Second try is the charm for supporters of enhanced security outside of Hamilton city hall.
Members of the public works committee have voted 8-2 to spend $682,000 to install removable bollards around the forecourt.
The goal of the bollards is to eliminate the potential for a hostile vehicle attack.
Dundas Coun. Arlene Vanderbeek believes councillors have a “duty” to spend the money, and a “responsibility to have a safe place where people can express themselves, where they can gather.”
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Ward 3 Coun. Nrinder Nann agrees, saying “unfortunately the escalation of hate-based activity is pointing to increased activity, a lot of it quite violent.”
The installation of bollards in the forecourt had been defeated by committee members last fall in a tie vote, but was sent back for further study by city council.
Only Ward 6 Coun. Tom Jackson and Ancaster Coun. Lloyd Ferguson remain opposed to the bollards, with Ferguson saying “I don’t want Hamilton to look unsafe.”
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Hamilton City Hall forecourt security has been under increased scrutiny since the summer of 2019, when a bus carrying anti-immigration slogans mounted the sidewalk.
Coun. Nann has described it as an effort by the driver to “intimidate” those participating in an anti-hate rally.
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