27, 2006

Urban boundary not to expand without public input, debate, council approval Hamilton, ON – 25 September, 2006 – Hamiltonians for Progressive Development (HPD) and the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing have reached a settlement with the City of Hamilton over its plans to expand Hamilton’s urban boundary around John C. Munro International Airport for the purpose of creating a commercial area known as the “Aerotropolis”. HPD, a broad-based community group advocating a participative and collaborative approach to development planning, and the Ministry had both appealed the city’s decision to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB)

A decision announced today at a scheduled OMB hearing in Hamilton requires the City to change the language of the disputed Official Plan Amendment approved by city council in July 2005. These changes protect prime agricultural lands and ensure that further public debate and consultations will take place before any proposed urban boundary expansion can occur. HPD will continue to work on the Aerotropolis issue and related matters of sustainable development throughout the city to ensure prosperity for all residents of the City of Hamilton.

About Hamiltonians for Progressive Development:

Hamiltonians for Progressive Development (HPD) was formally launched on August 23, 2005 by members of the Hamilton-area community who believe a new approach to planning and development is essential for our city’s well being. HPD’s executive consists of Co-Chairs Michael Desnoyers and Jack Santa- Barbara.

Michael Desnoyers is founder, president and CEO of Etratech, a Burlington, Ontario-based technology manufacturing firm.

Jack Santa-Barbara is a retired business executive, and former Co-Chair of Action 2020.

Hamiltonians for Progressive Development seeks to articulate and support the implementation of a progressive approach to city planning and development. We believe Hamilton will prosper if and only if we follow the principles underlying Vision 2020.

HPD works to broaden community engagement in the planning process, and to encourage municipal decisions which are transparent, respectful of differing views, and open to innovative ideas.

More information – HPD Media Contacts: