In collaboration with Hamilton Community Benefits Network
Challenge:
How might we, as CityLAB SIR students with partners, identify the deeper social and environmental consequences caused by the creation of the B-Line LRT transit system? How can we also ensure that sustainable and community-friendly policies are created that take into account the destruction and displacement of the many surrounding physical and social infrastructures?
Problem:
The B-Line LRT will result in extensive changes to Hamilton’s urban landscape for upwards of 30 years. Unfortunately, its proposed development disregards several social and environmental implications, raising concerns about equity and climate justice. Recent population census tracking along the LRT shows that this area has some of the highest concentrations of low-income, racialized and marginalized populations, including Indigenous communities, in Hamilton (Statistics Canada, 2016). Gentrification and a loss of affordable housing from this project will continue to displace these residents. Additionally, there is a lack of climate mitigation plans for the LRT corridor, such as the removal of 600 trees, according to Karl Andrus (2023). Although this LRT will shape future transit developments in Hamilton, the project is seriously lacking in design recommendations from a climate justice perspective and consideration of the potential consequences of not adequately addressing community needs. Furthermore, student voices in Hamilton have been lacking in the community engagement and consultation efforts around this transit project.
Project Summary:
The Hamilton Community Benefits Network (HCBN) strives to connect multiple non-profit organizations in the city for policy and advocacy work relating to affordable housing at a municipal level, tenant rights, socially conscious transport developments, and more. Currently, their main focus is addressing the environmental and social implications of the 14-kilometre Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project that Metrolinx has ignored. Our group will take an interdisciplinary approach to re-envision what the LRT corridor could look like regarding greening opportunities and social and economic solutions for displaced low-income residents. We will also provide policy recommendations for future proposed major transit projects, such as the A-line in Hamilton, by better envisioning an already existing project.
Goals:
Bring awareness to the ways that new urban transit developments might influence climate and social issues throughout the neighbourhoods in which these projects are implemented. This will hopefully influence the designs of further development.
Visualize what an ideal LRT system would look like in Hamilton if resident needs and the social and environmental implications are taken into consideration.
Engage with Hamilton postsecondary students to learn what is important to this diverse demographic when it comes to local transit developments.
Create a final project that contributes to bettering the B-Line LRT transit project regarding the climate crisis in Hamilton and/or the surrounding community.
Synthesize our findings, vision and recommendations for the LRT project into a comprehensive, accessible and easily digestible summary for community members.
Students: Diana Samanou, Griffin Kinzie, Hannah Horlings, Isabela Sipos, Kiana Craig, Simon Batusic
Staff: Karl Andrus - HCBN Community Benefits Manager
Instructors: Randy kay, Kojo Damptey, Elizabeth Bang, Darina Vasek