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e-3205 (Transportation)

E-petition
Initiated by Matthew Francis from Hamilton, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:
  • The federal government is planning to restrict public access to the Hamilton and Burlington piers through the use of physical barriers;
  • These piers are an important part of our community;
  • The area has been open for public use for decades; and
  • The area is a unifying space for the Hamilton and Burlington communities.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, in association with SAVE OUR PIER Hamilton Beach Community, call upon the Government of Canada to maintain responsible public access to the Hamilton and Burlington piers without the use of barriers in a similar manner to the accessibility found in comparable municipal public spaces.

Response by the Minister of Transport

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar Alghabra

The Burlington Canal Piers support essential commercial marine traffic entering and exiting Hamilton Harbour. The identification of safety risks applicable to the operation of commercial marine facilities is an ongoing function for the department. The Burlington Canal Piers were not designed for recreational use, and their open design could pose safety risks due to high wave action and ice build-up.

Transport Canada takes the concerns voiced by the Burlington and Hamilton community seriously. Transport Canada continues to work with key stakeholders such as the Cities of Burlington and Hamilton in evaluating options that will allow for the possible recreational use of the Piers.  An approach is currently being discussed with the City of Hamilton and the City of Burlington that would enable recreational use to continue, and Transport Canada looks forward to continue working together to explore this option.

 

Open for signature
February 24, 2021, at 11:04 a.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
March 26, 2021, at 11:04 a.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Bob Bratina (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek)
April 16, 2021 (Petition No. 432-00817)
Government response tabled
May 31, 2021
Photo - Bob Bratina
Hamilton East—Stoney Creek
Liberal Caucus
Ontario