HAMILTON
, ON –
November 3, 2007
– It was a historic day for Hamilton today. After decades of planning and more than four years of construction, the City of Hamilton celebrated an official opening ceremony for the Red Hill Valley Parkway. Mayor Fred Eisenberger was joined by representatives from the Province and several former and current members of Council, as well as City staff and the local community at a special ceremony at the Red Hill Bowl this afternoon.
“This project will bring tremendous economic development opportunities to Hamilton,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger. “This project reflects the extensive stakeholder consultation and involvement, ultimately producing a project that is a showcase for Hamilton.”
The festivities began with a processional of dignitaries arriving at the Red Hill Bowl, in vehicles representing each decade of the Red Hill Valley Project. Initial plans for the parkway began in 1956. Another interesting and unique element of the ceremony included a ‘Wampum Exchange’ performed by Confederacy chiefs from the Haudenosaunee to commemorate the historic agreements with the City of Hamilton.
Officials marked the opening with a tree planting ceremony to add to the 195,000 trees of varying size that have already been planted in the Valley as part of this Project.
“This is one of the most unique and comprehensive infrastructure projects that we have undertaken and is leading Hamilton on the path to being recognized as a Centre of Innovative and Environmental Excellence,” said Scott Stewart, General Manager of Hamilton’s Public Works Department. “What’s most rewarding is that this project is so much more than just a road. A key element of the project was implementing environmentally responsible measures such as the ecological restoration and the creek realignment to protect and enhance the area for years to come."
The Parkway is the final piece of the ring-road system that will connect Highway 403 to the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway and the Queen Elizabeth Way, improving transportation access and facilitating significant opportunities for economic development in Hamilton. The Red Hill Valley Project is a fully integrated, environmentally responsible municipal infrastructure project that is garnering regional, national and international attention. It has received delegations from locales such as China, France and the Ukraine, along with numerous individuals from across the United States and Canada. The road is expected to open to traffic in mid-November following finishing touches like guard rails and signage.
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Media Contacts:
Mayor’s Office
905-977-8654
Scott Stewart
General Manager, Public Works
905-973-4230