Hamilton is joining a growing number of other North American cities such as New York, Portland, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Barrie to “Open Streets” for pedestrians, cyclists and shoppers to enjoy all that the street has to offer in fall of 2010.

On September 26th, from 10am to 3pm, James Street North, from Cannon to Burlington, will be closed to automobiles, and open to a festival of people walking, cycling, rollerbladin g, watching demonstrations, trying a new activity, listening to music and bands, or shopping in the various shops and restaurants along the street.  

In March, a Hamilton Spectator article points to US studies that have “found associations between obesity and urban sprawl, suggesting that an increased dependency on cars decreases opportunities and motivation to walk”.  The article goes on to say that a new public health strategy is now “working with the municipality and schools to increase walkability, bike trails, active transportation and food policies” around the city. 

This wonderful initiative is being supported by representatives from Environment Hamilton, Green Venture, Smart Commute Hamilton, along with individuals from Public Health and local residents associations of Beasley, North End and Strathcona neighbourhoods.  Momentum has now started to gain among the businesses and communities along James St and beyond. 

Date Sunday September 26, 2010 Timing 10 am to 3 pm Street Closure James Street North Cannon to Burlington

- Raise awareness for pedestrian, cycling and other sustainable transportation issues

- Promote Hamilton’s existing sustainable transportation and recreation trail networks

- Promote healthy, active forms of transportation (including public transit) to achieve health benefits.for individuals

- Provide tourism and economic benefit to downtown neighbourhoods

- Showcase services of local community groups and businesses 

- Provide lessons and data to bolster the case for ongoing ‘Open Streets’ in subsequent years

Click photographs below to see Open Streets Hamilton on Facebook, Picasa and Hamilton photographers: