The Corporation of Hamilton does not have the political will or vision to pedestrianise Reid Street according to Pierre Dutoya, Hornburg Calypso Group Manager.

Mr. Dutoya who gives his full support to the plan, responded to the Corporation of Hamilton?s invitation to professional tenders to participate in a design competition to pedestrianise Reid Street.

?Until you have a democratically elected mayor with a mandate and political leadership you will not be able to implement this plan,? said Mr. Dutoya who manages the Hornburg Group chain of stores, including French Connection, Calypso, Max Mara, Voila and Benetton.

?People will cry about parking but this problem has been addressed in cities and villages all over the world such as Paris and Copenhagen and coastal cities in the US.?

?This plan is long overdue, it will be a small inconvenience for deliveries but it is a necessity for consumers who deserve to go shopping in a comfortable environment where palm trees, seating, rest rest rooms and other amenities are provided.?

Kristi Grayston, co-chairperson of the Retail Division of the Chamber of Commerce, said retailers remain divided over the controversial plan and said the issue of parking for deliveries and security will have to be resolved before the plan could go ahead.

She is concerned that without a visible police presence the city?s homeless will jeopardise the security of Reid Street.

?People have been talking about this for years, perhaps a better place to pedestrianise is the Waterfront development on Front Street.?

Ms. Grayston said she is not sure that plans to pedestrianise Reid Street and the development of the Waterfront can happen at the same time.

Mayor Jay Bluck said everybody in the community will benefit from a revitalised city and shopping precinct in the long run and it will make Hamilton a more liveable place.

He said although the Corporation has a lot of ideas for Reid Street such as soft curbing to make Reid Street wheelchair assessable, a lot details have to be resolved and provision for parking is a critical challenge.